Benders: Beginnings

By Scott Cords

Jaxon Copper awoke one morning with a startling preview of an event that would change his life. He was planning to be a simple potters apprentice and making his way in life with a trade that would have made him safe and comfortable. Instead, through a change he could never have foreseen, he was catapulted into a world of power and intrigue. A world of danger and of learning about things he never thought existed. Jax was about to become something never seen before, even by the powerful group of Benders, a group whose influence and manipulation of the world was mostly uttered as tales to frighten children or an excuse for describing the magic of evil wizards. Jaxon Copper would someday be one of the most influential people everif he survived.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Oct 16, 2015
• ISBN: 9781504953399

Scott Cords

Scott and his wife, Cheryl, are retired and live in Minnesota, enjoying life, family, and their grandchildren. After a leukemia diagnosis and a successful battle against the disease, the author put aside his love of furniture making and home brewing to follow his dream of writing his first book.

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© 2015 Scott Cords. All rights reserved.

Cover Art by Danny Tommy Kelly.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse 10/15/2015

ISBN: 978-1-5049-5340-5 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-5049-5341-2 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-5049-5339-9 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2015916085

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and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

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Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Contents

Prologue

Chapter One - Reveal

Chapter Two - Aftermath

Chapter Three - Endings & Beginnings

Chapter Four - Newt

Chapter Five - Landscape

Chapter Six - Treachery

Chapter Seven - Flight

Chapter Eight - Training

Chapter Nine - Cover

Chapter Ten - Chase

Chapter Eleven – In the Field

Chapter Twelve - Fixing

Chapter Thirteen - Assault

Epilogue

Appendix 1 - Benders

Appendix 2 - Glossary

About the Author

To Mya, Hank and Mack

With hope for a life with heroes, without oppression and tyranny

Thanks to Cheryl for her support during the trials and tribulations of the writing process

Thanks to Steve and Danny for all their help.

Prologue

President Hannford Willam had been meeting with his advisors and his cabinet. The session turned out very badly for him. They didn’t often meet as a group, but the President was in trouble. His cabinet worked for, and mostly believed in the government the way it had been founded, but Hanford and his advisors thought the system wasn’t working. A President, the leader of Westar, should have the authority to make any needed changes. The people just didn’t trust him as president anymore. Hannford didn’t understand how the people couldn’t see that his vision for the country was so much better than what they had. He was the first president of his kind, a low-born educated by his parents. Hanford had friends that helped him and had made him a popular man. Because of their help, he had been loved and adored by the people when he became president. Loved for the changes he planned to enact to make Westar a better place. Hannford believed in his support and that goal with all his heart. Westar would be a better place for all except the greedy and bigoted Guilds. The Guilds hated the idea that he planned to level the field and make everyone equal. The guilds didn’t deserve the power they had. It wasn’t fair. They stole the wealth and power they had accumulated by picking only the people they wanted and making them successful. The Guilds passed over many people who could do their trade work and only took those they wanted. They accepted only those that believed as the Guildsmen believed. They corrupted the ranks of the trade workers by including only those that didn’t deserve the wealth or status. The newspapers were a problem as well. Hannford Willam had been turning the tide though, despite their defiance. He had a tool to persuade them and it was working. He had given power to the Ministry of Information. When he found out that many newspapers had been printing what he considered distortions and lies about the way he was governing, he acted. He gave the Ministry the power to investigate their stories and make them retract any inappropriate coverage. Hannford had heard complaints about newspaper shops being burned or those producing the papers being beaten, but he knew those were lies and propaganda. Even if what he heard was true, getting the media under control was better for Westar. Better for his intentions. A little fear sometimes went a long way to control the masses. Hannford knew all about that from the Guilds. They killed his father for daring to demand a chance at a Guild. He organized a movement to change them and they killed him for it. Hannford Willam would bring this country in line and break the Guilds. He would put them in their place…

Chapter One - Reveal

Jax and his friend Tum were running through the streets and alleys of the city. They were being chased, but neither could tell who or what was following them. We need to stop and face this said Jax, but Tum just shook his head and continued around the corner into the next alley. The fear in Tum’s eyes made it obvious he would not stand. Tum turned onto a street and stumbled crashing onto the pavers and ripping his trousers at the knee. He looked at the tear and cried at the thought of facing his father. These are my good pants… and I’m not supposed… to be wearing them… to school Tum sobbed as he scrambled to his feet and ran again. Jax knew Tum’s father was forceful about Tum obeying his rules, but Jax couldn’t imagine why torn pants would be worse than getting caught by whatever was chasing them. Jax grabbed Tum by the collar and pulled him back into action. As they began to run again, they heard snarling and growling in the alley they had just exited. Suddenly, it seemed as though they couldn’t make any progress. Jax and Tum looked down to notice that the street they were running down had turned to thick sticky mud. Go in here said Jax pointing to a narrow alley a few feet in front of them. After running along the backs of several buildings, they found that the alley was a dead end. What do we do now cried Tum as he frantically tried opening doors and windows. Quiet… hissed Jax maybe they don’t know we’re here as he also pulled on a door to get it open. Suddenly, Tum stopped and stared wide-eyed past Jax back in the direction they had come from. Jax turned and saw four big black dogs advancing slowly. The lead animal was gigantic. He was as big as a small cow, with long silver fangs and red eyes that seemed to glow. Jax had seen pictures of wolves and wondered if he was looking at one. The lead animal was walking towards them at a slow steady pace followed by the other three side by side covering the whole width of the alley. It looked into Tum’s eyes, and for a long time they stared intently at each other. The animal then turned to Jax and stared at him for an equally long time. Jax got the distinct impression the animal was studying him. When the dog was done with Jax, he looked back at Tum and said in a deep, almost melodious voice Your time has ended… With that, the lead animal turned his head slightly to his right and growled a deep thunderous sound. One dog from the back bounded forward past Tum and crashed into the wall that made the dead-end. As the dog broke through, it was consumed by intense flames in seconds. It looked as though he had broken through into a Pottery Guild kiln. The two other dogs in the back then bounded forward and pushed a shrieking Tum through the fiery hole in the wall and disappeared. Noooo cried Jax as he tried to go toward the opening but couldn’t move. He turned back to the lead animal, which was examining him again. The dog stepped forward until he and Jax were nose to nose. Jax noticed he couldn’t tell if the animal was breathing, or smell or feel its breath. The dog cocked his head and seemed to smile as he barred the long silver teeth on one side of his mouth. The dog let out a short laugh and said in a deep, menacing tone You have time, use it well. With that, the lead dog jumped through the opening and into the fire

