Greymankle and Shazar have fallen behind, leaving only Rusteen and Jack pursuing the jogging monks - and Zin - through the Outlands near Sigil. Suddenly, the githzerai known as Second, leader of these monks, barks out a command in Gith!

On Second's command, the githzerai monks grab one another's shoulders (as well as Zin’s) to form a living ring. Immediately afterward, the elder and powerful Second exercises his Will upon the multiverse and planeshifts the entire group to Limbo - home.

Zin is surrounded by the roiling soup and cloudy vapors of the plane. Even though he’s only been gone just over a year, it seems like a lot longer, and he'd forgotten the sheer beauty of the formlessness. The sight brings back memories of his past, other times when he has been escorted home to the monastery after long wanderings in the cloudstuff that forms his home. In the past, though, his absence has been of short duration, and the “rescue” a matter for First’s disapproval. This time. . . this time Zin is not sure exactly what awaits him, but ‘disapproval’ is likely to be an understatement.

Zin’s thoughts are interrupted by the sight of a giant ball of burning plasma descending on him and the monks. He opens his mouth to mention it, but Second barks out a command before the young seer can speak.

"Brethren. Walls of Shaka."

Instantly, the chaos around them solidifies into a stone chamber, with walls of fitted blocks, a floor of flagstones, and a roof of slate. The threatening ball of plasma is now tamed as a series of torches burning smokelessly in wall sconces. The four monks are seated one to a corner, concentrating on maintaining this sanctum, among the first such structures taught initiates at the monastery. It is a tribute to their training, Zin thinks, that their reaction was so swift and sure. Not only that, but the areas of their mental control overlap seamlessly, illustrating how perfectly their mental images of the tower duplicate each other. Zin, left standing with Second in the center of the room, is sure he could have established the same defense with the same speed, but certainly not in harmony with others. Zin’s musings are ended as Second begins speaking, bringing the seer’s attention to the grave matters at hand.

"So, Young Terrazin Cloudsight, now that we are away from those *others* [Second uses the full githzerai implications of the word, showing the typical contempt for those not of Gith or Zerthimon], you will tell me where you have been." The elder monk stands “at rest”, a position from which, Zin knows from experience, Second can easily launch attacks, fade into defense, or simply sit into a more relaxed posture. It gives the wayward githzerai no information about his elder’s intentions. . .

"As you wish, Second,” responds the young Seer. “To avoid repeating the entire story again when we reach the monastery, I will give you an abridged summary. I was stolen away by an illithid named T'chkanik while I was exploring near the monastery. I had just imprinted my psycrystal, in fact," Zin pulls up his pulsing purple crystal from under his leathers, where it usually hangs on pendant chain, "when he and his thugs surprised me."

"I was enslaved by him for about six months, and subjected to repeated mental assault. I slowly learned how to counter his attacks, however, while still faking the stupor such invasions previously caused. I took advantage of a lapse of vigilance on his part to escape, dropping through a Portal into the sea of Mount Celestia. From there I eventually made my way to Sigil, were I took a job gathering sensations for a factotum of the Sensates; the job earned me some money for food and supplies, and gave me a chance to learn more about the Planes and the Factions. The others [Zin uses a far more polite 'zerai word, more akin to 'trustworthy ally' than the 'non-Gith-and-therefore-enemy' implication that Second used] were my companions on the first of what became many trips."

"I have traveled to Baator and the Abyss, to Acheron and Carceri, along the World Ash, and even to a backwater Prime world. I have seen and learned much, Second; I do not think you will be disappointed in my growth. After all, in a year none of you have found me, but *I* was able to contact and communicate with *you*..."

Second's voice is like the crack of whip.

"*You* have not yet the privilege to take that tone with me, *child*. Forget not Zerthimon's teachings on respect.” Zin’s confident and proud demeanor shifts instantly to one of subdued contrition; old habits are hard to break! “If you have a claim to prove, you can prove it properly to me here and now, or you can wait and prove it to First for the rest of your days. So, do you have anything to prove to me, or will you wait?"

Inside the reprimand, Zin senses a hidden meaning -- and, given that they are speaking in a language that is built on hidden meanings.... Zin studies his elder for several long moments, sure that Second is waiting for something, something specific on Zin's part, but the young seer is not sure what it is.

