The day had seemed an eternity, and now that evening approached, all who had witnessed the events of the day felt the after effects of their earlier actions, knowing all too well, that this day was nowhere near over, and after another quarter of an hour those remaining in the courtyard were instructed to form a line, and as before Seth, his brother, and companions found themselves near the center of the line. Looking up and down the line Seth was appalled at the condition of all those that remained. Every single face was smeared with blood, each person's leather armor was drenched in both blood and sweat, though beginning to dry lending the air an unpleasant scent. Everyone remaining looked on the brink of passing out due to exhaustion, each of them looking worn well beyond their years. This Seth thought as a procession emerged from the canopy at the end of the courtyard, and began stopping before each of those in line, where several from the procession questioned the bloodied and battered men and women who yet remained.
The first and foremost of those in the procession was a large man wearing the polished armor of a knight of Valdadore. Beside him walked another armored man, though this man’s armor had a different crest upon it. Behind them walked a woman in a white robe with golden blonde hair falling down her back and shoulders. With the woman walked two men who too each wore robes. The first was in a deep red color, his face obscured by a deep cowl. The second man wore a grey robe the color of ash, his face likewise obscured. Behind these three, another man walked a short distance behind. He wore green leggings, the color of springtime grass and a tunic of the same deep color. His were graceful movements, his strides long and elegant as if he weighed nothing at all. Behind the man in green eight more people followed. Each of these were dressed in normal if not luxurious clothing and none of them stood out in the small crowd except for one man who carried with him a large tome, its pages open, and in his opposite hand he held a quill ready to write.
As the small procession neared the first person in the line they each shifted their positions. The majority of the group remaining back a short distance. Only the knight, the woman in white, and the two men in robes of red and gray actually approached those waiting to be chosen. The other armored man falling back to join the rest of those who had come with the procession. This is how the group remained as they made their slow progress from person to person working their way ever slowly down the line. After talking to each of those waiting to be chosen they would send the person to the man with the tome who would then scribe something quickly in his book before sending them to stand in the middle of the large open courtyard. As the group worked their way down the line those who had already been chosen had began to form small groups at various locations having been chosen for different roles. The four companions watched the progress with a mix of interest and anxiety as one peculiar person caught their interest, particularly that of Garret. The procession had stopped at a short man for a particularly long time and appeared to be discussing something with the man. That was not what had gained Garret’s attention as it had already happened several times since the procession had started. What had grabbed Garret’s attention was the point when the three in robes had fallen back a step to allow the knight to speak to the small man alone. This had not previously occurred. The knight conversed with the man shortly, and apparently having come to a decision they shook hands and the short man left his place in line to speak to the man holding the tome. Having taken the short man’s information the apparent record keeper pointed the short man in the direction of the companions. This is what caught Seth, Sara, and Ashton’s attention. As the man approached all four watched him come to stand alone, apparently forming a new group for which no one else had been chosen. That however was not what was remarkable. As the man walked over halfway the distance toward the companions they were better able to discern his features. He appeared much older than they for he already had a thick beard braided down his chest and long hair cropped at his shoulders. His eyes were deep set and he was squinting as if the dim evening sun hurt his eyes. He had a large bulbous nose that compromised the majority of his wide rounded face. As it turned out however he was not a short man as they had each presumed. He was indeed short with thick muscled limbs, his torso looked entirely too large above his squat legs and his arms were a little longer than they should have been. The problem with the companions' early classification of the man was not that he had been short. In fact he was quite tall, for a dwarf. Though none of them had ever actually seen a dwarf each had heard descriptions or seen paintings of the dwarves. Dwarves rarely if ever ventured out of their cavernous mountain homes however, and so it was that none of them had expected to see one at the choosing ceremony. Yet here one stood. He appeared to be tall enough that his head would nearly reach Garret’s chest, though he had much more muscle mass than Garret, and Garret was relatively big for human standards. The four companions examined the dwarf independently each deciding in due time that it was rude to stare and each on their own eventually turned their gazes back to the procession that grew ever nearer.
