Sorry this is long. I should have broken it up.

Sara said. “Oh is that so? And like you are not going to be in school just as long. With all you have on your plate. It really is not that long, given all I need to learn.”

Zac said. “I just had to say it they looked so odd at sixteen years. In truth I will expect to be in longer, though some will be in filed and not class rooms. Still there is more than enough time that sixteen years is nothing. Even you two might find yourself going back to school at some point. Life spans are longer now, and show no signs of decreasing. Another effect of the woken magic it seems. Sara do we have everything on the lists? Those baskets don’t look like they could hold another leaf.”

Sara nodded. “I think we are good, they will likely be surprised at how much we have. Guys is there anything more that we need to talk about out here? I wish I didn’t have to give you such a burden, but I needed to know how you felt. It won’t be easy, and I don’t want it to be harder than it has to be. I mean it. If it will help at all I can change schools. Redvine has everything I want to take. Berviel is your only choice to take what you need to. Tim I am sorry you got tied up in this, but then it is only right you are here.”

Abiram said. “I can’t believe you thought I would be that petty. I hope we have some classes together. It will be fun seeing you change into the person you will be. I am glad we will be so close to each other. Father can fuss about it if he wants, but I can not see the elders have a problem with it.”

Sara said. “I never wanted you to be in a place where you have to choose between father and me. I never want to be the reason you fight him. I wish there was another way. I hate this, the pain my going will cause, but I have to.”

Tim said. “There is no reason it should cause pain. There are good reasons you must reach a set age before taking the vows. Life here will not fit everyone, and those it doesn’t shouldn’t fell forced to stay. You are doing nothing wrong. I am sorry that it sounds like your parents will be unable to see that. I am glad you included me, it is a relief to know that you are not going to try and wear a dress you are not meant to. You will do far more good using that mind of yours. We will benefit from having you out in the world.”

Abiram just hugged her. It was the only thing he could think of. Zac said. “It will not be easy, but you taking the right road. There are others who will agree. They will be sad for all those who leave, but will agree it is better for the community then have those unhappy remain. Some of us can help better by being outside.”

Sara said. “That helps. I still wish I was not who I am. I wish I could take the vows and have the life I thought I wanted. The life I dreamed of. But I’m not meant for it, that was not the right dream for me. It was what I thought I should be, not by what I wanted. We had best get back. One thing though. I am glad you all understand. But father will be upset. It is no little thing I do. It will cause waves, and bring unwanted attention. If you are seen to disagree.” She didn’t know where to go.

Abiram said. “I will say nothing where any but him can hear me, and only then if he asks. You have my word.” Sara relaxed and took up the full baskets.

Zac took them from her. “I can carry them until we are at the edge. I will give them back then, so you won’t get frowned at for it. It is silly anyway. You are still weak from that storm, it should be an issue. But I saw the look you got when Tim carried the lunch basket.”

Back at the house there were a good many more people around and the tables were getting set up outside. There would not be room inside to hold everyone.  Sara said. “Wow it looks like everyone is here. Guess they needed this after the storm.”

Abiram nodded. “All the more reason I think. They might as well hear from me what I am going to be doing. It will save some postage. Really, though, Sally Ann will be taking her vows here and not in New Haven, so that brings her family in, and then Richard’s twins take theirs this year.  So there is reason to hold a nice big gathering, the storm just add the need. What with the rule changes and all a lot of the families seem to have set today as the baptism supper.”

Tim said. “I have never understood why we hold ours after, but that way I get to attend you each year. Just think this is the last year we will be able to sneak Sara food. After the ceremony they will no longer ignore it, so we had best make the most of it. So what do you force her to try this year?”

Zac smiled. “I see that Aunt Edith has made it here. With luck she brought a few of her red cakes. They are way sweet so of course we will have to see Sara gets a piece of one. Then, there is bound to be something loaded with peppers and lots meat.”

Sara shook her head. “Honestly you have been given me way to much without this. Why do you pick on me and not the others? You know this is one of the few times they would have to eat the food. Don’t you think it is time you picked on one of the others for a change? Thank you for take the time to accompany me. I had best get these delivered.”

