Ascended

The Bokor hadn’t said a word.

I told them everything. I tried to recap what had happened verbatim. And they hadn’t said a single thing.

Now I was finished and I was looking at Master James for answers. “What are we going to do?”

“You’re sure that the Touched called her ‘The Master’?” Master James looked at me.

“Yes, many times.”

“And she had a raw heartstone.”

“And a blue one and one of the ones from here.” He knew something and was holding back. “What do you know?”

Master James sighed, “There was a rumor when I was younger about a Bokor who became a Touched. Apparently she had been one of the first Bokor, but she ran afoul of the Grand Council over something and left. Hunters were sent after her, but the ones who came back alive reported that she had become one of the Touched.” He shook his head, “If she’s here…” He let his voice drift off.

“Do you think she’s telling the truth?” I looked over at Val. The redhead was still stunned.

“I’ve only heard rumors about her, so I have no idea.” Master James shook his head, “I do know that you’re right about the Council wiping out whole cities. When I was a Potential there was what the Council decreed was a mutated outbreak and because they couldn’t tell who was infected, they wiped out the whole city. The gossip that I heard was these Zombies bled red just like us, and the Potentials that survived were given immediate promotions.” He looked at me, “I believe Master Bran was the one who scored the most kills.” He shook his head and looked over at Eveth, “As far as what she’s done, I don’t know. For safety reasons, I’d love to evacuate everyone, but I don’t think the council will do that without a mass zombie horde that they can see,

I groaned. So many people were going to die. I knew that I could take the Touched that was outside, which meant that Master James would have to take the one inside and Val would have to be backup in case there was a third one. With all of the Wranglers either dead or out, it would fall to the city guards to pick up the slack and my faith in them was almost nonexistent.

“We’re going to have to talk to the leadership again.” Master James looked at Val, “Master Val, are you going to be okay here by yourself, or do I need to leave Byler?”

I didn’t realize leaving me would be an option. After bringing back only one Wrangler, I would think that they would be lined up outside the house demanding answers. For Master James to only go it would look like we were hiding something.

“I’ll be okay.” She looked at Master James, “Am I going to become a monster?”

“Don’t put too much stock in that.” Master James shook his head. “I’ve been absorbing stones for decades and it hasn’t done anything to me.” He spread his arms out. “Besides, you haven’t absorbed a crystal yet, so even if it did, you have nothing to worry about.”

That seemed to perk her up a little. “I’ll be okay.” Val forced a smile.

“Alright Byler, let’s go.” Master James headed towards the door.

I nodded and followed him, except he stopped at the door.

“There is a lot of sensitive information that you disclosed tonight.” Master James lowered his voice, “Do not answer any questions from the Council. I will redirect the question so that you know EXACTLY what to say. While I may not like many of the Bokor’s practices, they are the only defense we have against the Zombies. So please do NOT say anything derogatory about the Bokor in there regardless of how you feel.” He shook his head, “I know you probably feel betrayed, but remember, we have a job to do and people will die if we don’t do it.”

“Yes, Master.” I felt like a brand new apprentice.

“Hey.” He held up my chin, “You’re a Master now. So look up.” He looked into my eyes, “You’re just new at this, which is why you’re following my lead.”

I felt a little better as I followed him out of the house even though I knew that this next meeting would be very difficult.