Hathor Legacy: Burn by Deborah A Bailey Read Free Book Online Page B

added.
    "For us to combine our abilities, we need a conduit," Petra said. "And that's how you can help us. You can be the connector, which will allow us to do it without weakening."
    She was sorry she'd asked. What was worse was how calmly they all explained it to her. As though asking her to sacrifice herself for their goal was a simple request. "And if that happens, what will you do with our combined powers? You sound like you're expecting a battle."
    "Nadira, what you don't know is that we've already had one. Novacorp hasn't always been in charge here. The Corporate Wars were a little over fifty years ago. Novacorp fought for control of Hathor and our people were in the middle of that fight. We sided with them and used our abilities to help them defeat their enemies and take control of the planet."
    "If that's true, then wouldn't they have a reason to keep us on their side?" Nadira asked.
    "Unfortunately not," Dakar continued. "We know it's a matter of time before their research is successful. They won't need us b ecause they'll be able to suppress the criminal elements without our help."
    "But for tonight, we have to decide what decision to make," Lange added.
    "And then we can make our move," Azure said, her attention on Dakar.
    "What move? Why am I the only one here who doesn't unde rstand what's going on?" Nadira asked.
    "It was my decision to keep you isolated from everyone so you wouldn't be influenced by any faction." Dakar shifted in his chair. "I had hoped to find others like you, but we've only identified one and that was years ago. She was killed in an accident before I could retrieve her to be trained," Dakar's voice broke and he paused before continuing. "Now we have no choice."
    "Tell me what you expect me to do because none of this is making sense."
    Dakar inclined his head toward her, but didn't make eye co ntact. "Your powers have grown stronger over time. Unlike others, you are more powerful now than when you completed your training. With your help, we'll be able to strike first before Novacorp can destroy us."
    "You're overreacting," she said. "One person can't connect thousands of Guardians. It's not possible."
    "Actually the number of people who have detectable abilities is in the thousands, but only the strongest are chosen to be trained as Guardians. So the numbers are small enough to make it possible."
    "Nadira, none of us is strong enough individually, not even the Elder," Lange said, casting a glance at Dakar. "But your telepathic ability will be able to withstand the strain. It will allow us to create a web of connection to all of our people. I know it must sound i mpossible to you, but it's not."
    "Our abilities are recessive, Nadira," Azure added. "Over the years, we've allowed ourselves to be integrated with the rest of the people here. That has to stop."
    "And that is why Jonathan Keel is not acceptable. As it is, with each generation our abilities become more diluted," Dakar said. "Do you understand?"
    "You want me to release Jon so you can use me to connect all the Guardians? You can't ask that of me. You don't control my life."
    "Ah, yes, she is Minona's daughter," Azure said. "Minona would not let us choose a partner for her either."
    "My father wasn't a Guardian, but then neither was Dakar's mother." She glared at Elder Dakar, not turning away even under his intense gaze.
    "That is well known and has nothing to do with this discussion," he said. "My mother was moyen, as is my sister, Jen." He groaned and gripped the armrests of his chair, his fingers digging into the gracefully carved wood.
    "Dakar?" Nadira asked.
    Instead of replying, he leaned back and closed his eyes. "Forgive me, my headache has returned."
    "Elders," Nadira began. "While you've been planning all of this, you've ignored the other people with abilities on Hathor."
    "Does she mean, the Kasema ?" Lange asked.
    "No, they never associate with us. Obviously, she means the Deshtu," Azure replied.
    There were a few sighs and