Zac said. “I see no reason we can’t pick on you as well as them. But we must watch the peppers with the other young ladies, still though we can help them get some meat to go with the salads they will try to get by on. Thank you for pointing that out. I wonder who else we can enlist. Perhaps some of the younger boys, that way they can take over.”

Sara shook her head and left them to there seeming. It was a part of the tradition. The boys would run around put food on the girls plats and the girls would pretend to be upset by it. This was one of the few times when jokes and pranks were allowed to pass unseen. Still smiling she took the baskets in to the kitchen and, moving around the crowed room found a place to sit them down. “I think I have everything you asked for. But I have no idea what all is here. The boys did some o the picking, and some just appeared in the baskets as well. There was a good bit of storm damaged plants that need to be harvested before they went to waste. We left a good bit for the woken ones, and so I guess they thought to add things they felt we might need. Is there anything you need taken out?”

Her Mother said. “No, that will do. Leah and Lillann are our runners. You just go join the young ladies and try to behave. I must say you made fast work of the gathering. I didn’t think you would be back so soon.”

Sara said. “There was no reason to fool around, after all you needed some of this for super and the boys didn’t want any dishes missing from the supper table. I left them plotting what to put on my plate. They were hope for a few dishes with lots of peppers in them, and a sticky sweet.”

One of her aunts shook her head. “What a combination. Will you take this out to the men? I be they are ready for a cool drink by now, for all they told the girls no.”

Sara took the pitcher and glasses. “I know just where to set it and not have them make me bring it back.”

Her aunt made showing motions, but was smiling. “Go on now, you have been here to long now. Let us get back to work. You need to go get with the others and get to work on house plans. I must say having to keep a guest house will be good practice for you young ladies. I know it would have made me less nervous abut set up my house if I had of had that chance. Not so embarrassing to make mistakes when your on your own, and far easier to ask for help then after words. This time will give you all a good chance to see what skills you need to work on.”

Sara hoped her smile didn’t show her pain. “I never thought of it that way. I bet that will make it far easier to take, so many around here have been treating it as punishment, being forced to take this time. I don’t think any saw what an opportunity it was.”

Her mother said. “I didn’t know you had any idea how the others felt. When did you apologize to them?”

Sara said. “There is not a person on the bus who doesn’t know how Rebecca feels, and few of the others ever go against what she says.”  With that she too the tea and left the kitchen before she said something she shouldn’t. Her parents thought the world of Rebecca, and fully approved of Leah trying to be like her. There was no reason to make her mother madder than she was.

Out side one of men took the pitcher of iced tea from her. “They just won’t listen. We do have water out here. And what were they thinking? You clearly should not be carrying this.”

Sara said. “I am not that bad off, really. I was just go as far as the table here with it. The shade will keep the ice longer. Thank you though for the help. I do wonder just what they have been saying to have you so worried.”

Jacob said. “We didn’t have to say anything, you are getting paler the longer you stand, and you didn’t have a lot of color to start with.”

Sara said. “I am sorry if I am causing you worry. I am not feeling that bad, the day spent sleeping has taken care of most of it. It is just the after effects of the pain medication. The storm was so big I had to take a double dose, and that makes it more visible than normal.”

Her uncle said. “And therefore you are going to go sit down with the others and let the boys wait on you for a change. It will do you good.” Sara shook her head but was smiling as she head in the direction her uncle was pointing.

She found her cousins seated at a shaded table, but at least they were outside. Most times they stayed to the family room. One of the ones form out of town looked up at her approached and smiled. “At last, and where have you been? How did you manage not be stuck doing needle point and waiting on us? It is odd not having Anna here. I am so upset we couldn’t be here to see her off. What is her husband like? I asked Grace, but all I got was he was a fine figure of a man. Not at all helpful. Why the scowls?” The last was directed at the two cousins who lived in Newtown.

Grace said. “I do not see why you found my description so lacking. It was perfectly fitting. Sara can you mark it? Soon it will be us at the alter looking in to the eyes of the man we are tow make our lives with.”

