The Dedicated *Prologue

Standard Date: 2298

The T’kyel homeworld was a simple, unassuming place. Boring, some would say. It was in an average system, just like many others, and nothing about the system or the planet would attract unwanted attention. That was the original plan when the world was first colonized by the founders of the T’kyel Warrior Society. They did not want to be noticed. There was no indigenous intelligent life, just the usual flora and fauna. In some areas where jungle or forest was dense, there were some dangerous species, but that was fine. Those were good for training cadaydets in physical skills and survival tactics.

The planet had no official name, it was just called the Homeworld by its citizens. They called themselves the Family, or the Society. For close to five hundred years they had lived here, learning the ways of the T’kyel Warrior Society, officially known as Rhashadinatta. The teaching of the Society, a belief system followed by every Warrior, to the death if need be. A strict belief system, but fair and just.

Today was a beautiful late fall day, with a bite of cold in the air from the wind coming out of the northern mountains, but the sun was just warm enough to offset the chill and make the day enjoyable. The Cadets were taking full advantage of it before the biting cold of winter season came. Most of them were out in the practice yard, working weapons forms with the Masters, working up a sweat even in the chilly wind. The types of weapons used were almost as diverse as the types of beings that were there. Each Cadet was expected to have at least a working knowledge of every one, and several favorites they were proficient with.

Off to one side, several small groups were gathered, seeming to do nothing but sit and stare. These groups were working on the mental talents, and as much was being accomplished here as with those working the weapons. They also had a light sheen of sweat; they were being worked just as hard as the others. The Mistress of Tisl-amon strode among the groups, leaving a ripple of movement in her wake. She was almost legendary to the Cadets, a woman of power and influence, enough to challenge any king, emperor, or government. Her influence was not something that she flaunted, however. She preferred to remain in the shadows, manipulating and leaving those she used unaware.

She’d been arguing with Trisse again, just this morning. He’d brought up the same argument as always. He felt that the T’kyel Society should no longer remain such a secret, but that the Warriors and Soldiers should be allowed to make their way more openly out into the galaxy.

What good are we doing, was his argument- sitting in the shadows, letting no one know of our existence, hiding and manipulating, trying to coax the galaxy along the right path? A more direct approach and involvement would be able to accomplish so much more.

Of course, her argument was the same as always, too. From the background we can advise and help without letting our existence be known. Therein lies safety. We have a purpose, and we cannot falter in it or be moved aside. Nothing else matters. So it has been since our founding, and it will remain so as long as life remained in one T’kyel Warrior.

At that point, the ‘discussion’ usually dissolved into shouting, and neither would be swayed from their viewpoint. Of course, sheer stubbornness had a lot to do with it now, since they had been arguing this for years. Time for a change was past, Trisse would argue, and the Mistress would point out that now was the worst time for a change. At that point she would close up, and storm out of the room. He could never get her to be open about what was worrying her so much. She said she felt darkness hovering, waiting, and they must be unified now more than ever. Of course, then he would begin again on his theory of openness, and the shouting would start all over.

It didn’t help that many of the Officers shared his view, as well as most of the field Soldiers. If they weren’t such old friends, someone might have worried. As it was, their arguments were legendary. Cadets and Officers alike avoided them both after they occurred. The Coordinator, Piiren San, just hated it when he missed them. He loved a good argument, and had been known to bring up the subject just to start one. The funniest thing to him was that neither of them had caught on yet. His people had an odd sense of humor anyway.

Now, as the Mistress made her way among the Cadets, her mouth was tight from anger, which spurred on her bad mood. She was supposed to be the model of T’kyel behavior, and it annoyed her that she couldn’t control herself better. She was on her way to see Piiren. He’d been adamant about a message he’d received from one of the field Warriors.

One of the younger students - she couldn’t think of his name- was sitting on a log at the back of the class, his face tight with concentration. Some of the students found the physical training easier than the mental, but she insisted on equal importance. One never knew where these talents would come in handy, or which student would have a surprising talent or strength, like Piiren.

