Tavaar - 72nd Edition

“It seems real," said Tavaar. "It did from the first. That’s why I have been afraid. I don’t want it to be true. Only, I feel helpless. I mean, if it is a premonition, then it is going to happen. Right? How can I stop the future? You’ve told me yourself, Khaiu, I have a destiny.”

“Don’t let that throw you. He’s said the same thing to me. And Klarissa,” said Shello.

“And who knows who else? Is that what you’re saying?” asked Sashwa.

“Maybe. I just don’t see it as something to worry about.”

“That’s because your destiny isn’t to be unfaithful,” snapped Tavaar.

“Neither is yours,” said Khaiu. “You have a destiny, but there is no need to be either excited or concerned. It will fulfill itself in its own time and in its own way.”

“But what about Gwihnna’s premonition?” asked Sashwa.

“Gwihnna’s premonition is interesting,” said Khaiu.

Sashwa laughed. “Interesting? You have a gift for understatement, Khaiu.”
“Why is it interesting?” asked Tavaar.

Khaiu had never professed special seeing or knowing ability, save that he had assured Shello, Klarissa, and herself that they all had a destiny. He said it with such assurance no one thought to question him on it. But there was a lot more to Khaiu than intelligence and warrior skill. His entire manner bespoke such confidence that many far older deferred to his judgment. He studied hard. He knew things few others did. When challenged on his knowledge he always pointed to a verifiable source; usually, the Temple records. Even in the non-restricted area there was a lot of information few bothered to read.

“To begin with, I find it interesting that the only one not cast in shadow is Tavaar. The other is in shadow. Even the children are not seen clearly.”

“What do you think is the significance?” asked Shello.

“I’m not sure. There are several possibilities, but this was not Gwihnna’s first premonition. Did you know that?”

“She mentioned others, though she didn’t say what they were. But she said they always came true,” said Tavaar.

“She spoke the truth; but only part of it. Officially, Gwihnna has had two premonitions. These took place on alternating years. She may have had others which she did not choose to make known. But the two she did came true all right, but not in the way she predicted.”

“How do you know this?” asked Wheylin.

“I have been studying premonitions for years,” said Khaiu. “Each year several claim to have them. It is not always the same ones, and very rarely does anyone have more than one in a given year. At least, none are recorded. Not everyone chooses to go through the process. Certainly not every time.”