After being so long exclude it was good to be talked to again by girls close to her age. Sara smiled and sat down. “Sorry I was not here to great you. I took the task of gathering the fresh herbs. I will not have many more chance to so for the family table, and Leah doesn’t like to go among the trees. Also it gave the boys a chance to get away, something they have needed as they have scarce had time to talk since the testing. I am a bit out with the local girls, hence the looks. It is no big deal, they just don’t want to risk trouble. Anna’s man is indeed a fine one. He will take good care of her and took pains to reassure me of that. He did not try to hide the dangers of life in a new town. Which many would have, what with father there frowning at him. I didn’t have much time to talk with him, as father and him had a lot to go over and they had to leave so soon after the wedding. However what little I did I was pleased. He has a good head and uses it. His heart is warm. It is a good match. He will not try to rule the house, and did not even blink when Anna gave me hearth rights. In fact he seconded them.”

The cousin said. “See now that is what I wanted. Thank you, and that will ease mother’s mind a good bit. It was worrying, but knowing you found him to be a solid sort will help a good deal. So what is the trouble you have with the girls?”

Grace said. “See, he is a fine man, just as I said. Yes, what is the bother? The way they have taken off makes me think it is not so small as you let on. That nonsense of needing more thread.”

Sara said. “I didn’t mean to run them off. I didn’t think they would be that worried about it. I am not sure just what all it is. But it started with the tests. Somehow it was decided I was the reason that they were sent to take them. So It start off bad, then I refused to deliberately fail them, and dared to talk to those not of the church. Like I said, it is just a bit of silliness.”

Sally Ann said. “You had to go all the way to Bixter right? We just had to go to Fall River, but they still had us stay there. I am glad to know I am not the only one who refused to fail them. The others from Einsten and Fiston thought it best to fail. I feared I was the only girl in the church that didn’t set out to fail. Not that all of them did so. I can not believe some of the things I saw the people wearing. Some was embarrassing, and there was such bright colors. The tests were not bad. I still am wondering why the boys raise such a fuss over them.”

Sara said. “I didn’t see anyone wearing anything to shocking, but did see some things for sale that I thought had to be undergarments, but was informed they were not. But the colors they wore were bright, but then I was used to that with our high school being blended with Hammer. What got me was the food. There was no such thing as a small portion. Even at the testing center. Did you know that we here are terribly thin? I happened to attracted the attention of a medical student and after that was constantly having food pushed at me. I am glad you all could make it this year.”

Grace said. “Moving to a guest house and the storms made the time a bit rough, but we made it work. Father said if anything the weather meant it was more important we got together. I am so glad it is nice today. I hope the news was wrong about there being more storms like that one yet to come.”

Sally Ann nodded. “That storm took out a few of our newer guest houses. Hence the reason a few of us are taking the baptism rights with our relatives churches. There would have been just enough houses for us, but we needed to keep a few open. We see a few trades though and with the weather so unsettled it is best to have a place to shelter them. I can bet it was rough having the food pushed at you if the portions were anything like we had. I mean two of us split a meal and nether felt deprived.” Sara nodded, and Sally Ann added. “Did you all hear that church schools had the most top spots in their districts? I guess that six of the top fifteen students came from one of our schools. As a result there will be visits from outside educators to see what we are doing. That has a lot of folks upset at home, and the new required class is not helping.”

Sara said. “I knew the schools here were to have visitors, the High school was not a problem but there was a good bit of debate about letting them visit the elementary.”

Ruth said. “I didn’t know it was the elementary school as well. I was so upset by the fact I have to sit and listen to talk of the dark that I heard little else of the meeting. I do hope it won’t be to awful. I just don’t know. Next they will be making us all take the tests! Sara you jumped! What have you heard? Don’t you have any sewing?”

Sara said. “I believe they have taken basket with the rest of my things. I just over heard a bit of rumor, it is nothing I am sure. But well in light of the lawsuit, even with it thrown out, the leaders are looking at a lot of things. Among them is the testing. Not to force everyone to take them, but perhaps send some girls to the each year.”