"I accept your rebuke, Second,” replies Zin after a few moments. “I was in fact returning to the monastery *tomorrow* to finish the Rites of Adulthood; I have not earned the privilege to *address* you as an equal. However, if you wish to test me here and now, I am ready to prove that I *am* your equal, at least in maturity if not physical prowess..."

The younger githzerai’s posture and attitude change again as he speaks, rising from humility to subdued confidence once more. As he finishes speaking, Zin's eyes flash and a low hum echoes as he psionically increases his strength and health, and adopts a more commanding presence as well. (His mental and physical agility have already been enhanced, part of the young seer’s morning regimen...)

Second does not interrupt Zin’s display of mental augmentation. He simply stands there, waiting for the younger ‘zerai to finish, with no trace of emotion or hint of his thoughts showing for the seer to read. However, the elder ‘zerai does activate one power of his own during the process. Zin notices that a faint shimmer of ectoplasm now surrounds Second’s hands; Zin quickly recognizes that Second has activated a power known as "Claws of the Bear" - he has just augmented his already powerful hand to hand attacks!

Once both of ‘zerai have prepared, they stand there, staring at each other. Mimicking the elder’s posture and attitude, Zin calmly waits and assesses his opponent; his keen mind and seer training allow him to sense that Second is hoping the youth will attack him - but the elder monk he has made no obvious indication that Zin *should* do such a thing. But then, neither does he show any sign of attacking.

After exchanging stares with Second for what seems an eternity, Zin opens his arms wide, palms up. "Only a child allows himself to be provoked into striking with anger. If you wish a combative Test, Second, you need only state your acknowledgement of the circumstances. I shall not strike at you outside of such a Test." Zin mentally congratulates himself as Second - with no outward change - relaxes in some undefined way at the seer’s answer.

"Do you truly wish me to acknowledge this Test? Or would you rather stand before First and argue your point? Know that your answer will be your *final* decision on this matter." Once again, the elder monk presents a stony countenance, giving away nothing.

Zin think back on his upbringing, his memories of other ‘zerai youths taking the test, and how Second’s approval or disapproval always counted heaviest in First’s judgment. In fact, Zin cannot recall a single aspirant who passed the Rites of Adulthod *without* Second’s tacit approval. After a moment, Zin answers Second’s question: "*You* will not be swayed by talk. *You* will not be convinced until I have demonstrated my competence to *your* satisfaction. On the other hand, if I *do* convince *you*, *First* will have no arguments or reservations."

Zin pauses to take a breath, then continues. "Don't misunderstand me; I do not arrogantly assume I will 'defeat' you, although the possibility exists. I only aim to prove myself capable of watching out for myself." After a moment, Zin impulsively adds, "And I extend an offer of healing to you, before the test, so that the injuries caused by my companions will not distract you nor hinder the Test in any way."

"I accept your offer as you have accepted mine. Heal what you can, and then begin your demonstration when you are ready." Zin smiles - to himself - at the inspiration of his offer, and that Second accepted it. The seer is giving free reign to his intuition more and more as this tense encounter progresses, trusting instinct in a fashion of which his Cipher companion, Que, would greatly approve. That his elder accepted the impulsive idea only serves to strengthen Zin’s hunch that this is how he should truly proceed. But still, something tickles the back of Zin’s mind... something about Second’s statements and the situation at hand...

The younger ‘zerai shakes his head minutely, clearing away the doubts as he pulls a crystal wand from its case at his side, then extends the dorje towards the elder monk. Activating it, he transfers all of the bruises and scrapes Second had suffered in battle with Twig and Rusteen to his own less robust form. He gasps at the pain Second had easily been ignoring, then centers his mind and lets his psionic energy flow down his body, washing away the pain and the injuries. After a minute, Zin opens his eyes and faces Second once again.

Second’s posture and expression have not changed at all, to Zin’s discerning eye. The monk seems a statue, shaped from the very mists of Limbo like the “stone” walls surrounding them. Zin glances at the other monks, noting that they too have not shifted even minutely in their poses of concentration. The young ‘zerai is certain such iron discipline will never be his... Taking a few additional moments, Zin manifests one last defense, surrounding his skin with a crystalline covering.

Finally, Zin begins the Test; he reaches out with his will in an attempt to Psychically Crush Second's will, thus leaving the elder more vulnerable to mental manipulation. His mental energies reach out to ensnare Second's mind and... find nothing. Second has employed the Empty Mind defense, and Zin’s attack fails to find any purchase. In response, Zin senses Second's own mental attack coming towards him. Mimicking his elder, Zin employs the same Empty Mind defense, quickly hiding his mental signature; the stealthy fibers of Second's Id Insinuation are unable to take root in his mind.

