Destiny's Kingdom: Legend of the Chosen by Daniel Huber, Jennifer Selzer

father, wondering how much to reveal, wondering if she'd already revealed too much. She studied his kind face, his dark eyes, searching for the power that he held that she could somehow not find within herself.
    "Father," she began again, "you're able to persuade anyone to do what's right, and what's best. I've never been able to capture that ability, and I need your help in learning it. Otherwise I fear that I won't ever be the leader fit to stand next to you to guide these people of our kingdom. Show me how to do this, how to help those who are in need, few as they are."
    "Kitrina," Aushlin said slowly, "you must first be able to discern what is right for each person, or each kingdom or planet, before you can expect to lead them in the correct direction. Everyone's needs differ, and you must be able to accept this fact before you can offer your guidance." He sighed and ran his hand over her hair with affection, noting the frustration on her face at his answer. "Listen to their words," he continued, "listen to hear if what they speak is truth. If it is, and you will know the truth when you hear it my daughter, for the truth is spoken from the soul, then you will know if they are in need of your help, or simply in need of your support. Or perhaps even your non interference."
    The last word that he said caught Trina's ear, the way that 'interference' sounded more like 'anterfreeance' from the inflection of his accent, and she almost laughed. His wisdom seemed too simple still, but she felt as if she should concede for the time being, since she didn't have the right words to continue the challenge.
    "If you want we can speak of the matter at greater length when I return. Or perhaps by then you will have answers of your own," he said, planting a gentle kiss on top of her head. "But now I must prepare for my journey tomorrow, and get some rest. I've an early morning, and much to do before I leave, my Trina."
    "I know," she replied, looking back to the sky. "That's Maylyn there, isn't it father? The bright star burning beneath the blue star of Norrd?" Aushlin craned his neck back and looked up to where she pointed.
    "I see you remember your galactic charting lessons well daughter, that you can place the tiny world of Maylyn. That is indeed where I'll be. Will you wave to me from your bedroom window tomorrow night after the sun has set?" She laughed.
    "As always when you travel, father. That and a prayer for your safe return is my usual routine."
    Keystone Aushlin Val-Vassu hugged his daughter close to his side, and watched the night sky with her for a few minutes longer, reveling in the moment where he was simply a father, and not his usual position as the most powerful figurehead in the entire galaxy. For with all the power and all the prestige he carried, none of it meant so much to him as this young woman who stood beside him, the young woman who was his only child.

CHAPTER 6

    T he Bet/Kos leyline ended and its nexus point thrust Quade’s ship into open space where he was almost instantaneously greeted by the welcoming sight of Bethel. The planet glowed with an ineffable charm and specter, the swirls of white breaking through the lush, cool palette of green and blue spotted with patches of deep, rich brown. Quade stared, lost for a moment in the overwhelming love of his home world and the profound relief of finally being back.
    It would be night by now in Sigh City he knew, and looked to his planetary timekeeper. Deep night, in fact. Following the planet's trajectory he sank closer, through the atmosphere, and the land began to take shape just as he crossed the solar terminator and crept into darkness.
    As he closed on his destination and sent out his landing hail, he thought again on what he planned to do. The memory of what he'd seen near the Kos/Cal nexus had haunted his mind ever since he'd left the sector. It was ridiculous, he thought to himself, but the nagging inclination of knowing he had to do something about all