Druidess Found (Druidess Trilogy Book 1) by Machelle Hanleigh (interesting novels to read txt) 📕

There must be another explanation. If nothing else, his travels to other worlds taught him the Universe was enormous with many worlds. Every one of them was unique. Some of the worlds he visited had Inhabitants who possessed abilities and others did not. There needed to be another explanation. Maybe there was something unique about Kaily's world he missed that gave her the ability to pull a talisman. Maybe her abilities were dormant as long as she remained on her home world.

A stretch, he knew, but what did he have to go on? He didn't have the answer to how or why she obtained the talisman or a connection to him. He refused to accept the possibility she was Druid. He would never accept that possibility. He shook his head and started pacing again.

If the Queen found out Kaily pulled a talisman from Crystal Lake, she would conclude that Kaily was Druid. If she did, there was no telling what she would do with Kaily. Moto stopped in his tracks and shook his head. He knew exactly what the Queen would do. She would send Kaily to Celtan. The Kahoali didn't venture off world the way he did, and none of them, save Shimani, knew about the Ancestral Gateway.

The problem, there was a way besides the Ancestral Gateway to get to the cursed Druid home world. It was a closely guarded secret only the Chosen and the Queen knew. There was a portal that connected Ki with Celtan. The Chosen knew of its existence, but only the Queen knew of its location and how to operate it. He didn't know why one existed, only that it did. If the Queen thought Kaily was Druid, she wouldn't hesitate to send her to them. He needed to prevent that from happening no matter the cost.

With resolve, Moto reached for the door of his hut. He needed to go back to Crystal Lake, and not just to talk to her. He needed to make sure she was safe. He should have taken her back to her home world long ago. Now, he had no choice. He wanted to keep her close for when her abilities manifested, but if someone found out about the talisman, there would be nothing he could do to protect her. The thought crossed his mind to instruct her to put it back, but he discarded it. He knew what it would do to her to be separated from her talisman. Once pulled a talisman became part of the person. There was no putting it back once one was obtained. He needed to protect her no matter what.

A knock came before he touched his door. He opened it to find Kesho on the other side. He immediately felt the emotions from Kesho and could tell that something was very wrong. "Come in," Moto stepped aside to allow Kesho entry. He forced civility in his tone and tried to maintain control. He felt agitated enough over the situation with Kaily that anything else happening would threaten his emotional control.

"The Queen has summoned you," Kesho announced and remained where he stood outside the door. "I am to escort you straightaway to the throne room for an audience with our Queen."

Moto frowned before he could catch himself. "Has something happened?" What if the Queen found out about Kaily? How could she have found out? It had not been that long ago since he left Kaily at Crystal Lake. Moto gave himself a mental shake. There was no way the Queen would have found out that Kaily pulled a talisman from Crystal Lake. He couldn't let his fears get the better of him. It had to be something else that was wrong.

Kesho's eyes locked with Moto's. "The Queen will disclose what has happened." He laid a hand on Moto's shoulder, "I strongly advise that you maintain control of yourself, and don't make things worse than they already are."

A lump of dread formed in the pit of his stomach. "What's happened, Kesho?" He didn't like where his thoughts took him.

Kesho didn't reply, instead he stepped aside to let Moto exit his hut. Moto took a deep breath and wiped all signs of emotion from his features. Whatever happened must be grave for Kesho to warn him about his temper. One more day! Moto reminded himself. One more day and he would obtain the space and time he needed thanks to Sari. "Lead the way." He told Kesho as he shut the door to his hut behind him.

Kesho turned and started towards the Queen's hut.

Moto walked in silence slightly behind and to the side of Kesho as they made their way to the throne room. His mind raced from thought to thought as he tried to determine what might have happened. Nothing that made sense came to mind. Except one thing and he couldn't bring himself to believe it. He pushed his thoughts aside. He would find out soon enough what transpired. He refused to let his imaginings get the better of him. Everything did not revolve around Kaily. Please don't let it have anything to do with Kaily, he sent the silent plea to the Universe.

Moto entered the throne room. He stopped in his tracks for a brief moment before he caught his misstep and preceded forward. All the Shanees stood in attendance of the throne room, and a number of villagers. A villager stood before the throne. Moto noticed he didn't make eye contact with Moto when he came to stand beside him. Moto caught the look in Sari's eyes as he approached. Something monumental happened. Moto's heart sank to lodge in the pit of his stomach next to the stone of dread that formed there. He sent out a silent query to Kaily.

Yes? Kaily replied.

Moto felt relieved. Where are you? He demanded. He tried not to sound harsh. The last thing he needed to do was alarm Kaily. He couldn't help it. There was