A talent for knowing what folks were thinking was something Aliiva had come to terms with, but leaving her home and using those skills at the Citadel was not something she was prepared for.
Learning etiquette, deportment and self defense becomes her focus, but when the combat instructors keep running away, what is she supposed to do?
Returning from a harsh assignment, Baengar is not very keen to take on a new apprentice, until he sees Aliiva. Making sure that she is prepared to take on whatever comes her way is his primary concern. As they get to know each other, the concern shifts into something much more intense, and when they are sent on a mission together he knows that they have a destiny beyond their duty.
More From Tales of the Citadel
Baengar Lekkal was exhausted. Two weeks working with Sector Guard extraction teams had worked on his nerves and his body with equal measure.
As he walked up the pathway to the Morganti Citadel, Apprentice Kalo came to him and took his bags.
“What is it, Kalo?”
“Turnari needs to speak with you about a new recruit.”
The exaggerated calm of Kalo’s tone was not lost on Baengar. “What is up, Kalo?”
The younger man grinned. “You have got to hear it to believe it.”
His curiosity overrode his exhaustion. “Turnari had better be more forthcoming than you are.”
Kalo chuckled. “I will drop your bags in your rooms. Shall I dump them for a cleaning cycle?”
Baengar gave him a dark look and the younger man moved down one of the corridors. Stomping down the halls, he reached the coordinator’s office and knocked on the door.
“Come in, Baengar.”
Turnari raised his head and rubbed at his forehead, his horns gleaming in the light of his lamps.
“What is up, Turnari?”
“We have a situation. Have a seat. The tea is fresh.”
Baengar took a seat at the table set with two places and poured himself a cup of tea and a glass of water. Munching on a sandwich, he waited for the facility manager to finish his notes. Turnari got to his feet and joined Baengar at the table, his frame taxing the small chair.
“Now, Baengar, let me preface this by saying that I know you have sworn off taking personal apprentices, but we have a situation.”
He sipped at his tea and waited for the Dhemon to continue.
“We have a recruit and she has a peculiar and amazing talent. She needs hand-to-hand and weapons training.”
Baengar sipped at his tea and leaned forward. “How long has she been here?”
“Ten days.”
“And you haven’t started her training?” That was a bit of a surprise. Normally, an asset would begin immediately training to master their talents and whatever skills they needed to go with it.
Turnari rubbed his forehead again. “I didn’t say that. She has gone through three instructors. They all refused to work with her again.”
