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

mysterious, dried leaves making her ill.  “I just feel a bit tired is all.”
    “Lady Techu,” King Rhobar began after giving Karma a few more moments to regain her color.  “Will you remain here, on Rathira, and aid us in our quest to save our world?”
    “Lady Techu, huh?” Karma asked.
    “Yes, for whether you remain or not, that is who and what you are,” King Rhobar said.
    Karma took a long, deep breath and blew it out.  “I don’t think I can refuse,” she said.  “This is what I’m meant to do.  In a strange way, I think everything in my life up to now has prepared me for this.”
    “That is why your name is Karma,” King Rhobar said, nodding sagely.
    “I suppose so,” Karma replied with a sigh that she tried to hide.  “Yes, King Rhobar, I will remain here, on Rathira, and do all that I can to help find the orbs and prevent the demons from taking over your world.” 
    It was King Rhobar’s turn to release a long, heavy sigh of relief.  “I thank you, Lady Techu.  I know this can’t have been easy for you, but I promise we shall be forever grateful.”
    “Actually, I think the really hard part is yet to come,” she said with a rueful smile.  “I have to convince Aisling to leave without me.” 

 
     
    Chapter 2
     
     
    Karma wandered around the large apartment she had been given within the palace.  It was large, airy and, for a non technological world, surprisingly luxurious.  The bed was beautifully made up in crimson silk with a dozen large, invitingly fluffy pillows, surrounded with sheer curtains that were currently tied back.  There were thick, soft rugs scattered about the cool marble floors, and the few pieces of furniture were all beautifully carved of variously colored and exotic woods.  Like the palace itself, the room was designed to take advantage of everything cool, so it had polished stone walls and very high ceilings.  The balcony overlooking the palace gardens was angled to catch every breeze and funnel it into the room, yet was deep enough to prevent direct sunlight from reaching the interior. 
    Aside from the main room which held the bed, balcony and a sitting area that consisted of several thick cushions around a low wooden table, there was also an ante room, bathing room, dressing room, and a pantry for preparing light meals, snacks or drinks.  All of the rooms were richly appointed and beautiful in every detail.
    “This is nice,” she said as she stepped out onto the balcony after touring her rooms, Nikura at her side.
    “ Indeed ,” he said, leaping lightly to the top of the low wall bordering the balcony.  “ You have been given a singular honor with this apartment.”
    “How so?” Karma asked.
    “These rooms are reserved for the highest ranking and most honored of guests,” Nikura said as he laid down on the wall, making himself comfortable.  “It has been years since they have been offered to anyone.”
    “Wow,” Karma said, both impressed and a little unnerved by the information.  It wasn’t always a good thing to be singled out, and she knew it.”
    “You seem troubled,” Nikura said.
    “I miss my friends,” she said as she gazed down at the palace gardens below, replaying the scene with Aisling that afternoon.
     
     
    “Karma, are you sure you want to stay here?” Aisling asked for at least the tenth time.  Karma frowned, but Aisling held up her hand.  “Never mind,” she said.  “I take that one back.”
     “I know you’re worried,” Karma said, “but I also know this is the right thing for me.”
     “It might be easier if I understood why you are so determined to stay here,” Aisling said.  “All I know is that you spent two hours locked in a room with King Rhobar and that giant cat, and when you came out, you announced you’d decided to live here.”
    “It’s not that I don’t trust you, Ash,” Karma said, half wishing she could tell her friend everything, but knowing it was best this way.  “I do.