Free Heart of the Exiled by Pati Nagle Page B

selection of you is more difficult but also possible
.
    What makes that so difficult?
Valani’s eyes were brilliant with curiosity.
    Picture yourself as a weaver, with many strands to
manage. Moving any one is simple; moving some but not others requires more attention. The analogy is not perfect, but it will serve
.
    Valani responded, her enthusiasm plain in her voice.
Or a harper, choosing which strings to play!
    Yes, a harper is a better example. To play one string is easy, to play all is simple, but to select those which harmonize requires skill. More questions?
    He waited only a brief moment, knowing the questions could continue indefinitely if he allowed it.
Very well. We will have time to discuss this again in future sessions. For now I will proceed with the focus-building
.
    He drew a chair forward and sat in it, draping the cloak over his lap and taking one corner of it between his hands. Daring a glance at Heléri, he saw that she was watching him, still softly smiling. Her khi was the brightest in the room, drawing him to her. He resisted and turned his gaze to the others.
    For this I must ask you all to give me your full attention. You may feel an increase of khi through the circle
.
    He closed his eyes and centered his own awareness, noting the mages’ varying brightness of khi, especially that of Sulithan, the mage whose work had been flawed. When he was certain of their attention, he moved his thought into the fabric of the cloak, bidding them to follow.
    He drew upon prime khi to build the focus of protection, warmth, and concealment into the cloak.
Follow the pattern of the weaving. No need to take one strand at a time; the gridwork will serve you well as a pathway
.
    Khi flowed in a slow tide outward from his hands, spreading through the twisted fibers, filling the spacesbetween, binding all with the blessing. He moved his hands to another part of the cloak while maintaining the focus, then built it further. At last he ceased and withdrew.
    The mages stirred, some sighing, some still with eyes closed, as if holding on to the moment. Rephanin smoothed the fabric of the cloak and waited, watching them.
    The nervous tension had vanished. The circle was calm—unusually so, he thought. The sole exception was Sulithan, who sat gazing downward, frowning slightly.
    Rephanin rose, left the cloak on his chair, and quietly walked to the chest. When he reached it, he turned; seeing the circle all watching once more, he picked up another cloak.
    Thank you all for your attention. Those who wish to stay and work now may do so; the others may take cloaks and return when you will
.
    The mages gathered to accept their work, some murmuring words of thanks, others silent. Valani stepped up to him, her khi fairly radiating excitement.
    Thank you, my lord! I look forward to learning more
.
    Rephanin smiled as he handed her two cloaks.
You are welcome
.
    She stayed a moment, smiling back, then moved to a worktable and took up one of the cloaks. Rephanin was surprised at this, for she was a day-bider. She glanced up at him and flashed another smile, and he sensed the first faint stirring of a familiar danger. Turning his attention to the next mage, he avoided looking Valani’s way again.
    Sulithan had kept to the back of the line, waiting until all the others had left or settled in to work.When Rephanin held out a cloak to him he hesitated, frowning.
    Your demonstration—I have not been doing anything like that
.
    Rephanin smiled gently as he placed the cloak in the mage’s hands.
You will do better now
.
    Sulithan drew himself up.
Yes. I will
.
    If you ever have questions—
    I will not hesitate to ask. Thank you, Lord Rephanin
.
    Sulithan left the chamber, brushing a shoulder against the door frame in his haste. Rephanin hoped that he would not be discouraged, that he would build upon what he had learned this night.
    Two other day-biders had chosen to remain and work, leaving six gathered in the hall. Rephanin walked back to