A flash of translucent white settled around them in a cone-like shape, anchored by one man as he spun his staff around him. Seconds later another man burst forward, his sword cutting through the air as a thin ribbon of light sliced from it, cutting a drone in half.
Kira jolted forward. "What was that?"
"The reason this isn't going to be as easy as you think," Graydon said. "We call it theki. Roughly translated, it means soul's breath. The en-blades help them manifest theirkito manipulate. Until you learn to use it, you will be at a serious disadvantage should you be challenged to personal combat."
Kira didn't comment, staring across the water as one of the combatants used theirkito create a hole in the drones' defenses.
"Tell me about this soul's breath," she said. "Could you teach me?"
"I could teach you the basic concepts given enough time, but to truly learn you would need to study what your people have to teach you," he said.
"Why?"
"While the ability to manipulate thekiis common to every Tuann, its manifestation varies greatly. Each House has spent generations perfecting its techniques and then passing them down. I couldn’t teach you the Luathan's techniques simply because I don't know them," Graydon said.
Kira looked from the obstacle course up at him, her forehead furrowed in thought.
"What about other techniques?" she asked.
"Each House guards their techniques zealously for their own safety. Giving them to outsiders is tantamount to treason," he said. "Even if I did, it would do you little good. Most of the higher-level techniques are bred into your blood. If you don't hold the talent, then it doesn't matter how much you study, you won't be able to use them."
"And all Tuann have this ability?" Kira asked.
Graydon hesitated. "To a degree."
"He means there are some things we can't tell you until we're more confident of your loyalty," Liara said in a strong voice from behind Kira.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
Liara stood, her handsbehind her back and her expression serene.
"Overlord,” Graydon said in greeting.
Liara's attention shifted to him, her gaze lacking warmth. "Lord Graydon, you're here at our sufferance. Sharing Tuann secrets with outsiders is forbidden. I believe the emperor is the one who suggested the policy of keeping the existence of the soul's breath from the humans."
Graydon inclined his head. "Your rebuke is wise."
