to become god-like, powerful enough where people believe they are gods. The elves do not believe that our gods made all things, but that they themselves are a result of the true power.”
“The Ru’Ach,” muttered Jonas.
“Yes. They believe that our gods were once great people who somehow accessed the Ru’Ach and gained tremendous power. Most priests do not believe this. They believe that the gods created all things, including the Ru’Ach.”
“What do you believe?” Jonas asked.
“Does it matter what I believe? Helikon is real, that I know. Was he made a god because he knew how to use power from the Ru’Ach, or has he always existed as a god, a creator of all things? Maybe he is a being of another world, another plane of existence. I do not know, Jonas, but either way it does not change who he is, or who I am. Helikon is a warrior god who fights for justice and courage, and I am a protector of these ideals. That is all I need to know. The question is…do YOU need to know more?”
“I do not know, Taleen. I shall think more on it.”
“That is good. Such decisions should not be hastily made.”
“What do you believe in, Kiln?” asked Taleen.
Kiln swung his piercing gaze toward her. “I believe in myself. That is the only constant in my life,” he replied sharply.
“I see,” she replied. “And Jonas, I did not know you were a cognivant. Can you tell me about it? I have never met anyone with that power.”
“I do not know much myself. It surfaced several years ago when I was fighting against some mountain giants. I was able to mentally stop one of the giants clubs.”
“So you can control objects?” Taleen asked.
“Yes, I guess. In my mind I can see the energy that makes up everything, and I can control it to some degree. But I’m still learning the extent of this power.”
“And you can speak in people’s minds as well?” Taleen asked.
“I guess. Today was the first time I’ve done that. I think perhaps I can only do that with another cognivant since that power had never surfaced before. There is much I do not know about this power.”
“You are not alone in that respect, for it is such a rare ability. Are there any limits to it?” she asked.
“Yes, the more power I try to control and use, the more severe the headaches. In some cases they are so extreme that I pass out. But my meditative training with Kiln has helped strengthen my cognivant powers and lessen the pain when I use them.”
Taleen looked at Kiln with interest. “Meditative training? I would like to hear more of this.”
Suddenly a door opened to their left, ending their conversation. The sound of the opening door echoed against the large stone walls. A young man, maybe a year younger than Jonas, walked gracefully toward them. His short blond hair framed a thin tanned face. The short sleaves of his green cotton shirt exposed his muscular forearms. Loose fitting, black cotton pants, flowed around his legs as he walked. The boy’s green shirt was long and laced at his waist with a black cotton belt. No weapons dangled from his belt but he looked like he didn’t need any. They all stood up from the bench as the young man neared them.
“I am Kandris, a cavalier candidate to Ulren. It is a pleasure to have you here, cavalier.” The young man bowed deeply to Taleen who nodded her head in acknowledgement.
The young man then turned his attention to Kiln. “And to you, sir.” The boy tried hard to hide his excitement, his voice shaking a bit with nervous energy. “I have heard stories about you all my life.”
“Some that are probably not true,” replied Kiln, inclining his head toward the boy.
“I hope not, sir. There are many different tales swirling around the name of Kiln the General, not all of them tales to be proud of.”
“And what do you make of the tales, young man?” Kiln asked with interest.
The young man smiled. “I think that lesser men are always trying to mar the reputation of great men, sir.”
Kiln’s cold features dissolved slightly, replaced by the hint of a smile.
“Remember, Kandris, all men make mistakes, whether they are great men or not.”
Kandris bowed his head in acknowledgement. “I will remember that, sir.” He then pivoted smoothly to face, Jonas. “Jonas Kanrene, it is a pleasure to meet you.” Jonas caught Kandris’s eyes quickly glance down