Quickly, Zin tries to counterattack with telepathic Domination, but before he can try to bend Second’s Will to his, the elder ‘zerai steps in thrusts a punch at the concentrating seer Zin! Thanks to the seer’s psionically-boosted agility, Zin is able to just barely dodge the blow. Along with the physical attack, however, comes a mental missive in a commanding tone: {{Who are the enemies of Gith?}}

Startled, Zin replies, {{The githyanki, the illithid, and all who would enslave us,}} and follows the telepathic missive with a telepathic assault. His attempt to employ Lesser Domination on Second fails to even penetrate the elder monk’s outer mental shell, though, reminding him just how powerful Second truly is. Acting with more speed than even Second expects, Zin tries again. This time he is able to compensate for the other githzerai's psionic resistance, but completely underestimates the elder monk's resistance to mental influence. A bit startled by the strength of the monk’s will, Zin steps hastily away from Second.

Second calmly follows Zin's step and delivers a powerful punch to the seer’s chest. Although Zin’s crystalline shell reduces the force of the blow, the younger ‘zerai flinches back as his ribs are bruised by the assault. Additionally, the blow is accompanied by another missive: {{Who, then, are the enemies of Zerthimon?}}

After the punch, Zin quickly adopts a more defensive posture, intent on keeping the monk from landing more punishing blows. He pauses for just a moment in his defensive weaving, though, and nods to Second; instead of an attack, Zin answers the question with two missives. {{I am mistaken; Gith's enemies are not 'yanki, but 'zerai.}}

{{Zerthimon's enemies are those who mislead the *People*.}}

Second does not pause in his attack on the young seer, despite the pause in the other’s offense. However, Zin's increased focus on defense does cause Second's kick to miss, just barely shunted aside by a shifted hip as Zin recalls one small piece of his early training in the monastery. As before, the elder 'zerai continues his mental examination: {{Do not misspeak again, young one. Who are the *People*?}}

Zin shifts position a little, slipping away from Second as he draws forth a dorje; Zin circles to Second’s left as he prepares the crystal wand. He suddenly dispenses with the defensive weaving, thrusts the dorje forward, and mentally activates it. A viscous glob of ectoplasmic goo shoots forth from the tip of the dorje, striking the elder monk in the legs! Second moves quickly, shaking off much of the substance before it can harden and glue him to the floor. What remains is enough, though, to slow his speed and reactions a bit, and edge Zin hopes will be enough! Zin resumes his defensive posture as he answers the posed question with: {{Those who *know* Zerthimon's teachings. The 'yanki are unbelievers, misled by Gith.}}

Second demonstrates that his agility remains quite unimpaired by vaulting over the startled seer’s head! Although the leap is obviously not as gracefully as the monk expected, thanks to the clinging goo, he nevertheless lands easily behind Zin, placing an open-handed slap on the back of his head. Through the sudden ringing in his ears, Zin receives the elder monk’s next question: {{Who is a slave?}}

Zin spins around to face Second once more, shaking his head to clear it. He answers the question first: {{Simply, one who *knows not* himself. Generally, one who serves against his will.}} Then Zin answers the physical head slap with a psionic mirror; Zin slides the dorje into its sheath, and again attempts a Psychic Crush on Second.

Apparently the ectoplasmic entanglement has thrown Second off his game a little bit. He puts up the Empty Mind defense again, but Zin slides past his resistance, slips through the Void, and finds his foe’s will. Pleased, Zin reaches out and applies pressure, causing damage to the monk’s psyche. However, as he does so, a flash of light shoots out from Second's will blindingly fast and engulfs the seer’s own mind in fire... Zin drops the mental contact, knowing he did not yet inflict much damage to his opponent, but the more experienced monk’s Mind Trap has successfully drained the younger psion’s mind of its energy!

