The Shattered One

By Lexy Wolfe

Can Ash and Storm keep their family safe?

The lifemates are still recovering after a close brush with death. Ash has to come to terms with his family while Storm is still regaining her strength after the birth of her twins.

When news of a new emergency arrives, Ash and Storm rally the tribe to

• Language: English
• Publisher: Desert Dragon Publishing
• Release date: Oct 31, 2023
• ISBN: 9780984000371

Book preview

Chapter 1

It's about time ye got here, Emil groused as Mureln appeared in the strange, crystalline nether realm. I don' think I could be any more obvious about wantin' t' talk wi'out goin' out ta smack ye in person.

The bard chuckled. Trust me, you are almost as effective as Storm is using the tribal bond to communicate. I just haven't had time until now or the water to spare needed for the temporal lens to work with the stability we'll need for this conversation. It's been hectic, to put it mildly.

He squinted at the Vodani bard for several heartbeats after they settled across the shimmering temporal pool from each other. "Yer lookin' rough, Mureln. The hell happened? The shit we've been sensing over the bayuli-volsha has been fecking nightmare inducing."

Mureln smiled tiredly. I suppose saying everything is how it needs to be might be inadequate… Emil narrowed his eyes. The bard laughed, then sighed. It's great seeing you, Emil. I've never been more grateful for Ash and Terrence creating the temporal lenses so we can communicate apart. And you're looking as young as you act now!

You are beatin' around th' bush, Mureln. Emil frowned. It ain't doing a thing t' make me worry less. What. Happened?

The quick, good news answer is we found Thandar and mended Storm's bond to him before they were both lost.

Well, that be good. Emil spoke slowly, his eyes still narrowed on his friend. "That do' not explain why you look like hell."

That gets a little more complicated, but let me start from the beginning or we'll be all day jumping back and forth. Emil waved for Mureln to continue, then crossed his arms. We hadn't been docked in Home Port for more than a half hour before things turned…insane. He paused a moment. Oh, yes. So, apparently a group of Desanti had left Desantiva to fetch Storm and Skyfire, with the Raging One's blessing.

Emil arched an eyebrow. That would not ha' gone well, what wi' Storm an' her task. Surprised th' Forenten had na' come t'Fortress ta get Ash and Terrence. Lirai seemed ta be th' only mage willin' ta take responsibility fer anythin' at all.

Mureln smirked faintly. "I am certain they would have, but my arrowhawk had delivered the message to Ash's uncle we would not be returning immediately. And the group of new Desanti in Forenta probably kept them preoccupied. Maybe too well. The Se'edai Magus wanted to establish a channel of communication with the Desanti. He figures it would at least help avoid another Great War. Ash's brother Nolyn agreed and took a jaunt down to Desantiva himself. Storm and Ash ended up having to open a portal so we could save him from being stoned to death."

Emil stared, then pinched the bridge of his nose. Them Forenten really ha' no sense to 'em, do they? All idealistic goals an' too much arrogance to figure maybe they need ta think 'bout how others'll see 'em.

"The Forenten make me look paranoid." Mureln gave his friend a cheeky grin.

The gypsy snorted at that, then leaned forward, his demeanor earnest. "How could I forget? Is Storm all right? Her baby? The stuff we be sensin' from th' bayuli-volsha has been confusin' at best. But we ain't sure what it all be, since my brother an' I never had nothin' like a tribal bond ta know fer ourselves."

Storm and the babies are fine. He said nothing more, waiting with knowing expectation.

Oh, thank th' gods—wait. He squinted at Mureln again. "Babies? Desanti don't make 'em that fast, do they?"

The bard laughed heartily at his friend's reaction. No. She had twins. His smile faded. It was…well. Her impaired Githalin bond helped nothing. Or her wounded spirit. Let's hope she is more sensible in the future and sticks to one at a time.

Sensible? Storm? Feh. Emil crossed his arms with a squint. "So that explains the confusion wi' Storm. Why don't you look okay?"

I'm getting there! It isn't a delightful memory. Mureln sighed, rubbing his cheeks wearily. "So, you remember that stone pillar we saw the last time we were here? Thing they called the A'tyrna Ulan?"