The student was a stocky boy, with a strong body just coming into adolescence. He looked to be about thirteen years old, with dark brown hair and lightly tanned skin. He would grow to be tall and wide across the shoulders. She stopped, watching him. The exercise they were practicing was a simple one, mainly attempting to feel and recognize the natural flow of energy present at all times and all places in the universe. Once it was felt and understood, students would learn to manipulate it. She opened her mind to the flow, to see how strong he was. Each individual had different strengths, in different areas. She felt for the flows coming from him, and was surprised to find she could not feel anything. She let her probe go deeper, stronger. Still, she could feel nothing. She narrowed her probe and lashed it out quickly. Few could come close to her strength or talent, and fewer still could resist her abilities.

With a start of surprise and a soft grunt, the boy opened his eyes. He looked around, apparently trying to discover what had happened. When his gaze found her, his eyes widened and he stood quickly, making an awkward, short bow to acknowledge her. Then he gave her an impish grin and settle back to the log.

The teacher noticed her presence and called out, “How may I help you, Mistress?”

Still gazing at the boy, the Mistress said, “I have need of strong hands to do errands for me. I will take this boy. He can catch up on his studies tonight. Young boys have need of little sleep.”

“Of course, Mistress. Good day to you,” the teacher said as he turned his attention back to the class. The emblems of rank on his uniform showed him to be visiting field Officer, doing his cycle as a teacher.

The Mistress motioned for the boy to follow her, and continued on her way. He got up slowly, obviously reluctant to leave the safety of his classmates and go with this legendary woman. He didn’t seem afraid of her, not exactly, just a little awestruck. To hear the Cadets talk, she could skin him alive and read his thoughts with a glance. She did nothing to relieve any of them of those fears, of which she was well aware.

She led him toward the rear gardens, not speaking. Once they arrived, she took a leisurely seat on a bench that rested beside a pond surrounded by low flowers. The scent of them was strong, and the water rippled softly in the wind. She did not let the chill affect her. She also pointedly did not offer him a seat, which she saw him notice uneasily. He stood firmly, without shifting his feet, and she was proud of him for that. He did not bring himself to look her in the eye, however. She smiled at that. Few even of the older ones could do as much.

She took a moment to adjust her skirts, smoothing them just so. She watched him for a moment, and let her mind drift lightly to his. Just a small touch and most would not have even noticed. But she encountered an obstacle, an invisible wall. He was shielding himself heavily, and she would have wagered no one had taught him that yet.

“Boy, where did you learn that trick?” She let the words sound sharp, and was pleased to see him jump slightly.

He raised his eyes to hers. “Which trick is that, Mistress?”

She raised her eyebrows. “Oh, you have more than one? Please share with me.”

“I don’t like anyone to know me, or stuff like that. My thoughts are my own!” he said with heat in his voice.

“I never said they weren’t,” she said gently. “I think you have useful talents. How did you learn to hide yourself like that?”

“I used to be a thief,” he mumbled. “I was a good one, too. Until I tried to steal from a T’kyel. He caught me and brought me here. Said I’d fit right in with the Family.”

She could hear the capital letter he put on the word. She controlled her smile. It wouldn’t do to bruise his young ego. “Oh, he did, did he? Was this Warrior implying that we are thieves also?”

“No, Mistress. He seemed to find something funny. But he saved my life, and he’s a good man.” A defensive note had crept into his voice.

She waved her hand in dismissal of his emotion. “I’m not saying he isn’t. You’re too serious, boy. Relax around me. I won’t hurt you. I’d like to take over some of your training myself. You have great potential.”

He glared at her. “I’m sick of everyone calling me boy. I do have a name. It’s Adam.”

“How long have you been here, boy?” She watched him closely.

His eyes narrowed and he took a deep breath before answering. “Six months,” he said, “long enough to know I want to be T’kyel more than anything.”

“It’s good that you can control your tongue when you need to. Very well, young Adam. Come, we will spend this day getting to know each other, and I’m sure we will both learn many things. I must go speak with Piiren, and then we will see what we see.”

At the mention of Piieren’s name, Adam smiled. The Mistress was surprised, because Piiren was known for tormenting Cadets. It was all in fun, he claimed, and to build their character, but the Cadets didn’t see it that way. Most of them avoided him as they would a rabid animal.

“I have a feeling you are full of surprises, Cadet Adam. I think I will take a hand in your training. Sometimes I do find a Cadet with special potential, and set them on the path I think best. How do you feel about that?”