One of her Aunts had come out and said. “It is just being floated right now, not even up for a vote yet. However it may well be so in a couple of years. I do not know that it would be a bad thing. After all we are all to make a choice to be here, and many of the young ladies seem to forget there is a choice.”

Sally Ann nodded. “I saw that at the testing. That is I could tell that most of the others had not really considered the fact they could leave. I think that it will only strength the church to have them face the choice. It is not fair to us or to the boys that they must when we don’t. I mean how can we be their light if we never face the darkness? It might just fix the shortage of trained nurses we have now.”

Sara shrugged and said. “It would be nice if there were a few more female medics around. This town has but the one, and she is often needed in place at once as there are some things Doc would rather not do. I mean he apologized for wrapping my ankle.”

One of them nodded. “Just so, and I do not see why it would be a problem. After all it is approved, yet as you have to take the tests and then spend a bit in study those that would be fit feel wrong about it. Becca would be a good one, she is always wanting to help the Doc out, but she is worried what her intended would think, and so hesitates. If taking the tests was more common I think that would she would.”

“That is one of the reasons behind the bill. I am glad to hear you ladies say you think it might work. Also a lot of the course the boys must take are getting longer, and therefore before long weddings will either be happening years latter or those couples will be starting there lives together on a campus. If the later, well then it makes since for the lady to make use of the knowledge there as well.”

A few of the girls blushed, having not thought that any of the men were so close as to hear them. The Aunt said. “Well we are to help see that the young have a firm foundation, so the better ours is the better we can do so. I mean the teachings say we should all seek knowledge, both old and new. But it is just that there is so much out there that can be harmful, we forget that there is good to be found as well. We have tasks we have not been filling out of fear. Perhaps it is time we stopped being afraid and starting obeying. I mean women are to be the first teachers and history keepers as well as the homemakers. We have been doing all right on two of those, but could do better. As to the third. I don’t think there is one trained historian in the whole church anymore. That needs to change, but it can’t as long as girls fell it is against the teachings to get the training.”

Mr. Istcon said. “That is just the thing, and that is why I think we need to send girls out to take the tests every year. It is not enough to change all that needs to change, but is a start at it. Having the boys in school longer will help that as well as see that they have all the skills they need. It is importuned that we do not fall behind the others. We need to be a clear sign that you need not turn to the dark to live. That you can make your way without using magic.”

Sara looked at the men, her father was shaking his head clearly they had been talking on the same issues, and he didn’t agree and didn’t like it when he heard the girls. She knew she should stop, but didn’t. “Forgive me, for this is out of line. But I feel it needs to be said. Right now what we are taught is that if you want to go to school you forfeit your right to take the vows. You must go to the sister church or leave the light. Yet you seem to be saying that is not so. So which is right? Are there things we can study and yet belong here?”

Mr. Istcon said. “That is another fine point to add to the list of items we need to go into at conference. You are right, having you take the tests and expecting that some of you will join your intendeds at there schools is going against they very things we are teaching you. We are clearly mistaken on one of those. And that is a example of why we need to hold a membership meeting before the leaders conference. We missed that, and where there is one thing there is likely more. I want the women’s input on the purposes as well and they will only give it freely at the meetings. Even here none of these girls would have said a thing had they known we could hear them, and they made some important points.”

Isaac was mad, but the others being there kept him from yelling as he would have. “Yes, I can see that, and as the rumors are all ready out there it will do no good to not hold it and address them. I still don’t see how it can do anything but harm.” The food started coming out and the topic was changed.

Later when everyone was at the table and the plates were full one of the boys said. “Say what were all those men doing over at the meeting hall?”

Mr. Istcon said. “The king sent them out to see that we had a working screens. There is to be a big press conference on Saturday and he wants it carried live everywhere. They will be back with some new parts in the morning. They believe they can get the transmitters working. All the work they do and the parts they bring are being tested so there is no need to fear any taint. The transmitter parts are coming from the army, and needed a royal order. So therefore it is likely the case that there is some classified tec involved in making them work, which explains why we have been unable to.”

