“I’m glad to meet you aswell. You make a charming addition to the table. Where are you from?”
“Alandra,” she said, notrevealing Kanai’s existence.
“It’s good that you’re herenow, away from the war.”
“I’d rather be fighting forAlandra’s freedom. I fear Alandra’s fall will bring the warhere.”
The king lifted his goblet. “Weare well prepared for war.”
Toemeka felt a wave of heavy darkenergy coming from him. Her spine tingled and she became more alertand wary. She focused on his aura and saw black light shot with redstreaks surrounding him. She drew in a sharp breath. Why did he havesuch a negative aura? She noticed he was watching her closely, almostas if he knew she could see he wasn’t what he appeared to be.
“Why are you here?” he asked.His eyes bore into hers.
Toemeka sensed hypnotic powerbehind his words, a power meant to bring her under his control. “I’ma Coalition agent and Erling’s partner. I’m here to help withJaipar’s defense.”
“In my country, men fight warsto protect their woman and children, instead of making women serve inthe military.” He turned to Koriann and said in a more pleasantvoice, “Did I mention some of my friends from Haklute will bearriving later this week for a visit?”
“It will be nice to meet yourfriends,” Koriann said. “I’ll order a feast for dinner and haverooms prepared for them.”
Toemeka watched the exchangebetween Koriann and Zanton with interest, noticing an undercurrent oftension. Their relationship seemed rather formal and guarded,considering they were to wed soon. She also wondered about Erling’splacement at the end of the table and speculated that Koriann must betrying to keep some distance between Erling and the King. Toemekarealized she’d stepped into the middle of more than a pending war.
10
City of Silver Light
When Toemeka returned to hersitting room, she brought up the Coalition Intelligence site on herlaptop. She typed in her password, then pressed her finger againstthe ID pad. A message appeared. “Access denied. Agent Toemeka Ganticurrent status: inactive.” She leaned back in the chair frustrated.She’d have to return to active duty to get into the system. Sheimpatiently tapped her fingers against the table. If she returned toactive duty, she could be sent on a mission. But more likely they’dwant her working with Erling, organizing Jaipar’s defense. Anoffice position was safe work. She typed in a request to return toactive duty.
Once reinstated, she gainedaccess and brought up information about King Zanton Duborginact. Thereport noted the government was totalitarian and King Zanton ruledwith absolute power, but there weren’t any negative reports on him.His country was large and powerful and would be a good ally forJaipar. Moreover, he had many allies who would join the fight if hiscountry went to war. After Toemeka finished reading, she realized sheneeded a more in-depth investigation and requested King Zanton beinvestigated further.
A knock at the door causedToemeka to quickly close the computer as Garda came into the room.“How was your evening?” Garda asked.
“You were right; it was afabulous dinner. Can you help me out of this gown? I’m exhausted.”Garda unfastened the row of small buttons on the back of her dress,rambling on about the beautiful gowns Koriann was having made forToemeka. Interrupting Garda’s monologue, Toemeka asked, “What doyou think of King Zanton? I’m curious as to what kind of man theQueen is marrying.”
“I . . . um . . . it’s not myplace to say anything about the future King of Jaipar.” Gardapulled the gown over Toemeka’s head and carried it to the closet.
Toemeka put on her nightgown,wondering why the talkative woman was suddenly so tentative. “Ijust thought you might have heard something about him from hisservants.”
“Actually, his personalservants keep to themselves. They’re an unfriendly . . . or perhapscautious lot.”
Once Garda took down Toemeka’selaborate hairdo, Toemeka dismissed her, then washed off her makeupand went to bed. It was always at night that she missed Michio themost. They used to lie in bed and talk or make love. Afterwardsthey’d often journey out of their bodies and meet in the dreamworlds. Tonight she felt drawn to him, sensing he needed her. Perhapsshe could reach him.
Toemeka put her attention onMichio and her heart filled with love. Gradually the sound currentbegan humming in her inner ear, then she rose up and out of her bodyin full consciousness. Pleased at her success, she focused on Michioand was instantly transported to a mountainous region where she sawhim climbing the side of a steep cliff. An unusually tall,dark-skinned man was with him. Neither one of them had any climbingequipment. If either slipped, they would certainly fall to theirdeaths. The sun was setting and the wind blew with such intensitythat it made the climb especially dangerous.
She felt Michio’s uneasiness ashe scrambled onto a narrow ledge. Once there his face glowed as helooked at the spectacular view of distant craggy mountains and violetsky. He wasn’t aware of Toemeka’s etheric presence and shehesitated to manifest, concerned that he could be startled and losehis balance.
“You have three tests left,”the man with Michio said. “You have passed the first nine quickly.This one you will not pass so easily. No one has ever had the courageto try it the first time they’re brought here.”
“What is the test, Mazarka?”
The man pointed across the valleyto a distant mountain peak. “You must fly to that ledge.”
Michio’s face drained of colorand Mazarka smiled maliciously, his pleasure apparent. “I toldMaster Jadock it was a waste of time to bring you. You aren’t readyfor this test. I’ll take you back down.”
“No, I can do it. I just needto center myself.” Michio closed his eyes and Toemeka felt himletting go of all fear and limitations. She was puzzled; Mazarkaseemed to want Michio to turn back. Spiritual brothers usuallyrejoiced in each other’s advancements.
Michio opened his eyes and lookedacross the valley.
“You still want to try it?”Mazarka asked, the arrogance gone from his voice. Michio nodded.“There’s no shame in turning back,” Mazarka said with abegrudging look of respect.
“Each time I’ve come to atest, I wondered if I had the ability to pass it. Yet Master Bakkahas always been beside