This latest combination of successes on Zin’s part cracks Second's calm, and he lashes out at the young seer in anger - landing two more punches and a kick! As he batters Zin, again comes a question (in which Zin can hear Second's anger): {{Can one be an unknowing slave?}}

Zin reels from the blows, coughing and shedding pieces of crystalline armor. Having felt the full force of Second’s blows that time, the young seer realizes he cannot hope to stand against the monk for more than a few more exchanges. As he dodges away from Second, he gathers himself for one last-ditch effort. First, though, Zin manifests his reply: {{Anyone can be an unknowing slave; even Zerthimon followed Gith until he *knew* differently.}}

Then Zin drains his body and mind of its energy, reclaiming some of the power spent on the various psionic enhancements. He goes further, though, weakening his muscles dramatically, and drastically slowing his thought processes as his mind is also plundered for vestiges of power. Gathering all of this energy, Zin manifests Lesser Domination one final time, pumped up with as much power as he can handle, and thrust violently at the elder monk with all the force his will can muster. The normally invisible attack actually scribes a faint violet trail as the mental bolt streaks from the seer’s mind toward the startled monk...

Surprised by the sudden outpouring of psychic energy from Zin, Second is caught full force by the assault. The attack easily overpowers the elder 'zerai's psionic resistance and quickly finds Second's will as he attempts to hide it in the Void. It is only Second's advanced training as a monk that saves him from falling under Zin's influence, and that only barely!

In response, Second does not step after Zin. He quickly considers how such a "child" (in his eyes) could have manifested such power. Then Zin sees recognition in Second's eyes - the elder githzerai has noticed the wasting of Zin's body and knows where the power has come from. The exhausted youth does see a very tiny nod of acknowledgement from Second, and then the elder launches a psionic attack of his own.

Given Zin's drained condition, he cannot cannibalize his body fast enough to put up a defense. Second's attack, an Ego Whip, lands solidly on Zin’s unprotected mind -- but Zin's force of will is still strong enough to resist the attack, even without psionic defenses in place! Again, of course, comes one of Second's questions: {{What can make one a slave?}}

Zin takes a shaky breath, thankfully not pressed by the elder monk for moment. He reaches out to steady his weakened body on a wall of the tower as he replies: {{Not *knowing* one's self, body and mind. Not *knowing* that which acts on one.}}

Although unable to mount an effective attack after the last all-out effort, Zin remains unwilling to go purely defensive... He drains a little bit more energy from his ravaged body, feeling a heavy lethargy overcome his weakened muscles as he launches the weakest of his mental attacks: a simple Mind Thrust psionic probe. The seeming desperation of this move catches Second completely off-guard, and Zin’s assault successfully dulls some of the monk’s wits.

This time, Second does respond, calmly stepping forward to close the distance with Zin and lightly slapping him. Again, a question: {{If one of the *People* do not *know*, what must be done?}}

Zin nods in acknowledgement of the gentle rebuke, and ceases trying to psionically attack. Devoting his attention to Second’s question, though, the young seer suddenly recognizes a new danger: in crafting his reply, Zin realizes he may be trapping himself... {{He must be rescued from outside forces so he may concentrate on *knowing* himself.}}

Troubled by the direction of the questions -- and his reasoned-but-instinctive answers -- Zin follows his first replay with a second missive: {{One who truly *knows* himself can recognize outside forces; Zerthimon abandoned Gith.}}

Seeing no attack from Zin, Second steps back a few feet and concentrates for a moment. Although not apparent to the untrained eye, Zin recognizes the monk’s focus and the barely “audible” mental signature of a manifestation of Lesser Body Adjustment. The young ‘zerai sighs inwardly, and hopes that the combative portion of this Test is complete - all of his hard-won successes against Second’s mind have just been washed away by the elder’s psionic cleansing! The expected question, once posed: {{Who has the responsibility for this rescue?}}

Zin rests, concentrating to calm himself and retain composure. He thinks briefly about chugging a potion of healing, but decides against it - if Second wanted him dead, he would be; otherwise, Zin would rather rely on his own abilities to heal... tomorrow. However, his reply to this question has equally severe implications, and Zin takes the time to carefully consider his answer. Insight blossoms as the young seer suddenly realizes where this set of questions *must* lead... and understanding follows insight as he discovers the only *correct* answers that must be offered, regardless of the consequences... He calmly steps onto the just forseen path, and answers with: {{Someone who *knows* himself enough to guide the *knowing* of the enslaved. Care must be taken to truly *guide* [implication meaning: teach, instruct, assist with the process of discovery] the one, though, and not *influence* [implication is just shy of "mentally enslave"; restrict, impose will, force thought patterns].}}

