'This way,' said Deacon Bray, motioning Jonny to follow. He stepped off the porch onto a walkway that led down the side of the building. He stopped at a side entrance, tapped twice, then opened the door and gestured Jonny inside.
Jonny found himself in a large reception room with couches and chairs that he recognized as Vanguard furnishings. A few highly polished sculptures were made from native wood. Jonny had never before been in the presence of such opulence. A pair of large double doors led into another room. Deacon Bray motioned Jonny through with a hint of impatience.
Jonny stopped just inside the room. The doors closed softly behind him. He turned and saw that 124
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Deacon Bray had gone. He turned back with his heart pounding. The room was vast and simple, with polished wood furniture—a desk, a low table, a few finely carved chairs. Dim light came from ancient globes that hung from the ceiling.
High Elder Brill was sitting behind the desk, studying a punch-tube that he held delicately between the forefingers of each hand. Jonny was disappointed to see that the High Elder wore only common clothing—a drably dark shirt and dark trousers. Jonny had seen the High Elder only during the Godsday services, when he wore the bright flaring robe and the high, elaborately decorated crown. The High Elder seemed not to have noticed
Jonny's arrival. His lips moved silently as he rotated the tube between his fingers and squinted at markings that Jonny could see only faintly. His eyes were pale gray, not too different from his skin. Jonny drew a breath in an attempt to calm his thumping heart and advanced as bravely as he could to the desk. The High Elder looked up, and the stem set of his features softened instantly into a friendly smile. He rose quickly and held out both hands. Overcome with awe, Jonny took them in his own.
'The ancient wisdom of the Tal Tahir,' said High Elder Brill.
The High Elder's hands were soft and warm. For a moment Jonny was so overwhelmed he forgot the prescribed reply. Then, stumbling slightly over the words: 'Is given to the faithful through the great Lord Tern.'
'Jonny, my son. I'm glad you could come to see me.' The High Elder's parchment face crinkled as his smile broadened. 'It makes my old heart swell with pride to see my Sons in their uniforms.' Jonny felt the hot blood of pleasure rush to his face. High Elder Brill released his hands and sat down, then waved Jonny to a chair. He lifted a gnarled hand to the shiny metal disk that hung around his neck. Jonny's eyes followed. The Godstone . . .
'We were delivered here long ago,' said High Elder Brill. 'It was no accident that High Elder Anson brought us to our beloved Clarion. The gods called us here from the great starship Vanguard to be with them, and we must carry out their wishes.' His fingers touched the Godstone, setting it in gentle motion. 'You know that, don't you, Jonny?' It took Jonny a moment to realize an answer was expected. Somehow he found his voice. 'Of course, High Elder Brill. I know of Lord Tern's purpose.'
'We are only human, weak and frail. But we must not disappoint Lord Tern.' High Elder Brill looked directly at Jonny. Jonny heard the rush of blood in his ears. 'Lord Tern and I have been watching you for some time, Jonny. We have recognized your spirit and selfless dedication. Elder Jacowicz tells me that you have a natural ability with the weapons Lord Tern has given us for battle against the heretics, and that even at your young age you have a good understanding of human
nature. He has asked permission to promote you to the rank of squadron leader. I have gladly approved.'
// was true
'Thank you. High Elder—'
'But that isn't the only reason I called you here. We all have a mission. You and I and Lord Tern. Clarion is waiting for us to fulfill our destiny. The great Lord Tern has selected you for a special task, Jonny. You have earned the privilege to serve him.' Jonny felt the pressure of the High Elder's eyes on him, but he couldn't take his own eyes off the Godstone. Jonny had never been this close to it before, and he felt its power enfolding him. There was something on the face of it—an engraved 126
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picture he couldn't make out. The Godstone swung freely, aided now and then by a light touch from the High Elder's fingertips.
'This special task will be dangerous,' the High Elder went on. 'But the rewards will be great. We must cleanse our great Clarion, and purge those who abominate Lord Tern. Lord Tern has ordered it.' The High Elder paused, and when he spoke again his voice was deadly calm. 'The intruders, Jonny—the ones who came from the purgatory
beyond the Far Peaks. They have defiled the temple. Lord Tern has given special permission for my Sons to search for the heretics in the Holy City, and even to enter the tubes if necessary.' Jonny felt an icy chill run through him.
'You are not to fear the Holy City, Jonny. Lord Tern will protect you.'
