CHAPTER 2: THE YOUNG AND RESTLESS
Judicator Kirinal made his entrance under the elaborately carved arch of the Tribunal's gateway, taking his place before the Conclave. At 800, he did not exactly possess an imposing physique, but there was an air of respect and authority about him. Every Protoss knew and respected Kirinal, Master of the Conclave and ruler of Aiur.
The psionic emanations of all the Judicators filled the hall. Kirinal sensed every one of them thorough his nerve appendages. He sensed their deep respect, and maybe almost fear, towards him.
"Executor," he said calmly. "Update me on the status of the Rogue Tribes."
A young warrior of the Templar caste cautiously stepped forward, bowing his head in respect. His face lacked the strong, scaled ridges of a mature Protoss, and yet he already donned the traditional golden robes of a High Templar. His name was Adun.
"Judicator," he said. "Our scouts have reported the presence of three Rogue Tribes, namely the Venatir, Sargas and Sorlyar Tribes. They desire no hostile action, but are neither willing to accept the Khala's law."
"This is preposterous!" exclaimed the tall Judicator seated directly opposite Kirinal. " These tribes are openly displaying their disregard for the Conclave. I recommend that we exile them as was originally planned."
As a newly appointed Judicator, Khanoz lacked much experience. He was silenced by a glare from Kirinal. "Khanoz, regain your composure!" ordered the Master of the Conclave. " It is unwise to jump to conclusions at your young age. Azcodan, I am leaving this matter in your hands."
The 700 year-old Protoss beside Kirinal nodded. He was Kirinal's official heir, and would take his place when the old Master had completed his Rite of Passage. With that, Kirinal silently left the hall.
" Judicator," said Adun, a hint of doubt in his voice. " I believe that the Rogues are capable of change and repentance. Permit me to educate them to the ways of the Khala, for the benefit of our race."
Azcodan turned slowly to look at the young Templar. "Do you honestly think that way, Executor?" he challenged. "Interfere not in the matters of the Judicator caste, Templar, I hereby command you to eradicate every last remnant of the Rogue Tribes!"
"Judicator," said Adun. " Grant them a cha-"
"SILENCE!"
Azcodan glared momentarily at Adun, then turned to address the Conclave. "This meeting is adjourned," he said.
Adun watched as the Judicators quietly filed out of the room. In a few seconds, the vast hall was empty, with the exception of Adun and Judicator Khanoz. The tall, heavily built Judicator looked at the young Templar. "Something is wrong," muttered Khanoz. "Kirinal does not usually desert his duties that quickly."
"Judicator Khanoz," enquired Adun, "Do you then agree with my plan on educating the Rogues?"
The Judicator gave Adun a cold look. "Young Templar," he said. "The Rogues are charged with committing heresy. They will not readily accept the Khala, as they feel that their individual identities will be forsaken for the glory of the Khala. You may attempt to save them from their fate, but I will not ensure you the slightest chance of success."
Adun looked down dejectedly, Khanoz, like all the other Judicators, was trying to discourage him from trying. He would prove to them that he was capable of carrying out this task.
Judicator Kirinal made his entrance under the elaborately carved arch of the Tribunal's gateway, taking his place before the Conclave. At 800, he did not exactly possess an imposing physique, but there was an air of respect and authority about him. Every Protoss knew and respected Kirinal, Master of the Conclave and ruler of Aiur.
The psionic emanations of all the Judicators filled the hall. Kirinal sensed every one of them thorough his nerve appendages. He sensed their deep respect, and maybe almost fear, towards him.
"Executor," he said calmly. "Update me on the status of the Rogue Tribes."
A young warrior of the Templar caste cautiously stepped forward, bowing his head in respect. His face lacked the strong, scaled ridges of a mature Protoss, and yet he already donned the traditional golden robes of a High Templar. His name was Adun.
"Judicator," he said. "Our scouts have reported the presence of three Rogue Tribes, namely the Venatir, Sargas and Sorlyar Tribes. They desire no hostile action, but are neither willing to accept the Khala's law."
"This is preposterous!" exclaimed the tall Judicator seated directly opposite Kirinal. " These tribes are openly displaying their disregard for the Conclave. I recommend that we exile them as was originally planned."
As a newly appointed Judicator, Khanoz lacked much experience. He was silenced by a glare from Kirinal. "Khanoz, regain your composure!" ordered the Master of the Conclave. " It is unwise to jump to conclusions at your young age. Azcodan, I am leaving this matter in your hands."
The 700 year-old Protoss beside Kirinal nodded. He was Kirinal's official heir, and would take his place when the old Master had completed his Rite of Passage. With that, Kirinal silently left the hall.
" Judicator," said Adun, a hint of doubt in his voice. " I believe that the Rogues are capable of change and repentance. Permit me to educate them to the ways of the Khala, for the benefit of our race."
Azcodan turned slowly to look at the young Templar. "Do you honestly think that way, Executor?" he challenged. "Interfere not in the matters of the Judicator caste, Templar, I hereby command you to eradicate every last remnant of the Rogue Tribes!"
"Judicator," said Adun. " Grant them a cha-"
"SILENCE!"
Azcodan glared momentarily at Adun, then turned to address the Conclave. "This meeting is adjourned," he said.
Adun watched as the Judicators quietly filed out of the room. In a few seconds, the vast hall was empty, with the exception of Adun and Judicator Khanoz. The tall, heavily built Judicator looked at the young Templar. "Something is wrong," muttered Khanoz. "Kirinal does not usually desert his duties that quickly."
"Judicator Khanoz," enquired Adun, "Do you then agree with my plan on educating the Rogues?"
The Judicator gave Adun a cold look. "Young Templar," he said. "The Rogues are charged with committing heresy. They will not readily accept the Khala, as they feel that their individual identities will be forsaken for the glory of the Khala. You may attempt to save them from their fate, but I will not ensure you the slightest chance of success."
Adun looked down dejectedly, Khanoz, like all the other Judicators, was trying to discourage him from trying. He would prove to them that he was capable of carrying out this task.