Year 231 of the 7thAge (2245)

Khasha

"Do you know what this day marks, Shylea?" Thunrol asked the ten year old girl standing before him.

She nodded solemnly. "Yes, Grandfather. Today I become a Level 2 Initiate at the First House of Learning."

Thunrol nodded. "Indeed. You have undergone five years of formal education and are now ready to advance
to the next level. Your father tells me that your test scores from this term were excellent."

Over the years Thunrol had remained as stern and intimidating as ever but he was generally more mellow
toward his grandchildren and gave them an occasional smile. He gave one now to his oldest grandchild.
"Well done."

Shylea was naturally demonstrative and her face broke into a beaming smile. "Thank you, Grandfather."

"This occasion merits a gift." Thunrol motioned to the large tome on the desk. "This is the life's work
of my father, your great grandfather, Ingstar L'Naym. As you know, he was a noted historian and made
it his goal to write a comprehensive history of our world and uUpon his death his works and memoirs
were compiled. You've seen the original handwritten work in the Archives, but countless printed copies
have been made and of course computerized. My father however, always felt that printed books had more
meaning. As do I."

He place the volume in his granddaughter's hands. "This volume is now yours. Study it well."