Page 26 of Dark Rebel's Mystery

"Or a shield," Syssi said. "Perhaps Earth's magnetic field blocks it from seers on other planets, and Anumati doesn't have one."

Morelle reached for a sandwich, considering what Syssi and Annani had said. "I wonder how the gods discovered Earth if their seers couldn't see it. They came here for gold, but with how vast the galaxy is, I doubt they stumbled upon it by chance. Something must have indicated the presence of gold to them, but it wasn't their seers."

Annani turned to Amanda. "Is life possible on planets without a magnetic field?"

Amanda tapped a finger on her lower lip. "Earth's magnetic field protects us from charged solar particles and cosmic rays, but it's not essential to life. Come to think of it, the lack of such protection on Anumati might be the reason that the gods chose to live underground. On the other hand, the Kra-ell and all other life forms on Anumati seem to have no problem existing on the surface, so perhaps they have a natural immunity to radiation."

"It makes sense," Annani said. "What does not make sense is that the gods did not have natural protection against the radiation as well, which might indicate that they were not indigenous to Anumati. That is why they chose to live underground and why they needed gold to protect their aboveground vehicles and interstellar ships from radiation."

The only thing Morelle understood from her sister's speech was that the gods might not have been native to Anumati.

"The Kra-ell believe that they and the gods originated from the same people and that the gods accepted a bargain from the trickster that offered them knowledge about gene manipulation,while the Kra-ell refused it because they wanted to live authentically and naturally."

"Fascinating." Syssi reached for the teapot and refilled her cup. "The things you can stumble upon when you let your mind wander. Maybe the genetic manipulation cost them their natural protection from radiation."

Amanda shrugged. "Or maybe the Kra-ell myth is not true. I kind of like the hypothesis that the gods were not native to Anumati and came from somewhere else in the universe."

Syssi arched a brow. "Why?"

"I would like to believe that the entire universe is brimming with life."

"The Fates work in mysterious ways," Annani said. "Perhaps they had a hand in creating this protection, knowing that Earth would need to be a sanctuary someday."

Amanda glanced at the children playing on the floor before returning her gaze to her mother. "I bet there are many sanctuaries like Earth out there. Many places that the Eternal King can't see. I hope the rebels on Anumati know of them and can use them to hide."

Morelle liked the idea of Earth itself helping to protect them from harm, both natural and unnatural. It was shielding them from radiation and also from her evil grandfather. She thought about her power. Was her ability to draw energy from others and redirect it really so different from what Earth might be doing with its magnetic field, redirecting harmful radiation away from the planet's surface?

Maybe understanding how Earth protected itself might help her and Ell-rom understand their abilities better. Perhaps other paranormal talents as well.

No one had ever said anything to that effect, but as someone who knew next to nothing, she had the advantage of thinking freely without being burdened by accepted dogmas.

"I hope Ell-rom is okay," Annani said. "He is about to be tested as well, and I worry about what it might do to him."

Morelle nodded, her throat tightening. She'd wanted to go with Ell-rom to the keep, to support him as he tested his deadly power, but he'd refused her, and he'd refused Jasmine as well. "He's so gentle by nature," she said. "Even knowing these men deserve death for what they've done, it must be so hard for him."

"That gentleness is what makes him perfect for his talent," Annani said. "He will never abuse his power or take pleasure in dealing death. He will do what needs to be done, quickly and mercifully."

"Still..." Morelle glanced at the clock. Hours yet until dinner, when she'd see her brother and be able to gauge how he was handling this. "I worry about the toll it might take on his spirit."

"Kian is with him," Syssi said. "He might not seem like the nurturing type, and he's not, but he knows how to motivate people. He will give Ell-rom the strength he needs."

Annani nodded. "I agree with Syssi. Kian is not going to let this break Ell-rom."

Amanda put her teacup down. "Now that we've solved all the mysteries of the universe, it's time for testing. I set up the equipment outside." She looked at Syssi. "Are you going to stayhere to watch the girls, or are we going to leave the Odus in charge?"

"I'll stay," Syssi said. "You don't really need me out there. Do you?"

Amanda leaned to kiss her cheek. "I always need you, but I can manage without you."

17

MAX

Max walked into Kian's old office in the keep, pulled out a chair, and sat down at the conference table. The room smelled faintly of furniture polish and coffee—Okidu's work. Kian's butler had arrived earlier to prepare the office, and he'd left the space spotless and well-stocked with refreshments.

When Onegus had explained to him why Kian was bringing Ell-rom to the dungeon, Max finally understood things that hadn't made sense to him before. First, he'd wondered why so many humans had been brought to the keep instead of being disposed of. It wasn't as if they could learn much from them. Then Onegus had instructed several Guardians to go over the human prisoners' recent memories and write down what they had seen.

The evidence was damning, the scope of their crimes defying comprehension, and since it had been confirmed by several Guardians, it was indisputable. Now that Max knew what Ell-rom was about to do, it all made sense.

---