Quest for the Moon Orb: Orbs of Rathira by Laura Jo Phillips Read Free Book Online Page A

process, and Rathira may be as well.”
    “Let me guess,” Karma said, “the thousand years are up, right?”
    “Yes, Lady Techu,” Samyi said, a smile curving her lips.  “The thousand years are now up, and the Guardian must be replaced.”
    “What must we do to replace him?” King Rhobar asked.
    “The orbs must be found and used to unlock the keystone.  That will control the pyramid’s return to Rathira.  The old Guardian must be replaced with a new one, and then the keystone must be locked again, sending the pyramid back to the between place for another thousand years.”
    “You make it sound almost easy,” Karma said.
    “No, it will not be easy,” Samyi said.  “Only a female descendent of the creator of each orb may claim it, so you must identify, and find those women.  You must also discover the location of each orb and travel to it before it can be claimed. 
    “Once you have all three orbs, you must find the keystone.  And through all of this, you must be ever watchful, for the demons here on Rathira and those still on Skiatos will work tirelessly to stop you.  This is the only chance they will have to escape Skiatos for a thousand years, and they will do all in their power to succeed.  They have nothing to lose.”
    “Where do we begin?” Karma asked.  “The Ti-Ank wasn’t even on Rathira until I brought it here, so the orbs could be anywhere in the Thousand Worlds!”
    “No, the Ti-Ank was removed from Rathira, but the orbs were not,” Samyi replied.  “We scattered them very carefully, and their true purpose has been forgotten by most, as was meant, but they remain on Rathira.  Your quest begins with the Moon Orb.”
    “Where do we find it?” King Rhobar asked.
    “Go north, to the Kytherian Sea, and speak with the Sirelina, the water people.”
    “What about the other orbs?” Karma asked.
    “As I said, we scattered them carefully.  I have knowledge of the first orb only.  After the Moon Orb is rightfully claimed, you will be given knowledge of the next orb.”
    “How do we find the woman who must claim the Moon Orb?” Karma asked.
    As she asked the question, Karma noticed Samyi begin to grow misty. 
    “She of the Blood of the Tree of Life is the woman you seek,” Samyi said her voice growing distant. 
    “Oh gee, thanks, that’s helpful,” Karma muttered.
    “You must hurry,” Samyi said, fully transparent now.  “Time grows short.”
    “How much time do we have?” King Rhobar asked. 
    Karma thought that Samyi answered, but her voice was too faint to hear.  A moment later the golden light of the Ti-Ank flickered, then went out completely.  Samyi was gone.  Karma reached up to touch the metal of the Ti-Ank, surprised to find it cool.
    She turned to King Rhobar, her mouth open to ask a question, when the room seemed to tilt around her.  She tightened her grip on the staff and lowered herself carefully into a chair. 
    “Are you all right?” King Rhobar asked.
    “Yes,” Karma replied.  Then the world went dark. 
    **
    Karma opened her eyes and saw the tired, worried face of King Rhobar hovering above her.  She blinked and sat up straight, relieved to note that she was still in the chair, just slumped over.
    “Are you feeling better?” King Rhobar asked.
    “I think so,” Karma replied.  “I just got a little dizzy there for a moment.”
    “More than a moment,” King Rhobar said as he settled himself back into his own chair with relief.  “You were out for perhaps fifteen minutes.”
    “I’m sorry,” Karma said, feeling embarrassed.  She had never passed out before.
    “There is no need to apologize,” King Rhobar said.  “Not for you, anyway.  I cannot say the same for myself.  Samyi warned that it would take a toll on you, and I am sorry for forgetting that.  Are you sure you’re all right?  I can call for a physician.”
    “No, thank you,” Karma replied quickly, the idea of some superstitious quack with a box of leeches and