Annihilation Prequel - Psychic Beginnings Read Online Free Page A

those?”
    “You cannot do anything that would harm the Clan and you must learn our laws. You can also not reveal any of the inner workings of our society to anyone. You must keep secret anything you learn about how our Clan operates. You must never say anything bad about us and to the best of your ability support and protect our community. Can you agree to do this knowing what you now know?”
    Cynthia thought hard. She knew the Clan did things that were illegal. She also knew that some of their warriors were out of control and that bothered her greatly. However, she knew that the young man who had saved her wanted her to have it and she sensed that he felt it was critical for her survival. She knew that the world was not fair and that sometimes bad things happened. She had her principles, but she also knew that reality and principles didn’t often mix well. She also sensed that the gathered warriors did not approve of Tao’s actions and that gave her a better feeling about the Clan taken as a whole. “I can agree to your requirements,” she said.
    “One more thing, child; is what he said about you wanting to open a free clinic true?”
    “Yes it is and I have no idea how he knows that. Even my parents don’t know about that plan. I have only discussed it once with my best friend. I know there was no one else present when I said it.”
    “It appears that the one who has chosen you is a remarkable individual. We don’t know where he learned our laws but he appears to know them better than our Great Kahn.”
    Cynthia had an idea, “Could he be protected by making him a Clan Favored?”
    The Clan Mother shook her head, “No, there is no reprieve from the Gen-Cho.”
    “Does he stand a chance of surviving?”
    The other woman looked at Cynthia, “Tao is our strongest and most talented warrior. If he is holding the two swords, he cannot be defeated by any other member of our Clan. He is deadly and efficient in the arts of combat.”
    “Are you saying the one that chose me will die tonight?”
    The two women looked at each other, “If he faces Tao, he will die.”
    “Is there anything I can do to save him?”
    “No, Child; but you can honor him by witnessing his sacrifice and maintaining your composure. He will have enough to worry about without seeing your anguish.”
    Cynthia took a deep breath and shuttered, “I will try to do so. I just hate that he is giving his life for me and there’s nothing I can do to thank him.”
    “Sometimes that is the way life is, Child.” The two women stood and Cynthia joined them as they moved through the curtains back toward the main hall.
    Tao stood and said, “I am ready to begin the Gen-Cho.”
    Kahn said, “We will not begin until the Clan Mothers have completed the interview and reported their findings.”
    Tao sat down and felt his blood flow faster as the anticipation of combat permeated his consciousness. This bug was going to die of a thousand cuts.
    The Clan Mothers entered followed by Cynthia. They moved to the center of the room and the oldest faced the gathered warriors. She simply said, “She is worthy;” the two then moved back to their place behind the Kahn’s chair.
    The Kahn then looked out at the gathered warriors and said, “You have been asked to make this woman one of our Clan Favored. What is your wish?”
    All the warriors in the room stood and raised both arms over their head. The Kahn looked around the large assembly and saw that the vote was unanimous. He could not remember anyone ever getting everyone to agree. He turned and looked at Cynthia, “You have been granted favored status in the Clan. Please kneel and extend your left arm.” Cynthia looked at the young man and he nodded to her. She knelt on her right knee and extended her arm. The eldest Clan Mother came forward and put a bracelet around her wrist and snapped it closed. The Kahn then said, “Cynthia, you are now one of the Clan’s Favored. We welcome you to our company.” All