Again, Second responds in kind to Zin’s lack of action - Zin offered no offensive action, so Second likewise offers none. Zin stands calmly under Second’s regard (although his weakened body still betrays his outward discipline with the occasional shudder); the elder monk seems to sense the emotional shift in the seer, but isn’t entirely sure what has caused the youth’s previous desperation to evaporate so quickly and completely. Still, he posses the next mental question: {{What are the responsibilities of a Seer?}}

Zin answers the anticipated question with calmly and clearly, intuition and reason confident in the *correct* response: {{To *guide* [same implications as before], to *enlighten* [make known hidden things], to *learn* [discover unknown things] and impart what is *learned*.}}

Immediately, Second fires back another question: {{What are the responsibilities of a Child of Midnight?}}

Zin pauses... this is exactly the question that he knew was coming -- and suddenly he isn't sure of the answer! His confidence and intuition disappear instantly as he fumbles with the question, and by extension, his own reason for existence! His mental reply shows his hesitation and uncertainty... {{To... act as a Seer, but for the *People* as a whole...}}

It is obvious to Zin that his reply truly ended as a question, not a definitive statement. He tries to explain further: {{To *guide* the *People*, or *learn* of hidden dangers; to discover impediments to following Zerthimon's teachings.}}

Second moves unexpectedly, stepping up to punch Zin solidly in the gut after his answer! The blow has a lot of force behind it, and a stunned Zin nearly loses consciousness from the focused attack. Along with the punch, Second mentally sends a very firm reprimand: {{That is why First wants you kept at home.}}

Second steps away again, face and posture again betraying no hint of emotion. The elder monk waits for Zin to recover from the blow, watching as the young seer carefully breathes in and out. A Zin recovers and centers himself, his ragged breathing and shuddering body calm once more, and he appears once more capable of rational thought; having waited for that moment, the elder githzerai mentally asks another question, in the neutral tone of most of his other questions: {{What does it mean to be *known* as an adult?}}

Zin’s confidence returns as he suddenly *knows* what questions Second must pose... and what answers must be given. Secure in this knowledge, Zin answers: {{One participates in society; one accepts responsibility for one's actions...}} Zin looks pointedly at Second, then finishes {{...and one shows he can care for himself.}}

Again, there is the tiny nod from Second. The elder gazes at Zin for several long moments, with no action or missive given. Finally, Second acts: he slowly and deliberately assumes a posture that Zin recognizes as part of the most advanced techniques the monastery teaches. It is an offensive stance, one that reminds Zin once again just how dangerous an elder of a monastery can be.... After Second has assumed the pose, and sees that Zin recognizes it, he sends another missive - the tone is absolutely neutral, revealing nothing. {{Do you *know* yourself to be adult or *Child*?}}

Zin is quiet and still as he ponders Second's question, and the potentially deadly implications both of the question and whatever answer he might give. The word “Child” is very deliberately capitalized and certainly refers to the concept of being a Child of Midnight. However, there are also all the other implications of the word "child" layered in as well. And now Zin fully appreciates his status as a Child of Midnight. This is why they are such treasures and protected by being kept - children are not allowed to roam free!

However, the earlier insight of the young seer have prepared him for this moment. He understands exactly what is being asked, and what is at stake. Zin draws himself up, looks directly into the eyes of the elder monk, and carefully answers *out loud*:

"I am Terrazin Cloudsight, *adult* of the *People*, and as an *adult*, I acknowledge my responsibilities as a Child [alternate form of the word used, without the implications of immaturity] of Midnight."

Long moments pass without response. Zin’s confidence begins to weaken, as he wonders if his “insight” was only a false vision... Then, Second swiftly breaks his pose and stands casually in the room, with a small smile on his face.

"Greeting, Terrazin Cloudsight. I *know* you as an adult."

The four other monks in the room immediately give the proper response to complete the Ritual of Adulthood. "We *know* you and *accept* you as one of the *People*."

Terrazin lets out the breath he didn’t know he was holding, smiles, and accepts the greetings of the monks, pleased and relieved to have passed the Test and been accepted as an adult. Second comes forward unthreateningly to clasp Terrazin's forearm in the way of greeting a fellow adult, and equal. "Well done, Terrazin. Come, we should rest before the next stage of the journey. We will worry about your choices tomorrow."

