Chronicles of Aurderia: The Balance by J. Steven Young Page B

That gift has not been seen since the long before the Lalli Mah.”  
    Andra finished and turned to go then faced Codger, “That is the gift required to store power in stone that does not come from the true source.” With that last statement Andra retired to the tent, leaving Codger with more questions than answers.
    The next morning Andra took Shuran off into the wood to talk privately. "Shuran, I need to talk to you about who you are and what you will be facing,” Andra started. "I will be forward with you." Andra then told Shuran the story of the prophecy.  
    Shuran was told about his bloodline and the sacrifice of his sisters to the balance. Andra did not tell Shuran of the fact that one sister was taken by the Order of Chaos and lived because it was not time to know it yet.  
    "You were taken away without the Order knowing of your existence. They misinterpreted the prophecy and we took advantage of that. This is why it is important that they not know of your existence as long as possible,” Andra stressed to Shuran. "You must learn many things while I am able to help. Then you will need to journey the land to learn all you need to restore the balance."
    "But how am I to do all this?" Shuran asked. He was on the verge of crying but at the same time he came to a realization. "I am older than I really am are I not?"  
    Andra just nodded in reply.  
    "And you are not all that you seem either. I sense it."  
    Again Andra simply nodded in response.  
    "I have to get back, Bastien is coming by to take me hunting in the wood." Shuran said.
    "Shuran!" Bastien smiled. "Let's go I have a new bow I made and want to see how she shoots!" Bastien yelled as Shuran emerged from the wood with Andra.  
    "Who is this?" Bastien inquired after Andra.  
    "An old family friend come to visit."
    Andra just nodded and moved past Bastien without giving a name. Shuran understood now the reason for secrecy.  
    "Let me get my bow and quiver!" Shuran said drawing back Bastien's attention. Shortly after the odd encounter, Shuran and Bastien were headed off into the woods to hunt.  
    Andra and Codger were watching after them as they left. "Good boy that Bastien, used to look after the place when I would go off exploring,” Codger said.  
    "He is a mundane, though I see something else about him,” Andra observed as he walked away.  
    Codger just looked after Andra and shrugged as he followed behind.

Chapter Six

    Andra began Shuran’s lessons in the Essence back to their origins. “Essence is all around us in everything there is,” Andra said.  
    “I know this already. Why is Mally not taking lessons with me?” Shuran asked.  
    “Mally has learned much but what I teach you today is only something that you can do because you are different,” Andra replied. “You are birthed of seven blood lines, each of those having the makeup to harness one of the seven powers.”
    Shuran just looked at Andra blankly before responding. “What I did with the trench, it felt different then the weaving we have been practicing,” Shuran realized aloud.  
    “Yes, you moved earth and water then called fire without using spells. This is dangerous for a weaver but not if the Essence was used to work the elements such as I suspected you did. Tell me what you felt at the time.”  
    “I felt energy… power… life! It was as though I was calling out of need and what I wanted answered. I did not even think, I just acted,” Shuran remembered.  
    “Did you hear anything?” Andra asked.  
    “I DID! I heard what was like music or singing and voices, but very faint. It was different with each. And the fire danced!”  
    Andra just smiled and started to explain what was known to the limited blood mix and knowledge Andra possessed. Elemental powers seem to respond and act in different ways to those who can communicate with them.  
    Water ripples with musical tones. Earth rumbles and vibrates with deep drum-like beats. Wind whispers. Fire dances