Rohan delivered the last words with a deadpan voice as if the possibilities didn't affect him at all. I took my first true look at the man who identified himself as Rohan Smith. He had the dark skin color of someone from Nepal, black hair, and deep brown eyes. His face was covered in a well-trimmed beard and mustache.
He was shorter than most men in America at 5ft 4in. Though that didn't surprise me much, as it was the average height for those who come from Nepal. This made my dad's reported height rather unusual. In short, this man was almost my exact opposite, my pale skin, blue eyes, and white hair stood out in contrast.
Seemingly unaware or most likely uncaring of my inspection, Rohan continued to speak. "We should sit and continue our conversation. Not all I have to say is as gloomy as I have spoken so far."
I took the chair Charlie had been in, and Edythe took the other chair. Once seated, Rohan began again.
"Much of what I can say right now will be a simple overview. You will learn more in-depth once you return. For starters, I can tell you that every 15-20 years, each of the Tribal leaders sends out a representative they chose to go to different countries learning centers to ensure that the overall tribe stays aware of the world. That is how your father came to be in America."
I had a number of questions, but held back for him to continue.
"Your birth, however, was not allowed. Once he knew of your conception, Devansh should have brought your mother directly to Jivas Home to allow you to be born with the tribes. When we learned of his passing just before his return, we had no idea you existed. It was not until your mother sent word to us years later that we learned of you, and by then it was too late."
I could not hold back my question at this point, "How did you learn of my father's death but not his marriage and my coming birth?"
Rohan gave a deep sigh, "I do not know. My purpose here is to train you in the ways you will need in order to earn your place among the Tribe. A… Scout was sent to evaluate you earlier this year, and he reported some concerning things. Your abilities seem to have been prematurely activated."
"Prematurely activated?"
"The Clans abilities should not awaken until you reach the age of 25. That is why all those sent into the world must return before that date. The fire's awakening can be traumatic for some. I will need to evaluate your awakening and learn from it as well as teach you to use it."
Edythe spoke for the first time, "Will I be allowed to accompany him when he returns?"
Rohan didn't hesitate, "No. Only he can return at this time. If he is accepted, then he could petition for your acceptance. However, no one of your kind has ever been petitioned for, much less accepted. Though we have heard of the Cullen Coven even on our mountain tops. A most innovative way of survival, I commend you and your Patriarch."
I could tell that he was leaving something out there, but I didn't want to push.
After a moment of silence, Rohan stood up and announced. "I have given you much to think about and will allow you time to discuss it. I am staying at the hotel in town, room 13, if you would like to seek me out. Until we meet again." He gave a slight bow and left.
Edythe broke the silence, "I don't like the idea of us being separated, especially for an unknown amount of time."
I took her hand, "I feel the same way. But if I don't go, then we will be fighting them off for the rest of our lives. Maybe once I am there, I can… I don't know, renounce them and return. We have to learn more before making a decision."
That night, I helped Edythe make dinner. Though we didn't talk much, both of us were lost in our own thoughts."
The next morning, I kissed Edythe goodbye. Then Jasper and I went on our normal run. We ended up in our usual sparring spot. Jasper was teaching me about controlling my balance to better help with feints during a fight. The way he explained it, that was the way older vampires fought. Controlling your opponent's actions through your own, and when you created a big enough opening, you brought all your strength to bear.
A voice came from the west side of the clearing, "Forgive me, but why are you attempting to compete with a vampire with just your normal human strength. Your base form strength does appear unusual for your clan, but still limiting."
Surprised by his presence, I still responded. "I can't always fight in my Tiger form. So, we spend part of my morning training in my normal form."
It took me a moment to realize that Jasper was standing in a defensive stance against Rohan. "Jasper, it's okay. This is Rohan Smith, I told you about him. He is from my father's village."
Jasper relaxed a bit, "Quiet on your feet, aren't you?"
Rohan looked at Jasper for a moment before replying, "Sorry, I guess I should have announced myself."
Jasper just gave him a careful nod, "You were saying that Thomas here can use more strength than he is now?"
Rohan nodded, "I guess I should ask just what all you can do so far, Thomas. The scout just said you woke your gift, so he immediately returned to report it."
The memory of a weird fox trying to take a bite out of me a few months ago came to mind. I knew it looked nothing like the foxes I had seen in this area. "I take it that scout was the fox that tried to take a bite out of me?"
Rohan nodded.
"Well, all I can do is take the shape of a white tiger. So far, that's all I have been able to do." I described the first change during my interaction with Henry and my training since then.
"All he can do!" Jasper scoffed, "He takes out a vampire elder in his first change and then takes on a vampire that makes sport out of killing other vampires and kills him. Don't let him sell you short on his strength, Rohan. Edward couldn't beat that vampire's brother, who was the weaker of the two. It took three of us in the end to beat a vampire that was weaker than the one he fought alone."
I really thought Jasper was overselling my strength, but I just shook my head in reply.
Rohan gave me his full attention, "Well, let's see your Tiger form. I would like to see what I have to work with. Your entry to the Tribe will not be without battle, your return will shove back everyone whose place took a step forward with the passing of Devansh."
I got undressed and set my clothes apart, and then shifted to my tiger form. I watched Rohan and saw his eyes widen for a moment. He walked up to me and started to inspect my form. Walking around me like he was taking mental measurements. He walked over to a tree and pushed against it, then asked, "Would you strike this tree, please, Thomas. I would like to gauge your strength."
Obliging him, I walked to the tree and struck. The tree exploded where I hit it and started to fall away from us. Rohan looked impressed and nodded his head. "How much strength did you strike with?"
Seeing as he asked me a direct question, I assumed he wanted me to change back, so I did. "That was about ¾ of my strength."
"Impressive, very impressive for your clan. My first impression is that you are easily the biggest and strongest of your generation. Can you describe your thoughts when you change?"
I described to him my fire that had always been in my mind and its increase after my mother's death. Then I finally explained how it changed and became more intense when I had my first shift. His next question made me feel like I was not nearly as bright as I had always believed.
"Have you ever tried to just pull in a portion of the fire and not all of it?"