Mentally, Terrazin receives another series of messages for him alone: {{Yes, you must choose, and I would know it. Would you use your responsibilities for the *People* as a whole, or the *whole* of the People?}}

Second's final question leaves Terrazin a little confused, but the young -adult- Seer puts off worries about it until the morrow. There is still a hike to the monastery yet to accomplish, and his stressed body is a little unreliable... Now that the rush of completing the Rite of Adulthood has worn off, the githzerai finds that he is very, very, tired. He is more than happy to accept the offer of rest before the next day's journey. Almost immediately upon laying down upon the chamber's floor, he falls asleep. And soon thereafter, Terrazin begins to Dream...

He is traveling on the winds, drifting over the land below. The day is overcast, but the weather is pleasant and calm. It must be spring, for the grass and trees are a verdant green, and the sounds of birds and insects fill the air.

An immense peal of thunder breaks the calm. The clouds roll back, revealing a sky like quicksilver. With the fanfare of thunder and the flash of lightning, a storm rages and the silver sky falls as rain upon the land. Many of the drops, upon striking the ground, turn into a vast army of ants that sweeps across the land, trembling the ground underfoot and stripping the trees bare. Other drops become crimson wasps, which scorch the air with the beating of their wings.

The winds sweep him up and away from the devastation that is being wrought on the land, and up into the silver sky, against and through the falling rain. He is carried along, powerless to do anything but avoid being struck by the drops of rain. After a time, he comes to the source of the rain.

He sees a man floating in the sky, and the raindrops are his tears. The man cries because of the creature that rides upon his back - a black and twisted skeleton. The wind is the cackling laughter of the man's tormentor. The undead horror is clawing at the man with one hand, ripping him open, seeking to grasp his heart. With the other hand, the skeleton holds a shredded and decayed flag that it uses as a whip to drive the tears. Terrazin can also see that each tear is tied to the skeleton by one of the threads of the faded banner.

Terrazin feels sympathy, revulsion, and shame in equal measure and time at this scene. He wishes to help the man, but he cannot for he is just a leaf in a storm, at the mercy of the winds. Those winds drive him further away from the skeleton, the helpless man, his tears, and the land. Terrazin is driven further and further into the silver sky, until he can almost no longer see the source of the storm.

And now something else draws his attention, and he realizes that it was not the winds of the storm that had pushed him, but rather it was this place that pulled. For here, the sky swirls and boils, light flashes, and the whole world shakes. Terrazin knows that there is *something* here, something which is trying to Become. Terrazin feels its presence - and he realize that it feels his! It is what has brought him here. As the *something* begins to appear on the edges of his senses - Becoming but not yet Is - the *something* speaks to Terrazin in a voice of heartbreaking clarity.

"I AWAKEN. FIND ME. BEFORE YOU WILL CHOOSE FOR YOU, YOU ARE ONE WHO WILL CHOOSE FOR ME."

The light intensifies, becoming almost blinding. And just as Terrazin is about to see the *something*...

Terrazin's Dream ends, and he merely sleeps. In the morning, he awakes with his body fully refreshed, but his mind still churns with the images he has seen. He sits on his cloak for several minutes, pondering the meaning of the Dream, until he finally realizes he is the first to awaken. He waits in silence for the others to rise, continuing to reflect on the events of the previous day, and the disturbing images of the night.

The other monks rise within minutes of each other, then efficiently set about preparing for departure. Terrazin is somewhat surprised to note that Second seems somehow disappointed to see him, but the elder 'zerai is cordial enough and does address Terrazin as an equal, if younger, adult.

"I trust you have rested well. Are you ready to accompany us back home? The trip should take about three days..."

Terrazin looks curiously at Second, confused by the glimpse of the monk’s disappointment. Then he settles himself, figuring he would likely learn the reason in due time. "Yes, on both accounts. I am eager to speak with First before..." Terrazin trails off, thinking about his dream during the night. "... Well, before something else disrupts us."

"As you wish. You are able to choose your own fate." With that, Second nods to the other monks and the stone chamber dissolves back into the formless chaos of Limbo. Shortly afterward, the group begins to move through the grey soupy cloudstuff, in the direction of their home monastery, Anthara’zzarmon [the Forge of Zerthimon’s Steel].

As the group travels, Terrazin senses the difference in the others' attitude towards him. Before the previous night, the group was escorting/guarding him. Now, they are simply accompanying and showing the way. Terrazin also notes that he always seems to end at the back of the small group, while the same pair of monks always seem to lead.

