Faith and Moonlight Read Online Free Page A

gaze.
    Preceptor Ksena rapped her cane on the floor, producing a
series of thunder cracks. “You are aspirants to Faith,” she declared as Roan
and Kay slowly approached. Her words were shaped by a thick accent, reminding
Kay of traders from the cold southern marches who had come by the orphanage.
    “Lillarn,” Preceptor Ksena snapped.
    Lillarn moved over quickly. “Yes, Preceptor?”
    “I need someone to operate the wheels. You will do so.”
    “The wheels? Why me?”
    “Because I need Saer and Collesse to demonstrate how to
walk the Rose properly, and your instruction would only serve to damn our new
foundlings to mediocrity. But mostly, Lillarn Mattan, because I have told you
to do so. Now move. And keep up with my pace. Are we clear?”
    “Yes, Preceptor,” Lillard responded sullenly. He walked
back toward the open door, but not before Kay saw him shoot Erik a look and
mouth the words, “I told you.” Erik grinned, but kept his eyes on the
preceptor.
    “All aspirants come to me first. They come to me to walk
the Rose,” she said, tapping her cane rhythmically. “Walk the Rose to reach
me.” The woman smiled. “If you can.”
    As she tapped out a steady rhythm, each of the inlaid
wooden pieces of the floor began to move. They slid in smooth motions, dark
spreading over light before being eclipsed again by dark. Each wooden section
moved sideways while shifting elevation. The entire design shifted between flat
symbol, towering blossom, globe-like bud, and then back again.
    Kay was caught off-balance as she was shifted first
sideways by one piece, then carried forward and up by another. Each floorboard
seemed to move independently, forcing Kay to hold out her hands to maintain
equilibrium.
    Trying to remain upright, Kay watched the preceptor. The
woman remained still while Kay moved dizzyingly around.
    “Walk the Rose,” Preceptor Ksena called out.
    From the corner of her eye, Kay saw Roan leap to a
light-colored platform, and then quickly onto another that slid him away and
around as the Rose grew.
    Drawing a deep breath, Kay raised a foot, toes poised above
the floor. The ground beneath her did not slow, and she hesitated. The opposing
motions of pieces spread her legs wide and she fell backward, landing hard and
tumbling to the base, only to discover even the foundation now shifted.
    Roan changed direction and headed for her, moving quickly
across the chaotic platforms. He came close and extended a hand. Kay reached
out, but the platform rushed him past. She gripped him momentarily, lurching
upward, before her added weight pulled him off balance and they both toppled.
    The tapping cane continued as Preceptor Ksena spoke. “You,”
she intoned, pointing at Roan. “You focus so deeply on your goal that you
neglect the path that will take you there. And you,” she said while her glare
skewered Kay. “Your hesitation and doubt ruin you before you begin.”
    Kay’s cheeks burned at the comment and she struggled to
regain her footing. Once upright, she gaped at the swirling lumber.
    “Saer, Collesse,” Preceptor Ksena called out to Erik and
Sabine. “You are here as guides. Help our aspirants find their legs.”
    Erik and Sabine moved onto the floor, Erik heading toward
Roan and Sabine to Kay. In amazement, Kay watched the girl step unerringly
across the floor. Sabine seemed to pay no attention to her footing, but also
instinctively knew each board’s direction. She used the lumber’s momentum to
propel herself across, up, and over obstacles.
    In moments, Sabine stood before her. She held out a hand,
but even as she did, her feet continued moving. They worked constantly to
maintain her upper body’s perfect stillness.
    Kay gaped.
    Sabine smiled before blowing a long strand of red hair from
her face. “There is a pattern to the floor,” Sabine said. “Watch the Rose.”
    Keeping her arms out to maintain balance, Kay tried to see
what Sabine spoke of. It did not take long. The floor’s design