Jax awoke with a scream and sat upright in his bed. Thom awoke as well by the noise and movement and started grumbling. Jax’s older brother threw a pillow at Jax and in a sleepy voice said, What is wrong with you? It’s not even first light yet! Nothing replied Jax, I must have been dreaming and he tossed the pillow back to his brother. As Thom settled back down under his blanket, he could see even in the early light of the morning that Jax had clearly been shaken by something. That must have been some dream… Thom said taking the edge out of his voice. Jax, still wide-eyed suddenly noticed he was covered in sweat. Looking back at his brother, Jax said I… guess it was. Having never seen his brother that upset over a dream Thom told him gently, We don’t have to get up for almost an hour. Just go back to sleep. Thom rolled over and within minutes was softly snoring again. Jax had no such luck. He covered up tight and found himself curled into a ball. He didn’t understand the dream and was troubled by the image of the dogs. Jax didn’t really like dogs, but he wasn’t afraid of them. He preferred cats in the way they are so patient and can stalk their prey silently, then pounce with lightning speed. Jax considered dogs to be clumsier, relying on physical strength rather than intelligence and reasoning. He couldn’t stop thinking about the lead animal and the voice it used. Jax could discount the concept of a talking dog as just part of a dream. What he couldn’t quite resolve was whether he recognized the voice and the way it seemed to command his attention. Jax was still rolling the voice over and over through his memories when he heard banging and clanging of pots and dishes below in the kitchen. Jax knew it was his turn today to help with breakfast and to get the water for the day. He pulled on his clothes and climbed down the ladder.

Jax, Thom and their mother Betty lived in a comfortable home next to the western wall of Wald. Their house was comprised of a main level with most of the living space, and a small loft where the brothers slept. The kitchen was on the north side of the building, with a wood stove for cooking and cabinets Jax’s father had built for storage. Betty’s bed chamber was a corner partitioned off against the back wall next to the kitchen. A fireplace and piles of wood covered most of the south wall of the building. Winters in Wald are cold, and they needed as much wood as possible to heat the place through the long, cold season. Betty looked up with a big smile as she saw Jax coming down the ladder Well good morning sleepy one she chimed. Did you rest well? Jax forced himself to smile and replied softly Well enough. What’s the matter, little one she said with mild concern, Are you worried about your tests? Schooling was mainly a winter activity since there was so much work for everyone to do during the growing and harvesting seasons. No, I’m not particularly worried about the placements replied Jax. I spoke with professor Gant last week and he told me I had a good chance of being admitted into his Geology section. Well, go and get the first pails of water and I’ll have something for you to nibble on before breakfast is ready said Betty. I will mother replied Jax as he grabbed the steel pails and headed out the door. Each season, Academy students who wanted to attend the advanced classes had to go through a testing process to be admitted. Jax was especially fond of learning about soils, rocks and their fundamentals in his Geology section at the Academy. He got along well with professor Gant. Geology was the only section in school where he actually had to work, at least with his mind, and nothing else he was learning at the Academy held his interest. The Academy was where citizens went for any basic or higher education. All children went there for basic skills like reading and writing, but a few continued on for more advanced learning. A key aspect of getting into the Trade Guilds was ability, but those with high grades from the Academy were usually let in before those without schooling.

The section of Wald where Jax and his family lived was not as densely populated as the northern sections. If there was an area that could be called affluent, the western edge where they lived was it. The common name for the neighborhood was the Folds. Its name was from the way the landscape had gentle rolling hills that looked like waves or the folds of a bunched up cloth. The streets were the valleys, and the houses were on the crests. Wald’s western wall was built on a plateau of rock about fifty feet above the lowlands. The lowlands were the farms where most of Wald’s food was grown. Streets in the Folds gathered rainwater and funneled it to a port in the wall where the water fell into the irrigation pool below the plateau. From there the water could be channeled to the crops that sustained the city through a series of trenches and dams. The city used to be called ‘The Walled City’ but over the last century, people had shortened it to ‘Wald’. The city’s original moniker was due to the one hundred foot tall wall around the entire city. In many places the wall was thirty feet thick at its base, and the foundations were twenty feet below ground. It was said that even a DarkStone energy beam couldn’t breach the wall. At least not a weapon small enough to be transported by a wagon. It was a place that was fairly safe from any invading army. It had been over fifty years since any significant war had been fought on this part of Westar, the kingdom where Wald existed.