The procession had made quick progress as the four had been inspecting the dwarf, and now there were only about a dozen and a half people remaining between the procession and Ashton, the first of the four companions to be chosen. The procession was close enough that their conversations could now be heard, and each of the four companions watched and listened to prepare themselves for what they too would soon face.
Seth tried in vain to remain hopeful. After the battle today he would likely be chosen for something he did not want. He knew it was possible that he and Garret both be chosen for the army in some capacity, which eased his fear of being separated from his brother, something he had never in his whole life fathomed possible. However if he was chosen for the army it was likely Sara would be chosen for something so different that they would be forced to flee the Kingdom in hopes of starting a life somewhere outside the realm where they wouldn't be branded as traitors. All this Seth thought as the procession neared.
They watched as another boy was sent to join the largest group in the courtyard which they now knew to be those joining the regular soldiers of Valdadore’s armies. They too were paying attention when a young girl was sent to join a group near that of the chosen soldiers as she was picked to be a servant in the castle proper. As those that stood between Ashton and the procession dwindled, the four companions were able to establish the purpose of nearly every group of those who had already been chosen’s purpose. So it was with much anxiety that Ashton stood before the knight and his three robed companions when his turn to be chosen had arrived.
The three men and the woman formed a tight semicircle in front of Ashton. None of them spoke for a moment, each scrutinizing him independently. The man in the grey robes was the first to speak.
“He has the gift.” The man stated coolly in an even tone.
“I can confirm it.” Stated the blonde woman in white as the man in red nodded his agreement.
“Do you have any talents or have you sworn yourself to a god?” This time it was the knight who spoke, his voice deep and commanding.
“Yes M’lord, I follow the path of Lorentia as a healer. I follow in the footsteps of my mother and my brother before me.” Ashton replied smoothly having rehearsed the lines in his head.
The blond woman inched nearer and smiled to Ashton before speaking again.
“What is your name then young healer, and if you have already performed healing miracles tell us now of the worst wound you have healed.” She stated with calming words.
“My name is Ashton Rayne.” Ashton stated pausing briefly to take a breath.
As Ashton paused, the knight's head rose slightly in realization and he looked once again at Ashton with a look of knowing on his face. Then as if seeking something he already knew to be there the knight turned to look at the next person in line, and registering Garret’s face the knight smiled.
“My most recent healings and the most complicated I have ever performed happened on the road here to Valdadore.” Ashton continued not noticing the change in the knight, his eyes focused on the woman in white. “My friends and I were attacked in the night by a goblin. One of my companions sustained a mortal wound to both his heart and lung. Healing him took me two attempts. With the first attempt I was able to repair his heart and lung before I was too drained to continue and unsure of my limitations I lost consciousness. Later when I regained some strength I managed to close the wound and free him of infection.” Ashton related the story deciding to leave out any detail that did not pertain to the question.
“Is there anyone here who can confirm that you performed this miracle?” The woman asked intrigued.
“Yes M’lady, my companions stand beside me now and if their word is not enough then I could point you to Sasha the proprietor of The King’s Herald, she too has witnessed a brief display.” Ashton answered and watched as all three of the robed figures turned to stare at the knight beside them who stood smiling broadly at their questioning looks.
“What?” Sirus asked his companions rhetorically. “I did not want to ruin your surprise. Indeed I knew of his ability, though I did not know his face, and I too can verify his tale. It was he and his companions that killed the goblin that I myself tracked to the north.” The knight Sirus stated boisterously.
“Indeed then young healer I should like to welcome you to the ranks of the clerics of Valdadore.” The blonde woman stated smiling. “My name is Karishtala, the head of the white robes here in the city and I will be instructing you and your peers in the days to come. Please go see Heath with the ledger and give him your information and he will point you to your new peers.” Karishtala told Ashton.
Sirus, Karishtala and the two other robed men stepped aside to let Ashton pass before coming to stand before Garret who still stood with a smile on his face. Meeting Sirus’ eyes, Garret reached out to shake hands with the knight much to the amazement of those who accompanied the knight.
