Book of Faith

Chapter 7: The Three Applications

"The Trial of Attributes comes in three stages — or Applications — that are meant to detect either the appearance of celestial energy within your aura or your capabilities of accessing your senses at a more than conventional degree," Archmagian Abernathy explained.

The Archmagian seemed neither perturbed nor thrilled over Seth's desire to take the Trial of Attributes. Brody was having a difficult time reading her as she informed them of what was to come. Ultimately, he was just pleased she had assented to letting Seth make the attempt.

"It must be noted this test is not going to put you in any harm's way," she continued. "However, it cannot be undervalued as its potentiality to stretch your mind to the limit may have adverse effects on your body for a short period of time."

Seth harrumphed. "I can handle being a little sore," he said boldly. "Aches won't scare me away. I'm ready to start."

The Archmagian sat fixedly, untroubled by Seth's energy. "Patience, Seth Miles," she said with the same pace. "The Trial will begin shortly. You must learn restraint if I am to allow you to proceed."

Seth begrudgingly fell silent, a scowl developing across his face. It wasn't often that Brody saw him put in his place without much dispute; then again, the Archmagian was someone who radiated both authority and power. Even Seth had to have recognized that. It made him wonder what the extent of her strength was overall and why she merited such a title as Archmagian.

"To determine the results of your Trial," the Archmagian pressed on, "I have assigned three of our best to oversee the process. Sage Galadhrim will monitor your First Application. Derek de Largent, our head instructor for Guardians at the Sanctum, will supervise your Second Application. And your Third Trial will be advised by Hank Asher, who I understand you've already met a few times prior."

Brody looked to the right of the room where Sage Galadhrim, Hank, and another tall, built man stood with his arms crossed. He wasn't particularly intimidating by looks alone, but Brody could tell he wasn't someone you would want to get into a fistfight with unless you wanted to end up with several bruises and a potentially broken arm.

"At this time, Sage Galadhrim will conduct your First Application. You do not need to prepare. You will need only what you possess in your mind."

As she finished speaking, Sage Galadhrim immediately stepped forward. "Let us not prolong this process," she said. "We'll begin immediately."

"Here?" Brody asked nervously.

"Yes. Here."

The room was then silent as Seth simply stared at Sage Galadhrim blankly. The Sage herself was not breaking eye contact, though with a more concentrated flare to her eyes. Brody was concerned suddenly for his friend as the quietude of the moment only seemed to increase. He could hear the fire crackling in the fireplace behind the Archmagian. Many clicks of a clock hanging on the wall opposite to him passed, each one seeming slower than the last. T

This increasingly tense moment lasted far longer than Brody felt was comfortable before he realized that Seth seemed to be no longer staring at Sage Galadhrim with intensity but with a slightly out of focus gaze. His face had begun to slacken, his mouth drooping only slightly. He was beginning to become concerned when at last Seth gasped and fell to the floor as though he had broken through the surface of a body of water moments before being drowned.

"My head!" Seth complained loudly. "It feels like it's splitting open."

"You've completed the Application of Aura," Amethyst said, unmoving.

"Results?" Abernathy posed almost immediately.

Sage Galadhrim shook her head, though she did not seem surprised whatsoever. "I have found Mr. Miles to be inconclusive."