Jax was consumed by the dog’s voice and wondered if there was a message in the dream. His thoughts were interrupted by the good-natured voice of his friend Tum Careful where you’re walking moss-head. Jax looked up and smiled in immediate relief at seeing his friend. Fine talk for one as clumsy as a drunken ox retorted Jax. They both laughed and headed toward the small square where the community well was located. As they walked, Jax wondered if he should tell his friend about the dream. Tum slapped Jax’s shoulder saying Are you going to listen, or are you going to walk around in a trance all day. I’m sorry, I guess I was thinking about the placements Jax said sheepishly. You know you have no reason to worry about them said Tum, The professors all like you, and you have no trouble with any of the tests. I guess you’re right said Jax, Now tell me more about the dinner you had last night. Tum’s face lit up like the sun and he stared licking his lips and rubbing his belly. "The lamb was roasted to perfection and served with mashed potatoes and greens. Can you believe it, mashed potatoes with rosemary and garlic… Clearly, Tum was excited about the whole thing as he droned on about dinner as they walked the last three blocks to the well. As they neared the well, Jax caught something in Tum’s story that really got his attention. Did you say that Cil was there? Tum looked a little perturbed and shoved Jax’s shoulder Have you been dreaming through everything I was saying? I told you Vance brought Cil with him for dinner last night. Drusilla Majers was to Jax, the most beautiful woman had had ever seen. She was tall and thin but not skinny, strong but still feminine, with long auburn hair she usually kept in a thick braid. Jax wondered why the prefect’s daughter would spend time with a common handyman like Vance. Why was Cil there with Vance? questioned Jax. We wondered the same thing. Vance said he was on the way for dinner when they crossed paths and started talking. When they got to my house, she joined him explained Tum. My mother doesn’t believe it. My father just snorted when he heard but had this odd twinkle in his eye when Vance told the story. So are they involved? asked Jax. Tum laughed and teased You’re not jealous are you? Who knows… It wouldn’t be the first time Vance was reaching above his station he mused. As they filled the two buckets each of them carried, Jax said Well, everyone likes Vance. He seems to be able to fix anything, and no matter what you ask him about he seems to know enough to give an answer. Tum snorted and said Well just last week I was asking him about the chamber and why all the ministers were being ousted and replaced. He gave me an odd look and told me to be careful about poking my nose into politics at my age. Not a very informative answer if you ask me concluded Tum. Maybe not informative said Jax, but certainly good advice. I didn’t know you followed politics Tum. When did you start paying attention to that sort of thing? Tum looked back at Jax and said I guess I’m hanging around you too much. I’m paying more attention to the things my father says. What sorts of things is your father saying? asked Jax. Well, he mostly talks about how he thinks that corruption seems to working its way into lower and lower levels of the government. replied Tum Just since President Willam took office a few years back. That’s dangerous talk given the way things are now observed Jax. Well it’s the same things you’ve been saying to me retorted Tum. What I’ve been saying is that corrupt people can be found everywhere. And there are immoral people that can be corrupted everywhere. It seems that the corruption is more flagrant than it used to be explained Jax. What I mean… started Jax when Tum interrupted Let’s not have this kind of conversation in the square if you don’t mind. Jax collected himself and said Good idea Tum. As they left the well and started back towards where their houses Jax asked Tell me how Cil looked? Pretty as ever smiled Tum and they looked as though they were pretty comfortable together How would you know what that means? asked Jax You’ve never even had a real date and you’re almost fifteen. Tum blushed and replied Well, that’s what my mother said to my father when I had gone to bed. They were talking quietly but I could still hear them. My mother said it was nice, but my father said it would only lead Vance to trouble. The boys had made the first turn onto the street from the square when they saw The Clan coming their way. The Clan was a group of toughs and bullies that took pleasure terrorizing anybody who didn’t stand up to them. In the last few months the Clan’s members had grown bold, and it was a good idea to just avoid them if possible. Tum saw them and asked Should we go back around the other way? No, let’s just stay to this side of the street and maybe they’ll ignore us" replied Jax with some trepidation. Jax had stood up to three of them during the street festival last spring and somehow, he had bested them. It was very odd since Jax was not really a fighter. During the attack, one tough had fallen flat on his face for no clear reason and the second had tripped over that fellow. The third took a swing at Jax and by some miracle had missed. As Jax side stepped the swing, he planted a well-timed fist into the tough’s solar-plexus dropping him to his knees. A crowd of partiers around the four of them laughed and hooted at the bullies, who just slunk away looking questioningly at Jax. Since then, the Clan had mostly left Jax alone. The big fellow who got the wind knocked out of him, named Vitol, was the leader of the gang. Most people in the area thought him the strongest and best fighter of the group and usually gave him the widest berth.

