Free Krymzyn (The Journals of Krymzyn Book 1) by BC Powell Page A

that Teller.”
    “How do you know I’m from Earth?”
    “You told me on your first visit,” Tork interjects.
    I think back to my conversation with him when I was twelve, remembering that I did tell him.
    “How long ago was this other Teller here?” I ask.
    “When Tork and I were early in our service as Disciples,” Eval answers, “but before any of the others standing here had been called to fulfill their purpose.”
    Based on Eval’s answer, I conclude that Eval and Tork are the two senior Disciples.
    They all shift their eyes to my side before I say anything else. I turn my head to see Sash walking to the top of the hill. She glances at me and nods, the usual somber look on her face. When she stops in front of the row of Disciples, they all drop to one knee and bow their heads.
    “Hunter Sash,” Eval declares, “you’ve honored Krymzyn by your actions to protect and heal the Teller Chase. In his presence, we humbly thank you for your service to our guest.”
    I look from the Disciples to Sash. Her expression doesn’t change, but she sinks to one knee then speaks with a soft sincerity that melts my insides.
    “If I’ve served Krymzyn, it’s I who feels honor,” Sash replies.
    Sash and the Disciples all stand.
    “Communal is near,” Eval says, “although this is another event that shouldn’t occur while a Teller is visiting.”
    “What goes on during Communal?” I ask.
    “We’re alone with our thoughts,” Eval answers, “but as one with Krymzyn.”
    “I’m just curious—how do you know it’s time for Communal?”
    “Krymzyn shows us,” Eval replies. She holds a hand out to me and turns her palm up. Magenta rays rise from her skin—light that wasn’t there moments ago.
    All of the Disciples, arms dangling by their sides, now have magenta light illuminating their hands. When I look at Sash, she extends a palm in my direction, showing me the same light pulsating from her skin.
    “I would suggest,” Eval says, her eyes moving to Sash, “that, while it may break with our custom of spending Communal alone, Chase spend this time with you, if neither of you has an objection.”
    “It will be my honor,” Sash says.
    Eval and Sash silently gaze at one another, and I glance back and forth between them. A look of knowing is exchanged, like some deep secret is being shared. Eval suddenly turns her head to me.
    “Is this acceptable to you, Chase?” Eval asks.
    “Absolutely,” I say.
    “Perhaps,” Eval says to Sash, “since Chase appears to be the curious type, you’ll take him to the Tall Hill, where he can see the Delta, the Barrens, and the beauty of Krymzyn.”

Chapter 10
    Based on the direction of light overhead, Sash and I walk northwest, towards what’s obviously the tallest hill on the Krymzyn Delta. Her pace is brisk, leaning forward into an incredibly long, graceful stride. Even with my longer legs and walking as fast as I can, I have to almost trot to keep up with her.
    “Thanks again for helping me,” I say. “I don’t know what I would’ve done without you.”
    “It was my honor to help you,” she replies.
    “Honor’s a big thing around here, isn’t it?”
    “Honor provides balance, and balance is the purpose of our existence,” she says. “What’s your purpose on your plane?”
    “I’m a student,” I answer, somewhat surprised that the word translates.
    “What do you learn?”
    “Lots of things. I’m not sure what I want to do yet. Maybe be a graphic artist .”
    “I don’t know of that task,” she says.
    “I draw things, pictures ,” I reply.
    “ Pictures ?” she asks.
    I realize that I’ve never seen a pen, pencil, or piece of paper in Krymzyn. Not a book or work of art anywhere.
    “A picture is a drawing . . . or a painting —an image a person creates of something else, like a mountain or a river or another person.”
    “For what purpose?”
    “So people can see things they wouldn’t get to see. Or see people who are interesting or famous