“It must be something big then to have them come out here and put it in. Any idea what? I mean they have refused for years to send anyone to look at the screens. Saying we should use a mage and get over it. Why the sudden change?”

Mr. Istcon said. “The press conference is about the storm there will a chance to ask questions after it. They said they will try to keep the magic side of it to a minimum as they don’t want us to have to leave. I think they also want to talk to us about the tests. Seems that having so many in the top ranks has put the church in the spotlight, and they want to know how we are teaching. A bunch of our kids were made offers from the top five schools, schools that seldom offer scholarships. We have been asked to let a team from the education board come into town and see what we are doing. Likely they think we will say yes if it is coming from someone directly. I have already said it will be put to a vote, but you know how it is. There are some who mistrust us.”

Abiram said. “Speaking of schools, I know it is early yet, but many of you will not be able to be here when I declare so I would like to announce my choice to you now.”

Isaac didn’t look to happy but said. “Very well, we are all here, so you might as well. I am sure that you are all keeping to your teachings as you make your choices.”

Abiram said, not looking at his father. “It was not easy, I had some head turning offers and was not sure I could take the one that felt right. I spent a lot of time in conference with the leaders over it, to make sure it was what I should do as well as what I wanted that was guiding me. A lot of the top ranked schools are also mage schools. However the first school, the one thought the best, is actually two schools. One that is a mage school and one that is not, with classes shared between both. It is those shared classes that troubled me. But most schools not of the sister church will have some magic classes. So after a lot of debate and prayer I accepted a five year extendable scholarship to Berviel. The program I will be in is more like nine to ten years, as a double major is one of the requirements. It was not a move I made lightly, but there is a good bit that I will learn there that would not be offered to me otherwise. The leaders have said that it is an acceptable school, even though it is so close tied to a mage centered school.”

There was an icy silence at the table. No one seemed to know what to say. Mr. Istcon was the one to speak first. “I had no idea. Congratulations. I knew at least one of you was considering it, and four had offers, but no idea who. What will you be studying?”

Abiram said. “I felt it would be unfair to ask you to keep it from father. I hope you are not upset I didn’t come to you. I will be adding communication technology to the generators. Hence my trouble in trying to decide if I was just serving myself and not the light. I want to do what is best for my community. I have no intention of leavening the path. I will be taking the vows, but it will be longer before I can take up residence.”

Isaac was stony. “So you are one of them who will be starting your marred life whale in school. You are sure of this? As you say most of the schools out there have magic on there campuses, but to be so centered. However if the leaders have said it is safe. I am sure what you learn there will benefit us all.”

Tim said. “I will also be getting married before I finish, though I have only six to seven years in my program. In fact I think the lest I have heard any say is five. Most are looking at six years. Oh I will be going to Thorton, on a full ride.”

Uncle Abe said. “I have noticed that all the programs are getting longer. I think that by the time you are done, you kids could well be the ones with the short programs. I would not be surprised at all if soon all of those that go off to school are getting married before they are done.”

One of the others said. “Well folks are living longer now, able to work more years so I guess it is just since that a few more years get spent learning as well. However I do wonder how that is going to affect us. Our girls are going to have to face the outside more. I wonder how that is going to change us here.”

Isaac said. “We will have to see they have a firm foundation under them or we will lose more than we have been. The dark can pull strong. But as long as the light shines it will beat the darkness back. More effort will have to be put into seeing the girls are prepared to fight, as they can not be sheltered from it. The blended high school will help us there. Perhaps we should take another look and see about adding in a few more of the classes Hammer has been pushing for. If they are exposed more where they have guidance at hand they will be better off when it is not there. Grated they will not be alone, but still the better prepared they are the easier it will be for them to tell light from dark. It is important that they are able to see the dark for the evil it is so they will not fall. It is one thing to go to the Sister, another to fall to the world. It is a sorry thing to lose to the dark, hard than losing one to illness, for at least you know they are safe.” Sara kept her eyes down, but was sure he was looking at her, addressing her. It was hard not to speak.