Vitol was having a bad day. He was getting more challenges to his authority and started the morning with having to argue with a street vendor about having to pay for food. Vitol didn’t like that people were no longer just giving into his demands for payment for his protection. He wasn’t unreasonable with vendors and shop owners about his demands, spreading them out so none was overwhelmed. It’s not like Vitol felt he was benevolent, he understood that he only had so much control before the authorities would stop him. The townspeople didn’t seem to understand that other gangs would take over his territory in the Folds if the Clan wasn’t there. Over the last few months he had faced increased challenges from within his group. Several of his men thought they might be the next leader of The Clan. Vitol was also seeing more of the merchants and towns people standing up against him and his gang. He could trace all of his current problems back to the spring festival and that little nothing, Jax Copper. Vitol had taken a pint of ale from someone in the crowd because he didn’t want to walk all the way across the square to the pub to get one. That annoying little Jaxon Copper knocked the pint from his hands and told him to get his own and buy the fellow a new one. The nerve of that little worm. He needed a lesson in authority. As Vitol and his two mates, Ben and Van charged toward Jax, Ben had fallen down and Van tripped over him. Ben still swears that someone had held his legs and pushed him from behind. Van was adamant he was pushed over Ben and could not move once down, like his body was numb and his arms and legs wouldn’t move. Vitol would have laughed at the excuses from the two as trying to cover up their failures, but he had also experienced something strange. He is excellent with his fists and should have crushed Jax with a single blow. As Vitol swung, something seemed to pull the punch over the smaller boy’s head and he rolled right into Jax’s punch to the gut. Vitol was not trained as the Defenders or soldiers are, but he knew how to fight. Vitol did not miss when he threw a punch, and he did not make mistakes when fighting. The whole event was still eating at him and Vitol was convinced that Jaxon Copper was at the center of all of his current difficulties. He did however listen when Johns, the Prefect, told him to leave Jax alone. Vitol understood the limits of his own power and from where it came. That knowledge did not stop Vitol from stewing about Jax and the trouble he had caused.

Vitol came back to reality when an elbow in the side made him jump. Watch it he growled. Ben snorted and said "Look, there’s that little worm you’ve been so whiney about lately. Maybe you need to release some of your stress on that little turd and his girl-friend. Vitol’s expression brightened visibly. Let’s go… he told his group gruffly and turned down the alleyway a few feet away. Are you afraid of the worm? chivvied Van with a wicked grin. Shut up you idiot shot Vitol as he cuffed Van in the back of the head. But why are we running away? asked Ben with no little confusion. Think about it… said Vitol, you know the Prefect and his Defenders patrol this street. I haven’t seen any so far today, but I don’t want to be interrupted teaching the worm a lesson. Vitol turned as they reached the next street and said They have to come this way to get home." Ben and two of the others grunted in acknowledgment. Vitol’s expression turned to a vicious smile as they hurried down the street toward the market, empty today.

Jax and Tum saw the Clan members duck down the alley and breathed a collective sigh of relief. Tum smiled and said Well, maybe this won’t be that bad today after all, but Jax wasn’t so sure. Let’s just get this water home so we can get to the Academy he answered Tum. The pair rounded the first corner where they ran into Tum’s older brother Flem hurrying toward them. You need to get home right now he told Tum. Father needs your help at the patch. Can you walk with us? asked Tum. Flem was about to snap back at them when his younger brother continued The Clan is after us again. What do you mean… asked Flem looking back and forth between them. Have you been picking fights again? he directed at Jax. No he hasn’t! replied Tum, We just need to get this water home and it would be faster if we didn’t get stopped by them. Please walk with us… Tum pleaded to his brother. You know that crew won’t bother anybody if the odds aren’t strongly in their favor. Flem considered the time and said, Ok you two, let’s get going. Just as he was about to start out he paused and asked Where are the Clan thugs? I don’t see any of those misfits around here. We ran into them back on Acker’s Road replied Jax. When they saw us they turned up Tinker’s alley. Flem thought for a moment and said We’ll go past the Woodsman’s Hall though instead of through the old market. That place will be deserted now and a good place for mischief. But that will take twice as long to get home piped Tum. Well if those miscreants really are after you, any confrontation could be a lot worse than walking few extra blocks Flem replied with a stern look. After a moment of consideration, Flem softened his expression. Besides, I’ve got my good clothes on today and I don’t want to dirty them having to defend the honor of you two little girls. he chided with a little smile. It had been some time, but Flem had been in confrontations with The Clan. That was before the nasty little thug Vitol had taken over the gang. With his reputation, it would be less trouble to be late for work than having to deal with those thugs. They all headed back the way the two younger boys had originally walked.

They had walked five streets and turned the corner in front of the Woodsman’s Hall when Vance stepped out the door. Good morning Vance piped Tum. Long way around carrying water Vance observed nodding to Flem. They think they were being chased by The Clan snorted Flem. Tum told him the story and Jax ended by telling Vance Flem thought they might wait for us at the Market so we came this way. Vance nodded looking at Flem and said That was probably a good idea. No telling what The Clan will do with nobody watching. With Flem nodding, Vance continued They are getting increasingly bold. I think Johns needs to have some Defenders to pay them a visit soon. So you’ve been cozying up to Johns, have you Tum teased, Is that why you’ve been able spend so much time with Cil? Jax couldn’t help but blush at the mention of Cil in that way. Flem just cuffed his brother in the shoulder causing water to spill out of the buckets Tum was carrying. You just keep your mind on avoiding The Clan you’ll be much better off boy said Vance with a smile and you looking at Flem stop slopping water all around. Wasn’t me! replied Flem in feigned indignation I was just trying to teach the little turd some manners. Let’s get going you two said Flem, I don’t have all day and father is waiting for you Tum. I’m sure you don’t want to keep him waiting too long. You know how he gets. Tum nodded and hurried off toward home. After a few streets and turns, they parted ways near Jax’s home. The two brothers headed off trading barbs about the morning’s activities. Jax wondered what Tum’s father had in mind. He seldom summoned Tum like that unless there was something going on, and usually something bad.

