The Hands of Destiny.

Prologue

The Kingdom of Rhylla had a tradition. A yearly tradition. On the last day of each year all of the children ten years of age would gather at the training grounds to be sorted. They would be sorted into one of three categories. Knight, Archer or Mage.

The 85th sorting was the coldest of all the years. All of the children were bundled in fur blankets as they walked to the training grounds single file.

"Single file line please," yelled Commander Fridic.

Mud and Star stayed in their line while their friend Blaze crouched to the side of them.

"Get in line," said Mud. "You're going to get all three of us in trouble."

"Fine," said Blaze rolling her eyes as she squeezed into line behind him. 

"Remember," said Star, "There hasn't ever been a female archer..."

Blaze cut him off. "Exactly, I'm going to be the first."

"Still..." said Star. "Just don't get your hopes up, most women either don't get a role and work in the castle or become a Mage."

"I know, I know, I know." sighed Blaze.

After while the children finally reached a clearing with three podiums. Atop the two podiums to the far left were Obsidian the archer commander and Fern the mage commander. Obsidian was wearing a black cloak that hid his bearded face while Fern was wearing beautiful silky green robes. Fridic headed toward his podium and stood there. His shiny armor was coated in snow.

After a moment, a carriage arrived with King Rex and Princess Winter. King Rex was wearing a red and gold robe made from the most expensive silks and Princess Winter was wearing a blue gown.

"Can I please be sorted," begged the young princess.

The King kneeled down to match her height. "We talked about this. You have to fill out your princess duties, so one day you can become queen."

"What about Hail," said Winter referring to her younger sister. "She would much rather be queen."

"You are older."

"Fine."

Blaze stared at her cousin. "Poor Winter," she said.

"Welcome to the 85th annual sorting!" called King Rex. He walked towards the children, eyeing the children as if remembering each of them and then putting each of them in a crate at the back of his head. "You will each be sorted by Fern when your name is called."

Fern stepped down from her pedestal and sat down in the snow. Her long black hair  blew in the strong breeze. Fridic to a scroll from out of his bag. and began calling out names. 

The first was a girl with short brown hair. Fern told her to place her hands in hers. The girl did as she was told. After a couple seconds Fern nodded her head.

"Mage," she said softly. The girl bounced up and down for a couple seconds and headed towards Fern's pedestal. Next was a boy about the size of Night with black hair. He was sorted as a archer. At least 20 children went before Fridic called Blaze's name.

"Blaze!" he called.

"Here goes nothing," murmured Blaze. She walked over to Fern and did just as she had watched all the other kids do.

Fern began to mutter to herself. "Determination... stubbornness."

"I'm not-"

"Shh," Fern cut her off. There was a couple moments of silence before Fern made her final decision.  "Archer."

There were sudden gasps and muttering. There had never been a female archer. The boy with the black hair look absolutely disgusted.

Obsidian stepped forward removing his hood revealing his face covered in scars. "Fern," he rasped. "There must be some mistake there has never been a female archer."

"There is no mistake here," said Fern. "She has the heart and soul of an archer." Fern looked over at Blaze. Blaze smiled.

Star looked over at Mud, "I never thought she would do it."

Star went up next and was sorted into the knight category. No surprise there. After everyone had gone it was Mud's turn. He walked up to Fern and put his hands in her palms. Knight Knight Knight, he thought. Please let me be a knight.

"Mage," said Fern finally.

No!  Mud look over at Star then Blaze then Winter.

"You may now all follow your instructor to your living quarters," said King Rex. "Congratulations to all of you." 

Mud followed Fern looking at the ground the whole time.