Chapter 2
“Stand here.” Audra indicated a spot, but continued to the stage. Taking the five stairs in three steps, she went to the table, but didn’t sit down. Instead she stood on its right, facing her students.
“Welcome.” A disembodied voice which could have come from any of the five hooded figures rang out in the hall. “But surely there should have been more, Madam Audra?”
“Two others, Master.” Audra nodded. “One suffered an accident, the other has food poisoning.”
“We see. Very well. Not all of you will be selected to take the challenge. Just those we feel best suited. It will be a difficult test and one that will reveal to us your true nature, so you need to be ready for that eventuality. Are there any of you who wish to withdraw?”
No one moved and the hooded figures nodded. One in the center stood and pushed back his hood. The man wasof middle age, but Crevyn found him instantly forgettable.
“You will each stand before us. Give us your name and your skill. We will then take some time to decide who will take the challenge.”
One by one, they filed past the table. Naturally enough, Garvit added his long and prestigious lineage when he gave his name, but Crevyn had no such ancestry to regale them with. He stopped before them and ducked his head.
“Why do you look down? Lift your head.”
With his head down, Crevyn had no idea which judge had spoken, but there was a compelling tone to the speaker. Crevyn looked up at the judges before him. Their hoods threw their faces into shadow, making it impossible to see them clearly. The only thing Crevyn could be certain of, was that the voice was not that of the man with his hood down.
“If we didn’t think there was something very special about you, you wouldn’t have been selected. However, it’s good that you’re neither arrogant nor complacent at facing us. The final decision is yet to be made. Now, speak.”
My name is Crevyn. I’m the youngest son of Alder and Belle. I’m the oldest in my class. My parents can’t afford the fees. So I worked to save enough to pay for my first year, and continue to work within the college, tending to the animals. My skill is an affinity with beasts of all kinds.”
“Your dedication and compassion are admirable skills, too. Go back to your compatriots.”
The uncovered judge didn’t speak but indicated for Crevyn to leave the stage, and with a bow, Crevyn backed away and resumed his place beside Clover once more.
He was certain the unknown speaker had been the one to the right of the middle judge, and he wished he could see what they looked like. Not that it mattered. After all, everyone thinks Garvit is the most handsome man in the college, but his golden exterior hides a rotten core. But that judge sounded kind and he seemed to think my skill is good enough.
“You may go about your business for one hour, then return here.” A different judge stood, and her voice rang out clearly. “At that time, we will make our selection. Should any ill befall one we have selected, they will not be replaced by another. Is that clear?”
Crevyn, along with the rest of the candidates, affirmed, and he couldn’t help but glance toward Garvit. Was that a warning to him? Surely not. There’s no proof he did anything. Not even Madam Audra found evidence that Garvit was responsible for Willow’s accident.
* * * *
Each candidate went their own way, and Crevyn went to the stables. He’d been in such a rush that he’d only been able to dump the feed and race to the courtyard. Now he hoped the animals would forgive him.
Most of the horses were happy to nuzzle him, but Alatus, the Pegasus, tossed his head, refusing to come to Crevyn.
“I couldn’t help it, my friend. I had somewhere to be, and I had to make sure you at least had oats and fresh hay.” Alatus snorted and pawed the ground, but still wouldn’t come to Crevyn. He laughed and dug into his pocket. “You’re spoiled. You know it, don’t you? Very well, here. This was meant to be for me, but you may have it. Are we friends again, now?”
With a flourish, Crevyn produced an apple and held it out. The Pegasus sniffed, tossed his head, then ambled to Crevyn. However, he didn’t take the apple. Instead he nosed it back toward Crevyn.
“Very well, we’ll share it.” Crevyn took out his small knife and cut the apple in two. While he crunched on one half, he offered the other to Alatus. The Pegasus ate it, then rubbed against Crevyn’s shoulder “Mmm, that’s better. Friends again.” He patted its huge head and smiled.