Yeah? I remember Storm gettin' real pissed at Ash fer tryin' to touch it. Somethin' sacred to her people.

Apparently they were the children of Zhekali and Avarian. Emil stared, the bard smiling with understanding of his friend's feelings. A spell they used held them between life and death, as it also made them the anchors for life in Desantiva. Izkynder could let us see and speak with them…somehow.

That boy of yers is somethin' else. And just a baby himself!

Mureln smiled in mute agreement before continuing. "The A'tyrna Ulan were still na'Zhekali and shared the tribal bond, though I'm not sure any modern na'Zhekali realized that. Storm didn't know until we came across the first one that Izkynder talked to. They had lost their tribal connection when the raiders slaughtered the original na'Zhekali and killed the chieftains. Storm insisted we reconnect them. Though I am uncertain if her motivation stemmed from her past life as Zhekali or her current one, knowing the pain of that loss herself.

"Something weird had happened to the na'Zhekali territory after the slaughter. The land became poisoned, but we'll never know for sure if it was something to do with killing the tribe connected to the A'tyrna Ulan, humans infested with darklings led by the darkborn hunting for Storm occupying it, or something else altogether. We were in the middle of it on the way to the second to last pillar to reconnect that one when the twins decided it was time. Early. The Raging One permitted us to take refuge in the Rumblelands.

While Storm was recovering—and fading the longer her bond to Thandar remained impaired—Ash decided splitting our group up to finish reconnecting the last two to the tribe…so Storm would know it was done before she might have… He shook his head, banishing the depressing thought. "I went with Ash to protect Izkynder. Skyfire's sister was a Su'alin who had spoken with the last one herself, and there were…issues with their birth tribe…so they went to that one. But before that could happen, Terrence, ah, ripped a hole in reality that took part of our group out of the picture for a time."

He shrugged at the gaping shock of the other. You remember during our testing Terrence learned he was Zhekali and Avarian's seventh child reborn? He purposefully tapped into the memories of that previous life and changed himself physically to a half-Totani, half-human to undo their spell to free them. Not just their souls. He brought them back into the living world.

"Be that the extra noise in the tribal bond? More people? Emil stared in amazement. He leveled a frown on the bard. How does this explain you—?"

We encountered the source of the blight infesting the na'Zhekali territory. Not sure…what they were. There are no words. But I can show you… He carefully crafted a memory of the scene; Emil drew back in horrified disgust at the monstrosity that attacked the mage.

"Ash and Jaison protected Izkynder, me and Bella from the things. Ash damn near killed himself overdoing it with Forentan and temporal magic, rolling a swath of rock like water over many of them. Then that…thing tried to kill him. It was hunting for Storm and thought to use him to draw her out. Bella shot it with her crossbow to get it to release Ash from its choke hold. It pulled it out and flung it at me to stop my music from disrupting the things' advance. I didn't dodge fast enough to avoid it altogether. But I lived. Obviously."

Feck, Emil said in a low voice, his worry creasing his face even more.

And then the Raging One showed up and, ah, purged the land. Volcanoes are beautiful in an abjectly terrifying way. So are angry dragon gods. He quirked a wry smile. So…that's everything.

Damn it, man. We should ha' been wi' ye an' the rest o' th' tribe, he said in a low voice, eyes dark with feelings of guilt.

You are where you needed to be. After a moment's hesitation, Mureln added, But we need you back with us. At the other's alarm, he smiled with wan reassurance. It isn't an emergency. But I know Storm has been thinking about what happened at Fortress between you and her. He quirked a wan smile. She doesn't hide her feelings as well these days.

Of course! Kinda itchin' t' get back t' Ash's trees. Feel like home, ye know? Mureln nodded in heartfelt agreement. Emil glanced over his shoulder. Ye think anyone'd mind if I brought some extra company?

Is Ophilia ready to go home? Mureln asked in a bland tone.

Heh. She has been more'n ready, but I'm sure ye been expectin' her t'want ta get back wi' Terrence an' see her mother. Almek is helpin' th' new Dusvets get settled. Bit of good news is Dulain Benilus got his second mark to be Dusvet now. Keeps the more arrogant Guardians in their places. He hesitated. Itena said she wants ta come wi' me. Introduce our son to th' tribe.

