The elaborate ritual of thanks did not disguise how relieved the monks at the Sun Temple were to send the northern priestess away to her other duties. The scathing tone of her report to the full council left little doubt she intended to share her findings with the wider conclave. The Temple-master reluctantly accepted the requests for re-assignments from both the Chief Librarian and the Junior House-master. He asked the Herbalist to take-over the introductory temple forms class and turned to his Training-master to help assess the energy potential of every student.

"I think we have all guessed our newest student has some special talents but it is hard to say what his fundamental alignment might be," The Temple-master observed as he laid out a large chart of the elements.

"He is very young to have a clear affinity. It's possible the fire element is only showing up because of his stone."

"It's an interesting puzzle. Whether the stone is a cause, or an effect, of his tendencies. More importantly we need some gauge of his strengths to give him the right tools to help his focus."

"And if he takes an offer from another school?" The Training-master expressed his growing worry.

"We will want to be sure he knows he is welcome to continue a training association here. Maybe we can put a group together for the open competition to make his affiliation with us a bit more obvious. It won't stop all of the recruiters but it might reduce some of their pressure tactics."

"You think there will be that much interest?" The Training-master paused then corrected himself. "I mean, do you think his energy talents might be obvious?"

"I don't know how many would actually recognize his talents for what they are. After all, look at Park Junseo. He is attached to such a small training league and even though the palace seems to keep tabs on him there doesn't seem to be much other interest. His friend Kim Hae-sung has more offers from the other yards."

"So, it's not just the number of crystals the boy earned before he came south. I mean it is strange he does not seem to have an affinity." The Training-master stopped. "I guess I have the same weakness, forgetting stones are only tools to help direct powers and not their source."

"Good. Now let's see what we can learn about the junior class." The Temple-master sent a message for the boys to come to the eastern-most room in the temple complex. The Herbalist accompanied the boys and tried to assure them they were not in trouble.

"We are your teachers and spiritual guides. Your failings are our failings," he said firmly.

"But three boys were sent away yesterday," a small voice objected from the back of the line.

"Yes. In time, we hope to be ready for their return but for now they need a different approach than what we can offer," the Herbalist smiled sadly then signaled for silence before leading an anchoring mantra. The students were led into the room in groups of four.

There had been no effort made to sort the students in advance so their groups reflected their social connections. In-Yeon was in the last group to be assessed. He was accompanied by the three boys who had first offered to help with the memorial ceremony in the dorm and with whom he felt most comfortable.

The Temple-master explained the process of discernment would involve them standing at different compass points and touching the symbols on the map of the elements. "Should I be storing my crystals?" In-Yeon asked while looking around for an appropriate container.

"No, for this test we want to see you under normal circumstances," The Temple-master smiled warmly and pointed to where each boy should start.

The boys went through a complete circuit without noticing any changes. In-Yeon's young friends looked disappointed but he could feel pressures building around them. He took a deep breath and called to his anchors. For the second circuit the boys took turns saying the mantras for each element. Two of his friends caused the water ripple before calming water in the bowl near the center of the map. Only one other boy caused a fan to flutter.

The Training-master smiled encouragingly as In-Yeon stepped into place. The water indicator became a miniature fountain when a small spout formed in the center of the bowl. In-Yeon let it run for a minute before recalling the calming waters mantra. At the next station the fan swirled, then lifted out of its rest before settling back down. As he faced west the flame on the candle flared brightly before extinguishing itself. Finally, a handful of pebbles rose out a bowl then sorted themselves into a circular pattern before settling back into place. In-Yeon nodded to himself then silently ran through the closing ritual.

"I hope that was alright," In-Yeon said softly before turning to look at his small audience.

"I didn't know anyone could do that. I mean, I have heard of masters of one or two but after, like, years of practice." A small boy enthused before catching a glance of the frowning Training-master.

"It seems you all have a special potential," the Temple-master's sweeping gesture included all the boys. "Of course, potential is nothing without training, and training is nothing without discipline. Our first step will be to find you mentors. Then we can look at your course of studies to be sure you can properly grow into the responsibilities that come with your talents." His serious demeanor warded off any further chatter. The full gravity of their situation was brought home by the boys being accompanied to the dorms by a senior monk and then being moved to a separate cottage with two more of their classmates and four novices.

The accommodations came with a new scheduled. Taking part in all the offices of the days as a separate group had less of an impact than taking all their meals at the cottage instead of the common dining hall. "It feels like we have been put in quarantine," one of the other boys complained.

"All kinds of rumors are going around," another added to the discontent.

"Well, I would rather be certain of my control before being put to the test again," In-Yeon said before leaving for his special session with the Training-master. When he arrived, he was surprised to see his uncle waiting with five of the young men he knew from the second terrace. The unexpected news they were all now registered for the open competition had them flustered.

"I want you all to take this opportunity to demonstrate classic forms. This is not about scores or rankings, it is about testing yourself with different styles and opponents. When you are not on deck or in a match, I expect you to be helping your teammates. Since I have been invited to referee the demonstration matches, Brother Suk-Chan will be your manager for the day. Now let's review our partner work." The Training-master strict tones, and the familiar rhythms of the proscribed moves, helped the students to settle.

After the training session his uncle accompanied In-Yeon to the inner court yard's special meditation garden. They found the Herbalist waiting and he handed them both some tools and explained their tasks. As they worked together in silence, In-Yeon could feel layers of tension release. The feeling was nearly as potent as when his crystals aligned for the first time and tears of gratitude formed in the corner of his eye when he learned he was welcome to visit this garden anytime his schedule allowed.