#tsurani

learn the nature of self, accept all aspects of self, then the mastery can begin. denial of self is denial of all.

‘Because you are like most men in the gods’ creation, my Lord. You can be depended upon to act within a pattern determined by your individual character.’ Chumaka tucked the parchment in a capacious pocket of his robe. ‘You spent a peaceful night. You ate well. You were relaxed. While you were focused, you were not . . . hungry. By the third move, I extrapolated that your game would reflect directness, and . . . not boldness and risk.’ Paying Jiro his undivided attention, he summed up, ‘The secret is to ferret out the clues that will reveal the thoughts of one’s opponent. Learn his motives, know his passions, and you need not wait to see what he does: you can anticipate his next move.’

His time in the Assembly brought forth his true identity, as he has been told it would... He was a being of both worlds, worlds bound together by the great rift. And for as long as those worlds stayed together he drew power from both, twice the power available to others of the black robe. This knowledge revealed his true name... In the ancient Tsurani language, unused since the time of the Escape, it meant, 'One who stands between worlds.'