Saturday
I stand in the doorway between the altar and the dojo, facing into the dojo. I have the Nine stand in a semicircle, facing me, their backs to the other students and the villagers who choose to attend. It is time for me to tell them all of our holy mission.
"Thank you all for coming. I have something very important to tell all of you.
"It began, of course, with Grandfather Li. Li was the greatest fighter anyone has ever known. Many of us know that the martial arts are not a means to an end. In truth, contrary though it may seem, the ability to fight is not even the reason for learning to fight. The purpose and reward is the betterment of the self. Overcoming the physical trials with discipline, dedication, and self-control, we seek to hone our minds into things perfect in both strength and peace.
"But just because there is no outward goal for becoming an accomplished fighter, doesn't mean that the fighting skills gained cannot be put to practical use. Li took it upon himself to be the Guardian of Twinsriver. Even if much of what he did is unknown to our latest generations, nearly everyone has heard his name.
"I have emulated my honored ancestor all my life, and will continue to do so now. Even though I will continue to study the martial arts, I have achieved a level that allows me to explore other things. And it will help me in the direction I will be going. That direction is this:
"I hereby pledge myself and this building - this organization - the Temple of Li - to the Guardianship of Twinsriver.
"We face new dangers. I sense intent behing things. The murder of Shoner. The wolves. And I saw... something. I will try to learn more about it.
"This protection will take several forms. First, as I'm already doing, I will take on students. Each person who can protect his or herself adds to the safety of the overall village.
"Second, I will be as good a Guardian as I can be. I cannot match Li in ability, but I am far from helpless. And, as we learned with the wolves, Li is able and willing to help me.
"And third, I will have help."
I face each of the Nine in turn as I speak his or her name.
"Korik. Shan. Baran. Garet. Saigo. Ceris. Alaric. Rand. Duncan. You show the qualities I want in those who help me. No, you are not the most experienced fighters. But you are dedicated. You are true. You work as hard as anyone. You do not despair. You do not weaken in the mind or spirit just because the body weakens.
"You nine felt the call of duty to Twinsriver, and volunteered to help me destroy the wolves.
"And you all revere Li. You have asked to know all I could teach you about him. And you have thanked him for what he did for our village in his day, for that helped shape our village in our day.
"You are the Nine. You are the first of my Warrior Priests."
I take nine necklaces from inside the sleeve of my gi. Each is a simple pendant, with Li's symbol on it.
"Brand was gracious enough to make these for us."
I put one on each of the Nine.
"Let us make our home safe, my Warrior Priests!"