You planning to tell your clan you finally spawned another you?

Emil sighed, dropping his eyes, shoulders drooping. "I…don't know. Not sure if Emaris an' I can even tell the Morlaiz clan we are still alive. I mean, it be obvious we ain't lookin' as old as we used ta, but hidin' our marks will only get more questions why. That'd mean them knowin' we be Guardians, and gods love everyone in th' clan, but some of 'em kenna keep a secret if anyone's lives depended on it, ye know? Only Etaio an' a few others know we be th' Seeing One's ghost guard. Or even that ghost guard exist. We dinna even know 'bout 'em until they tapped us t' join 'em."

Ah, yes. I see the problem. He considered and shrugged. "We'll figure it out when the clan is somewhere we can reach them. Thanks to having the physical aspects of an A'tyrna Ulan, Terrence can make portals like Storm and Ash have to do together. When Ash is stronger, we will head back to Ithesra."

Emil grunted. Makes sense to wait. Our Alanis do like t' do things in extremes, don't they?

Mureln laughed, then blinked. Oh! Storm said it would be okay to pass this along to Almek and Benilus. We found the missing Desanti archives. A place called the Citadel located deep in the interior of Desantiva houses a temple to the Timeless One. It's been the home of most of their Path orders, mostly the Path of the Sword. That's where we're holed up for now.

Emil's eyes lit up. Ye did? That be great! He considered the bard. I be guessin' that ye aren't goin' ta be bringin' their archives back.

No. Everyone agreed trying to return to 'the way things were before' would be…disruptive.

To put it mildly wi' th' warrior folk, Emil interjected in droll tones.

Murlen grinned before continuing. So, Tyrsan's now Dulain for this place. While we work to educate those outside of Desantiva about Desanti, he will help the Desanti learn about the 'Outlands.' He is hoping to find some Guardian potentials from among them. Basically, a less chaotic reintroduction between short tempered warriors and less than tolerant outlanders. Several of the Paths seem to embrace various aspects of Guardian skills, so it will be interesting to see the future additions to the Guardian ranks.

"Tyrsan be livin' his dream, eh? Found his missing books and his missing Desanti Guardians."

He sure is. With a heaping helping of responsibilities, new and old.

All right. I'll pass along everythin' ye tol' me t' all th' right ears. Mebbe we'll be waiting fer ye in Ithesra when ye get there.

Maybe. Mureln did not bother to mention the likelihood of traversing that distance faster than a portal hop.

Oh, an' just so ye know. Part of our disguise, b'sides hidin' our marks, is goin' by different names.

Sensible. Not sure how common your names were, particularly paired.

Emil smirked. I'll be goin' by Emmit, an' Emaris will be Evarus. Close enough anyone will think the slip'll just be somethin' misheard or drunkenness.

Mureln touched his fingers to his temple in a gesture of agreed understanding. Keep you and Emaris safe. Evarus. I can't be traveling without my reason to be counting coins. Emil chuckled as he left the temporal lens connection. Mureln took a breath and slipped out of the scrying trance.

Chapter 2

Storm, please. You need rest. Taylin knelt in front of the woman with worry in her eyes. The healer placed a light hand on the unconscious man's shoulder. I promise. Ash is fine! It's just exhaustion.

He collapsed while we spoke with the Trisari, she said in a low voice. Her eyes focused on her lifemate's age-lined face as she gently ran her fingers through his gray-streaked hair. It is not like him.

It is very much like him, Terrence said before Taylin could scold the stubborn Desanti woman. A question lurked behind the narrow-eyed glare Storm turned toward him. He has exhausted himself before, while manipulating time or magic, and he had done both to an extreme. You've seen it yourself. It only means he pushed himself to his limits when he used both, but not so far that he suffers from the chlayxin.

I am grateful he avoided the magic backlash, at least. She sighed, closing her eyes. I shared too much of my knowledge of my homeland with him. Perhaps he would not have gotten so close to death.

Terrence tilted his head, puzzled. Without you, he wouldn't have been prepared for the blighted creatures.

