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Study well, Shaper of
Swords. Your life changes tomorrow."
"It already has, sir," Shaper said, bowing his head and closing his
eyes in respect. Then he departed.
At the sixth *izit* past the dawn, Shaper stood in the designated
transit station, awaiting K'narl's arrival. He did not wait long; a
short transit train rolled out of the airlock with the stripes of a
privileged user emblazoned upon the sides soon rolled out. Shaper noted
that the priority markings were very low for an urban vehicle; most
metropolitan vehicles would have priority over this. The door opened
and K'narl's head poked out. "Come, my young Shaper of Swords. Come
meet your companions."
Names and labels were passed around as Shaper stepped into the
train. The names stunned him; some of the Kzin in this tube were among
the most famous on all of Kzandor! He asked K'narl.
"The training one receives in this field will serve you well on the
field of battle. No worship of Gods, Kzin or Human, will serve you as
well as the secrets of stealth and defense you learn here." K'narl was
silent for a moment. "I must warn you, Shaper, of a danger in this
game."
"A danger, sir?"
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