had always had the benefit of VaerenHenazs company and ability to travel via translocation. This time,it was not necessary. Not when Tenryon could generate a corridor forLassen even if he did not enter it with him. For the Herun was atemplar whose mastery of the mind arts went beyond rigorous trainingand was rooted in inborn power of a degree that surpassed theordinary.Despitehaving oft seen it done by now, Lassen could not help being awed as acorridor began to open just a few paces away from their position. Hestared at it a little nervously. It would be the first time for himto enter one unaccompanied by its creator. Dont be afraid,Tenryon assured him. It will remain open until you exit it.Lassenlooked at him sheepishly. Im sorry, Your Grace. I didnt meanto impugn your skill.Nordid you.Lassenfaintly smiled at him. He glanced at Shino then looked at Tenryononce more. How many templars are there? he curiously asked.Inthe North Continent, there are ten of us, not including acolytes.Ten. I wonder who the others are. Do you know them all?Aye.The birth of a templar resounds through the bond of our brotherhoodand we seek him out as soon as he reaches puberty that he may betaught to harness his powers.Itmust be a frightening experience for a youngling. Lassen remarked.His expression turned rueful. Forgive me, I am stalling andkeeping you overlong.Nonecan blame you. Tenryon regarded him with concern. Lassen,whatever it is that troubles you, dont act rashly. Action withoutdue thought will breed ill consequences or worse.Actrashly? Lassen had agonized over his decision the past several weeks.But he only said, I shall keep that in mind. Farewell,Hadrana-dyhar.Shin, luck be with you in your training.Vereskeep you, Las, Shino responded. Until we meet again.Lassenturned his steed toward the corridor and urged it forward. Justbefore the beast entered the shadowed passageway, he placed a hand onhis belly, protective of the budding life within. And then he wasgone, swallowed by the swirling mists that shrouded the portal.ChapterFifteenExileTalEreq, Eastern VelarusLassenhad not expected much change when he first returned home seven yearsago or even on his last visit three years back. But a decade on, TalEreq still had not altered much. Not that he should have beensurprised, he conceded. Provincial towns seldom did.Thehomes and buildings and farmsteads remained much the same, as did thedaily routines of work and play. The population, however, tended tofluctuate significantly of late in terms of births and temporaryresidents. This was due in large part to the regional constabularybase located a few leagues away.Velarusconstabulary headquarters had been built near Tal Ereq because of itssize and prosperity. It was from Tal Ereq that the base purchased themajority of its supplies. The townsfolk also provided respectablecompany for the soldiers that the inevitable camp followers couldnot. Consequently, liaisons had sprung up between unmarried townsfolkand the constabulary bachelors. When these soldiers were transferredelsewhere, their new families went with them and Tal Ereqspopulation changed accordingly.Lassensmiled as Yuilan haggled with a draper over the price of a silkbrocade tunic for his mates upcoming begetting day. The eldestIdana son had made a good match by espousing himself to the