Mage (ON HOLD)

Chapter 3-Duel

I waited nervously on a wooden chair outside of the classroom, fidgeting every once in a while. Kaline was still inside the stone-walled class, giving some last-minute pointers and answering questions as the rest of the students filed out the doors. A few of them cast curious glances my way, but most of them ignored me as they went to whatever activity took up their after-school hours. A nervous sweat broke on my brow as I waited for Kaline to finally emerge from the class. Did she want to punish me? Did I do something wrong? I tried to shake off the nervous feelings; of course nothing bad would happen! I was on time for that class, wasn't I?  But was I on time for the one before that? Oh, gods... the wait was nerve-wracking. As I desperately cast my mind back to the previous day, trying to remember whether I was on time or not, Kaline finally poked her head out of the class. As I jolted my head up, I noticed that she had a serious expression on her face; never a good sign for Kaline, who nearly always had some form of smile on her face.

"Taya, could you come into the class, please? There are a few things that I need to discuss with you." She said in quiet, sombre tones. I swallowed painfully, nodded, and followed her into the classroom.

"Taya," She began. "You are an exceptional student. You are excellent in combative and defensive styles, and you seem to understand principles and theories perfectly. I honestly could not be possibly prouder of you."

I knew it, I thought glumly. Late too many times. I held up my hands in defense. "Look," I interrupted, "I know that I'm not the most punctual student, but-"

"Taya, what are you talking about?" Kaline demanded.

I felt myself go hot in the face. "Umm... well... er....I guess it's nothing..."

Kaline nodded curtly. "Good. Now, as I was about to say, I think that you are ready to take your final test."

I was dumbstruck. The final test was, I had heard, an extremely difficult test usually reserved for only the most advanced and eldest students. How it worked was they had to take a duel with some senior member of the school, and if they won, then the students were allowed to graduate and leave the school. If they lost, they had to stay in the school for another two years. I shifted uncomfortably on the small wooden stool.

"Um.... I'm honoured that you chose me and everything, but I honestly don't think that I'm ready for this! I mean, I only have seventeen summers, and people with over twenty summers rarely take it! I'm sorry, but I honestly think that this is too much."

Kaline took me by the shoulders and looked me right in the eye. "Taya. Whether you like it or not, you are the best Elementalist student that this school has ever had. There may have been one or two Shifters or Psychokinetics that have surpassed you in talent, but you have somethings that none of them have; you have the concentration abilities of someone far older, and backing it up, you are filled with raw, unchannelled power. I am absolutely sure that you are ready for the final test, and not only that, I am sure that you will win the duel. Do you hear me?"

I dropped my gaze and nodded, a lump forming in my throat. It always made me feel uncomfortable to get so unashamedly praised for my skill, and behind my back, I was wringing my hands nervously.

"Fine," I blurted out. "I'll take the test. I'll do it." I seriously hoped that I was making the right decision.

Kaline broke out in a grin so wide it displayed her oddly sharp canine teeth jutting over her lower teeth, something that I had never noticed before. I guess being so terrified that you're nearly having a panic attack makes you more alert and aware. "Excellent! I expect you to be out in the courtyard, wearing proper attire, in exactly one hour. Oh, and you can use your staff to channel your power, if you wish. Good luck and see you soon!" And with that, she spun around and headed for the door.