The quest for magic

1: the day everything started

             Cora Ray

I finish braiding my hair and put on a pair of jeans with a white blouse. Making sure my necklace is straight, I go to see if Skylar is ready.

"You ready?" I ask her.

She nods and we head off to the woods.

The drawing of names is held in Momo's garden, a short walk away from her house.

Parents aren't allowed to watch the drawing, only siblings. Why, I don't know. That's just how it works. Probably to give the parents more anxiety. 

I spot my friend Larisa Elrod in the crowd and wave. She waves back.

Larisa is an only child, which means she has to go through the drawing by herself.

The siblings are hurriedly escorted to the sides of the square to watch, leaving only the other 14 year olds. 

I give Skylar a quick hug before she goes.

"I'll be okay." I whisper.

The mayor walks on the stage that's not usually there and starts talking.

I don't pay attention.

Something about magic, difficulty and clues.

Then Momo goes on stage.

She's holding a piece of parchment, which I have heard chooses the names, though we all know it's actually Momo.

"Inez Ashcroft." Momo reads aloud.

A girl with short blonde hair walks on stage, slightly trembling.

"Atty Elsher." 

Another girl.

"Aino Hart."

Why are there only girls this year?

"Cora Ray."

I freeze.

Did I hear it wrong? I hope so. But there is no one in town with a name even remarkably close to Cora Ray.

My heart us beating so hard I'm sure everyone can hear it.

This can't be happening.

I finally come to my senses and walk on stage with the other 3 girls.

Only girls this year. That's never happenend. How sexist.

Inez Ashcroft is handed a piece of paper with the first clue on it.

"You shall go to the town in the west

At a healer's house you shall rest

Prepare youselves for what comes next

And prove you really are the best"

I've heard that one before. It's the same every year.

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             Inez Ashcroft

I don't remember much on the way home, only that Izzy is crying. She's a sobbing mess really.

I think I'm to shocked to be sad. That was unexpected. Now what? There's nothing we can do about it.

Each of us are allowed to bring 5 things from home to help on the way.

I grab my sword and strap it to my cargo pants. That's a must.

I grab my backpack and grab a pen and paper, a small plastic bag, a pocket knife and some bandages. I hope the others bring some good stuff.