When Jax reached his home, his mother was waiting for him at the door. Where have you been? she asked We’re all going to be late. You know I can’t get everything ready without that water. I’m sorry mother Jax apologized, and he related the morning’s events. As Betty spread breakfast out on the table, Thom climbed down the ladder and shuffled over to join his mother and brother at the table. You need to avoid The Clan Jax cautioned Betty as she filled plates for the boys. You aren’t picking fights again? asked Thom. I did not pick a fight last time… exclaimed Jax I just couldn’t stand seeing that scum Vitol shoving people around and stealing from them! Thom shook his head and focused his attention on his breakfast. He and Jax had this discussion more than once and it wasn’t worth the effort today. Betty looked at Jax with great compassion and said There will come a time Jax when you will have to choose between controlling your emotions and loosing yourself. Both brothers looked at their mother in surprise. What is that supposed to mean? asked Thom. Betty shook her head and said, Finish your breakfast and get going, you both have to get to the Academy soon. Thom dug into his breakfast, but Jax wasn’t as hungry after his interactions this morning and then the strange comment by his mother. When they had finished eating, they wiped their plates into the throw bucket and left them by the work table where Betty would wash them. As they headed for the door Betty said to Jax Good luck at the placements this morning. and then added Are you working at the guild today? Not today mother, replied Jax, the new apprentices are cleaning the Kiln’s and the second-years have a free day. Well come right home after school today and you can help me out in the fields. We need to start the potato harvest and you can help carry them up for me. Maybe I can get more of the canning done today if you help with the hauling. OK mother. said Jax a little disappointed. Jax was hoping he would be able to spend the afternoon at the Academy with Professor Gant. Jax wanted to get some idea where he would fit in Gant’s Geology class.

Betty sent the boys off to their responsibilities for the day. Thom as a hopeful to be accepted as a trainee in the Defenders, and Jax as an apprentice in the pottery guild. The pottery guild was not the most sought after kind of position, but it made for a fairly comfortable life. People always needed dishes and pots and various containers for daily life. The most sought after apprentice positions were in the Weapons and Woodsman’s Guilds Metal workers did mundane things like all the hardware any civilization would use like hinges, clasps and nails but also weapons. The Woodsman’s Guild is the primary builders of structures and their furnishings. The Masons handle all stone and brick work, but in almost all projects are subservient to the Woodsmen. Betty herself had wanted to be a healer, but fate hadn’t worked in her favor. She worked instead in the fields. Betty went to the back of the building and pulled a small two-wheeled cart from the attached shed. She started down the street, pushing her cart through the Folds making her way to the fields. She did not belong to a Guild, but was an independent worker rather than a common laborer. Betty was what most folks called a small-cropper. She had her own land amongst the fields and a talent for making things grow better and bigger than most.

Betty made her way down the hill toward the western edge of the city. A passage through the wall called the Worker’s Gate was built in a ravine in the plateau. As she neared the Worker’s Gate, the amount of foot traffic had increased to where her progress had slowed considerably. Looks like it will be a good harvest day called her friend Lynda from a few feet away. The interaction startled Betty as she had been thinking about Jax and wasn’t paying attention to the traffic around her. She smiled back at Lynda and said Yes, I should be able to get all of the potatoes out today. All… asked Lynda as they fell in next to each other moving toward the gate. That’s going to be quite a few loads if your harvest is anything near what your field looks like it could be this year. Betty smiled and said Thanks. It had been a rather mediocre year for many growers, but Betty always seemed to have better harvests than most. That surprised many farmers as the piece of land she had was not the best. Not poor soil, but not the prime lands used by the Guilds. Thankfully, this was a good enough harvest for most and she wasn’t really a target of any serious jealousy or unwanted attention. Sometimes her peers resented her results when theirs weren’t as good. Will your boys be helping you today, Lynda? asked Betty. Her three sons were all younger than Jax and not doing well enough in school to be strong guild candidates. The two oldest will come out after school replied Lynda, The little one will be helping my mother with her stock. Betty smiled and nodded Jax is supposed to help me today. Isn’t he working at the pottery guild now? asked Lynda. Yes, but they are working on the kilns and the older boys have the afternoon to help with the harvest explained Betty. By this time, they had reached the Worker’s Gate. The guard called to them, Am I going to get anything worth eating from you two this year? Betty and Lynda could hear the smile in his voice without even looking. Potatoes from me today Thomas replied Betty. Carrots and turnips from me you old thief added Lynda. The guard smiled and winked as they passed A feast most men don’t deserve. he said good heartedly. Especially the likes of you replied Lynda over her shoulder. As they walked the thirty feet thought the tunnel in the outer wall Betty was uncomfortable. The opening was large enough for two large wagons with four-horse teams to pass each other, but it always seemed to close in on her. Not that she was claustrophobic, just something about this gate seemed to bother her. Have you heard about the beatings? Lynda asked in a hushed tone. The question caught Betty by surprise, breaking her tension about being in the tunnel. Not here! said Betty in an equally hushed voice, we can talk on the road. Betty glanced around to see if anybody around her had noticed Lynda’s comment. When nobody around seemed to pay any attention to the two of them, she relaxed. Lynda had done the same, so they kept walking through the tunnel and out the gate at the end with no further conversation. The whole situation had started a little more than a month ago. A newspaper in the southern section of town called ‘The Crier’ had printed stories and reports that the Ministry of Information didn’t like. Those reports pointed out that the current president; Hannford Willam had been making new laws by decree and bypassing the parliament. The Crier also reported on situations where the decrees simply nullified several laws. There was a lot of tension in the Hall of Justice where parliament created the laws. The members felt that President Willam was acting more and more like a king. The newspaper had been getting regular visits from the Ministry, when one morning the owner had been found on the front step of his print shop beaten badly. After that, he stopped printing the controversial material.

