Exiled Read Online Free PDF

knowing they were one of the few birds who mated for life. But she only saw the one. She followed the bird’s graceful flight toward a row of enormous pine trees until it disappeared from her sight. Water from a stream ambled downhill, not too far away, a low roar. Venus took a deep breath, smelling the crisp, mountain bouquet.
    The landscape before her was much more beautiful than the pictures in her holographic textbooks. She realized the biggest reason was that the holographic picture didn’t include the perfume—the mixture of dirt, pine trees and flowers. She was at least glad she’d experienced Earth’s beauty for a moment. Venus definitely wanted to return after she’d become a kelvieri. When death wasn’t a worry.
    Once again she searched for the Transports. There was something big Zaren hadn’t told her.
    Closing her eyes, she counted.
    Three. Two. One. “Zaren, tell me.”
    He swore. “Princess, we can’t go back. Not yet.”
    “What? Why not?”
    He blew out his breath in frustration. “As soon as we landed, I requested a return flight authorization. When Galdred finally answered, he told me something . . .”
    “He told you what?”
    As though realizing he couldn’t avoid the truth any longer, he faced her and continued, “Venus, you’ve been accused of serious crimes . . . against the Gods. And—”
    He stopped and ripped another blade of grass from the ground.
    She watched him tear the weed to shreds, stunned. Who would accuse her of such a thing? Why? She’d never done anything to hurt anyone. “Continue,” she whispered.
    “Your irrihunter has been killed. Galdred said several witnesses are claiming you did it.”
    “What? No! Not Sadraden!” She fell to her knees, burying her face in her hands. Unspeakable pain slashed at her soul. Her heart felt shattered. Sadraden had been her best friend.
    “I’m so sorry.” He sounded defeated. “While in the Transport, I contacted the Gods.”
    Even through her sorrow, she was surprised. That took courage. Kelarians of higher status had died for doing such a thing. The task required much emotional stamina.
    He went on, “I explained what happened. Asked if they knew who’d done such a thing. Told them it wasn’t true. It seems . . .” he trailed off.
    “Zaren, this isn’t like you. Tell me all of it. Now,” Venus wiped the tears from her face and then gripped her hands into fists at her sides.
    “They’re willing to listen to your side of the story, on one condition.”
    “What is it?”
    He growled, “They expect you to complete a mission here on Earth.”
    Venus opened her mouth to speak, but couldn’t get anything out. A mission? What kind of mission ?
    “If you complete the commanded task, they’ll allow you to return to Kelari. But not until.”
    “I’ll die in the next seven days. Don’t the Gods care? Is that what they want?” She was incredulous. Surely there’d been a mistake. Clearing her throat, she went on, “Please say you know it isn’t true. You believe I’d never say or do anything blasphemous against the Gods. And as for Sadraden . . .” She crumbled, sobs replacing her words. That she’d never see her irrihunter again . . . she thought she’d explode in agony. “She was pregnant, you know.”
    Zaren fell to his knees in front of her, pulling her to him. “Oh, Venus. I’m so sorry.” He rocked her back and forth, comforting her in a way she’d never needed before. “I’ve no idea who would’ve done such a thing or why the Gods have requested you accomplish—” He paused and Venus heard him grind his teeth. He went on, “such a ridiculous task, but they have. And somehow, so help me, I’ll get you back to Kelari. I won’t let you die. Understand?” He spoke the last words with ferociousness.
    Venus straightened, pulling herself from his arms. “Tell me.” Whatever the undertaking, she’d do it. She had to get back so she could hunt down and destroy those who’d framed her. And when she