The Exercise Of Vital Powers

by Ian Gregoire

  “That is a very good question.” Fay looked thoughtful for a moment. “I suspect you will know the answer before I do.”

  Kayden was puzzled by Fay’s admission that she didn’t know. Surely the woman had to know why she had brought an apprentice to Temis Rulan?

  “Well, what did she mean when she asked if I was the reason for your visit?” Kayden pressed. “Did you bring me here to have someone else make the decision to expel me and bind my Zarantar for you?”

  Fay sipped some more tea then set down her cup. “Listen to me carefully, Kayden.” Her tone was gravely serious, as was the look on her face. “What the future may hold for you is entirely out of my hands. I’ve done all I can for you; your fate rests in your own hands now.”

  “What’s that supposed to mean?” asked Kayden in evident frustration.

  Rina returned to the table, causing the suspension of the conversation. She placed two small bowls on the table, each one laden with a warm slice of apple and pear pie, and a generous dollop of whipped cream. “Enjoy,” she said with a smile, before ambling away and leaving the two diners to continue their meals.

  “Thank you, Rina,” said Fay, to the departing woman.

  As Fay bit into another fish fritter, Kayden attempted to resume their unfinished conversation. “You didn’t answer my question.”

  “Kayden, try to enjoy your meal.” Fay began refilling her cup. “All your questions will be answered, one way or another, soon enough. Just be patient.”

  Feeling as though she had just been unceremoniously dismissed, Kayden quietly ate the last remaining fritter on her plate, before wolfing down what little remained of the potato salad. She set the empty plate aside then set about devouring the apple and pear pie.

  “May I ask you a personal question?” Kayden asked finally, through a mouthful of her glorious dessert.

  “I doubt I could stop you.”

  Kayden hesitated momentarily. “What did I do to make you hate me?” She tried but failed to conceal the hurt in her voice.

  Looking visibly disquieted, Fay set her teacup down. “Why in the world would you think that I hate you?”

  “It’s true, isn’t it?”

  Before Kayden could receive a reply, someone approached the table with purpose, stopping at Fay’s side. It was the same Sanatsai who had been tasked with conveying a message to the leader of the Order, announcing Fay’s arrival. Kayden didn’t hear what was said when he bent forward to whisper in Fay’s ear, though it was obviously the return message. Whatever was said, Fay stood up promptly, wiping her hands with a napkin.

  “Thank you,” Fay said to her Sanatsai counterpart, who silently nodded in acknowledgement then marched away just as swiftly as he had arrived.

  “Are we leaving?” asked Kayden, rising up from her seat.

  Fay gestured for the apprentice to sit back down. “I’m going to meet with Master Ari now,” she said. “You stay here and finish your meal.” She stepped away from her chair then pushed it back in towards the table. “I’m not sure how long I will be, but if you finish eating before I return, go back to Kassani House and ask someone to direct you to the third floor common room. I will find you there. On the off-chance anyone should question your presence, just let it be known you are here with me.”

  Kayden was only half paying attention; her eyes were on Fay’s untouched dessert. “So you won’t be wanting your pie?” she asked sheepishly.

  “Help yourself, Kayden.”

  She reached across the table, pulling the apple and pear pie closer, while Fay casually departed towards the nearest exit. As Kayden peered back over her shoulder to watch the Sanatsai leave, the woman’s words returned to her, reverberating in her mind:

  What the future may hold for you is entirely out of my hands. I’ve done all I can for you; your fate rests in your own hands now.

  class="no_indent"Fay languidly approached the orchards located in the northwestern quarter of the complex. It was a glorious late afternoon. The sky was clear and blue, the sun was shining, and birds were chirping; summer had well and truly arrived on the island. She inhaled the sweet fragrance of Bramley apples, and pears, carried upon the air by a cool, gentle breeze. The scent made her wonder why she had not visited Temis Rulan, even once, during the past three years. Casting her gaze around the orchard she could see several Sisters picking fruit, enjoying the sunshine. But the person she had come to see was the mixed heritage Sanatsai seated on a wooden bench, casually plucking pears from a tree courtesy of his invocation of Yuksaydan, sending them floating into the basket of a nearby quintet of Jaymidari. A smile threatened to break out on Fay’s face at the sight of it as she headed towards him.