When Betty and Lynda got onto the open road and had space around them, Lynda asked So did you know there was another beating last night? Betty was mildly surprised but asked in a somewhat hushed tone Who was it this time? Relax said Lynda, Nobody can hear us out here but she had lowered her voice as well and looked about to see who might be around them. Better to be careful in any case replied Betty. After a moment of silence, Betty asked Ok, tell me what you’ve heard. Well, that dirty little rag called The Fly has been underground since the attacks started on newspapers said Lynda. I know that and I don’t care what you say, they write topics nobody else would dare print retorted Betty. Well, they have changed in the last few months admitted Lynda. That boy, Rags I think they call him, that worked for The Crier got picked up two nights ago after curfew with a bundle of copies of ‘The Fly’. He was arrested and taken to the Hall of Justice. Did they beat him? asked Betty. No said Lynda, "They went after the owner of The Crier and beat him almost to death. Why would they do that? asked Betty a little confused. The Fly is not associated with The Crier… Is it? Well, it would seem that there is some connection replied Lynda. Annabel Fochs said she listened while serving several of the Defenders last night she continued. I saw her at the well this morning and she told me they had orders from the Ministry of Information after they had taken the boy to Justice Hall. The Defenders were told to stay away from Loud Street. Oh! said Betty, That’s where The Crier is. Why would Annabel know that? If she’s telling stories again she will get into a lot of trouble. I don’t think so replied Lynda, She said they were on the third round of ale and were talking more loudly than they should. She also said that they stopped talking whenever she served them. Well how did she hear this conversation then? asked Betty. Annabel said she noticed they weren’t grabbing at her like usual explained Lynda, then when she got close they stopped talking. After a while they stopped paying attention and when she was cleaning nearby tables Annabel could hear them talking. They weren’t real happy about the whole thing either. Betty frowned and asked What happened to old Hob then? Is he hurt badly? This is the second time he has been attacked recently I don’t know replied Lynda with concern in her voice. His shop was still closed up when I went by on the way here. That’s unusual isn’t it? asked Betty. It is said Lynda, I’ve never seen his shop closed during the day before. Both of them stopped talking as they noticed a few of the people with neighboring gardening plots nearing Betty and Lynda. Ho ladies said one of them, A fine harvest morning isn’t it? Betty put a hasty smile on her face and replied Well it will be if we ever get into the fields to work." As they all moved into their respective plots Betty found herself deep in thought about the newspaper printer Hob. She worked up the row taking bag after bag of potatoes to her cart. Rounding the end first of many rows she could tell this was going to be a great harvest, for her anyway. As long as the price held, she would be able to pay off all her debts this year, pay for Jax’s Guild fees. She might even have some left over to buy the things she needed to replace around the house. However, a good harvest meant it would be a long few days and she would need Jax there to help her haul the cart home. It would be a long day and a heavy cart and Betty would push the first load home soon.

Jax picked Tum up on the way to the Academy and they were almost there when their friends, the brothers Fred and Max joined them. Will you be able to continue at the Guild this year? asked Fred slapping Jax on the back. Why wouldn’t I? asked Jax. Fred replied With the crops being so poor this year, even your mother won’t be able to make enough to pay for your Lot this year. Father told us at breakfast that the Lots have gone up quite a bit this year added Max. Fred and I may not be able to continue with the Guild. First I’ve heard of it said Tum. Me too said Jax. Father told me I better focus on making good products this year so my percentage stays high. said Max. Fat chance of that laughed Fred You can’t even make a decent pitcher. How do you expect to make any percentage this year? As the two brothers started shoving and laughing, Tum asked Jax, you had one of the highest percentages last year. Do you think you’ll have to leave the guild? I don’t have the faintest idea what those two are talking about replied Jax, I was working two days ago and Master Lon never mentioned a thing about the Lots changing. Well maybe their father was just riding them said Tum, You know what japes those two can be. Lon was the Master potter Jax was working under since he started last year. Jax was hoping to be accepted as a full apprentice this year. He was reasonably good with clay but not exceptional with the simple common pieces that were mostly sold. Jax’s work was good, but he was not quick. A liability for some, but Jax had a vision or a feel for some of the more complicated tall vessels used by the churches. He could make the tall sweeping curves of the neck thinner than most while still strong enough. Jax hoped that particular talent would help him get picked for an apprentice spot.

As they arrived at the Academy, Jax paid attention to the chatter of his friends. Tum was talking about having Vance and Cil with them for dinner last evening. What did she say about her father and the Defenders? asked Max. Do they know who was beating people up? Not people… replied Tum, Just shop owners. But, she said none of Johns’ squads are involved Why would she say that? asked Fred. Everybody knows it’s the Ministry of Information and their goons attacking people. Father told us all about it. He said it’s the Prefect in the southern quarter carrying out most of the attacks. Shut up Fred! snapped Max, You know he said we shouldn’t talk about this. We don’t want father’s shop to be next. Well, you brought it up Max retorted Fred and I don’t suppose you believe Jax or Tum will sell us out to the Progressives do you? Max reached across and cuffed the back of Fred’s head and said Not in public you idiot! If you can’t keep your mouth shut, you’ll bring more attention to father than he’s already getting. What do you mean Max? asked Jax. Now who’s saying too much? Fred noted as he rubbed the back of his head. It’s too crowded here said Max looking around to see if anybody was listening, lets meet for a pint after school and we can talk in private. The street leading to the front of the Academy was getting more crowded, but nobody appeared to be paying any real attention to their conversation. As they walked up the steps into the main Academy building, Jax could hear the chatter of his fellow students. Most were talking about classes or professors, but a few conversations were about one shop owner or another being attacked. A common theme amongst those conversations was about old Fob, the owner of the Crier. He was the latest of the victims.

