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All at once, doubts filled me. Not of myself, but of this society that I could no longer claim as my own. My eyes fell to the floor as I pondered all that I had heard. But, the next words from my god cheered me."The Outsiders are greater than the Tyberan, truly, if you think of the diversity of them all. They are our equals and more. They are much akin to the Tyberan, save that the attributes are divided among them. In fact, that is better. Having the abilities Tyberan do, dispersed through every individual, gives those abilities a chance to weaken. The Tyberan are imperfect because of those weakened abilities. Certainly no better than Outsiders."
He looked at me, "Speaking of Outsiders, where is Lord Krolaun?"
I was startled at being asked, "I'm not sure. He probably had business of his own to attend to."
Bast looked out a nearby window, "In Tybis? What business could he have here?"
"He sent a Starflight to his homeland. Perhaps some word came back from that."
He nodded, resuming his walk down the hall. I followed, matching his leisurely gait. His voice came gently to me this time as he inquired, "So, how did you meet the elf-lord?"
"Coincidence," I murmured, "I was having difficulties with another patron at the Inn, which I found also by chance. Krolaun and his friends came to my aid, without my even asking. After that, I forged several friendships, that are still with me."
"But mere coincidence? I don't think so. Is it coincidence that has brought you back to Tybis?"
"No," I replied, reluctantly. Krolaun and I had, indeed, returned to Tybis for a reason.
"Then how can you say it was coincidence that you met him?"
"It happened with no prior planning, no plotting. It just happened."
"I think you mistake Destiny for coincidence, young Katja."
"Destiny? Are you saying this was some preordained thing?"
"No," he replied, "I told you, the only one who can create your destiny is you."
"You speak in contradictions, Bright One. First you say that my Destiny is my own to create, but then you make it sound as if it is already set."
"For some, their Destinies are preordained. For others, it is just there. When you were born to the Tyberan race, your Destiny was preordained. But the choices you made for yourself reshaped your Destiny. See? Only you have the Power to change your Destiny as you will it."
I did not understand, nor would I for many years to come, I thought. His words held a certain truth to them, so I left it at that. I walked with him, and spared a glance out the window, it was almost midnight. This would be a dangerous time for Krolaun to be wandering the city. Where was he?
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© 1999 E. Angeli Mansfield