The next two nights found four out of five of Jaymes' companions taking their tests and joining their chosen orders. Two into the Crowns, one into the Shroud, and one into the Grail.
The third night was the night that the fifth initiate was set to take her test. She stood at the very center of a circle that contained the Grand Master, each of the order Masters, their deputies, and several healers and common soldiers. She had already finished her questioning by Garan, Eva, Leana, and Sir Gustav, the Master of the Crown.
“Beatrix, daughter of Colwyn, what order do you wish to enter?” Borim inquired as he watched her closely.
The young woman stood tall under his gaze. “I petition to enter the Order of the Grail, Master Borim.”
Her long red hair flowed down over her shoulders, ending at the middle of her back. Her brown eyes narrowed slightly as she watched him.
“May I ask why?” Borim inquired, meeting her gaze. Good, she's not easily frightened, he thought as he watched the slow rise and fall of her chest as she calmly breathed in and out. She's a cool one. He amended.
The Red head watched him, carefully framing her answer. “My lineage includes practitioners of the mystic arts, both arcane and natural. My mother was a druidess, my father an arcanist, and neither school would take a mixed child. I heard that the Knights of the Rose took in all who had a good heart and honored the creator spirits.” She paused for a second, then continued, “Here, I have a family who accepts me and doesn't treat me like a twisted child.” She tried to stay stoic, but Borim was experienced enough to hear the heartache in her voice.
He knew what it was like to be torn between two worlds, and so, “I see. You may choose between two tests; you may either attempt a complex rite, or you may attempt to recite any passage from any book by memory.” He gazed at her. “Which will it be?”
Her breath caught in her throat for a moment, then she remembered to breath out. “I will attempt a complex rite.” At that, several eyebrows lifted amongst the gathered group. It wasn't necessary to attempt a rite, and most of the others had gained entrance based on recitation of a passage from an ancient tome.
Borim's voice turned somber. “Art thou sure that this is what thou desirest to do?” He was giving her a second chance to do the easier test. Most people would take it. What will you do, child of the art? He wondered.
The woman's eyes half-closed as she considered her options. The recitation would be easier, but I really want to practice my art. She gave it some deep thought, then made up her mind. “I will attempt to the rite.”
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