Emeralds and Enemies

Chapter Thirteen

Junseo was grateful to see there was a tea service waiting when he was taken to meet with the Temple Masters. The Training Master introduced the Morning Prayer Leader and Temple Librarian.

"So how long did you train with Master Wu at the Moon Temple?" The Training Master asked without preamble.

"Just over a year."

"Ending when?" the Librarian asked with a sharp voice. His tone implied he thought Junseo must have abandoned temple vows.

"Around the time of the quake." Junseo kept things vague to avoid possible traps.

"What earthquake?"

Junseo could not believe such a traumatic event had not even registered with the monks in the capital. He did not try to keep the anger out of his reply. "The one that wiped out about a quarter of Ilidan last year, including the Moon Temple."

The Morning Prayer Leader shook his head sadly. "We only heard there had been an unfortunate accident. Something about an experiment bringing down the crystal pavilion. We did not hear about the wider impact."

Junseo acknowledged this explanation with a slight nod but did not add anything of his own.

After a minute of uncomfortable silence, the Training Master cleared his throat.

"We were asked to determine two things. First, are you able to sense an attack while you are in the middle of an aerial move. Second, what level should you be placed in for the next qualifying round. The answer for the first question is undoubtedly yes."

The Sun Temple members all nodded their agreement. Remembering the game on the terrace, Junseo just grinned back at them. The Training Master continued, "We can't really answer the second question with just one set but it would help us to know what training plans you have in place already."

"Since coming from Ilidan I have trained at my Uncle's school. Most of the practice there is with weapons, staff, sword, archery. I have a young friend at the palace who I am learning some northern forms with, and the training master there helped me drill the third form. Knight-Master Lie has also invited me to train with an informal group he is putting together but we have not worked out a schedule."

"Knight-Master Lie was once a highly esteemed commander. I am sure he will have much to offer." The Librarian started out but then paused long enough to imply there might be reservations.

"How did you fit in your Moon Temple training while you were in school?" The Morning Prayer Leader tried to reduce the tension.

"Dawn prayers and disciple. Then about twice a week some of the temple students came over and practiced with us at our school." Junseo smiled at this memory. Even when he was known as Park No-Dan he had their support.

"It seems fitting we invite you to dawn prayers and whatever drills might follow. We have our own candidates to prepare so can't offer a full training group." The Masters seemed of one accord on this point.

"I am honored by your fellowship." Junseo offered formal respect to the group. He did not see how his either Uncle or Knight-Master Lie could object.

The Librarian escorted Junseo to the inner gate of the Temple. While they were walking the path under the trees, he explained he was also a keeper of stones and was still trying to sort out the energy traces they had found at the training yard.

"Has your affinity stone been revealed yet?" he asked intently.

Junseo was taken back by such a personal question so kept his answer short: "I have only been granted clear quartz and obsidian for my match level."

The Librarian gazed at him intently, "But you are wearing moonstones today and I sense different energy traces."

Junseo schooled his features into his most bland look and said, "I have other tokens from my family." When he did not offer any further explanation, the Librarian got the message that his line of questioning was a bit too forward.

"You do know the final rounds for the Champion League involves activated crystals. Your collection will probably be serviceable enough even if it is a case of quantity over quality."

"Good thing I am just a junior, not a champion." Junseo muttered to himself as he was escorted through the outer gates of the Temple.

His guide had taken him to the opposite side from where he had entered that morning so it took him a couple of minutes to get oriented. He wondered if this was another test or just a bit of petty mischief. He felt a bit better when he realized how close this exit put him to the Palace Gates so he was still in time for the training session with Tai Yi.