She stood as she waited on his answer and smoothed her skirts again. It was a nervous habit that she hated, and tried constantly to stop. Adam paused a moment before he answered, as if thinking the answer over carefully.

“I think that a T’kyel must do as you say, without question. I also think I have had a problem with authority most of my life. No one has ever cared enough to teach me anything, until I came here.” He looked at her with that impish grin again, and the Mistress thought she’d have to watch him closely as he grew older; he was a charmer, and knew it. “But here I have a chance to do something good, and make a difference. I love the Family, and you are the Mother. I’d give my life for you.”

“Such devotion for one so young, and not long with the Family. How did you come by it?” She wanted to be sure he was serious.

“Like I said, the man who brought me here saved my life. No one has ever cared about me before, or tried to make me part of anything. Here, any of the brothers or sisters would do anything for me, even if they don’t like me personally. I don’t understand it yet, but I’d die before I’d leave. I never had anyone love me before, or even like me. I only want to prove that I can be good, and I’ll prove I’m smart and strong. No one will ever make fun of me again, or tell me I’m not worth anything.”

The passion in his voice touched her heart, and for a moment she could feel the pain that had been part of his life until coming here. Ones like him were the most loyal to the Family, because they had been rescued from a life of hurt. They began walking, and she did not speak for several minutes. As they neared the main office building, she put a hand on his shoulder to stop him.

“Adam, thank you for sharing some of that with me. Perhaps as we get to know each other, you will tell me more. I will share my past with you also. I have not always been T’kyel. I was once a spoiled brat.” She smiled in fond memory of a past long gone. “Sometimes I forget where I started from, and maybe that’s my problem.”

Adam looked at her, and his eyes were almost level with hers. In a year or so, he would top her in height. She looked more sternly at him, and he tried to clear the grin from his face. “Coordinator Piiren will not stand for your smiles or charm. You must be on your best behavior with him at all times. When he finds out that you are my apprentice, I’m sure he will take a special interest in you, and unfortunately, that might not be good for you. Try not to attract his attention.” She tried to make her voice hard, and Adam squared his shoulders and stood to his full height.

She sighed and opened the door into the building. Apprenticing Adam might be more of a trial than she had originally thought. Piiren was going to torment him mercilessly. She could of course put her foot down and demand that the boy be treated no differently than any other Cadet, but Piiren would take that as free license to harass him anyway. Well, perhaps it will be good for his character. This boy is strong and has special talents that I want to make use of. In perhaps twenty or thirty years, it will be time to find my successor. I need to have strong people who are completely loyal to me, not necessarily to the Society. Some would see that as treason, but it must be this way. I have given my life to the Family, and it is time to prepare them for the future.

She entered the door to Piiren’s office and greeted his assistant. Her greeting to the Mistress was cool, but she did not mind. She told the woman she wished to see Piiren, and she and the boy sat to wait for him. Her wait was short, for was the Mistress of Tisl-amon after all. He flung the door open and greeted her loudly, casting an appraising look at Adam and not trying to hide it. His assistant watched the scene with a raised eyebrow, but said nothing. In her years of working for Piiren, she’d learned to ignore much, the Mistress was certain.

Piiren led them into his inner office and shut the door behind them. He let them get seated and then said, “So when did you start taking in strays, Mother?”

She sighed before answering. “Don’t start harassing him just yet. I only just found him and I really haven’t decided what to do with him yet.”

Adam was almost bouncing on the edge of his seat. The Mistress glared at him. “Hold still, boy. What’s the matter with you anyway?”

“Doesn’t matter what’s wrong with him. A T’kyel should be able to sit still when the need is there. This is such an occasion, boy. Hold your peace,” Piiren said harshly, not giving him a chance to speak.

“I have a name,” Adam mumbled as he settled into his seat.

“I said hold your peace!” Piiren roared at him, and Adam jumped visibly. “At this point in time, you are not a Soldier, a Warrior, or even an Officer. You are a Cadet, and Cadets don’t have anything. Names don’t count. You are simply Cadet or boy until I see fit to call you something else.”