  The Sanatsai stood up in anticipation as he caught sight of her silent approach.

  Ari Shinadu wasn’t just a Sanatsai, and serving member of the Council. He was the visionary who had founded the Order at the tail end of the Great War, seven decades ago. It was a moment in history that forever altered the political landscape of the Nine Kingdoms. And though, officially, each of the thirteen members who comprised the Council were of equal rank and status, Ari was undeniably the leader of the institution he founded. Fay was proud to have the distinction of calling him, not only a friend, but her best friend—though their relationship hadn’t always been so cordial. No one would ever guess that once upon a time they had been bitter rivals. It wouldn’t have been an exaggeration to call them avowed enemies. But that was a lifetime ago. Since then Ari had saved her life, become a trusted friend, and more than that, she credited him for helping her to develop into the woman she now was.

  Fay came to a halt in front of Ari and reciprocated his welcoming smile with one of her own. She gave him a derisory look when he tentatively offered her his hand. He swiftly withdrew the offered limb to open both arms wide, inviting a hug. Fay was more than happy to accept this time, stepping into his embrace, wrapping her arms tightly around him while his wrapped around her.

  “It’s good to see you, old friend,” said Ari, holding her close. “I’ve missed you these past three years.”

  They released each other from the fervent hug. “Let’s have a little less of the old, thank you,” Fay said with a smile. “You have a few years on me, old timer.”

  Ari chuckled. “Yes, thank you for reminding me.” He paused briefly, the mirth slowly vanishing from his face. His next words were uttered in a more serious tone. “Your visit today is most unexpected, Fay—the first since you took on the administrator’s position at Antaris campus three years ago.”

  “I never intended to stay away for so long.” Her words were tinged with regret; she had missed the place.

  “And now…here you are.” Ari’s eyes searched hers. “Though you weren’t prepared to tell the Council the reason for your visit, only that it concerned one of your apprentices whom I understand you’ve brought here with you.” There was no disapproval in his tone or demeanour, just curiosity. “I have to confess, Fay, you have me rather intrigued.”

  “In a nutshell, I have an urgent but delicate matter I need to discuss with you,” she glanced discreetly at the nearby quintet of Sisters, “and only you.”

  Ari had no difficulty taking the hint. “Very well,” he replied. “Walk with me to the flower garden. You can fill me in on this urgent but delicate matter, there. In the meantime, tell me how life as a campus administrator has been treating you.”

  They set off together, walking side-by-side along a grey brick pathway en route to the nearby flower garden. Fay gave her counterpart a summary of what her three years at Antaris had entailed, thus far, culminating with the fight in the old arena earlier that day. Her usual, mundane routine at Antaris was a far cry from the hazardous missions she had undertaken on behalf of the Order in years gone by. But being the campus administrator had been a rewarding experience, nonetheless.

  A short while later the pair were entering the flower gardens; it was a breathtaking sight to behold. In every direction there was a dazzling array of fl
oral arrangements. Flowerbeds of assorted blossoms: roses, bluebells, tulips, lavenders, daffodils and more, all immaculately maintained and in full bloom. The concomitant shrubs, hedgerows and trees were likewise well tended, the flawless lawns trimmed. All around, the air carried the sound of birdsong and a dizzying blend of floral fragrances, while, here and there, squirrels scampered, to and fro. The flower garden was a decidedly picturesque venue for a most unpleasant conversation.

  There were several people scattered about the flower garden. Fay and Ari sought out a nice secluded spot away from potential prying eyes and ears. They eventually stopped at her favourite spot—a bench in the shade of a willow tree.

  Sitting down, Ari invited Fay to take a seat beside him. “So, old friend,” he began, “what is it that troubles you to the extent you cannot discuss it with the other members of the Council?”

