Read The Final Key: Part Two of Triad for Free Online Page A

treatment that wouldn't destroy the boy's magnificent neural structures, but unless they succeeded, Taquinil could never leave the protection of his family. It wasn't a problem for a seven-year-old boy, but that would change as he grew older. His independence could cost him his sanity.
    Eldrin was also an unusually sensitive psion. If anything powerful happened to his family, he sensed it. He had taken easily to fatherhood because of his role model, his father, the Dalvador Bard, a man he loved and admired above all others. A link as strong as theirs could extend into Kyle space and reach Eldrin light-years away. But their closeness meant Eldrin endured any intense experiences his father suffered— including the agony inflicted by Vitarex Raziquon. Although over a year had passed since it happened, the memory continued to haunt Eldrin's dreams.
    The violence of Althor's combat death had impacted Eldrin almost as much as his father's suffering. Of the ten Val-doria children, Eldrin was closest in age to Althor. Although Eldrin managed his grief during the day, nightmares haunted his sleep. It should have stopped: his father had escaped Raziquon—and Althor had died. But he continued to dream horrors.
    It tore him apart to know that his dreams hurt his son. Only distance muted the effect; the greater his separation from Taquinil, the less his nightmares affected the boy. So he had left Taquinil with Dehya and come here, to Diesha.
    At least he could visit them through the webs. Buoyed by that thought, he disembarked from the flyer. Outside, the crenella-rions that edged the roof curved gracefully in the twilight, interspersed by small totems sculpted from balls. It was beautiful, created more for art than defense; no archers would ever hide behind these scalloped edges. Far deadlier defenses guarded this palace: El-controlled security, mountain installations, and one of the most advanced orbital defense systems ever designed by humans.
    Eldrin jumped down into a night of dark red hues. He misjudged the gravity and didn't bend his knees enough when he landed. The impact jarred through him, and he winced as he straightened. No one had come to greet him, which probably meant bis half-brother Kurj wasn't here. Although this palace served as the Imperator's residence, Kurj often stayed down in HQ City, where he worked.
    Although many people called Kurj a military dictator. Eldrin had never seen him that way. He had known Kurj all his life, and their bond had strengthened through the years. Eldrin would have liked to see him now, but it seemed he was alone in this huge, echoing palace. Kurj preferred mechanized staff to humans. It seemed lonely to Eldrin, but he respected his brother's wishes and brought no human personnel here. The only person he knew well enough to invite for a visit was Soz, and she had school to worry about He didn't want to distract her from her studies. Even if he had known other people here, they would have to pass endless security checks before they could visit the palace.
    As he crossed the roof, warm gusts ruffled his clothes. A tower rose nearby, its rounded top and spire sharp against the darkening sky. He stopped in front of its gilt-edged door, which analyzed him and opened without challenge. Inside, he descended a staircase that spiraled around the tower. He could have taken a lift, but he preferred to walk. Ruby and diamond tiles patterned the goldstone steps in geometric designs. Around and around. He submerged into a trance so he wouldn't think about the emptiness.
    He surfaced from his daze when he reached the bottom, where an archway opened into a large hall. Rose-quartz columns filled it row after row, tiled with mosaics that matched the tower. He crossed the hall, his tread muted. Far overhead, the columns met in graceful arches, and red crystal lamps hung from their topmost points on gold chains. The floor was inlaid with a dramatic sunburst mosaic, the insignia of the Imperialate.
    He wandered