Storm exhaled loudly. "I had not shared just the knowledge of the blight, I also imparted how my tribe and our land had been connected. I hid the taint from my father for the same reason I will never release the memories of my tlisan's deaths. She closed her eyes, turning her face away. It was the last tangible thing from my past I had left of them. He pushed himself to this state for me. A pointless exercise of vengeance because once my divine father learned of the taint, He destroyed the whole territory in the purge. I could have lost all of you and my tribe's territory. I would rather lose all my memories than him."

He did it, Terrence said gently, taking her hand in both of his, for them. For those lost. She met his eyes, hers glittering with unshed tears. Your family became his family. He cannot avenge the family he lost, but he could avenge those you had. To let their spirits know we will remember them. She closed her eyes, pressing their clasped hands against her cheek, a single tear escaping.

Taylin smiled sadly. Try to get some rest, Storm. The Desanti woman only nodded. The healer accepted Terrence's hand up, and both left the chamber.

Of their own volition, the open doors between the archives and the lower levels closed. The woman sighed, closing her eyes. Keeper.

Githalin, the merman greeted in return, emerging to sit on the top step to better see the pair, his beige and turquoise tail flipping languidly. Amusement colored his expression. You realize you and your lifemate are well matched. Storm looked up at him in silent question. He shares the streak of selfless stubbornness you bear. Willing to give everything of yourselves for others' benefits.

That is not why I love him, she grumbled, turning her gaze to her unconscious lifemate.

No one has claimed that it is. Merely an observation of the similarities you both possess. Consider it a validation of Zhekali's steadfast belief that warriors and mages are more alike than not. His voice softened. "You may embrace the echoes of your soul's heart. It will not risk you being forced to retake the divine mantle."

A tear rolled down her cheek. Is it selfish of me not to choose immortality? To become Zhekali the Firebird once more? I know I am needed. The machinations of the Changing and Unchanging Ones spoke volumes.

Perhaps, as some might define selfishness. But it is not wrong. She looked up at him, confusion marring her expression. If you cannot consider that your own heart and soul are worthy of consideration, then think of your tribe. Think of him. Think of your children. He added, "Think of her children. They would be bereft without you. They need Aelia as much as, if not more so, than the gods need Zhekali. Aelia na'Zhekali's guidance is needed now. Not Zhekali the Firebird."

She opened her mouth, then shut it again, jaw clenched as more tears escaped. "I need to return to my Father's task of teaching Forenten about the people, and that requires my presence in Ithesra. Ash must remain in seclusion within the Timeless One's embrace to heal from the injuries he took. Injuries he should never have borne in his futile attempt to purge the poison tainting my home. I know it will require years. He will miss Keaira and Aiden's childhood. Our children will not know their father as they grow.

"I won't be able to know the A'tyrna Ulan, either. Her children must remain here to ensure Desantiva does not collapse without their presence holding life to it. I can sense the fragility through my Githalin bond to Thandar. The fractures threaten to collapse and finish what that evil spell started without them. The woman sighed. I am not strong enough to stand alone. She brought Ash's hand to her cheek, closing her eyes. Not anymore."

The Timeless One's voice echoed in the chamber. My warrior, you and Ash are to remain in Desantiva until I have decided you may leave.

A tangle of emotions clouded the woman's expression. But I must return to Forenta! The Heart bid me to teach the mages about my people. He has not changed His mind. I know this!

He is content to allow that task to wait a little longer. Keeper inclined his head to the goddess and dove into the pool as the former statue moved across to sit nearer. You are His child. An echo of everything He is. Your heartache is His heartache. She held a finger to Her lips to forestall Storm's argument. "Do as your tlisan bid to do and rest. With him." Storm averted her gaze and did not argue further, laying along Ash's side, pulling a cloak made blanket over them both. Her exhaustion brought sleep quickly.

Moments later, a portal opened and Terrence walked through. His gaze moved to his Alanis, worry creasing his brow. He knelt on one knee before the mermaid goddess. You summoned me, mistress?

There is a task I require you to perform, Terrence. He looked up with mute curiosity, no dread or second guesses of his capability. You are aware Desantiva still has many fractures that threaten its stability.

