Magician

Chapter 3

In the Great Castle...

Every kid that just turned into a teen was lined up, from tallest to shortest. Matthew was at the very end with Jordan, since they were the smallest. They could here kids talking to their friends nervously, and he was starting to feel jumpy. A very loud conch horn blast got every body's attention. Matthew turned to the place where the conch horn blast came from. Standing at that place, holding the conch horn, was the Baron of Dryal himself. The whole hall got quiet, and the Baron made an announcement.

"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the 54th Choosing ceremony!" Clapping. "As all of you know, the Choosing is a very important day for 13 year olds, since it's the day that they get their jobs and get their apprenticeship. Now that the teens are assembled, it is time for the Masters of the Arts to come." The Baron leaned down whispered into his servant's ear. The servant nodded when the Baron was done, and walked towards to a huge metal double door, and pulled it open. Outside, standing, were The Masters of the Arts. They walked in quietly, and they faced the teens.

"Masters. These children have turned 13 and are looking for jobs. Would you accept at least one of them?"

One grumbled, "We have to," but the Baron ignored it. He started saying they would take turns, the tallest first, so Matthew realized Jordan and him would be last and sighed with relief. As the Baron called the first person in line, Matthew realized it was his friend, Olivia. She was the tallest in his neighborhood, had dark chocolate eyes and chocolate brown hair.  When she was called, she was chosen as Princess. Some people stared at Olivia in awe. Some muttered, "Well, the queen doesn't have a child so I guess it's fine..." Matthew just stared, looking at the future Princess of Dryal.

The Baron called the next person, but Matthew wasn't paying attention. Time flew and in no time, it was Matthew's turn. "Matthew Browns, do you have anything that you would like to do?" The Baron was asking him. "Umm...No. I came here hoping you would choose a job for me." Matthew answered awkwardly.

"Masters of the Arts. Will one of you take him as an apprentice?" The Baron asked, in a big voice. Matthew hesitated. He wondered if he was doing the right choice. Before he could say something, a low voice from the dark said, "I will." The speaker emerged from the darkness, and every body gasped. It was the Great Magician, Lysandros Adoh. Matthew watched, amazed as the Great Magician came closer. He nodded to the Baron, and told Matthew, "Report to the East tower tomorrow, 9:00 a.m sharp." Matthew nodded, "Yes sir." and watched Jordan from the side. He nervously walked to the Baron, and told him he wanted to be a knight. The Baron called Sir Redmont, the knight, to inspect the boy. Once he walked in a full circle, he agreed to let Jordan be a knight. Matthew was happy for Jordan, and congratulated him. After the whole Choosing ceremony, they had a sleepover, because they both knew it might be the last time they would ever see each other again.