Books Page 6

"Ah . . ." Fadi said. "But you see it everyday. You just don't realize it. It is everywhere - in the honeycombs
of bees, in seashells, the way petals grow outward from the center of a flower. It is the most natural of all
paths."

Mor stepped aside as Zustand nudged his way to the table and meticulously traced Fadi's path with his own
finger, his eyes fixed on the scroll as if it had entranced him with some unseen power. Silence enveloped
the room. Mor drew back when he saw Zustand's expression change from curiosity and interest to anger.

"This is suicide," Zustand shouted. "The path you point to leads through the Mosi Desert and then south
into Supai where Geldarkan himself dwells in the black city." He slapped his hand on the chart.

"Zustand's right Fadi," Stiofan said. "It would be much safer to travel north to the lands of the Sia and then
into the territory of Mandar.

"But that is not the path," Fadi explained, undeterred by Zustand's outburst. "Nor is it how the Bashkim will
be found."

"Does path predict just how many of us will perish?" Zustand asked.

"It is written that that those chosen as seekers must follow The Golden Path and reach the Bashkim before
evil finds him. For if Geldarkan finds the Bashkim and lures the child to the dark side . . . or worse--" Fadi
stopped speaking, as if he needed a moment to absorb the horrific words he just spoke. His voice became
a whisper. "--then he will have reign over the world of man."

"Seekers? Us?" Stiofan asked. "Fadi, I think you've made some mistake."

"There's no mistake," Fadi said. "The Hecreas have been the chosen seekers since the beginning of time."
Fadi said. "It is written, though probably hidden in your family archives somewhere -- but it is there. You
may resemble man in looks, but it is your blessings of intellect, grace and kindness that set you apart from
them. You are the People of Light."

"Why should we care about man or what has been written?" Zustand asked. "Torthecrea has never
destroyed Kumari Kandam and if the Bashkim is taken, that cursed Geldarkan would leave our shores to
torment this world of man for ages."

"Father, this is a child!" Sabella interrupted. Mor could tell by the look on her face that she wished she
hadn't.

"Thank you Sabella," Fadi said. "We are a part of the world of man and what they do with their lands
affects ours," Fadi explained.

"How so?" Zustand said. Mor could see he was not accepting Fadi's words by the look in his eyes.

"It is written . . . in your history. The days in which the skies turned black, the land trembled and the seas
became angry. Do you recall the scrolls?"

"I do," Sabella interrupted.

Mor did too. The scrolls told of dangerous and devastating times. Starvation, mass suffering and treachery
ruled the land for many, many years.

"That was not Torthecrea's will. It was the world of man, coming to an end," Fadi said. "It could happen
again, unless . . ."

"Unless we find the Bashkim," Mor whispered.

"Past seekers have always succeeded in locating the Bashkim before Geldarkan could find him. It is not
written as to what will happen to Kumari Kandam if Geldarkan gets to the child before we do. I for one
would rather not find out. We are chosen because we have never failed."

"We know what must be done," Stiofan said. "We have quarters for all of you. I urge you to rest. I'll send
word to the stables to have the tarpan horses ready. We will leave at dawn."

With Stiofan's words, the meeting seemed to adjourn, but only for a moment.

"Only two seekers are to journey," Fadi announced.

Everyone stopped.
"Only two," Fadi repeated. "The task is given to those who have been born unto the morning star."

"Why?" Zustand asked.

"Because those who are born unto the morning star have been blessed with certain gifts," Fadi explained.

"What kind of gifts?"

"They will be called upon throughout their lifetimes to assist the Bashkim."

Mor's purpose at the meeting became clear. He was to be a seeker. He had been chosen to search Kumari
Kandam for the Bashkim.

"I will not allow it," Zustand hissed, upon his realization of who the other Seeker was to be. "Sabella is
much too young for such a perilous journey. The Golden Path! Bah!"

"Father!" Sabella shouted, and then faced Fadi and bowed. "It is an honor Bashkim Fadi."