He averted his gaze. "Yes, I know. My bond with Dzee makes it impossible not to sense them. There was only time to free the A'tyrna Ulan before the Raging One purged the darkling infestation within the na'Zhekali territory. I planned to remain in Desantiva after everyone leaves to help attend to those before they weaken further and risk this territory's collapse. He looked up. Does the task You wish of me require me to complete it before that?"

"That task is precisely the one I wish you to complete. As quickly as possible. Once completed, you and the A'tyrna Ulan may freely come and go from Desantiva. Terrence blinked in surprise. I realize it would require an effort that could damage you if you did it alone at the pace I wish. I suggest enlisting the help of those who had been your spirit's siblings. They bound life to the land for thousands of years. I imagine it would please them to see their efforts resolved once and for all. Even with your ability to open portals and your Githalin Dzee to guide you, you will all still require rest as you work. I expect it will require more than a month to complete. Perhaps two or three."

Desantiva is expansive. Is it wise to depend on me creating portals? Terrence scratched the back of his head in a nervous gesture. The Raging One had expressed His irritation with me for my use of them.

The goddess's eyes crinkled in amusement. Your first attempt irritated Him because it was clumsy and excessive for what was required. A properly constructed one would pull no one into it nor threaten to destabilize any of the realms. Your second, in fact, was more stable than your first. The more you use the technique, the better your skill at it will become.

Frequent use of portals wouldn't threaten the great balance? When She frowned, he added in a rush, I am not questioning Your order. Request, he corrected when the goddess's expression grew more displeased. Making things worse worries me. I seem to be…fantastic at overdoing things. Would skipping around Desantiva instead of taking the normal time to travel great distances cause instabilities?

Amusement softened the goddess's expression. Your earnestness and consideration is admirable and appreciated, but you need not concern yourself for this matter. Desantiva's collapse would cause an imbalance of far greater magnitude than your ability to travel great distances in small time frames. You could not accomplish this task at the pace I wish it to be done within the bounds of the mortal realm. The portals are your only means to do so.

She considered him. As for once this task is done, trust in your judgment whether being able to move between great distances within heartbeats is a risk or not. You are the one who must endure the strain of the effort. She smiled faintly. You can deny others who request such of you. If you wish, invoke My name with your denials. Her smile faded. Poor treatment and dishonoring of My servants would displease Me. I will provide lessons to those requiring them to disabuse them of the insult.

The young man shuddered at the implied threat. I vow to stay out of Your wrath, mistress.

There is a reason I request this from you. A gentle smile softened the Timeless One's expression again. I have deemed that your Alanis Ash must remain here until I feel he is well enough to leave My domain and remain in the company of his family. It will aid Aelia's recovery and allow her to attend the task set before her. He will need only return to My embrace for short periods of time instead of a single extended separation that is expected. The duration of your task should be sufficient.

Terrence looked at the sleeping pair and pursed his lips. That is why she seemed inordinately upset. I know she had been fretting over resuming the task her divine father had given her ever since she woke up. I think she blames herself for the delay.

Among other reasons. She is the mortal form of the Raging One, and all the reciprocity that bond implies.

He mused. I wondered why he treated her different from the other Totani. More…doting, I suppose. She used to say that to suffer honored Him. But He feels that of His children.

Mortal souls shine like the points of light on the night sky's tapestry. Some are brighter than others. To Him, She said, looking at the sleeping couple, Aelia is like the sun itself because they are so much alike. They were both born of human hearts. The difference between them is she was born of two before the First Sundering. He was born of many during it.

I think I understand. He smiled faintly. You are gracious, Mistress. All of us in the tribe will be grateful to have Ash among us. That his required isolation would have kept him separated from Storm and the twins weighed heavily on our hearts. He rose and bowed to the goddess, hand over his heart. I will do everything necessary to ensure it happens as You wish it.

Your willingness to shoulder the burdens your Alanis cannot is good, Terrence, but you need not do so alone. He looked up with mild surprise as She returned to the statue's place. Show them how to lean on others' support. It is an important lesson for all the na'Zhekali.

