Worry creased Ken’s brow as he stepped off the lift and approached his apartment. He paused outside the door and concentrated before slumping with relief. Tapping in the entry code, he stepped through the door to find Angela asleep on a couch. Continue reading
Sitting at a table before the review committee, Ken and Rett exuded quiet, respectful confidence. They had answered all the questions promptly, correctly, and their skills were legendary. Everyone on the committee was familiar with their story: the orphaned boys of extraordinary power who had grown up in Arion Valley. Arete had unofficially started their training shortly after Ken’s fourteenth birthday, and both officially joined Dawn’s Light the day after he turned eighteen. They both sailed through recruit and commander training programs in record time. Continue reading
She never intended to let herself get attached to anyone. It wasn’t that she was cold or aloof — she enjoyed socializing and counted a number of her associates as friends. But deep attachments to other people were, quite simply, impractical. Arete had no desire to pass on her bloodline or heritage. She had no desire to reproduce, no mothering instinct demanding to be fulfilled. She was content to let her legacy be one of deeds and achievements. She was happy to fully devote her life to her duty. She credited that devotion to duty for leading to this moment. Continue reading
There was a slight chill in the nighttime air as the two teens walked out the doors of Lyceum Arion and began to run along one of the illuminated paths. As they rounded the corner by the Tower of Water, though, they left the path and quickly sprinted between darkened gardens and exercise fields towards the high stone walls that enclosed the training areas. Continue reading
Laughter rung on the early evening air. Two boys faced off against one another, and a bright blue balloon drifted on the air between them. A light blue glow formed around Rett’s hand and a sudden breeze sent the balloon dancing across the field towards a basket Ken was guarding. Reacting on instinct, Ken raised both hands and a jet of water shot from the ground, knocking the balloon away from the goal. Continue reading
Thelios 