Mandate Read Free

be, Wren?”
    “Useful. I have always endeavoured to be useful.”
    “You are beginning at useful; I want you to fulfill your promise to become extraordinary.”
    “I don’t know if I can do that.”
    Wendalyn sat up and inclined her head. “You already have the tools; I am here to show you how to use them.”
    Her confidence glowed in her mind, as did her optimism. Reading Wendalyn was easy, which scared Wren. How was she going to deal with crowds when she could read the woman across from her so clearly and the others in the room were emotional static, even in her exhausted state?
    “Don’t worry. You are fresh out of the tank, Wren. Control will come, but you know what your job will be to some extent. You are to become the bodyguard and companion to another Terran who is in need of some stability.”
    “If she needs me, shouldn’t I be on my way there?”
    Wendalyn laughed and rubbed the back of her neck. “That is one of the seer issues. They know where you need to be so that you can be prepared, but they can’t stop you from going early. Right now, your charge doesn’t need you. She is about to embark on the early stages of a relationship and as that develops, you have to get yourself in gear.”
    “Is that an order?” Wren raised her brows.
    “If you like. You will be graded on your obedience.” Wendalyn raised her teacup. “Drink up. You have studying tonight, and tomorrow, you will be on fine control of lightweight objects.”
    “What?”
    “If your ability to move objects does not need a day to rest, you will be putting puzzles together while I lob pompoms at your head. It looks to be a fun day.”
    “Why am I beginning to suspect that your version of fun and mine are markedly different?”
    “Because you have good instincts. Drink up.” Wendalyn winked.
     
    Her life spun in a strange combination of using parts of her she didn’t know she had and deep thought about her future. Wren studied the medicine of W’lyn as well as the birthing practices of the Vimpyr and the Admaryn. It seemed the thing to do, and Wendalyn told her to focus on her instincts.
    Her final day on the base rushed up before she knew it. Wendalyn met her in the greenhouse and handed her a small, flat box.
    “What is this?” Wren smiled at her instructor.
    “It isn’t a going-away present; it is a welcome to your new life present. You will be leaving here with a mandate to be a companion to the Terran on W’lyn, and I know you will carry it out to the best of your abilities and beyond.”
    As Wren opened the box, her friend continued.
    “It is to remind you that the world isn’t black and white and you know that better than anyone else. It is a suit that will protect, insulate and support you until you are ready to put it aside.”
    Wren took out the folded fabric and the large black and white blocking was easily apparent. “I love it.”
    “It suits you. Your hair is the shade of silvery grey that is missing from the two and I hope that you remember that you are the balance. It will come easily to you but never doubt your importance. You have a destiny to become a key part of the Guardian team on W’lyn. Let it play out as it was designed to.”
    Wren looked at her instructor and sighed. “Why do I get the feeling that you know far more than you are telling?”
    “Because this isn’t your first time meeting me. Now, get into that suit, get your bag and get on your shuttle. Your launch window comes up in an hour.” Wendalyn hugged her and wiped away a tear. “I wish I could go with you.”
    Wren touched the gem at her neck. “Don’t worry. Emily will report everything to you the moment that she meets a psychometrist. She is looking forward to it.”
    Wendalyn laughed and escorted her to her quarters and waited for her. The walk to the launch bay was bittersweet.
    “I have learned a lot, Wendalyn.”
    “So have I. Never underestimate yourself, Wren. Leave that to others and use it to your advantage.”
    “I