  “I have grave concerns about the future of the apprentice I have brought with me from Antaris.” Fay replied soberly. “Things finally came to a head last night, making me realise I’m not the right person to address the matter.”

  “Tell me about this apprentice.”

  “Her name is Kayden Jayta—”

  “Isn’t that the apprentice who completed the ‘capture the box’ exercise?” Ari interrupted. “And assaulted a Sanatsai in the process, as I understand it.”

  “That’s correct.”

  “I don’t believe I heard the full story of how she accomplished the feat,” Ari mused.

  “All you really need to know is that Kayden is more advanced than any other level seven apprentice.”

  “Very well. Do go on. Her name is Kayden Jayta…”

  “Yes,” continued Fay. “Born and raised in the Kingdom of Astana, but of Vaidasovian descent. I assume her forebears were migrants from Zenosha. Interestingly, when she was located after her Zarantar manifested at fourteen years of age, Kayden was living in the Kingdom of Mirtana.”

  “A long way from home,” Ari noted.

  Fay murmured in agreement before continuing. “She… She is… From the moment I first laid eyes upon her…” She was at a loss as to how best to broach what she wanted to reveal about Kayden. What needed to be said would cast the apprentice in a very negative light; there was no getting around that.

  “Fay?” Ari cut in. “I know I never questioned you about it at the time—I figured you had your reasons—but can I assume Kayden was the reason why you requested the administrator’s position at Antaris?”

  “Oh, yes,” she affirmed. “If you recall, it happened upon my return from being part of the delegation that carried out the annual inspection at Antaris campus that year.

  “Kayden had my attention the moment I first laid eyes on her. She was clearly very gifted, and I was impressed with the speed at which she absorbed instruction, not to mention her exemplary control and mastery of her Zarantar. But I also had concerns. Kayden was so driven and focussed, so determined to excel and be the best at everything she did. I have never seen such dedication in an apprentice before.”

  “Why would that be cause for concern?” queried Ari. “Kayden sounds like the model apprentice; if only they could all be so driven.”

  “It’s not her drive, in and of itself, that troubles me. It’s what’s driving her that has me worried.”

  “And what is it that’s driving her?”

  “I don’t know, I’ve never asked her,” admitted Fay. “Not that I would get an honest answer from her even if I did. Nonetheless, though she covers it up well, when I look at Kayden I can see it: a traumatic event from her past that she hasn’t come to terms with yet. Something she is unable to let go of.”

  “If you are correct, I can understand why that might elicit sympathy. But I fail to see why it would trouble you enough to break protocol by bringing Kayden here.”

  “Ari, a person can only bottle up their pain and anger for so long,” reasoned Fay. “Sooner or later it will come out. In Kayden’s case, when it does come out it could have profoundly tragic consequences.”

  The conversation paused for a moment. Ari was evidently attempting to parse the point Fay was trying to make. He finally broke the silence to admit, “I’m still not sure I get what you’re asking of me, Fay. From where I sit you are the ideal person to guide a troubled apprentice.”

  “Regrettably, in this instance, I’m not,” she conceded. “Truth be told, Kayden and I have never got on well with each other. We have butted heads numerous times since I took the administrator’s position, and our clashes have been increasing in frequency and severity over the past year. Last night things actually threatened to turn violent. If one of my staff hadn’t walked in on us… I don’t know what would have happened.”

  “My dear friend. I realise there’s a larger point you’re trying to convey to me, but I’m just not seeing it,” said Ari. “Kayden is by no means the first unruly apprentice to be trained by the Order, and she surely won’t be the last. So what is so different about her that you refuse to speak of it with the Council?”

  Letting out a half-hearted laugh, born of frustration, Fay rose to her feet and turned away from Ari who remained seated on the bench. “You call her an unruly apprentice, and that may be who and what she is today. But it’s who and what she may become in the future that should worry you, as it worries me. She is so wilful and sure of herself—”

  “Confidence is a virtue,” Ari interrupted.