The Mistress allowed him this, for she knew Adam would need to learn strict discipline as a T’kyel Warrior. He must learn to hold his tongue no matter how hard it would be. She put him out of her mind and said to Piiren, “You called me here for a reason. You said you have a transmission from a field Officer. I hope something major has happened, because field reports are not my area.”

Piiren looked significantly at Adam, and the Mistress nodded. He shrugged and went on. “You might say it has. The Llac-no have developed interplanetary space flight, and are proceeding to learn of our communications network. We perceive them to be a potential threat, and I think we need to send someone to warn the surrounding governments.”

The Mistess sighed deeply. “I had hoped they would take a little longer. What news of the borders?”

“That is not so encouraging, either. We must talk. Mistress, it is past time for us to come out into the open about who we are and what our purposes are. We must let the people of the galaxy know that they can trust us and depend on us for guidance and protection.”

Piiren seemed oblivious to the tightening around her eyes, or else he did not care. He went on. “You know what my special talents are. Six months ago when I was out in the field on a recruiting mission, I could sense this need. I’ve been thinking a lot lately, and I’ve come to a conclusion. This presence that you claim to feel and the general climate of the galaxy lead me to believe that now more than ever we must be united. In the years to come, something momentous is going to happen. The people need to know there is something larger than they are, more powerful if you will, that can promise protection and guidance. Who better than the T’kyel? We can integrate ourselves and let everyone know what we stand for. Of course there will be some suspicion at first, but we can overcome that. What do you have to say, Mistress?”

The Mistress gazed at him for a moment before she answered. She glanced at Adam and back to Piiren. She knew that Piiren could sense the unease she felt. His eyes became troubled. When she spoke, her voice was low. “Five hundred and fifty years ago, a young woman appeared out of nowhere, on the homeworld of the second Mother of Teaching. Of course, then she was just a young woman herself, and an empath. The stranger was named Brin Shalindriay. She had a tattered book with her, the first copy of Rhashadinatta. It was in an odd language, but easily translated when Brin learned the language of the world she found herself on. She never told anyone how she had come there, or where she was from, at least not that anyone else knew of. The two of them, along with the first Weapons Master, founded the T’kyel Warrior Society, and then colonized this world.”

She looked out the window, and was silent for a moment. Adam shifted in his seat, and then the Mistress continued. “I told you all of that to tell you something you do not know. No one but each Mistress has known for five hundred years, passed on at the new Mistress’ moment of Acceptance. This is it: Brin Shalindriay came from our future. We have proof of this, because the prophecies she left us have happened truly, just as she told us. In roughly eight hundred years, she will somehow be sent back, to found the T’kyel Society. There is an important thing she prophesied about the time we are in now. She foretold that in our time we would become known to the galaxy, and the results would be disastrous unless one thing happened.” She stopped talking and looked at Adam briefly, almost too quickly to be noticed, but she knew that Piiren’s sharp eyes caught it. “An agressive species called the Llac-no would venture out into space, and would destroy and conquer until a young man, strong in convictions and brave in heart, united the different governments and stopped the Llac-no, forcing them into a treaty that lasts for hundreds of years. This man was, or will be, T’kyel. They trusted him because of what he was, and he is the one who opened the door for us all to be what we must be.”

Adam was looking at her in awe. She was not looking at him so obviously that she was certain Piiren knew already that it must be Adam that was spoken of. “Please continue, Mistress,” Piiren said solemnly.

She lifted her eyes to him, and said, “It is a frightening thing to have your future mapped out for you, but it is something that every Mistress my accept upon her rising to the position. The things and knowledge Brin brought back with her, we guard with our lives, because in a future yet to come they will be our salvation, ours and the entire galaxy’s.” She paused again, then continued. “There is a thing we must do, and set in motion for those that will follow us. You must attend me well, for it must happen just as Brin said. This will remain between the Mistress, the Coordinator, and the Weapons Master only for the years to come. Adam will do as I say, and that too will remain between us. Do not think that I don’t know that it was you who found him, and brought him here. I am not so out of touch as some would like to think.”

He smiled in appreciation. “You’re a crafty old bird. I should have known. Let’s hear your plan.”

Adam listened intently as she laid it all out for them, and stayed even when the Weapons Master came in. She told his future through her eyes and she hoped that his love and devotion for the Society did not leave room for fear in him. His eyes shown with fervor.