• tab Kyo was an average boy in many respects save two: Firstly, he was an albino, his skin and hair white as snow and his eyes blue as ice, and secondly, he was an orphan, left on the doorstep of the Priory of Sol in Sagehaven as a baby after his mother died. However, his physique belied his thirteen years of near-homelessness; his arms were etched with the wiry muscle of one accustomed to being outdoors, and his face revealed no sign of hunger. Also of interest was the strange mark that curled around his arm from the back of his right hand to his elbow, a long, shapeless black slash. It was this mark that interested the sages of the Priory, and really the only reason most of them put up with him, for he was an energetic child, prone to mischief. Ironically, his antics brought no end of glee to the Eldest, head sage of the Priory, who often abetted his follies with small, seemingly insignificant gifts.
    tab One day, his thirteenth birthday to be precise, Kyo was wandering the markets, a pouch full of silver jingling at his belt. He was juggling a small orb of gold, an object he had owned since birth, when he heard a voice call his name. He turned to see Ember, a young and pretty redhead, a Pyrahand and meat monger/blacksmith by occupation, waving him toward her stall. As he pocketed the orb and approached, she placed a large steaming meat pie in his hands with a hearty “Happy birthday”. When he reached into his pouch to count out the silver, she laughed, saying, “It is a gift, child. You would insult me by paying for it.”
    tab Tentatively Kyo sniffed the pie, using his Solhand abilities to check for her usual spices. “Hmm... Chili powder for strength, rosemary for protection against disease, salt for purity, and... Oregano for cleansing?” he asked, listing them off as he had been taught.
    tab Ember nodded with a smile. “So you do pay attention! And I thought that all you did was stare at my breasts.”
    tab Kyo blushed slightly, but was saved further embarrassment when a sharp voice behind him snapped, “Surely you are not implying what I think you are?” and a silky voice replied, “Surely you are not implying it?”
    tab Kyo smirked to himself and stepped out of the way of Ember's sisters, Ivy the herbalist and Misty the apothecarian. Being triplets with opposing Hands, they were constantly bickering about who was the best looking. Sensing a confrontation, Kyo cleared his throat, causing the sisters to stop.
    tab “Oh that's right!” Misty cried, “Happy birthday Kyo! Wow, 13 already. Are you excited about your ceremony tonight?”
    tab “Of course!” Kyo said with a smile. The Starry Night Ceremony was every Handed child's dream. During the ceremony, Kyo would receive his Protector, the animal companion that would be with him for life, and his Title, the name by which others would know him. Kyo looked at Ember's phoenix, Ivy's monkey, and Misty's otter Protectors. “I wonder what my Protector will be.”
    tab “Who knows?” said Ivy, “But knowing you, it will most likely be something good!” Slowly she twisted a strand of raven hair, “So let's see... who will be in the ceremony?”
    tab Kyo thought for a moment. Being a Solhand, wielding the ability to control light and several aspects of the other types, he had had to learn about the other Hands as well.
    tab “Well,” said Misty, looking at Kyo, “I taught you about Aquahand, Ivy taught you about Terrahand, Ember taught you about Pyrahand, but who was your Aerohand teacher?” When they saw the dismayed look on Kyo's face, the sisters looked at each other, their expressions sour. “Mortimer.”
    tab “Did someone call my name?” remarked a nasal voice. Mortimer strode up to the group, looking pristine as usual in his navy blue robe and polished black boots. With his large nose, tiny watery eyes, and haughty attitude, he perfectly personified a Scholar of the Priory of Air.
    tab “We were just discussing the ceremony with Kyo,” said Misty, her melodic voice easily veiling her disgust. Ember nodded, but did not bother hiding her hatred of the man.
    tab “Oh, not to worry,” Mortimer said, stroking the ermine Protector around his neck, “I'm sure he will be fine. I mean, it's not like he's going to get a major Protector or anything. Given his attitude during my classes with him, I wouldn't be surprised if he only got a rat.”
    tab The other four winced. To receive a rat was the worse fate one could endure. It symbolized a complete disrespect of your Hand, and brought disgrace to one, one's family, and one's village.
    tab “I highly doubt that!” Ember said, her eyes burning red and the fire behind her hissing angrily. “However you claim he acted toward you, he did exceptional in his classes with us.”
    tab Mortimer sniffed, unimpressed. “Be that as it may, we shall see come tonight.” With that he turned on his heel and strode away.
    tab “Ooh...” Ivy said angrily, “One of these days I'm just going to...”
    tab “You, Ivy Lashvine, are 'just going to' hold your anger.” said a soft voice. Instantly the four snapped to attention as the Eldest came toward them, moving with a fluid motion that belied his many years. “The Priory of Air was nice enough to loan us their best Scholar, and I intend to send him back in one piece.” he added, sotto voce, so that only Kyo could hear it, “After that, he's out of our hair, and I could care less about him.”
    tab “Well now,” said Misty nervously, “If I am to be ready from the ceremony, I must go. Goodness knows I do not wish to be associated with you two.” This set off another argument, and Kyo and the Eldest used the opportunity to leave.

    tab A cloaked figure stood on the rooftop, having watched the conversation. Could that boy possibly be the one I seek?, he thought, He certainly doesn't look like much. But then again, neither did I before the events began. We shall simply have to wait and see. With that, he left to finish before the ceremony. We shall see.