“Garret the hunter.” Sirus stated his steel eyes alight. “I am impressed with your actions today, Goblin slayer and the champion of the King’s test. You do not cease to amaze me. I am glad you are here, though I heard of your arrival to the city, and am happy to see you have come unscathed. However this is a formal occasion and so I shall ask you the questions I am required.” Sirus said still smiling. “Do you have any skills and do you worship a god?”
“Yes Sire.” Garret stated happily. “I possess the gift to control magic, and I have just recently begun visiting the temple of Gorandor here in Valdadore. I plan to swear myself to him sire.” Garret stated hoping to improve his chances to join the knights.
“Is that so?” Sirus asked turning to his robed companions for verification of Garret’s magical ability.
“He is strongly gifted Sirus perhaps he would be better suited wearing a robe than armor.” The man in the red robe stated coldly.
“Trying to swell your ranks are you Vladmere? You have already chosen seven to my one. Let’s let Garret decide his future and loyalties shall we?” Sirus stated more as an order than a request and he watched them as they nodded their agreement. “So what of you Garret? Would you like to continue your path and join the knights of Valdadore, or would you choose another path to become a powerful mage fighting your battles from afar?” Sirus asked already knowing Garret’s answer having gleaned the information from his wife.
“I should like to join the knights of Valdadore if they would have me Lord Sirus.” Garret replied trying his best to sound noble.
“We should indeed be happy to embrace you young master Garret. Now if you will see Heath and then go stand with Zorbin Ironfist the dwarf there I will see you again shortly.”
Garret nodded with a smile and strode happily to meet with Heath glancing over his shoulder briefly to his brother. Seth was next in line and composed himself as best as he was able, un-wanting to join with any portion of the army be it common soldier or knight, and as such coming to terms with his current situation. Giving Sara’s hand one last squeeze he released it to face those coming before him alone. As the four main members of the procession stopped in front of Seth he realized that Sirus was again smiling, this time at him. Seth did not return the man’s smile. Instead he waited patiently for someone to speak to him, trying as he waited to keep his composure.
“You must be Seth.” Sirus stated mater-of-factly. “My wife mentioned that Garret and you were twins.”
Seth nodded his understanding still unsure of his ability to speak through his nervousness.
“Seth I must ask, as is my duty, do you have any particular talents and do you yet worship any of the gods?” Sirus asked in his mock ceremonious tone.
Mustering his courage Seth chose his words carefully before he spoke.
“I too have the talent to control magic, but I have yet to align my soul with a god.” Seth stated coolly trying to emphasis his distaste on the religion subject.
“I see.” Sirus stated understanding Seth’s tone. “Have you put much thought into what station you had hoped to be chosen for?” He asked seeking Seth’s intentions further.
“I have indeed sire, however I have only just recently learned of my ability to wield magic, and although I am not inclined to take another's life, it feels as if it is something I need to pursue. Other than that M’lord I am afraid I am unsure what positions exactly that I might best be suited for.” Seth answered trying to see if he might be offered options rather than being picked for a particular duty.
“Well young Seth let’s see if we can’t discern a couple possible paths for you shall we?” Sirus again asked him waiting to continue until Seth nodded in agreement. “With the ability to wield magic your options are several, and all of them lead to a path with possibilities of great power and great rewards. Let’s see if we can dwindle down the choices a bit shall we?” Sirus asked rhetorically before continuing. “The druids seek those who are one with the land, those who would not harm plant nor animal unless there was no other option. The path of the druid is one of patients, for their craft sometimes takes years to bear fruit. Are you so inclined to live from the land and not harm the animals that live there?” Sirus again asked.
“I enjoy hunting sire.” Seth stated simply.
“In that case perhaps like your young friend should like to heal those that have been injured or become sick. The healers whose souls are sworn to Lorentia live a life of servitude to others. Their sole purpose and calling is to those who require healing. They give no preference, they deny no one, and so if asked for their service they shall give it. Are you so inclined Seth?” Sirus asked raising one of his bushy red eyebrows.
“It is an honorable position for sure sire, however I do not feel so inclined and I am afraid I would be poorly suited for that station.” Seth answered honestly.