Uncle Abe said. “It is not always so easy. Sometimes the cost is to high. Not all are meant for the life we have here. It is better they leave then stay where they do not fit. For staying and being angry about it would hurt the town. We give the boys that chance freely, but yet we have been to scared to offer the same to our daughters. I think that is a shame. None of the children should be to scared to say they need to leave. I hope mine know that they have the right to decide what they want in life. Even should that take them away from the path I have chosen to live. I wonder who else has the invites. Has any here had an invite from them before?”

Zac said. “I am not sure who all got offers from Berviel, but I will say I received one from its twin Amberviel. The one making it didn’t want me to take it, but it was made.”

Isaac said. “A mage school? Surly you didn’t entertain the idea of that! No one would. That is completely. Why would they even think.”

He said. “They have a good medical program there. Not every thing in the school involves magic. But as I said the one making the offer said at the time the school was not a good fit for me. And he was right, as much as it might have been nice, it didn’t have the mix I need.”

Isaac said. “You mean you actually thought about going? I thought you all knew better than to entertain such ideas.” Sara risked looking at Abiram, but he was not looking her way. “Thank goodness you had some since in the matter. A mage school really? You are of the light not the dark! How could you even think.”

Zac said. “I am sorry I said anything. I didn’t mean to disrupt the dinner. Uncle I do not see what the problem is. Any number of offers are made. Most who go will have a few from mage schools. It is in your best interests to appear to consider them. The more offers you have the better they next set will be.”

Isaac said. “I can not see why anyone would want to even be thought to consider a mage school. But if that is how it works. It is a sad thing, this world. But at least you all know the light.”

Zac looked at his father. “The way programs are getting longer it might be that someday the sixteen or so years I will be in school will seem normal.”

He said. “I still find it hard to believe you will be there that long. But then with that mix of classes you have planed it is a wonder it won’t be longer.”

Zac said. “It likely will, before I have mastered everything. But I should know enough by then to spend a few years working before going back to a classroom. Actually some of those years will be spent in the field as well. A good bit of archeology can not be learned in the classroom, same for cartography. It won’t hurt the medical studies any either.”

His father nodded. “Odd to think of you out there on the coast. Yesvan is a long way from where you grew up. Still you need to go where you can find the teachers you need, and they do have a good programs to train healers there.”

The only sound was the clatter of a fork falling, and it seemed to echo. No one seemed to know what to say. How to break it this time.  Zac said. “Well there it is. I will start at Yesvan in July. For those that don’t know it is a mage school, as well as being one of the top schools. I am sorry if you fell wronged by my being here at your table and having chosen to leave. However I have said at every gathering since I was three that I would not be taking the vows so it did not occur to me that there was a problem. I thought you knew it, and had accepted it.”

Isaac said. “I can not. How! What kind of joke is this? This is outrageous! A mage school! You mean to say that you are walking right into the hart of the dark and expect us to accept it! Why would we? How could we? I think you need to do more looking before you have gone to far.”

Abiram said. “It is not a prank father. He told us of his decision when we were in the woods today. I can not say I am happy about it, but I support his right to make it. I stand by everything I said.”

Uncle Abe said, louder then necessary. “Ruth is that your apple pie I see there? I must have a piece. I can’t believe none of the kids have snuck any yet.” Folks seemed eager to jump on his words and move to the desserts.

Isaac though did not. He looked at Sara. “What else went on out there? How much did you let him lead you? It is becoming a good bet clearer to me. Just how you came to be so confused.”

Sara said. “We went after plants and enjoyed lunch. Talked over about the offers that had been made, and how bad the storms will be. They started trying to play catch with the lunch pail, I managed to get a hold of it and filled it. Then we headed home. Nothing was said that was improper at any time, on this trip or the hundreds of others just like it we have made. Zac I really don’t think I need four pieces of chocolate cake.”

Zac said. “They are small, and each from a different cake. And yes you do. You see I have just as much as I gave you, and was told I was not eating near enough. Now If I am not, then it stands to reason you are not.”

