Page 80 of Soros
“I would live on Earth if that’s what it takes to be with Tania, but I prefer Eidrona,” Soros admitted. “I just don’t want us to be apart any longer.”
“Then my recommendation to the Federation will be that Tania moves to Eidrona and that she is allowed to make her own choices.” Getting up from the ground, Tambul brushed his hands, and it was clear that we were done. “I must center myself before my next teachings. Sitting with you two has unraveled my peace.”
We walked with him back to where we had first met and when we took off in the shuttle, he lifted a hand and looked relieved that we were leaving.
“Tambul wasn’t a fan,” I said dryly.
Soros shrugged.
“He said I was overwhelming and draining.”
“He’s not wrong.”
The teasing smile on Soros’ lips made me smile as well. “And still, you love me?” I asked and looked deep into Soros’ eyes.
He reached for me. “I do. Tambul might say that you disturbed his peace, but I feel the opposite. You are my anchor and when I’m with you, I calm down.”
After getting told by Tambul that I was draining and a passenger in my own mind, the reassurance from Soros soothed my bruised vanity.
“The Ugon Master is a wise man, but he doesn’t know what it’s like to experience the kind of love that I feel for you,” Soros said.
I thought about his words for a moment and then I kissed Soros’ cheek and whispered, “He pitied you for being involved with someone like me. But you know what?”
“What?”
“I pity him.”
Soros chuckled. “I think Tambul was doing all right. Didn’t you see him manipulating the water? I bet he could do all sort of amazing stuff.”
“Sure, but if I had to choose between manipulating water and experiencing the kind of love we share, I wouldn’t have any doubt. He’s the one missing out.”
Soros met my gaze. “You would rather love me than master telekinesis?”
There was no hesitation in my answer. “Any day!”
CHAPTER 30
Goodbyes
Soros
Gathered with the crew from theGreat Defender, we shared a last meal before they had to leave. It was Ayedin who had recommended this place and since he was from Scilm we trusted him to know the best eateries in the area.
What was different about this place was that all the guests sat on different-sized rafts that were anchored to the shore. Around us were other rafts with groups eating while service staff brought out bowls and plates with local dishes from the eatery. There were no tables or chairs on the raft. Instead, there was a hole in the middle of the raft, under the long, low table, that allowed us to sit with our feet in the warm water.
I sat between Tania and Cacala with Lios and Zobran across from me. Star sat next to Tania and had Nerix across from her. Further down the table were Plotton and Imiron.
“When are Ayedin and Elan returning?” I asked Lios.
“At the last minute. I don’t blame them for wanting to spend as much time as possible with friends and family while we’re on Scilm. With us leaving for the Blitton Belt, there’s a chance that none of us will ever return. It’s a disastrous war out there.”
I looked down and picked at the colorful food in front of me. “Be careful.”
“If you ask me, evacuating the locals isn’t the solution. We need to crush the Malbreeans and make them limp back to their planet,” Zobran said and looking to Star, he added, “At least Star is taking a large chunk of their capital with her… if they let her go.”
“What do you mean?” I frowned.
“You didn’t hear?” Zobran leaned closer. “The Malbreean government know that Star left Markatoria and now they won’t allow the sale of all the Zorlack clan’s business assets. They are keen to keep the capital on their planet. Limak is elevating the case to get the help from the Federation. He’s using Star’s human heritage to invoke the protection laws. I have to say that he seems dedicated to getting her the maximum outcome as possible.”