This piqued Sirus’ interest so he then offered the position he hoped Seth, like his brother, would choose.
“Perhaps then you should like to remain by your brother’s side and join the elite ranks of the Knights of Valdadore. All of us within the ranks possess the gift, though our wise god Gorandor chooses to give the ones he blesses each a single blessing to help them perform in battle. The blessings vary slightly, but usually they are for the same purpose. We are a small portion of the Kingdom’s vast armies, choosing only the best. We live by a code of honor at all costs, even at the cost of our own lives. Is this the path that you can foresee yourself venturing down? Sirus again asked Seth.
“I would like to stay with my brother.” Seth stated while thinking of the other person he refused to be away from. With the though Seth accidentally let his eyes wander to Sara where he viewed her for a fraction of a second in his peripheral vision before returning his gaze to Sirus and continuing his response. “Though I do not feel any drive to join the army I am afraid.” Seth finished
With Seth’s answer Sirus’ eyebrows knotted in the middle of his head and he nodded solemnly. He had noticed Seth’s sideways glance and already understood its meaning. Sasha had told him of the young love affair, and even if the boy did not want to be a knight he would try to see to it that he could carry out his wife’s wishes.
“I see.” Sirus stated coolly once again. “Perhaps then you wish to wield magic as one of the powerful battle mages who don the red robes. They fight with the army though they live and train separately. Most of them worship Zeranthil though some have been known to worship other lesser gods in times past. Their powers are quite formidable and their blessings vary from person to person. Some have many abilities yet others are limited to just one or two abilities. They live by their own set of rules, though I do not know them precisely. If that does not suit you then perhaps you might find interest in the gray robed mages. They specialize in defensive magics. They too help the army though they do not fight. They instead use their power to protect those of us who do fight. Their abilities vary as well, some of them can bless armor to make it impenetrable, and others can form invisible shields to deflect blows. Gray robes are a rare enough sight as most with the ability choose to join the red robes. Judilanthaliz is the head of the Gray robes and he teaches a life of discipline and honor much akin to that of the knights. All who don the gray robes throughout history have worshiped Saranadia. Those are the two primary options left to you young Seth, however I warn you. Should you choose to join the ranks of the mages you are given a limited time to choose a god to swear yourself to, and then if you do not receive a blessing from your chosen god in a reasonable amount of time you will be removed from their ranks and given a position elsewhere. The same goes for my knights, however I choose them carefully and have never had to turn one away after I have chosen them. Does either of these positions seem a likely choice to you?” Sirus asked for the final time.
“M’lord I think if I am being given a choice then I feel I am best suited for a gray robe. I like to help others, and I do try and protect them if I am able. I feel this would be the best option for me.” Seth stated honestly, thinking a guardian role suited him nicely.
Sirus turned to the man in the gray robe and nodded to him.
“It seems he is all yours then Judilanthaliz.” Sirus said to the man.
The man in gray nodded his cowled head and took a step forward towards Seth. Stopping after a single step the man pulled back his cowl revealing his face. Seth inhaled sharply at the sight though composed himself as quickly as he was able to face the man. The man was older than Seth had imagined him to be. In fact the man’s hair was the same shade of gray as his robes. This however was not what had shocked Seth. The man’s face was split in two by a wide jagged scar that started as his left temple, straight through his sightless left eye, across his nose and down the opposite cheek all the way to his neck. His mangled features were the first thing that Seth registered however they were not the only thing that had caught him off guard. The man was also not human, at least not completely so. His face was narrow and slightly elongated. His cheekbones were a bit too high under his almond shaped eyes that slanted slightly. This however was not what readily gave the man away as nonhuman. It was the man’s long pointed ears that labeled him unmistakably as an elf. All this Seth was able to take note of in the time it took for a single intake of breath. Composing himself immediately he waited for the man to address him.
