Book of Faith

Chapter 5: The Trial of Attributes

Miss Smith — Sage Galadhrim as she had told Brody she preferred to be called — led him through yet another series of corridors. They passed what looked to him to be an old-style parlor which exited into a courtyard, around which she led him toward the opposite end where they then entered into a large cafeteria.

A few people sat eating meals, all of which he attempted to avoid eye contact with. Some were older and some more around his age, but all were dressed in strange attire. Half were adorned in tight-fit clothing that looked designed for some sort of combat training or another, while the other half wore long, flowing robes of varying colors though mostly white that hinted at a more docile role.

They continued to march straight through the crowded canteen, passing through another hallway that once again led outside. Adjoined to the exit was a large shed-like structure that looked misplaced to the rest of the Sanctum. Sage Galadhrim sauntered briskly across to the hut and rapped on the door, which opened to Sarah greeting them still in her uniform.

"Sage Galadhrim," she said. "You've already finished speaking with the Archmagian?"

"Yes," Sage Galadhrim confirmed. "And if you could be so kind, my dear, please escort Brody here to the living quarters. He will be staying here at Abrichene with us."

"Of course," Sarah replied. She gestured for him to follow her. "This way."

After being led on yet another short journey — the shortest by far in fact that evening — Brody found himself before a series of abutting doors.

"These are our sleeping quarters," Sarah said. "The left is the girls, and the right is the boys. Obviously, you'll sleep in the right room with the other boys of our team."

He could only respond with silence. She looked at him with empathetic eyes, putting her hand on his shoulder.

"If you need to talk with someone, I'm here," she said gently. "I know it's a lot to take in. But you'll be safe here under the Archmagian's care. Everything will turn out alright. You'll have a lot more answers soon. You just gotta be patient. We'll help you."

Though this act of kindness was appreciated, Brody did not feel like talking anymore. He simply wanted to be left alone to his thoughts. After a harshly quiet moment, she understood and retreated her hand.

"I'll be back in a little while to check on you," she said. "Is there anything you'd like me to bring you?"

Brody shook his head in automatic response. Sarah looked at him for a short minute before she sighed and trudged back to her teammates. For a while, he simply stood there, not sure of what he trusted his body to do next. Eventually, he felt brave enough to make his way into the boys' quarters.

The room was larger than he expected, filled with several beds that seemed to belong to some rich person with how expensive the posts, frames, and sheets looked. Sitting on the bed farthest from him was Seth who had looked up as he entered.

"Brody!" Seth exclaimed. "Finally! I thought they'd never let you go."

He stumbled wearily over to his friend, plopping down on the mattress closest to him.

"What happened?" Seth continued frantically. "What's going on? What is this place?"

With a deep breath, he delved into his explanation. He told Seth of his vision he had in Dr. McSheehy's class, of being followed by Sarah and her teammates, and of his meeting with Miss Smith. When he got to that part about the car accident, he left out mentioning how Haley had been abducted. He still couldn't explain to Seth — let alone himself — how he had a brother that not only he but nobody else seemed to remember.