Read Dark Soul Silenced - Part Two for Free Online Page A

graduate to related callings.  Using green power led to being a healer, using blue to forecasting and manipulating the weather, red to creating tools and buildings, and so on.
    The ability to manipulate more than one power always meant all powers could be manipulated, though no one knew why.  All powers except the roiling darkness of the Creeping Dark at least.  Those who could manipulate all the powers had a special fate.  Through a process known as the Transformation their ability to channel power was greatly increased, as was their control.  Other changes took place too, not least the ability to think and move far faster than before.  Any apprentice completing the Transformation successfully became a master, taking up all the responsibilities that implied.
    The exact details of the Transformation process were kept secret, even from apprentices.  Rumours abounded but as far as Ned could tell none held any truth, or even seemed likely.  Now he would find out what the truth was.  Find out and make his own decision.  Until now he always imagined he would say yes, that he’d have no doubts.  Now the moment had arrived it was no longer so clear cut.  He realised he was scared.  Just what happened in the transformation?  Would he still be himself afterwards, or would a similar but different person emerge?
    Master Demotte entered the room at that moment.  Ned hurried over.  The Master was smiling, as he so often was.
    “I know you have many questions Ned, but they can’t be answered here.  Follow me.  I have a suitable room prepared.”
    Ned followed in silence as he was led up to a small room on the fourth floor.  Once they had entered Master Demotte extended his powers, sealing the room to prevent any sound escaping.  Ned was able to follow the patterns used but couldn’t come close to replicating it himself.  The room had no windows, being inside the keep, and no furniture other than two chairs.  Master Demotte sat in one and waved Ned into the other.
    “So… the Transformation,” said Master Demotte slowly.  “The Transformation is the best known fact about the Golden Order, yet it is also one of its best kept secrets.  In truth it is both more and less than the rumours say.  Despite the rumours it doesn’t turn us into godlike entities, nor does it drastically change our appearance.
    On the other hand, it does bring changes that the rumours don’t even hint at.  The increased speed of thought and action is well known.  As important is an increase in wisdom.  That comes partly from the transformation itself — knowledge of many things is imparted by the process.  At the same time our ability to learn, to reason, to make connections is also greatly increased.  Why do we keep that secret?  People are willing to accept us amongst them even though we can wield powers they cannot comprehend.  Those same people would quickly turn against us though if they knew how much more intelligent we are than them.  Strange is it not?”
    “How do you know?  Is that your superior intelligence talking?”  Ned couldn’t help letting a hint of anger into his question.
    “ No.  We have seen what happens when the knowledge gets out.  Long ago admittedly, and far from here.  The results were… unpleasant to say the least.  Even you felt anger at the idea that we are so much more intelligent, despite training with us for months.  It is natural.  Our powers, while amazing to most, tend to have a physical effect.  Faced with someone stronger there is always the option to work hard, to build strength to match them, or to group together.  Faced with someone who is able to out think them people feel scared — and often revert to brute force.  Do you see?”
    Ned nodded slowly.  The idea wasn’t comfortable but it did make sense.
    “What else do you need to know?” Master Demotte said.  “Oh yes.  While the Transformation does cause some physical changes they are not painful, nor are they