Chapter 25: Event Horizon — Part 3

Kris gave a mocking, playful salute to Vodia’s oldest Priest. “Yes Sir. I’ll be staying at my Uncle’s house, should you choose to give the pretty lady even a moment of spare time to see the city.”

“Your courtesy is without paramount.” Laura said.

“Beat cobblestone, scoundrel.” Master Toen said, his voice sounding something like gravel.

Laura smiled at Kris before he left her. Master Toen, missing no details, led her from the crowd and from Joni and Trina, who were speaking in high shrill voices with various Council members about the upcoming Tests. Once they left the crowd and hustle, Laura paused to look around. Master Toen had taken her to a vibrant garden of flowers, fruits, grasses, and vegetables that had more life in its scant hundred-yard square plot than five acres of Vodia’s native lands. Toen placed a hand that hardly seemed to have substance to it on hers. He squeezed, belying a grip of steel. When he spoke, some of the youth returned to his voice, though only a hint of it was enough to tell her that in his youth, Master Toen had been a vibrant speaker.

“I noticed your discomfort with the pomposity of politics, and so I have foregone taking you to the Inner Temple Tests. Joni and Trina, after all, will have no problem attending to such unimportant matters. In your absence a minor social revolution has occurred, and I’ve worked with certain factions to crush the class systems and bring true equality to all members of this planet. There’s now total freedom to all people worthy of such freedoms. It’s sad that such freedom wasn’t known earlier. Our warriors fight for freedom with the spirit of my ancestors, sacrificing their lives to preserve the rights of those they love. And the Priests fight hardest of all, defending this planet as if it has always been their home.” At first he seemed to be babbling, then his eyes grew steadily clearer, his body losing some of its previous grace. “I’ve decided who is to be my successor, and high time, as I am not long for this world.”

“Oh, and who is the lucky priest?” Laura asked, curious.

“No priest of this world can be so fortunate. The Masters were assassinated a month ago by Grison’s men. I’m an old soul, the last Master, and with me the discipline dies. The tests for Mastery continue, but none of them have the years needed to lead the Priesthood or Vodia’s people. If Captain Storm had chosen to stay on Vodia maybe she would have . . . Though she has a Leader’s soul, she drifts too much, can’t stay in one place well. Being trapped on one world would have weighed too heavily on her soul. Forgive me, I’m rambling. I’m old, it’s time. I’ve seen a thousand battles, and never dreamed that peace was something more than an illusion shattered by the hammer of war. I’ve heard the voice of this world, and it calls me home.”

“You’re like Susan? I’m sorry I felt no such power within you.” Laura said.

“Because the voice of this world lies dormant, and only a quiet mind can hear it. This world is about to change irreversibly. Niger is still healing, Vodia needs to wake up and help its sister along. You will heal one world by waking up the other.” Master Toen sat down, and Laura sat with him. The ground trembled a little, and Laura could feel and hear a resonant grind. “You must lead the people of this world.”

“As Susan does for the Antansi?”

“Yes. If you’ll accept, I’ll be on my way.” Master Toen said.

Laura put her hand on the ground, touching the soil. She could feel herself pass through it, into it. Gaining strength and confidence, Laura rose up and faced Master Toen, kissing his lips, and his forehead, holding his parchment and kindling body close to her. She still had questions, and fears. She put them in order in her head, and asked Master Toen the most important ones.

“How do I become Leader? Are there tests to be taken?” Laura almost stammered.

“No Priests tests, for you were with Susan when she was tested. Vodia will test you, perhaps, and your strength and patience will always be tested.” Master Toen died in her arms before she could ask another question.