I will do my best, mistress.

She smiled. I know. I believe in all of you.

Chapter 3

Tyrsan paused within the archway of the interior garden to study the space. Sunlight glittered across a shallow pool of water, sending shimmering reflections of gold onto the white marble walls. Rocks of various sizes, shapes, and colors were placed around the sandy floor, save for the flat stones that comprised the path from archway to pool. A tree that resembled a dried branch that caught spun floss the color of sunsets was the only other object that would draw the eye.

If that is all the larger trees get here, I understand why Desanti consider them too sacred to harm. He joined Storm on a blanket near the tree where she nursed one infant, the other sleeping, having already fed. He brushed the cloud of wispy foliage with the tips of his fingers. Such a fragile thing.

She managed a ghost of a smile, her eyes on her child. You are judging it by the trees in the north. Green-gold eyes turned toward the nearly black wood. This tree is ancient and nearly impossible to cut or carve. They must be able to endure the ragewinds when they come. She touched the inky bark with light fingers. Perhaps if we had magic, we could coax them to grow straighter. But, they dance to their own songs. It is tradition to use pieces broken off from storms for tokens of luck or protection.

She reached into a small pouch on her hip, pulling out a small, dark object. My grandfather had given this to me on my fifth birthday before he left the tribe to join the elders in First Home. A totem of protection. It is probably the last surviving scrap of wood from my—our—tribe's territory.

He took the object, studying the etchings carved with obvious care. Apparently, it has served you well. He smiled as he handed it back to her. You are still here.

She considered it with a thoughtful expression before tucking it away and changing the subject. "It is so quiet now that the members of the former na'Citali tribe have left the White Tower to settle within the Tyluran of Citadel. Terrence and the A'tyrna Ulan are away mending the remaining fractures in the land. And the others of the tribe spend their days among the Tyluran exchanging knowledge."

He drew one knee up, draping his arm over it. You seem lonely, Aelia. Why don't you stay in the altar chamber with Ash?

With a soft exhalation, she shook her head. I cannot. It is the Timeless One's domain; he needs Her to mend the temporal damage he incurred. The gods cannot exert Their influence as much on those in need in the presence of those who are not. When Aiden finished, she tucked him on her chest, lightly patting his back, her eyes focused on the edge of the blanket. This is the same as the seclusion Almek had to endure after we brought him back to Fortress. The difference is the altar chamber in Fortress is considerably more isolated. The one here also serves as the antechamber to our hidden library that those who serve here must pass through regularly. They try to limit how often they do so while he is there.

Ah. I was unaware. Almek had usually been better about remaining in Sanctuary long enough to be restored, and those times were no longer than a decade long before he was off again. I think there was only one other time he had been required to isolate himself during my time as a Guardian. Tyrsan pulled out a piece of jerky, tore it in half, and offered a piece to Storm after she settled Aiden in the basket by his sister. She accepted it, chewing on it half-heartedly. You know you are making everyone fret, eating so little.

She managed a wan smile. It is difficult when I have no appetite. I am trying. She sighed, resting her hands in her lap, eyes on the meat she held. "It is difficult because of the injuries Thandar and I suffered from our impaired bond, but I can sense the changes. Terrence and the A'tyrna Ulan are making good progress on healing the land."

He reached over to place a hand on her knee. You will recover, Aelia. I have faith one day, you will knock me on my ass in a training match like you used to in Fortress.

She gave his hand a gentle squeeze, a tactile expression of gratitude for him. I expect you to be training with the Tyluri when we leave. You will disappoint me if you are not a challenge.

Not as much as I would be. He made a sound of disgust. I spent centuries trying to knock sense into the other Guardians, that they should hone their fighting skills and not depend only on temporal manipulations. With a wistful sigh, he sat back, leaning on one hand as he gazed at the sky through the intricately carved stonework. To have Desanti warriors among our numbers again…it has always been a dream of mine.

Before or after the dream to find our hidden archives? she asked.

He blinked at the atypical teasing tone, then laughed. Honestly, it depended on whether I had just finished training or researching. He smiled as she chuckled. I took your advice and spoke with Jarota. The new Alanis Su'alin was a little skeptical about having those who follow the Path of the Spirit learn non-magical healing techniques from Taylin. But they have warmed to the idea. Taylin says there are few from her sect who learn the basic techniques as fast.

