It was in her hand‏

It was in her hand, and she couldn't stop staring. What could she do? I guess the better question is what couldn't she do. Was there a name for what she held? Power wasn't enough, magic didn't fit, the beginning? No, why did there have to be a name? She was simply captivated.

The elder smiled as she held the universe, condensed to the size of a softball, in her petite hands. The rich dark purple that had billions of multicolored lights. Looking at the kneeling girl, the orb lit her face that was so full of wonder. Closer attention to the orb and the old man realized she was watching history, not just the past. He had never seen such patterns. If she had been any other he would be concerned, but this was her gift, the knowledge of all.

He touched his chest and then his lips. It would be soon now, if she didn't handle things just right. Walking through the field of stars, he touched his hand on her shoulder. "You missed class" There was a painful shock that came from her to him as the orb disappeared.

"It doesn't matter, I know it all." her hands and head fell, "I mastered the weapons, the magics, I know all the lore and then more. I finished the book." She touched his hand and looked up at him. "Elder, I can read every page, I know what happens if they follow this route." Tears were pouring out of her eyes, and his too.

He knew better, the elders were to teach the children, not love them. But this child, they knew from seconds after she was born that she was going to be problems. They couldn't force her to do the magic that they wanted her to do, they would find themselves doing whatever task. He realized that if you asked, nicely, she would do the tricks. She was the only one not named, and the quickest to come when called. She also picked her gender last.

All of the children were brilliant. All but the eldest learned control quickly, though her batch was the most stable, balanced. The little of the future that he was able to glimpse, three will become one of the most powerful of numbers. Though each group had purpose, its advantages and disadvantages, but three would stand out.

The elder snapped back to the present when he felt them coming. "I can't do it" she whispered, "I can't do what they asked. It won't lead to what they wish." She sounded so small.

He tightened his grip on her shoulder. "I believe you. I wish" his head landed on her lap. They waited only long enough for her to pick it up and touch her forehead to his before they ended her life.

"Maybe next time she'll obey."