Fourteen days later, the new disciples had settled in well enough and turned their minds to cultivation.
That day, Radeon gathered them in his black pavilion for what he called enlightenment, a lesson meant to shape the ideals that would guide their path.
By then, most of them had grown used to addressing him in that peculiar fashion.
Boss.
Yet there was no disrespect in it, and Radeon, though an ancestor, never seemed troubled by either name.
The disciples sat cross-legged upon the wooden floor while Radeon remained standing before them, a peculiar smile resting on his face.
"You will start by slapping your brothers and sisters. Make sure the slap stings. We begin with you, Fay."
Fay froze where she stood. Then Radeon gave a small nod, and she obeyed.
The slap cracked through the air. One by one, the others followed. Thaddeus came next, then the next disciple, then the next, until the lesson ended with every face a little swollen and every cheek burning.