The two which end up in the lead most of the time prefer to talk to Terrazin as little as possible. He senses that they want nothing more to return him to the monastery and be done with this whole trip. He also gains a faint sense that their hurry is to “Get this wandering troublemaker back home where he belongs!”

The other two are bit more friendly and engage in some minor conversation with Terrazin as the day passes. They seem more at ease with his having been declared an adult than the previous pair. Terrazin also catches an odd undercurrent of... expectation, perhaps, in their tone when they speak to him.

Terrazin is struck suddenly by a troubling thought: is he ending up at the back of the group simply because the others are moving faster, or because they are consciously creating an opportunity for him to slip away? It is, after all, true that the monks are faster, and that could be the entire reason why Terrazin keeps falling behind. But, it does seem that Zin's position in the rear could be intentional. The pair who seems to dislike him starts near him at the beginning of a day's travel, and then are rotated to the front halfway through. Once this happens, Terrazin can see how he starts to fall behind.

The front pair act as scouts and maintain a certain distance from Second, who marks the pace and is near to Terrazin. Once the rotation happens, Second slowly picks up his pace, pushing the front pair further ahead. The other pair tends to stick with Second, which eventually causes Terrazin to fall behind.

As far as Terrazin can tell, the group does not appear to be attempting to lose Terrazin, just merely going a bit faster than he is. When Terrazin gets too far behind, Second slows down to allow him to catch up. However, Terrazin thinks that for someone of his supposed importance, Second doesn't appear to be checking up on him all that often...

During the second day of travel, Terrazin again watches the pacing and attitudes of the group. What he sees and what it seems to imply clashes with his desire to return home and be acknowledged by First. Finally, after spending several hours chasing his own thoughts in a circle, Terrazin falls back on his powers as a Seer.

He pictures several paths laid in front of him; one leads to the monastery, where First waits at the entrance; one path leads out into the chaos of Limbo, away from the monastery; a third path leads somewhere unknown, toward the nebulous destiny that Terrazin has felt tugging at his soul. As Terrazin ponders these paths, he concentrates on the likely results of pursuing each course of action. Confirming his suspicions, the path leading into Limbo and the path leading to his destiny seem to merge in his mental sight. As he releases his concentration, the two paths gather a little more definition; the monastery path becomes outlined in bars, but the path into Limbo becomes tinged with blood! “Safety or danger,” Terrazin confirms to himself, “always the choice...”

At lunch during the second day, Terrazin pries out two small laen crystals from his crossbow, and concentrates on them for the rest of the day, preparing them. That night he empowers the prepared crystals, crafting messages for Second and for First. Using his skills with Psicraft and Remote Viewing, the 'zerai Seer sets about encoding a set of Missives in each one, keyed to release when held by their respective recipients.

For Second, the message Terrazin crafts is: "Thank you for your *instruction*, in all things. I must leave you to pursue a *vision*, in accordance with my *responsibilities*. I do not yet *know* the answer to your question, but I will discover it in time."

For First, the message the young adult creates follows a different path: "Forgive my tardiness, First. Second has led me to *know* my responsibilities are greater than I once *knew*. Accept my apologies for not greeting you in person, as an Adult, as is your due. I will check in from time to time as circumstances allow; I am pursuing a *vision* that I believe will impact our People, and perhaps all of our *People*..."

Once the Missives are encoded, Terrazin gratefully falls asleep, exhausted from the effort of creating the psionic items. In the morning, he surreptitiously places them in Second's pack in the guise of bringing the pack to the elder monk.

As they set off the final day of the journey, Terrazin watches for Second's attention to sweep over him and then move forward. As soon as this happens, Terrazin changes the focus of his planar traveling from the monastery to the place where he encoded his psycrystal more than a year ago.

Sure enough, the pattern established in the first two days continues. When the time seems right, Terrazin slips away into the chaos of Limbo. However, just before he completely loses sight of the others, the young seer receives a missive from Second. While the words are few, the mental tone behind the message is filled with pride and satisfaction: {{Seek Xaos for freedom; seek the Sho'sal Khou [a phrase in the ancient dialect of the githzerai language - it means, roughly, "two halves as one"] for aid. Travel well in Zerthimon's name.}}

Authored by: Ken Lipka E-mail me: krlipka@yahoo.com

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