Kerish

Kerish was saved by a boy she never knew and placed in the loving home of the two most powerful people on Lakar. She is so different from any human born before her for she can receive the thoughts of others. Her Breeder mother, Desel, calms her burning mind until she can teach this special child how to control her gift before any other Surkires discover her abilities. She is also different than the female humans; she loves the young of all species, being Desel's adopted daughter gives her access to.For her protection and training, Kerish is sent to the moon Apaar to learn from Desel's sister, but it is a newer species who teaches Kerish the control she needs. Soon it will be time for the choice council, and she needs that control. On her return from Apaar, Kerish forgets about the volatile weather and endangers herself, but she thinks more about facing the choice council.Not only is Kerish chosen to stay on Lakar but she is chosen to be among those who would be returned to earth. Not even the advice of the human warrior her mother sent to her can ease the fears as she finally agrees to join those who are to go. Because of the freedom she received, Kerish teaches the other human women how to take care for their children and how to remain healthy. When those from Trile arrive, she teaches all how to swim, for it might mean the difference between life and death. The danger they are facing comes to the forefront when one of their number dies in training.

-- Anita Moran