Read The Quest for the Heart Orb for Free Online

phenomenal.  In a handful of weeks you’d advanced so much that only Karma and Zakiel could have bested you, and I’m not altogether certain about Zakiel.  But there is more to being a warrior than skill with a weapon.  You must believe in yourself, Kapia.  You cannot go into a battle doubting yourself in any way because if you do, you will die.  Maybe not the first time, or the second, but one day you will hesitate and that will be your last battle.”
    “I understand now how important that is,” she said, nodding.  “And you’re right, Bredon.  I didn’t have that confidence when you left.  But I do have it now.”
    “Yes, I can see that you do, which is precisely why I’ve changed my mind on the subject.  Not to mention that I find those pants remarkably attractive,” he added with a grin.  Kapia burst into laughter, lightening the mood, and he couldn’t help but join her.  Before long he had to tear his gaze from her lest he do what he really wanted and take her mouth in another hot, steamy kiss.  He searched for a safer subject.  “Has the Maiden of the Heart Orb arrived?”
    “No, not yet,” Kapia said.  “It shouldn’t be too much longer.”
    “Do you know anything about her?”
    “Not even her name.  Karma said that she should be here any time in the next day or two, but she knows no more than that.”
    “Do you have any idea where the quest will take us next?”
    “We need the Maiden of the Heart before we can learn the answer to that question,” Kapia said.  “That’s one reason why we’re all so anxious to have her join us.”
    “I’m not sure I understand,” Bredon said.  “Does she know the location of the Heart Orb?“
    “No, it’s something that she, Tiari, and I will learn from the two orbs we already have,” Kapia explained.  “Bredon, we’re nearly to the settlement now.  I know that Garundel and the others will want to greet you, and I know they’ve set one of the Argiari houses aside for you.  I’ll leave you with them to get settled and bathe, eat dinner, or whatever you want to do.”
    “All right, Kapia,” Bredon agreed.  “I’ll come to get you before I go to speak with Zakiel.”
    “You want me to be there?” she asked in surprise.
    “Yes, I do,” Bredon said.  “Unless you would rather not.”
    “I’ll be there, Bredon,” she said, smiling.  She rose up on her toes to kiss Bredon one last time, then they stepped around the last turn and into sight of the settlement.  Sir Garundel was the first to spot them and rushed over to greet Bredon with a shout and a bruising slap on the back.  More men gathered, surrounding Bredon just as Kapia had expected.  She reluctantly released his hand and stepped back out of the way when a drover was summoned to take Bredon’s diplo.
    Kapia caught Bredon’s eye and waved toward her own dwelling so that he would know where she was.  He nodded and she left him with the men, unable to wipe the smile from her face.  She guessed it would be a couple of hours before she saw him again, at least.  Time enough for her to have a long bath and dinner.  She wondered if Caral had finished her new dark red dress. 
     
    Bredon was relieved by the time Garundel showed him to one of the oversized Argiari dwellings that had been set aside specifically for his use.  It was wonderful to be back among his own people, but after spending so much time alone, it was a little overwhelming too. 
    He was very happy to find that the dwelling contained a giant sized bed made up for him.  He looked forward to sleeping off the ground for a change, with a roof over his head and solid walls around him. 
    A servant had already taken his pack from the diplo and brought it into the dwelling for him, and another servant brought him dinner.  While he wolfed down the hot food, he was pleased to note that all of the belongings he’d left behind when he’d left the village of the Sirelina were also there.  After finishing