“Hello young Seth, my name is Judilanthaliz. I share both the bloodlines of humans and of elves and being so I am an outcast to the Elven race. I am the head of the order of those in gray robes. We are known as the guardians, though some refer to us as shields. Ours is a life of discipline. We spend time each day studying both magic and religion. All among us now alive worship Saranadia. It is not always an easy road as one in the gray robes as you may tell by my face, but it is a rewarding path to protect those in need of protection. Choose wisely young Seth, but choose now.” Judilanthaliz said giving Seth a moment to think before continuing. “Have you come to a conclusion?”
“I have sire, I should like to join your ranks if you would have me.” Seth stated knowing at this point that more than likely he would be a gray robe for the remainder of the day and then he would be fleeing the city with Sara.
“We should be happy to have you young Seth, please go to see Heath and he shall point you in the right direction.” Judilanthaliz said.
Seth did as he was told, looking to Sara first before walking away. Giving her a slight nod, secretly reminding her of their plan, Seth walked the few paces required to speak with Heath. Speaking to the man briefly Seth watched as Heath wrote down his full name, age, where his home was, and his newly appointed position before finally sending him to stand only a few paces from his brother. As Seth approached his brother and the dwarf he smiled to his twin but stopped short of joining him, saying without so much as a word that they had not been chosen for the same purpose. Seth did find it a little odd however that out of the seventy or more people already chosen, he was the first to join the ranks of the gray robes. Seth stood alone, already separated from his brother, anticipating the separation from Sara as well, his shoulders slumped and head sagged in defeat.
Garret watched as his brother approached, appearing broken and defeated, he had taken the meaning of Seth’s sudden stop and smiled to reassure his brother before turning to watch what would become of the woman his brother loved.
Sara listened to the entire conversation held between those doing the choosing and her three companions already chosen. She had already gleaned the names of all four people who came to stand before her now and she quickly committed their faces to memory as well. Sara then just stood with a blank expression on her face, completely obscuring the fear she fought within, and waited for them to speak to her.
“Hello young lady, you must be Sara.” Sirus stated his steel eyes alight once again.
“Yes sire that is correct.” Sara answered.
“You were the last standing in the test earlier alongside Garret were you not? Sirus asked. Sara simply nodded her reply, keeping her blank expression in place.
"Well I must say that Sasha is quite fond of you and it seems Felix has grown a bit attached to you as well.” Sirus said with a wide smile. “Well I must first ask you if you have any special skills and I must also ask if you worship any of the gods.” Sirus said not trying to conceal his boredom with repeating the same thing over and over again.
“As far as I am aware M’lord I do not possess the gift of magic, nor do I have a religion.” Sara stated simply wanting this moment to be over.
"Women are rare in the army, but with your survival so long in the battle earlier I cannot help but ask if you would wish to join the army?" Sirus asked. With this question all those with Sirus leaned nearer awaiting the small woman's reply.
"I don't believe myself suited for the army M’lord, it was due to Seth, Garret, and Ashton that I remained in the competition as long as I did." Sara answered. Sirus thought a second before continuing his line of questioning.
“Well do you have any other skills that you are particularly good at?” Sirus asked with an unfamiliar tone in his voice.
“What do you mean M’lord?” Sara asked unsure of his tone.
“Is there anything at all that you are good at that might be useful to the Kingdom?” Sirus asked this time not trying to hide that he wanted her to say something.
“Well M’lord I am fairly good with figures, and I can memorize things rather quickly.” Sara stated hoping it would answer the knight’s question.
“Can you read and write as well?” Sirus asked.
“Yes M’lord.” Sara answered.
Sirus stood for a moment trying his best to pretend he was deep in thought about something, though Sara, who had just met the man, could tell he was faking.
“Judilanthaliz aren’t you currently without a messenger?” Sirus asked as if trying to recall some detail.
“Yes Sirus in fact I am.” Judilanthaliz said nodding. “I am happy you have reminded me I had not thought to find myself one today.” He added.
“Does this young woman suit your needs?” Sirus asked the man in gray.
“She might indeed. Let’s give her a small test shall we?” Judilanthaliz asked in a musical voice that was too sweet to be wholly human.
“What do you have in mind?” Sirus asked the older man.
The man in gray thought a moment and turning his gaze upon Sara he asked his question.
