TCO: Chapter Thirty

Shamira arrived back at the temple two days later and reported to the Council that repairs to the Divakae village were nearly complete. At the midday meal, Gyan overheard Shamira talking to Tarak about his family. It was the first time since the council that the san warriors had even seen Tarak, as his days were filled with many hours of training with Jalena.

Most of the warriors had easily warmed up to the idea that Tarak was a part of their light family, although Tarak seemed keener on keeping his distance from the group.

Jarek seemed to be wrestling internally with the idea that Tarak was his brother. As a result, his usual mischievous and cheerful disposition was somewhat sullen. The week of Tarak's arrival, Jarek began to take several long walks outside the temple grounds alone. Near the end of the week, however, he seemed to have made up his mind about how he felt about the entire situation.

"Right," he said, as he unexpectedly plopped down on the bench across from Tarak during a meal one evening. "I just wanted you to know that I'm sorrier that I didn't know about you sooner than anything else."

Tarak stopped chewing and stared at Jarek in silence.

"I…I'm just trying to say that I'm glad that I have a brother now. That's it." Jarek stood up to move further down and sit in his usual spot near the others.

"Stop." Tarak gestured to the seat across from him, indicating for Jarek to sit back down.

Easing into conversation, Jarek spent the rest of the meal asking Tarak questions about his childhood. It was the first time Gyan had observed Tarak livened since arriving at the temple. Next to Gyan, Aderes sat in silence, quickly ate his meal, and left before any of the others.

Brogan, who had been stealing glances at Aderes throughout the meal, watched him walk out of the temple dining hall. Is he alright? he asked Gyan.

Gyan shrugged, looking at the dining hall doors where Aderes had exited. I think he will be…in time.

***

Aderes paused as the dining hall doors swung to a close behind him before making his way across the temple grounds. He walked with his head down, lost in thought, and almost ran directly into Sorda, who was walking toward the dining hall.

"My apologies, Sorda."

"Not a problem, San Aderes. Can I help you with something?"

"Actually, yes," Aderes replied. "Have you seen Elder Master Syam?"

Sorda gestured to the temple sanctuary. "I believe he is near the sanctuary speaking to one of the ascetas."

Aderes nodded and made his way down a hallway that stretched along the front part of the temple where Syam stood.

Syam and the temple instructor finished their conversation as they noticed Aderes approaching. "Send a message to Sir Tomé to prepare for another visit," Syam said. "He will know what to do."

The asceta inclined his head and left.

"San Aderes," Syam said as he turned to Aderes.

"I need to speak to you."

"I expected you would…please," Syam held out his arm in the direction of the temple sanctuary doors, "after you."

Syam followed Aderes into the sanctuary, and Aderes sat down on the nearest pew. Numerous lit candles along the walls of the room cast a dim glow throughout the sanctuary. Meditative music played softly in the background.

"I grant your perception is being challenged upon the arrival of our new warrior," Syam stated after pulling the double doors closed.

Aderes stood and began pacing back and forth. "Everyone seems to forget that he is still Vaznaun," he said irritably.

"And you think of them as savages," Syam said.

Aderes stopped pacing and faced Syam. "Obviously," he replied. "They slaughtered my family in case you have forgotten." Aderes struggled to control his temper.

"I have not forgotten," answered Syam calmly, "but Tarak is also half warrior, which you seem to have overlooked. He was also never raised by the Vaznaun. Do you not think that he holds the same desire for revenge within his heart as you? The Vaznaun attacked his family as well. Be careful of your perception, San Aderes. Appearances are deceiving. You know that they do not reflect the spirit within."

"It isn't his external appearance that offends me, Elder Master. He carries the same savage blood within him."

Syam sighed. "Blood does not determine choice nor fate. Maybe you are right about the ruthless nature of many Vaznaun, but again I will remind you that Tarak also has the blood of a light warrior. It is not wise to assume that all who hold the appearance of one kind are the same."

Aderes remained silent.

"This is an opportunity for you to rise above limitations in perception, San Aderes."

"I cannot accept him as part of my light family."

"You do not have to consider Tarak as a part of your immediate light family because he did not train within the circle as a child. He is a part of the Order, however, and this is all you need accept," Syam replied with a note of finality.

"I do not understand why the masters placed the priority of rescuing a Vaznaun above retrieving my own sister," Aderes continued, getting to the heart of the subject.

"Our priorities are not always determined by value alone, San Aderes. The appropriate time for action must be considered, as well as other factors. Perhaps you fail to understand the problems that would surely arise had Tarak been in the hands of Mordán for longer than he was."

"My sister has been under Mordán's control for years!"

"You are allowing your emotions of loss and pain to shadow your mind and therefore taint your rationality," Syam said gently.

"But there has been no decision from the Council regarding when her rescue will occur," Aderes argued.

"Do you really think that our spies are not watching Lesiana daily? They have reported that she is in no harm. She is treated very well, as a guest. In fact…"

"In fact, what?" Aderes questioned as Syam trailed off.

Syam sighed. "It appears that Mordán…" He paused again.

"What?" Aderes repeated with a worried look.

"It appears that Mordán is in love with her."

Aderes instantly paled. A look of dismay overcame his face as he dropped into a nearby pew.

"As unnerved as you are to hear of this, San Aderes, know that this ensures that Mordán will allow no harm to come to her while she is there." He watched Aderes closely. "This also means that any attempt to rescue her before the right time may trigger Mordán to take instant revenge on more innocent lives. There will be a time to retrieve her. I feel we will not have to wait much longer."

Aderes stood and moved toward the door slowly. He gave a slight bow to Syam and walked numbly out of the room, failing to notice the dark figure that stood in the shadows of the temple hall foyer, listening to every word.

***