Moonstones and Madness

Twenty-eight

      The Prince's Training-Master carefully studied the complete list of standings comparing it closely to the proposed list for the final crystal rounds. He nodded to himself at Park Sen Dou's top rating among the four going forward from their yard. It was a fine result, but not less than expected given the withdrawal of the temple affiliates. Choi Wen San's arrest put the final selection in limbo. If the youngster was exonerated, and still healthy enough to participate, he would claim the final spot. Otherwise, it could be a toss up between any number of candidates.

He scratched his head at high rating granted Minister Go's son. The young man's fencing skills were clear through the early qualifiers but his final success due to his notable improvement in archery and hand-to-hand. His contributions in the team events demonstrated his leadership potential and the bonus points in horsemanship well deserved. The Training-Master turned to his second in command and asked, "When did we last approach Go San Jin with an offer?"

"Just after the term end but he said he was continuing his academic work so would not consider a full-time position." He paused in the face of his commander's scowl then rushed to explained, "I know he still has language tutors and other private arrangements to study classics. He splits his time between his family homes and the Knight-Master Lei's forge."

"So maybe not a full commitment," the Training-master nodded to himself. "It takes deep pockets to support a full cohort of trainees, especially with any extra disciplines to cover. The guild registrations alone could bankrupt their upstart yard. Give them a few more months to start feeling the pinch then we can renew our offer." He gathered up his papers to take along to reference when he reported to the Crown Prince.

He filed into the reception hall behind the Captain of the Guard and was as relieved as any of the others to hear Candidate Choi had been exonerated before the interrogation had gone too far.

"The tracer did not go astray. Someone had planted evidence in the boy's pack. I don't think this mischief had the same intent as the energy attacks earlier in the day." Rainbow-maker Mein deflected the implied criticisms in the initial report.

"But trying to undermine the nephew of one of my council members on top of the other disruptions at an event I sponsor," the prince glared at the Captain of the Guard.

"We don't know the motives. Not without considering all the different targets," the Captain's voice shook.

"The last flash-bomb could have taken out the judging panel if Competitor Park Junseo had not kicked it clear." Rainbow-maker Mein did not admit he might have been injured as well.

"We should be thankful for the boy's quick reactions but maybe he is the source of the troubles," the Training-Master stopped after having voiced what just occurred to him.

The prince stared intently and said, "Explain."

"Could it be a faction of traditionalists? Do any of us remember the last time someone from outside the capital made it to the championships? Maybe its their way of pushing back on some of the Ministry's reforms."

"I might consider that motive more seriously if they hadn't violated the accords. The flash bombs might have fallen within tolerated limits but using crystal detonators goes against the spirit of the agreement." The Captain looked to the Rainbow-maker for support on this observation and got a quick nod.

"Those detonators have familiar resonances. I need to consult with my colleagues now we have more material to work with but I sense northern origins." Rainbow-maker Mein's report was interrupted by the arrival of a senior protocol officer with the genealogies of all the top candidates. He reported the leading families from the former principalities would all be represented in the crystal round.

"I suppose that might give us other motives to consider," the Training-master admitted. He looked down at his hands then straightened the cuff on his outer robe with a tug. He had not realized Park Sen Dou counted the northern prince among his first cousins so started to back track, "I'm just not sure what advantage the tournament standings offer."

The Captain shook his head and said, "I think we all know the attacks were more serious than just trying to manipulate competition results but I will look into these connections." He put out his hand for the genealogy report but the protocol officer did not hand them over until directed by the prince. "Right, well I will get back to it," he nodded to his peers then bowed deeply to the prince. The rest of the council followed the protocol officer's lead but the prince asked Rainbow-maker Mein to stay behind.

"So, what did we learn about our mystery boy from his crystals?" The prince asked quietly.

"I can't be certain but the Trainee Park Junseo may well have the potential to become a true stone master." He swallowed nervously knowing just how outlandish the prospect might be. The prince signaled he should continue.

Rainbow-maker Mein counted off the fingers on one hand, as he said, "Almost all of the boy's clear stones have picked up tints, probably from lending strength to already tuned stones. He seemed completely relaxed with different stones being activated in close proximity and brought incompletely tuned Tiger's Eye circle into harmony. Most telling of all, he stated his preference might be for clear quartz. Even ahead of the sapphire and ruby tokens he usually wears."

"I don't recall hearing of a clear quartz affinity, at least not in any of the crystal rounds I have watched," the prince admitted.

"It is considered a once-in-a-generation trait, or at least that is the temple lore." He did not know how to explain the importance of such a talent outside temple controls but the Prince understood.

"So, if you wanted to encourage a martial arts student to develop to higher levels in a safe environment would you trust a training yard that can't prevent attacks, or a network of temples with multiple layers of security?"

"Of course, for this to be a motive they presumably already understood the boy's potential and were willing to violate some of their core principles." Rainbow-maker Mein bowed an apology for this disagreement.

"You would be surprised to know the lengths the Sun Temple leadership has gone in recent times to try to control potential energy workers. How much more would they try to secure a Stone-master and establish a Crystal Pavilion within their walls?"

Rainbow-maker Mein shivered knowing the risks of such and endeavor. "Let's see what I might learn working with the team. I can offer to tutor the boys on the applications of crystal energy while they are still here in the capital."

"Won't that attract more unwanted attention to the boy?"

"Maybe it would be better to dress it up in a commission for your cousin's forge. An opportunity for some experimental design work involving the trainees. The boy seemed handy enough with his clockworks so who knows, you might even get something useful out of the project."

"I will discuss it with Cousin Wen-Hou tomorrow before the closing ceremonies. Make sure he spends at least part of the day in my box," the Prince waved his hand turning his attention to the stack of scrolls on the low table beside him.