DISCLAIMER: Well, let's see. This is a Valdemar fanfic, and if you don't like that, no one's making you read this, I hope. It is set during my favorite book, Brightly Burning and sort of plays around with a rather bizarre character I made up. Valdemar, Velgarth and its other kingdoms, the vrondi, Tayledras, and most of the characters are property of Mercedes Lackey and not, alas, me. However, Rondi and other original characters are my property and copyrighted. Oh, and the concept of "non-interference" is from K.A. Applegate's Animorph series, and likewise her property. So, anything that's not mine isn't and anything that is mine is. Sorry for any typos.
Chapter One
Rondi Elivan trod slowly to school, a school she didn't much like attending. It was unpleasant in company, and she didn't care to learn much of the things they taught. At least she wasn't among the many students picked on in the school by those in the Sixth Form. Rondi herself was seventeen and in the Fifth Form. And she neither supported the Sixth Form or was beat by them. That was likely only due to her appearance.
Rondi was very nearly as tall as any of the older boys in the Sixth Form, and, despite a frail appearance, strong. She had light blond hair worn in a braid that trailed down her back past her waist. Her hair was so light it was just a shade above being called white. Her eyes were a vivid blue that held anyone's eyes she desired for as long as she desired. Some called them hypnotic, or witch eyes. Okay, so maybe those people were right. But Rondi was very attractive, and so a few of the Sixth Formers constantly tried to woo her, despite her often violent refusals.
Sure enough, the lead bullies of the Sixth Form were waiting outside the school. Tyron Jelnack was the leader, and he greeted Rondi as she ignored him and kept walking.
"Hey, Beauty, it's been a long time," he said.
Not long enough, she thought as she walked, ignoring the derisive nickname.
"Now, now, is that any way to behave?" laughed one of the other bullies.
Rondi still ignored them, and entered the school. There would be a new student today, she knew. She expected he would be placed in the Third Form. He would not be here long, though. And damn Foresight anyway for not giving her any more information!
She went immediately to her classroom, for she chose not to make friends at the school. Rondi preferred to keep to herself. Otherwise, she might do something to the bullies that she'd regret…as she fled Haven and possibly all of Valdemar. At least she did well in her classes. In any case, they passed quickly.
At lunch, Rondi sat the last table with the lunch she brought from home. She saw the new boy right away. He was rather short with chestnut hair and hazel eyes. As he looked about the refectory, Rondi deliberately intercepted his gaze for a brief moment.
She was completely unprepared for what she Saw.
Rondi Saw the basics, of course, his name was Lavan Chitward and he was from Alderscroft. His parents worked in cloth. But his future was remarkable. He would be a Herald and called Firestorm. She Saw his Companion and his power manifestation. She Saw it all, up to and including his death. Lavan Firestorm would be great.
Finally, Rondi shook herself out of the vision, and returned to her food. The others at the table didn't even notice her distraction, or, if they did, didn't react. Unfortunately, Tyron began his bullying on Lavan.
Rondi heard the whole thing, as all in the refectory were meant to. She felt anger stir within her, but knew Tyron would soon be the victim. When finally they left him, Rondi stared at her food in silence. She knew when Tyron and his cronies approached.
"What's wrong with you, Beauty?" Tyron drawled.
"My name is Rondi," she retorted. She glance up, and saw Lavan slink out. "You would do well to leave Lavan Chitward alone."
"Who?" replied Tyron. "Oh, Scrub? Have you a crush on the little country boy?" Several of the others laughed.
"If you know what is good for you, you will leave Lavan Chitward alone," she said.
"Is that a threat?" asked Loman Strecker.
Rondi glanced at him, then back at Tyron. "It is a prophecy. If you continue to beat on Lavan Chitward, all of you will die in a fiery rage, that I vow."
"And what will you do about it?" Tyron demanded coolly.
"I?" she replied. "I will do nothing about it. He will." Then she stood, pushed one of the boys out of her way, and returned to her classroom.
Time passed, as it generally does, and school continued. Rondi repeated her warning to Tyron rather regularly, but he paid no heed. In fact, he began to pick on Lavan more frequently, calling him both Scrub and then Shaych.
One day, class was very dull. Rondie continued to follow the teacher with her eyes, but blanked her mind. She reached out for a specific mind in the mass of Haven.
:Kalira?: Rondi called.
:Ah, good Lady Rondi,: the Companion replied. :And what brings me the pleasure of your company?:
:Your Chosen,: she said nonchalantly.
:I don't have a--oh.: Kalira caught on. :Let me guess. You found…him for me?:
:Right on both counts,: Rondi replied. :There are a few problems.: Rondi sent Kalira the vision she'd had. :What do you make of that?:
:I'll protect him,: Kalira said viciously.
:But not yet,: Rondi added fiercely. :Not until his Gift manifests. I will try to protect him until then.: Then she realized the teacher had asked her a question. :Oh, dammit. Kalira, where was Herald Vanyel from?:
:Forst Reach,: she replied in surprise.
"Herald Vanyel was from Forst Reach," repeated Rondi.
"Very good." The geography teacher went on.
So did Rondi. :Thanks. I'm in class, obviously.: A thought occurred to her. :Kalira, why is it I can talk to Companions?:
:Because you're like us,: she replied vaguely.
:I'm a white not-horse?: Rondi ventured.
Kalira laughed. :Not exactly. Mind much if I let you get back to class?:
Rondi sighed. :You may as well. I'll update you on Lavan.:
:You'd better.: Then, she was gone.