Good. Taylin explained how healers learn healing skills that do not rely on magic in the event there could be more need than capacity. I thought it would be useful to the Path of the Spirit to have a necessary talent that others could witness in the waking world. She tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. Many fear the Su'alin because they do not understand them. If they have skills that are as useful in the waking world, perhaps the tribes will embrace their Path as well. She tore off a small bite of meat and chewed. It also keeps Taylin distracted from my current state. That the children have not held her attention more surprises me.

He smiled in understanding. Mureln has been a wonderful child tender with Laurel and Izkynder while Star works with Skyfire and Taylin trains the Su'alin. The Tyluran children flock to him for stories. Often many of the adults, too. He glanced at her. It was gracious of you to allow Nolyn and Marcus to learn inscription from the Desanti who serve in the archives.

She shrugged, eyes averted. I trust them. They would not use it against my people.

Tyrsan chuckled. You are still unsure about it, aren't you? Teaching the Forenten about Desanti.

She sighed. I cannot help it. I spent most of my life guarding my people's way of life. Our secrets. The penalty for revealing them to foreigners or outlanders was death. Even though things have changed, I cannot help but feel like I am betraying my Path.

My Alanis, you are not following your Path anymore. She looked at him with a vague sense of horror in her eyes. He smiled and took her hand in his, squeezing. Look at your Githalin mark if you must remind yourself. He nodded toward the golden image that had once been only a black silhouette of Thandar. You have proven yourself a master. The patterns will change, and you will help guide those changes. You do not follow the Path; you forge it.

I suppose, she allowed, still uncertain. She considered him. Would you be willing to learn the na'Zhekali rituals? Each tribe has their own, but they all have the same purposes. It would aid you in understanding my people, I think. Thandar has been helping me learn them, and I would like to share this knowledge with you.

He smiled and inclined his head. I would be honored, my Alanis.

Chapter 4

Hold! Garyt called out, his stentorian voice echoing off the cliff face. Silence engulfed the surrounding warriors, who had been cheering on the combatants as he brought the pair to a halt. He stepped into the combat circle where Jaison and Quinn stood statue still. The Alanis Tyluri reached out and adjusted Jaison's sword hand, then went to Quinn to nudge his foot with a light tap of his toe. As he backed out, he called, Resume!

The contest lasted for several more minutes until the pair reached a mutual point of exhaustion. They stepped back from one another, saluted, then turned to Garyt to salute him. The grizzled warrior's expression reflected pleasure. I am impressed with both of you. Your improvements reflect your worth as warriors.

Quinn frowned in confusion. How is that?

Jaison chuckled as he stretched before sliding his sword back into its sheath. When he corrects us, we stay corrected. Tyrsan would get extremely annoyed with those who immediately went back to poor forms and postures after he corrected them.

Sparring with the Dulain is a delight. Garyt waved to another pair of warriors to enter the circle. I and many other Tyluri have enjoyed his taking time from his duties for us. The Outlands may prove more interesting than we assumed. He gestured to the two warriors waiting in the circle to begin. The people will be ready when the Outlanders come.

Quinn glanced at the group of women focusing on him and Jaison and rolled his eyes. God's teeth, I am so not in the mood for this, he grumbled. Come on. Let's get back to the tower.

The Dusvet Guardian looked toward the source of Quinn's ire and chuckled. Not interested in keeping to current day traditions?

I don't see you jumping at the chance to make a bunch of babies. The younger man's retort made Jaison laugh. Besides, it isn't I don't want to. Like most of our people, I have always considered it a sacred duty to breed strong sons and daughters. His scowl didn't ease as they started up the long stairs leading to the White Tower. What bothers me is there are too many of them.

So?

Quinn glanced at him from the corner of his eye. You really didn't grow up here, did you? He made an airy gesture. I hate choosing between people. I really hate when they try to choose for me. He sighed. "Before the war happened, a woman insisted I give her a child. She challenged the woman I wanted. Neither would yield