Once inside the main hallway, the boys went to the admissions clerk and stood in line to get their class schedules for this term. As they progressed to the front of the line, the clerk asked Jax for his name. The clerk flipped through several pages in his ledger, and then quickly wrote out the list of classes Jax would take this term and handed it to him. The process was repeated for each of the three other boys. After they compared their class lists, they went their separate ways. Jax headed to his first class for the day; scripting. When he arrived in the classroom, he noticed that there were a lot of empty seats. He hadn’t really noticed as they were walking, but thinking back he could recall that the street leading to the Academy should have been a lot more crowded. After a few minutes, Professor Whemes called the session to order. Welcome to Advanced Scripting he intoned in his infamous monotone. It appears that this year’s harvest will cause us some delays in this term. We shall begin with the testing. Everybody take a small piece of parchment from the supply in your writing case and put down your name. Then write the name and a short description of every scripting style you have mastered in that script. When your list is complete, bring it to me and I shall separate you into the proper groups. Jax opened the top of the writing case at his table and pulled a pen, ink and small piece of parchment from the proper stack. He did as the professor asked and carefully wrote out the names and descriptions in the styles he was able. He also wrote out the information in common script for several other styles he knew of but hadn’t mastered, then brought the parchment up to the professor. After returning to his table, he cleaned the pen and put it and the ink jar away carefully. He sat quietly thinking about the dream. Jax was trying to work through what the images might mean when the professor announced All right everybody. I have everybody’s scripting analyzed and the results for your placement. Professor Whemes read the names of several students in the room and said I’d like you all to report on Tuesday’s as part of an intermediate class. You’re too advanced for Basic Scripting but you’re not ready for what this class will cover. That was one of the things Jax liked about Professor Whemes. He didn’t mince words about things. He always approached everything in class directly. The professor then called out the names of the remaining students and asked Is there anyone I missed? After waiting a few seconds he continued, Please plan to be here first thing every Wednesday and Friday morning at 8:00 sharp. If any of you are in the Alchemy section, tell me as you will have a conflict on Wednesdays and we can work that out later. He waited a few moments to see if anyone raised their hand and said As for now, you are free to move to your next class which should be at 9:30 so you have twenty minutes to get there. Stop and see me if you have questions and I’ll see all of you tomorrow or the following day.

Jax moved to his next class, Earth Sciences. This section was a joint class to cover Farming, Forestry and Geology. He had a good grasp of all of those topics. Jax liked farming from helping his mother in the fields, but worked hardest on Geology as it pertained most to his work in the Potter’s Guild. Most students picked one area to specialize in and get more specific training and work on advanced projects for that domain and attend the general sessions for the others. Jax hoped to attend the advanced section on Geology and if his mother could afford it, Farming as well. As he looked for a table, he noticed the brothers Max and Fred waving him over to theirs. He sat down and chatted idly about the Guild Lots. Lots were the fees charged to students to work until they were chosen as apprentices, or refused and sent away. Professor Karf, the Forestry teacher called the session to order and divided the tables into three groups. The professor’s assistant passed out a sheet of parchment to each student in the section. There were pens, ink and sheets of parchment on each table. Professor Karf said Each group will take a placement test for one of the three sections. You will be allowed twenty minutes to complete your test. Write your name at the top of the sheet and follow the instructions on the test at your table. When you have completed the test, turn over your sheet. At the twenty minute mark, our assistants will collect the tests and the next section’s test will be placed on your table. Start when the material is delivered and you will get twenty minutes from my mark to complete that test. When all three tests are complete, you may choose a book from the library on the back wall and review a text on the section you wish to pursue. He scanned the room to ensure everyone had paid attention to his instructions. Once your tests are reviewed, we will interview those who want to take an advanced section. If you have no questions… he paused, Please begin.

