Read Online The Quest for the Heart Orb by Laura Jo Phillips - Free Book Online Page B

the Braii to step foot on the Hidden Sister until the Orb Quest leaves.  As Maiden of the Heart Orb, it was my task to come the final distance alone.”
    “I see,” Karma said, though she didn’t.  Not really.  Sending a young woman who was so important to the future of Rathira to walk up a mountain alone was, in her opinion, foolhardy and extremely dangerous.  She’d nearly been killed!  One glance at Ren’s face told Karma that she was growing increasingly nervous, so she set her outrage aside.  What was done was done.
    “Shall we go to my place?” Kapia asked from behind Karma.  “Caral was putting a large kettle on for tea when I left.”
    “Good idea,” Karma agreed, veering toward the larger house that Kapia would share with Ren until they left the Hidden Sister .  Just as they reached it Zakiel and Nikura approached them.
    “Zakiel, please meet Hara Ren, Maiden of the Heart,” she said.  “Hara Ren, this is my husband, Prince Zakiel of Isiben, and Nikura the Sphin.”
    “You are welcome to the Orb Quest, Maiden of the Heart,” Zakiel said.
    “Thank you, Prince Zakiel,” Ren replied after pressing her palms together and bowing.  Then she turned toward Nikura and bowed again.  “I greet you, honorable Sphin,” she said.  Nikura stared at Ren for a long moment before dipping his head in a regal nod.
    “Hara Ren was nearly attacked by a bear-cat not far from here,” Kapia said.  “Sir Marl was, thankfully, close enough to intervene, and is now tracking the wounded animal.”
    “Have men gone out to aid him?” Zakiel asked, his brow furrowed.
    “Yes, Highness,” Tomas replied.  “Sir Jenz took several men.”
    “Good,” Zakiel said, nodding in approval.  “You are sure that you’re unharmed, Hara Ren?”
    “Yes, I’m perfectly fine, Highness,” Ren replied, though she paled as she thought about how close she’d come to a violent death.
    “We’re going to get Hara Ren settled,” Karma said before her husband could demand to know why Ren had been alone.
    “Of course,” Zakiel replied, casting her a knowing look.  Karma smiled, then waited while Kapia opened the door for them to enter.
    “If you have no need of me, I shall sit in on the meeting with Prince Zakiel and the other men,” Nikura said.
    “All right, Nikura,” Karma said.  “I’ll see both of you later.”  She watched Zakiel and Nikura walk away, then followed Ren through the doorway.  Tomas entered last with Tiari in his arms.  He set her carefully on a cushion, then left.
    “Let me help you with this,” Karma said, stepping behind Ren to lift the pack off.
    “No, Karma,” Kapia said, gently nudging her out of the way.  “You shouldn’t be lifting anything heavy.”
    “My injuries are healed, Kapia.  I just need to get stronger now.”
    “I wasn’t talking about your injuries,” Kapia said with a wink and a smile.
    “Oh, well, I’m only a few weeks along.  I’m quite sure it’s safe.”
    Kapia shook her head and lifted the pack anyway, then handed it to Caral, who carried it into the room that would be Ren’s. 
    “Come and sit,” Karma said after Lashi took their cloaks, leading the way to the circle of cushions where Tiari waited.  Ren sat where Karma indicated, and a moment later Kapia joined them.
    “I know you’ve had the formal introduction, outside,” Kapia said.  “Now that it’s just us women, please call me Kapia, that’s Karma, and she’s Tiari.  We’re very happy to finally meet you, Ren.”
    “I am happy to meet all of you, as well,” Ren said nervously. 
    “Are you sure that you’re all right?” Tiari asked worriedly.
    “I’m a little shaken.  I haven’t let myself think on it too much until now, but I’ve never come that close to dying before.” 
    “Of course you’re shaken,” Kapia said.  “Anyone would be.  Would you like to lie down for a while and rest?”
    “No, thank you,” Ren said.  “I’m sure I’d just lay there and think