The Stolen Prince (Blood for Blood Book 1) by Tom Wright, K.L. Gee Page B

the Desolate Mountains a hundred years ago.” Guardian held the torchlight close to a carving. “These religious texts tell of the Master, who in other translations is called the Maker. It speaks of a bridge, Hakon, or perhaps a better way of saying it is ‘bond.’ There is a bond between the Maker and the earth, since it was made by the Maker.” He walked along the walls, pointing out various drawings. “It is also believed that there is a bond between the earth and the Terra, especially the Terra that can port. In order to zip or vanish, we must use the earth, and in return, it gives us space and a small amount of time.
    “It was believed, and stories were told, that one day, the bond, or bridge, would be manifest in corporeal form. Specifically, in the physical form of a man. There are many interpretations of this man. Some say it is a man who will be the bridge between peoples and bring peace to this land as the Master would have it. Some say the man will come as a punishment for our disloyalty and laziness. Here…” he said, pointing to a particular carving that showed a warrior with many marks on its fingers and holding the sky and the earth in both hands “… there are beliefs that he will be able to wield both the power of the earth and the sky or, as we understand it, air.”
    Hakon looked at the picture. “He will be able to port using both earth and air?”
    Guardian shook his head. “Perhaps. Others say it is not a literal legend of a real man. But rather, just a metaphor for all of us, that we have the ability to bond with our Master as we bond with the earth. That there is no single man who will possess such power.”
    Hakon peered at carving after carving and noticed the man was always painted with weapons in hand. “Why is he is always drawn as a warrior?”
    “It is said he will be a great fighter, a warrior who obeys only the highest Master, no king or chief.” Gage moved to another etching and Hakon followed. “When the Terra kidnapped you, they believed you could be used for leverage against the king. Their intent was ill. But our tribe has always believed that one day the bond will manifest itself. We saw the signs, Hakon, and we protected you. We raised you, watching you.”
    “You mean…” Was Gage suggesting that Hakon was this man? Just because he was raised among the Terra?
    “Your purpose is far greater than just to beg for peace from the king. A fate of an entire land rests on you.” Gage paused, letting this sink in. “But remember also, all these legends may not be true at all. They are stories that a hungry people may have made up when they wanted someone to be their deliverer.”
    Hakon felt like he should point out the obvious. “And I don’t have those powers…”
    “No. But you still have the power to change the fate of a nation.” Hakon understood now. He wasn’t the fulfillment of prophecy, but the legend could give him hope that change was possible. He looked at the pictures again. If the Master willed it, they could change the future of the races. He couldn’t be the Master’s bridge, but he could be a bridge. Gage took his arm. “Do you understand your role?”
    “First, win the duel.”
    “You will win it. Not easily, but you will win.” Hakon smiled despite himself. He got a strong jab in the stomach. “Don’t give your pride away. You’ll have worse foes than the Three Winds. Go on.”
    “I will reveal myself to the king. Beg for peace.”
    “Win his favor. If he will not stop the war, we will have gained an ally in his court at the very least.”
    “I will spin the war to our favor.”
    “Or at the least, prevent the Terra from being destroyed. We are stronger than the Alem. You will see that. But they have many advantages, and we were not a united people in war until now.” Gage looked at the paintings and carvings again. “And Hakon, try not to kill anyone.”
    Hakon grinned. “On which side?”
    Gage returned Hakon’s smile.