Vance was curious why he had received a summons by the Blue council. As he was making his way through the streets of the Folds towards the meeting place, he didn’t understand why they had moved up the normal meeting by almost two weeks. It may have had something to do with the recent political unrest, or possibly an action by the Grand Council. Vance knew that the councils often used Watchers to help influence the public perception of various situations. Vance was a Watcher. His duties were to monitor his assigned territory for anybody who uses the Talent and locate those who Reveal their talent. A Reveal is the point at which a person with telekinetic abilities first finds and uses them. In most cases, the Talent is usually exposed during puberty under some sort of stressful event. Most of a Watcher’s time is spent monitoring those who seem likely to have Talents. Signs differ, but are mostly unexplained luck or strange circumstances. During a Reveal, a Watcher must protect the person who exposes a Talent and cover up the incident as best possible. There is no way to completely suppress general knowledge of the Talents, but outside the society of Benders there are mostly tales and rumors of magic. Vance entered the Blind Pig and walked toward the back where the barkeep nods toward one of the meeting rooms in the back. After entering the room, he sees four nondescript men playing cards. The piles of coin on the table are mostly equal in size and the players appear deeply focused on their cards. After a moment or two of standing there, Vance sees the card player facing the door examining him. Vance touches his left hand to his forehead, then touches his right arm and drops his arms to his side. The card player touches his forehead with the cards in his left hand and nods to Vance. Vance returns the nod, and then crosses to the large bookcase. He presses a carving on the side of the bookcase. As he presses on the carving, Vance opens himself and gives a little mental push. A slight purple glow can be seen by those in the room and the bookcase opens outward. Vance swings the bookcase further and walks into the opening. As he pulls the bookcase closed behind him, Vance hears the latch catching as he starts down the stone staircase. The whole place has the look and feel of a dungeon as he reaches the lower chamber. As Vance reaches the bottom of the stairs, a very large armed man steps in front of him. The guard and Vance examine each other for a moment, and the guard nods toward the first door. The Watcher nods back and opens the door to enter the surprisingly large room. In the room’s center he sees two tables set in the shape of a ‘V’. Three men sit on the left, while one man and two women sit on the right. Those seated at the table are wearing veils to cover their heads and faces. In the open part of the V is an open chair. Vance walks to the tables and sits in the open chair. The man on the left point of the V intones Order of the Blue, this council is in session. Good morning Vance. Please give us a report on anything of note. he added with a more pleasant tone. Good morning Sir Carter replied Vance. May I ask why the council is cloaked today? We have been hearing reports of activities that concern us and we are taking precautions said Carter who then took off his hood and veil revealing a man of about seventy with gray hair, a thin beard and steel grey eyes. Do you have anything of significance to report on the two boys you are watching? he continued. Vance replied I am more convinced that my first subject, Astum Wells does not have as much potential for the Talent as we first thought. My second subject, Jaxon Copper does and may turn out to be very powerful. What brings you to that conclusion? asks the man next to Carter on the left side. He also removes his hood and veil as does the rest of the council. Vance looks at him and says, Because Lord Frey, I’ve been able to verify that all the events we believed attributable to Tum only occurred around Jax. Lord Frey started to say something but Vance continued And this morning, I ran into those two with Tum’s brother Flemming after an encounter with those Clan thugs. The two younger boys were pretty upset, especially Jax. So I tried to read Jax and there was a block there I could not penetrate. I remember you told us six months ago Astum has the potential. said Carter. I do sense he has the potential, but he may not have enough to Reveal said Vance, At least not soon At what point did you plan to inform us of this situation? demanded Lord Frey, "Do you think it’s so common to find a Shield?. Vance met Lord Frey’s cold stare and replied I intended send a message through the normal channels today after I did a little more digging on Jax, but I received this summons before I could finish. Right now I would prefer to get back to Watching him. Jax is being Watched as we speak. interjected Carter, He is in school right now and has just finished his scripting class. Good hand that boy. I agree on Tum, although I feel those two may be tied together somehow. The woman on the right of the V broke in I do believe we may need to meet young Jax sometime soon if he is indeed a Shield. As you wish Lady Falls replied Vance, Do you have a timeframe in mind? Let’s not get too far ahead of ourselves interrupted Lord Gray, Can we at least get some verification before we force a Cloaking on a boy we know very little about? I agree said Carter, Vance, did you have anybody verify? No sir, I’m sorry replied Vance, I was at the guild and there was no time without raising suspicions. The Woodsman’s Hall is ours isn’t it asked Lady Falls sharply. Now Marion said Carter, Let’s get all the facts before we pounce on our Watcher. Vance, can you please tell us everything you know about Jaxon Copper, including his involvement with The Clan. Before Vance could answer, Lady Falls added and I want to understand what’s going on with Johns and his Defenders. Have you been spending enough time with the Prefect to complete your investigations? All of the council turned and looked at Lady Falls. One topic at a time Marion. interrupted Carter Now if you please Vance, tell us all about Jaxon Copper. Vance took a deep breath and started Jaxon, his mother Betty and his brother Thomas live in the Folds in a modest house she rents. Betty is a farmer and is known to be more successful than most in her quadrant. Thomas is seventeen and has a job for the Weapons’ Guild hauling coal and firewood for the furnaces and wants to be a Defender. Jax is fifteen and is now a student focused on joining the Potters Guild. As I understand it, he is talented and has a good chance at an apprenticeship. His Mentor says he can make church decanters better than anyone…"

Jax had received his placements in Earth Sciences and scored high enough marks for advanced classes in Forestry and Geology. He spoke at length with Professor Karf about fees and materials he’d need to attend the Forestry section this term and he didn’t know if his mother could afford all of the classes he wanted to take. Jax would need Lon and the guild to help cover a portion of the costs of the Geology section to take all the classes he wanted. As Jax wandered back to his seat considering his quandary, Max and Fred came up beside him and jostled him a bit. What’s on your mind that you can’t watch where you’re going? teased Max. Ya, you almost knocked me over you clumsy ox chided Fred. Jax looked sideways at the two brothers, shook his head and grimaced as he walked back to the table. The two brothers exchanged a curious look and followed him to their table. Why so grim? asked Max. Did Karf refuse you a place in his class? added Fred. Or did he put you back with the first year’s? chucked Max. Nothing quite so dramatic replied Jax, The fees for Karf’s Forestry section are higher than I expected and the materials list has several very expensive items. Well what do you care about Forestry for anyway? asked Max You have to be set for a guild position. With your usual marks in Geology, you really don’t need anything beyond basic forestry, and you probably don’t even have to pass with a guild invitation added Fred. Jax thought for a moment before he answered I want to understand more about cutting and processing lumber. I believe it’s important to have some background in more than one topic. Max and Fred both broke into laughter and before Jax could respond, they heard the pounding of the chalice on the lectern. Professor Karf was watching them with fire in his eyes.