Breaking Gods by Viola Grace Page B

possible.
    Strictly speaking, Kenhoick was a closed world. They had minimal technology and it was supposed to stay that way. What made them a curiosity to those around them was the ninety percent psychic-talented population that ran through their world. Everyone had a skill that came of mind and not body and that was where it became complicated. They squabbled, fought for supremacy, divided into encampments with similar interests and generally tried to stay away from each other. The abbey was one of those encampments and Mother and Father had kept things safe until Lieta arrived, making the ground outside the orchards inhospitable. There had been a ring of desolation miles wide to keep the abbey safe until Lieta took over guardianship of the abbey.
    The ground became fertile and townships moved closer to the bounty that Mother and Father brought to the land without knowing why. Now, the keepers of their land were risking it all, and Lieta didn’t know why, but she knew she would obey.
     

Chapter Two
     
     
    She walked toward the landing party just as the damp began to radiate out of the nearby river. “Greetings.”
    Her simple gown was often mistaken for robes, but Mother and Father had been adamant that she was never to join the order. She had to remain apart but they wouldn’t say why.
    There were two men and a woman walking to her with their robes flaring around. “Greetings. Are you from the abbey?”
    “I am. Shall we continue? You can ask your questions on the way.”
    One of the men looked around, “Why did we have to land here?”
    She smiled and started forging the path through the rocks and grasses. “Kenhoick is dangerous. The host of the abbey covered your landing here. Which one of you will be staying?”
    The woman looked uncertain. “The choice will be made at the abbey.”
    “Fine. What are your talents?”
    “I believe that we should wait until we are at the abbey before we mention them.”
    Lieta laughed. “Everyone there has a talent, too; I am just curious as to the effective nature of whatever you control. We have a stalker threatening one of the acolytes. Her ex-boyfriend. He balls up wind and uses it as a weapon. With enough force behind it, I believe it could shatter rock.”
    The female cleared her throat. “I create protective walls of force.”
    One of the males nodded. “I encourage rapid vine growth.”
    The last male said, “Fireballs.”
    Lieta quirked her lips. “You might want to see a healer for that.”
    The other two coughed to cover up laughter.
    “It isn’t the first time that I have heard that. What is your talent?”
    She sighed. “It isn’t anything flashy. I can display it when we reach the abbey. I need my people around for it.”
    They nodded in acceptance, and Lieta kept their path on a direct line through the fields and into the rear entrance of the abbey. Mother and Father were strong in this area. They watched the back of the abbey and the fields beyond while Lieta took the front.
    The hall ran around the central garden and let them out in the main square. Sister Esrai came running. “Lieta, are these the representatives?”
    “Yes. I would suggest the female as the protector. Either of the men will disturb the fields. I need to find a bag and pack some robes.”
    She saw the Citadel personnel looking at each other before the woman looked at her. “It is you? You are the talent we are to take away?”
    Lieta nodded. “I am. I will return in a moment. Sister Esrai is an excellent hostess. I am sure that you will be comfortable until I return.”
    One of the men said, “Wait, you said you would demonstrate your talent.”
    She smiled. “Fine, demonstrate yours.”
    He raised his hand and a ball of flame appeared in his palm. Lieta did the same. He lobbed the ball at her and she tossed hers to him. He caught it and he stared into his hand. “It is my fire.”
    She took his offering and defused it. “No, it is a replica of your fire. You, show me the