Sara shook her head. “You need more than I do as you are more active. A males body is made to use more food than a females. As female are by design more delicate we much watch closer what we eat.”

Zac shook his head. “Just how did you get though your biology class? You should have learned something.”

Sara said. “You know full well that all that since is to complex for me. Further more I would think the teachings are more like to know the truth than some old book biased on things from before. The world changed in a lot of ways when it the sleepers woke. Sadly that made some old truths falsehoods, and some falsehoods became truths.”

Zac nodded. “But not all truths are true, then or now. Eat your cake, your body needs it every bit as much as mine does. I might be untrained, but I have taken enough anatomy course to know that one thing that waking did to us was change how we use sugar. It is not the evil it was.”

Sara said. “I didn’t say it was evil. I will agree everyone needs some, but there are differences in the amounts needed. You guys keep this up and I will be unable to move. I do not need the same portions that you do. Women are not made to eat so much, it is indelicate. We need to be gentler and.”

Zac said. “Prone to fainting? Come on that was outdated way before the change. No need to bring it back. It was silly then, and worse now. How can you be bacons if you pass out at the mere sign of trouble? No you need to be as strong, if not stronger, than us. After all the teachings say the women of the church are the backbone. You are what hold us all up. How can you do that and not be strong?”

Sara said. “The teachings are all so very clear of where we should be and how that role should look. They give us each a very clear place to be. We are the backbones, yes. But you are the fighters. You are the strength, we are comfort. You face the world, we see that you can find the way. You travel the darkness, we see there is light. You fight and we see that you remain able to. We see that you have the tools needed, but we lack the ability to weld them. A smith can make a finely balanced blade, but that doesn’t mean he has the skill to use it. Like wise the warrior can make the blade dance, yet be unable to forge one. We are each whole, but we are also half. We are made to work together, each with their own needs. Not all that is right for one is fit for the other.”

Zac said. “Why can’t the smith take up the blade and the warrior the forge? Why must they be separate?”

Sara said. “They are each a different skill. Yes they can learn each others jobs, but they would be taken on a role they were not meant for. The end result would be weaker as a result. The skills used to make the weapon are not the same as those needed to use it. In doing both some of each must be given up, and there for it is less than it should be.”

Her grandfather said, making them both jump. “But should the fact that one is born in the body of smith be more important than the talents they have? Should they stay a smith, if they have a talent at making blades dance just because the world needs both? Dose not deigning the skill for the tradition weaken the whole as much as trying to take on both roles? Should not talents be more important than birth?”

Sara looked at the grandfather and frowned. Isaac said. “We are each given a job to do, and we have a duty to do it.”

Sara said. “I can not say it is right to ignore a talent just because it is different form those around you. I mean we do not ask a talented painter to be cook just because that is what their family is known for. Birth is important, but so is ability. However, I cannot say that one is more so than the other. I fear that is something each person must decide.”

Isaac said, “We have a role set for us, and it is our duty to fill that roll. No matter what tries to lead us away from it. Some may find this road confining, but there is more than one road in the light. So that the warrior born to the smiths might leave his home to follow talent in place of birth, but he need not forsake his family.”

Zac said. “The one so born faces a hard choice, to stay with his family, or to leave and seek training to make use of his talent. Then he must also decide if he can be content with what his family would prefer though it is less than the others offer. The training of his family would have him stay his hand and wait for a commanded to save lives. But another offers to train him, and teach him how to judged for himself when to use his skills. Trusting him to know when to act rather than making him sit helplessly by and watch crimes he could have stopped. Should he be faulted for choosing to take responsibility for himself rather than give it to another? Not all can stand by and let others say when they are to act.”

Isaac said. “It is the warrior’s duty to listen to those wiser and more learned. Should he be found to have the ability and knowledge needed he will be put in a palace it make the calls, but not all are so called. Should he turn to the outside for teaching rather than to those at hand then he is giving his family no chose but to likewise turn from him. It is their duty to keep to the teachings, and cut from them that which would pull them from it. Enough of this, we are going to give everyone a headache. Come it is time we take the girls to the guest houses so they can get settled in.” He pushed back from the table and stood up, cause others to do the same. Clearly they had just been waiting for him to say it was time.

