Shamara by Catherine Spangler Read Free Book Online

an entire people—pressed down on him.
    "I'll do whatever I have to," he said wearily.
    Chase seemed to sense Jarek's exhaustion. "We can sort this out tomorrow," he said firmly. "No one but Lani knows Jarek is here, and Radd says she can be trusted. He's safe for now, and I want him to get some rest. Everyone out."
    They all left, leaving Jarek alone in the semidarkness. He lay awake, battling the desperation and dark fears plaguing him. Everything seemed to be going from bad to worse.
    The Controllers were getting more aggressive and more violent in their attempts to wipe the Shielder race from the face of the quadrant. The only plan he had for helping his people was based on nothing but pure speculation, with very high odds of failure—assuming he lived long enough to even attempt it. And he was only one man. He needed help, from a far greater source than himself.
    He sent a silent prayer to the Spirit, asking for assistance and guidance. Asking for a miracle—and fast.
     
    *  *  * 
     
    Elysia was beautiful, a tropical paradise with balmy breezes and swaying palms. At first, Eirene was enthralled by its exotic beauty. The enchantment quickly gave way beneath the oppressive psychic barrage. In that respect, Elysia was far worse than Saron. The massive marketplace was ten times larger than Saron's, and packed with beings from everywhere in the quadrant.
    At least Eirene had her experience from Saron to draw upon. She worked diligently at erecting a mental wall to block the bombardment of emotions, succeeding most of the time. Slavers' Square almost did her in however, the tidal waves of pain and despair from those chained, huddled beings mentally overwhelming her as she neared the vicinity. She quickly learned how to navigate around the square at a safe distance.
    Since her new robe had been bloodstained and ruined, it seemed as if she were starting over, having to sell another gem and barter for new garments. This time, she bought leggings, with a slim tunic to go over them, both in a silvery blue. Feeling very daring, she had her hair trimmed to midway down her back and put a henna rinse on it. The rinse left mahogany highlights in her hair, softening its natural ebony color. Eirene was pleased with her new look.
    She rented modest quarters, then located Darya and sent a transmission requesting an audience. Rayna had trained with Darya many seasons ago, and spoken often of the healer's amazing abilities. Eirene had long hoped to learn from her.
    She was thrilled when the healer responded graciously to her request. Darya was willing to speak with her, but she was too busy to meet for five cycles. Eirene sold a second gem and paid for her quarters for the next seven cycles. She'd be here permanently if she could convince Darya to take her on as an apprentice.
    Now there was nothing to do but wait. Eirene explored the marketplace some and practiced maintaining a mental wall. Even so, the effort exhausted her, and the crammed stalls of brilliantly colored goods and the loudly hawking vendors overwhelmed her senses. She learned to only go out for short jaunts, building her mental muscles a little at a time.
    Physically, the soreness and stiffness from mating with Jarek was gone by the second cycle. Unfortunately, the memories didn't fade so readily. Her strong visual bent worked against her, inundating her with clear images of the man who had claimed her virginity. His mesmerizing caroba-brown eyes and clean-cut features, his wavy brown hair, his lean, virile build; she recalled each enticing detail of how he looked.
    She discovered she had a strong tactile bent, as well. The feel of Jarek's hands sliding through her hair, over her bare skin; the warmth of his firm lips, his taste, his scent—all were details she seemed unable to exorcise from her mind.
    Most alarming was the attraction she had felt toward him—a male, and a veritable stranger at that. She'd felt nothing but revulsion for the dissipated, selfish men on