“Young woman, can you recall some details of the conversation we just had with the man who stood beside you a moment ago?”
“Yes M’lord.” Sara answered.
“Well then young woman what do you recall.” Judilanthaliz asked.
“Well M’lord your name is Judilanthaliz the head of the gray robed guardians. You worship Saranadia and live to protect those in need of protection. The man in red here is Vladmere The head of the red robed battle mages. He worships Zeranthil as do most of the battle mages. They fight with the armies of Valdadore. The beautiful woman beside you in white is Karishtala the head of the order of healers. They worship Lorentia and live to heal those in need of healing. Sirus here is the head of the Knights of Valdadore and he and his men worship Gorandor. They fight with the army though they hold a much higher council than those of the regular forces. The man behind you in green is an elf and I assume as such that he is the head of the druid order, though I know not his name. Behind him, Heath stands with a large tome in which the names of those chosen are recorded as well as the location of their homes as well as their new station in life. Beyond him representatives of the regular army as well as a representative of the King’s house stand. Is that sufficient sire?” Sara asked after speaking every detail she could readily recall.
“Indeed young woman your memory is sharp.” Judilanthaliz said and turning to face the knight he continued. “I think she will fulfill my needs of a messenger quite nicely.” He said with a grin.
“Sara go and see Heath and tell him you are to be messenger to Judilanthaliz and follow his instructions.” Sirus said grinning once again.
Sirus watched as Sara passed and he could not help himself but to smile. His wife had given him instructions not to allow her and Seth to be separated, and though he knew it was not entirely up to him, he had played his cards properly and by doing so had not disappointed his wife.
Seth watched for many long moments as Sara spoke to those gathered before her. He was close enough to see who was speaking and when but too far to clearly hear their words. He could clearly see through Sara’s mask to the fear she was trying to hide. The same fear that twisted within him. He watched as she spoke for a long time, speaking more quickly than she normally would as if in panic. He then watched as Sirus and Judilanthaliz exchanged words and Sara left them to speak to Heath. Seth watched even more intently as heath scribed Sara’s information in his book and finishing with his quill, again raised his head. Heath said a few words then to Sara, and turning his head he pointed directly at Seth. Sara nodded her understanding to the man and with a giant beautiful smile turned to meet Seth’s eyes with her own amber gaze. Seth suddenly realized what was happening and all fear rushed from his body to be instantly replaced with gratitude and love. Sara strode confidently to his side, where she belonged, and took his hand interlacing their fingers once again. For all that had gone wrong since the night before Seth left his home in Vineleaf, something had finally gone right. He was to be separated from Garret he knew, but it was a realization that he knew he would have to come to terms with. Garret dreamed of glory and honor, whereas he just wanted a quiet life with Sara.
To both Seth and Sara it was as if a huge weight had been lifted off of their shoulders. Though they had not spoken of it frequently they had both been carrying the fear of separation with them for many days now and it had slowly eaten its way through them. So certain they each had been that they would be separated that both of them had already planned by themselves when they would flee and what route they would take back to the inn. Now however it was all for naught. The fear, the anguish, and the planning had all been for nothing. They were together just as they were meant to be. Finally each of them was able to relax and the tension that had been building dissipated quickly.
“I love you.” Sara said smiling as big as she was able.
“And I love you angel.” Seth replied also smiling.
Together they waited hand in hand for the remainder of The Choosing ceremony. No one came to join them, nor did anyone join Garret and the dwarf. Seth and Sara paid the actual choosing selection little attention, instead choosing to enjoy the time together. Neither of them had any real idea of what was to come in the days ahead, but they were both sure that they would at least be able to see each other frequently, and that was enough for them to be happy.
Before long the ceremony was finished and the procession of delegates performing the actual choosing parted ways and each went to collect their new members. Seth and Sara both waved goodbye to Garret as Sirus came to collect him and the dwarf. It was not long after Garret had left the courtyard that Judilanthaliz came to collect his two new charges as well. Greeting them as he approached he asked both Seth and Sara to follow and he led them across the courtyard the way they had come earlier in the day.