But there Grandfather got in the last word, and he made sure everyone heard him. “Let me be clear. Everyone must be free to choose for themselves where they belong. As long as no vows are broken no one in this family will ever be banned! It is on the baptism records and in the family vows. Shunning a child who has not broken no vow is forswearing yourself.” Isaac looked at him then stormed off down the road. Those there watch for a bit then started moving down the road as well.

Zac looked at Sara. “Sorry, I didn’t stop to think. I should not have went that way, I fear I made it worse.”

Sara said. “I am the one who went there, who directed the conversation. I am the one who forced the issue, not you. I should have stopped. But well now those that needed to know how he fells do, including him.”

Abiram said. “It changes nothing. I meant what I said, and will be looking forward to September. It will be an interesting few years.”

Zac said. “Well at least your announcement ending up the least shocking. Perhaps he will be so up set over mine that he will forget to be upset at your choice.”

Abiram said. “No he seems bent now to blame you for leading me astray. Likely I will be hearing a lot about fight off dark influences and holding to the light in the face of the dark. But I don’t think that He will find Berviel such a bad school for me now.”

Zac said. “Don’t you worry any, I knew I was likely to be blamed once he knew what I had chosen. Father I am sorry I forced you hand that way. But well I had to say something, I hope it won’t be to hard on you. I will understand if you fell I should move out now. I know it is a hard thing I am doing to you.”

He said. “I am the one who said where you were going. You left plenty of room for me not to say anything. I am not pleased with what you have chosen and would be far happier should you change your mind. But it is your right to chose. Now then we had best catch up to the rest or Sara will not know where her house is for next few days.”

Sara said. “I think I can find it all right. It will be the house with no one around it. But yes, he might notice I am not there if they get to it before we catch them.” She was moving to the gate as she spoke. “One thing about it no one fell asleep this year. It is going to be a hard year here, and not just because of the storms.”

Grandfather said. “Change is never easy, but is needed. It is time we started leaving fully by the rules of the teachings. They say all children should have to face the choosing, not just the boys. That is going to ruffle feathers.”

Chapter 11

A new Life starts.

They reached the others as they were entering the row of guest house. Most of the other girls were being shown to their houses as well, for none of them would be allowed another night under their family roof until after Sunday. Sara looked around and shook her head a bit. “Sally Ann, you must be feeling even strange than I am. At least I know these houses, having help with the cleaning. Yet to think I am to live in one doesn’t seem right.”

Sally Ann said. “I think it helps some actually. Not being from here it is not so odd to be staying in a visitor’s house. Though the fact that I will be alone in one is a bit strange, but it will be good practices for later. This can be our trail run at set up our households.”

Sara nodded. “That is a far better way to look at then as some sort of punishment.” They turned towards the trees and Sara nodded to herself then looked puzzled when her Father stopped sooner than she had expected him to.

Isaac’s stride might have slowed, but there was still enough anger in his voice to make Sara wince. “Sara I know you were expecting that cabin you guys like so well, but it is far to drafty with the cool weather we have been having to let any use it. This house is still close enough to the tress to let those three boys sneak in a few more visits than they should. There is more than enough wood and food to do you the summer, but more will be delivered weekly should you stay here.” His tone making it clear that he didn’t feel that was a valid option.  He held out the keys. “I still think this is silly and asking for trouble. I know you have been raised to know the light, but no reason to give you all so much temptation.”

Sara took the keys, but kept her thoughts to herself. He would know soon enough. Likely most of the other all ready had figured it out. “Thank you sir, I didn’t think about the houses having keys.” She knew it was dumb as soon as she said it. But she felt she needed to say something.

Uncle Abe laughed. “You are likely not the only one to be so struck. Yes, after this no one can enter here with out you inviting them to do so. This is your domain until the school year starts again. If you will allow I will show you where we put you things. Then we will leave you to get settled in.”

Sara blinked. “Of course, why wouldn’t I? Nothing will cause me to close any door to my family no matter where the fate takes me.”