Saira - TI5 by Fran Heckrotte Read Free Book Online Page A

sleeping women. At first, she thought she was back with the Illusionist, but something was different. The mental energies belonged to someone else. Saira realized the difference was what had pulled her back to this woman. Searching the human's thoughts, she found that Yemaya's essence no longer inhabited her body. Instead, a spirit named Mari had taken control of it. Recognizing her as one of the First Born, Saira was pleased. This one had been more elusive than the others she had sought, mostly because she was so reclusive. Switching her attention to Mari's partner, Saira was satisfied the other person was also human, or at least part of her was. She too was inhabited by a spirit, but one less mysterious than the Earth Mother. Still, the essences of both spirits were irreversibly intertwined, making them unique.
     
    "All things are unique," a soft, low voice whispered, interrupting Saira's musings. Refocusing on the Illusionist, Saira found herself gazing into icy blue eyes. The woman had pushed herself up on one elbow, perhaps to better see who had invaded her bedroom and interrupted her slumber.
     
    "True, but not all things are unique in their uniqueness," Saira replied, not surprised that Mari knew she was there. For some unknown reason, all First Born were able to feel her presence. "And most don't ever know I exist."
     
    "I imagine for most you are never present. Who are you? Why are you here? Are you seeking Yemaya or me?"
     
    "I'm Saira, the Traveler. I seek both of you. She for her darkness, and you for your light."
     
    "My daughter is not dark!" Mari retorted.
     
    "Calm yourself, Earth Mother. I never said she was, but she does have a darkness within her. It wants its freedom, and that mustn't be allowed to happen. You can't deny the truth of my words."
     
    "No." Mari sighed and settled back onto the bed.
     
    "I'm not judging her. I judge no one. It's not my way. I'm merely satisfying my curiosity about her. She's an anomaly among humans, and I need to know why. Part of the answer lies with you. As her ancestor, you're her light. Her strength to combat this darkness comes from you."
     
    "Some of it, yes, but not all. I believe most of it comes from within her with the help of her partner, Dakota, who is Maopa's descendant. Yemaya and Dakota make a formidable pair."
     
    "As do you and your companion. I feel you two are also contradictions. She was human once, and you weren't. She's a young spirit while you're ancient. Even your love is contrary to the natural order of things."
     
    "Love is always contrary. And who can say what's natural or not?"
     
    "You're right, of course. Forgive my choice of words."
     
    Mari gave a slight nod. "So, what now? Have you satisfied your curiosity about her?"
     
    "Almost."
     
    "What is there left for you to know?"
     
    "The darkness. It, too, is different from most. There's a tremendous anger in it that rages at confinement. It wants to consume all that she is. One day it will destroy her if she lets down her guard."
     
    "Never." Mari's reply was so quietly spoken, Saira almost missed it. "I will never allow it to happen."
     
    "You may not have a choice. Even you aren't that powerful. Besides, you can't always protect her, Mari, nor would she want you to."
     
    "Maybe not, but this I know. I'll destroy anything and anyone to prevent such a thing."
     
    Saira knew Mari meant every word. Her love for her descendant was unlimited.
     
    "I doubt it will ever get that far. Yemaya seems quite capable of battling her own demons, with the help of her partner. It's good that you watch over her, though. She's very fortunate."
     
    "As am I, but thank you."
     
    Saira could see the Earth Mother's blurred thoughts as images raced swiftly through her mind. Mari was searching for her own answers to her daughter's darkness.
     
    "This beast... I've thought a lot about it. Sometimes I think it's my fault. I should have taken more interest in my children... better care of