They barely had time to get changed for the sunset offices. Afterwards the juniors had to pitch in with serving the evening meal and clearing up before they got their own small share of vegetable soup. They devoured the meal in silence and then made their way back to the dorms.

When his small defender saw where In-Yeon had settled he frowned. "Why would they give you the dead boy's spot? There are other open bunks."

"Maybe if he gets haunted, he will leave." A sharp voice piped in from across the isle.

"Is the spirit restless? Is it past his forty-nine days? Do we need to worry about him attracting darker spirits?" As In-Yeon asked he felt an overwhelming sense of anger, loneliness, and then confusion.

"Not forty-nine yet. That's why is it so strange the dorm-master put you there." One of the friendly boys from the back of the wash-up line explained.

"We should do what we can to guide him home." In-Yeon said firmly.

"Don't tell me you believe in that stuff?" A skeptic put in.

"It's only being respectful for those who have gone before," another boy argued.

"Why should we care? He couldn't learn his mantras and ending up drowning himself in the fountain," another boy said from the opposite corner.

In-Yeon was certain this was not the whole story but the mention of the mantras reminded him of the studying he needed to do. He turned to the smaller boy and asked if there was a text of the mantra's the Sun Temple used, adding, "I don't want to disappoint Instructor Crane again."

"Instructor Crane?"

"You know," In-Yeon did his impression of the way the man's attention darted around before swiftly pointing at a new victim.

A couple of the smaller boys laughed and then one blurted, "Oh, that's good. The Assistant Librarian never told us his name, not officially, but you nailed it."

In-Yeon blushed and added his thanks before reminding them of his request. One of the boys from across the aisle passed over a much-thumbed copy of the temple mantras and In-Yeon settled into study in the fading light. He soon decided the best way to reinforce his understanding would be to make he own copy with the familiar forms on one side and the temple forms on the facing page. He needed more writing supplies and some extra time to complete the project but was certain it was the right thing to do.

His plan was stymied by the temple's tight schedule. The boys were up for midnight observances and after few short hours of rest had to prepare for the day. In-Yeon was nearly late for the sunrise salutations because the boy he had asked for directions to the second terrace pointed him in the wrong way.

Even if the mantras sounded a bit off, In-Yeon found the movements very comforting. After the salutation the group worked through forms he knew from drilling for the competition. A fellow student offered a gentle correction on a blocking move and In-Yeon thanked him profusely.

"I think you are the first junior student I have met on this terrace," the older boy said and then introduced In-Yeon to some of the others. In-Yeon was touched by this gentle welcome but was a bit puzzled.

"So, isn't everyone temple affiliate here?"

"No, some of us are guests. I study at a training yard like my friend over there." Kim Hae-sung pointed to a young man talking with the temple training master. "That's Park Junseo. The temple still lets us come even though they already sorted his levels."

In-Yeon would have asked for more of an explanation but could see his classmates were on the move so had to hurry to catch up. He barely had time to shovel down his breakfast bowl before it was off to the scriptorium. This was a silent form of study so he tied back his sleeve and concentrated on his brush strokes. After the master was satisfied with In-Yeon's lettering he gave handed him a bulky manuscript and some blank parchments. The book was a history of the southern islands and In-Yeon was able to relax into his task. He ran his finger just above one of the maps in the front-piece of the manuscript and located the harbor next to his home. His pendant warmed as he thought about his family so he wrapped his hand around the stone and quickly offered silent greeting. The stone cooled as he returned his attention to his task.

The Chief Librarian appeared before the class was finished. He gestured for In-Yeon to follow him. They stopped by the gardens to gather up his uncle before they headed to a small pagoda beside a reflecting pool. The librarian explained his duties included tracking stone lore and any crystal use by temple affiliates. He handed a letter to Brother Suk-Chan. In-Yeon's uncle reciprocated by sharing the note his nephew had delivered the previous day. In-Yeon looked from one to the other as the men read in silence.

"Well, this is awkward," The librarian said as he squinted at In-Yeon. "Tell me what did you do earlier? I could sense something."

In-Yeon swallowed hard and looked down. "I was looking at a map of the lands near our home, and my topaz warmed up so I tried to send a greeting. More just a feeling, like a quick hug for my Mom. I know she will be worrying. I didn't think it would be a problem for the temple." His simple words resonated with truth and both men nodded.

"And you Brother Suk-Chan, what do you make of this? Are such unusual affinities common in your family? Have others found theirs so early?"

"It's not something we talk about. My father dabbled with being a maker before taking over the estates. He made sure we understood the mantras and responsibilities but I am not sure I have ever even seen a topaz. I think one of my brother's might have another sort of fire stone but never asked. I always preferred the simple rocks from our shore."

In-Yeon rubbed the small piece of serpentine resting in his pocket. He silently offered this small treasure from home to his uncle. It took on a new luster when the man touched it.

"How could you discern my affinity?" He asked abruptly but stopped when he could see his nephew was confused.

"True sight can come with any of the firestones." The librarian gave In-Yeon an encouraging nod then asked about his anchor stones. After In-Yeon explained what he had gone through on the trip to the capital the man nodded. "You have been well served by your family but I want to store your pendant for now and have you work on two more anchors." The man presented In-Yeon with two jade jars: One to store his pendant, and the other with leather bracelets each holding a stone and space for others."

"Do I add my others to these? Now?" In-Yeon checked and received a warm smile from both men. He examined the new stones and then dug out his other quartz and onyx and tied them into place. Then he started on his mantras using the forms he was comfortable with. His uncle joined in quietly at first but then with more strength. In-Yeon was grateful for the support.

"I think it best you do your mid-day salutations here in the garden with me," Brother Suk-Chan suggested and the librarian supported this plan.

"Yes, and don't be surprised if you are little worn out until you can get the tuning settled."