Year1110ofthePeacekeeperEra: TheGathering
Negrazul Mountains, Central Province
Master Rey Zuc stood on the ledge of the school's entrance and stared at the valley below. Soon the others would arrive and plans needed to be made about the recruits. He closed his eyes and let the calmness of the sky seep into his skin. Dark days were coming and he feared that he and the other teachers were woefully unprepared.
"You shouldn't frown like that. You'll get wrinkles," a voice behind him chided.
He chuckled. "Jelena, you shouldn't sneak up on people either." He turned and opened his eyes.
Jelena's expression was always fun to watch. Right now she appeared amused.
"What's so funny?"
"You are, Master Zuc. Worrying now will not change what is to come. On the First Continent, the new Peacekeeper has taken up her duties and will come here before long. We have to make sure that we have purified our sector. We cannot allow the Dark Ones to gain a foothold here."
"I know that, Jelena. Still...to entrust this mission to ones so young...I worry for their safety."
"They are stronger than you think." She placed a hand on his shoulder. "Have faith in them, Elemental Master."
Rey snorted. "Don't start with the titles. It makes me want to run for the nearest hilltop. I'm just like you, working just like you, to make the best out of what could be a potentially bad situation."
"Spoken like a true leader. I hear the others. Let us go, Master Zuc."
He laughed and held out his arm. Jelena grinned and slid her arm through his as the two headed for the inner meeting chamber.
***
Gathering Hall, Negrazul Mountains
Celena stood nervously by her mentor's side. Mistress Yelena was calm; the same could not be said of Celena. Inside were the other Elemental Seekers--women with the ability to find children with Elemental gifts. She hoped to join their ranks one day but, for now, all she could do was watch and learn.
"Can you tell me who each Elemental Seeker is as well as her gift?" Yelena asked without looking in Celena's direction.
She fidgeted and dutifully pointed to each Seeker. "On the far right is Mistress Belena with the power of earth. In the center is Mistress Melena, who burns with her power of fire. And on the far left is Mistress Telena whose calm and whims are as legendary as her water ability."
"And how would you describe me, Apprentice?"
She stiffened. If she told the truth, it might anger her teacher. Yet, if she told a lie, Mistress Yelena would know and be disappointed.
"You are you, Mistress Yelena." Celena knew the answer was vague but, it was the only way she could see out of the dilemma.
"Ever the diplomat, Celena. Remember, there will come a day when taking the safe road will lead to your downfall."
Stung by Mistress Yelena's words, she dropped her head, lest her mentor see the anger brimming in her gaze. Were not the teachings of the Elements about balance? That meant taking the middle road and avoiding one side over the other.
When a man, who appeared to shimmer with suppressed energy, entered the room, Yelena touched Celena's shoulder.
"Here comes the Elemental Master, Rey Zuc," Yelena explained.
Hastily, Celena dropped to one knee as did all the Elemental Seekers in the room. She saw that Master Zuc was accompanied by a tall, willowy woman.
"Who is she?" Celena whispered.
"That is Elemental Mistress Jelena. Always show her respect," Yelena warned.
Celena was in awe of Jelena. She had heard from her Mistress that Jelena was unique among the Seekers. Jelena had the power of all four Elements. Thus, she was co-ruler with the current Elemental Master.
"Rise, my friends. You know how I hate formality." Master Zuc smiled.
They all rose, and Celena moved to stand behind Yelena. She could only observe, since she was not yet a member. She also could not speak her mind. She wouldn't receive the right until her eighteenth birthday. She still had a year to go.
"Thank you all for coming on such short notice. There has been a change in the Fabric of the Land," he informed them.
Celena gasped as fear set in. The Fabric of the Land was the name of the Elemental lifespring that fed their powers and kept the world in balance. Any changes, no matter how small, could destroy the world.
The Seekers were all talking at once. Celena cast a glance in Master Zuc's direction. Jelena and he stood quietly until the noise of the others died down.
"My sisters, do not panic. We," Jelena pointed to herself and Master Zuc, "along with the other Elemental House leaders have anticipated this day. We must have calm, if we are to survive this."
"How will this affect our new students?" Melena demanded.
"We must bring them in sooner than expected," Zuc stated firmly.
Once again the Seekers murmured, their expressions grim. Celena knew why. If an Elemental Seeker began training too soon, her power might burn out. Or worse, the trainee might die because the power would consume the new Seeker.
"Master Zuc, I will not be responsible or party to such a reckless act!" Belena protested.
"You all worry too much! The latest batch of Potentials is the strongest to be seen in centuries. They will not fail. They can, and will, grow, blossom and serve the Light of Harmony," Telena countered.
Celena felt the strength of Telena's conviction and felt her own fears ease. She didn't understand how the Seeker of Water could be that certain. Did Telena know something the others did not? Celena decided to ponder that thought later. Her mentor was speaking.
"...Everyone has valid points. However, balance must always be maintained. You have always led us wisely, Master Zuc and Mistress Jelena. To lose faith in your wisdom now is foolhardy." Yelena stood tall, her next words loud in the silence. "As for me, I shall journey to Mangevind and retrieve my Wind apprentice."
"Yelena, winter is coming. You will not make it back before snow covers the pass," Telena pointed out.
"This I know, Telena. I will travel as fast as we are able. When we are forced to stop, I will spend the remainder of winter in a safe place, teaching the girl the basics of our wind techniques."
Belena sighed. "Always in a hurry, aren't you, Yelena? Very well. I, too, shall go to my chosen Earth child. Winter is the perfect opportunity to teach patience and focus."
Melena snorted. "I hate the cold, but even I must admit that winter is a great time to discover the warmth of the flame. Since I have the farthest to travel, perhaps it is best to get started now."
Master Zuc turned to Telena. "What say you, Water Seeker?"
Telena grimaced. "My apprentice will be harder to find. I suppose hunting her down will be a time-consuming task. I guess I should get going."
Jelena laughed. "You don't have to sound so excited about it," she teased Telena.
Telena crossed her arms over her chest and huffed. "You're not the one who has to catch her," she complained.
Master Zuc chuckled and clapped his hands. "Then it's settled. Go, Seekers, and find the girls. We will look for you at the opening to the pass when the first spring flower blooms."
"Yes, Master Zuc!" Each Seeker bowed low.
"May the Elements protect you, my sisters," Jelena added.
"May the First Ones bless," each Seeker replied before departing through the various exits.
Celena obediently fell in step behind Yelena. She waited until they were outside before letting out a relieved sigh.
"That was scary!"
Yelena stopped and regarded her.
She flinched. The glow in her Mistress's eyes frightened her.
"Celena, you must harness your emotions. We journey to the south. You must master control or you will give us away." Yelena started walking again. "If you cannot do this, I will leave you behind until I return."
Celena gasped, shocked by the rebuke and the threat. Leave her behind? How dare Mistress Yelena suggest such a thing!
Anger burning in her chest, Celena hurried to catch up to her Mistress who had started down the rocky path. She would show her that she could do it and Mistress Yelena would never doubt her again.