  Fay spun around to gaze at her friend. “Ari, there is a fine line between self-assurance and arrogance. Kayden has crossed far beyond that point.” Her speech was becoming more fervent, her agitation more apparent. “She shows no humility. She is so certain of her own superiority and, by implication, the inferiority of everyone else around her. She is manipulative, willing to use and exploit other people for her own ends, with no regard for the consequences. She is confrontational, believing power should be employed to cow people—to impose her will upon them.”

  Fay paused for a moment. When she spoke again her voice was subdued.

  “Kayden is such an angry and bitter young woman. Doesn’t that remind you of—?”

  She couldn’t bring herself to finish the sentence. But she didn’t have to. She saw realisation appearing on Ari’s face. He finally understood.

  “I see,” he said, gravely. “All the more reason for your concerns to be presented to the Council.”

  Fay sat back down on the bench, searching Ari’s face with forlorn eyes. Kayden’s future would be decided by whatever she said next.

  “In just two years, the Great War claimed the lives of at least a million people,” she began. “That unprecedented loss of life is greater than the combined death tolls of every other conflict in the history of the Nine Kingdoms. Any intimation that history could repeat itself, with Kayden at the centre of it—the catalyst for it… I fear the Council would deem expulsion and the binding of Zarantar insufficient sanction.”

  “You’re almost certainly right,” agreed Ari. “I’m sure most members of the Council would insist on the ultimate sanction in that case. But if your apprentice is as potentially dangerous as you fear, why shouldn’t we eliminate the threat by ending Kayden’s life this very day?”

  Fay rose to her feet again, Ari following suit this time. She turned away from him then shuffled a couple of paces away from the bench, contemplating.

  “I would consider such a course of action as an admission of failure,” she said, without looking back, “particularly on my part.”

  “That’s not a reason,” said Ari. “Not one the Council will accept.”

  “Kayden is the most exceptionally gifted apprentice I have ever seen. Her Zarantar is very powerful. As strong as yours, maybe even mine. She would be a tremendous asset once inducted into the Order.”

  “Not good enough!” Again Ari’s retort was swift and matter-of-fact. “The same could be said of any other apprentice.”

  Fay couldn’t help but spin around at that. “Oh, come now, Ari,” she said incredulousl
y. “For several years, many within the Order, including certain members of the Council, have been bemoaning the quality—or lack thereof—of the graduates being inducted into the Order. Yet now, having identified an apprentice with the potential to be one of the greatest Sanatsai to ever join our ranks, I am expected to provide the Council with justification for not executing her because that isn’t deemed good enough.”

  “Fay, the Council will simply argue that the risk represented by your apprentice outweighs the possible rewards, and right now I’d have a hard time arguing against that. You still haven’t given me a reason to allow Kayden to live.”

  Slowly, Fay closed the gap between herself and Ari. She stared down at her feet for a moment before looking up imploringly into his eyes.

  “Dearest friend, I realise my dispraise of Kayden may have already condemned her. But let me tell you this, unequivocally. In spite of the worrisome traits I see in her, hidden beneath it all I also see a compassionate heart belonging to someone who genuinely cares about redressing injustices, and confronting those who prey on the weak. She just needs somebody who is prepared to look beyond her faults, someone who can help her to let go of the pain and anger that is hindering her. Only then will she see the error of her ways and how it is leading her astray.

  “Ari, I brought Kayden here because you’re the only person I know who is capable of bringing to the surface the great woman I believe she can be, if only you’re willing to take that chance—if not for her, then for me.”

  Placing a hand on Fay’s shoulder, Ari gave it a gentle squeeze. “I will see what I can do for your apprentice,” he said, gently. “But you must understand, if Kayden demonstrates an unwillingness to mend her ways, she will not be leaving Temis Rulan with you when you go back to Antaris.”

  “Thank you, that’s all I ask.”

  Ari smiled affectionately. “There’s little I wouldn’t do for you, old friend. Now, I will go make the necessary preparations immediately. I will be sending for Kayden this evening. But please come see me in my quarters in about…half an hour? Your arrival today is rather fortuitous. While you may have a cocksure apprentice in need of my help, the Council has a demoralised Sanatsai whom I feel could benefit from your assistance.”