Evanesterrin

Chapter Two

The court building loomed above Naeren as she approached it with her family. This was the building where, regardless of the result of her test, her life would change forever. It was overwhelming, and it was all Naeren could do to not turn and run. Hide away until next year's test at least...

Other families walked along the streets leading to the court house. All of them were escorting their children or siblings to take the test. These children stood out from their families. They all looked like they were either going to burst with excitement, or like they were about to throw up. Naeren guessed that she probably looked like the latter.

"Good luck, Naeren," Brydan said, giving Naeren a smile that was backed with sadness. He hadn't given her anything at breakfast. His gift to her was the note he had slipped into her backpack.

"Thanks," Naeren swallowed hard. Her mouth felt dry. She had no idea what to expect. No one knew what the tests involved except for the people who had taken them. No one was allowed to talk about the tests.

The uncertainty was the worst part for Naeren. She was fine with tests where she could study the material... but she was completely in the dark about what this test consisted of. Would it be physical? Mental? Intellectual? Logical? Her mind spun with frantic questions, all of them unanswerable.

After what felt like years, yet also only like mere seconds, they reached the steps that lead up to the courthouse. This was where Naeren had to say goodbye. Her family could not continue with her from here. She was on her own. Completely and utterly alone, despite being surrounded by other families and other children who were on their way to take the test.

"Goodbye," Naeren said softly. The word was difficult to say. Again, she forced down the tears.

"Goodbye, Naeren, good luck," Naeren's parents said, embracing her in a short hug. It was the first time they had embraced in at least ten years. The shock of it made Naeren struggle all the more not to cry.

"Bye sis," Brydan said, his voice quivering slightly, betraying his emotions.

As Naeren turned to walk up the stairs, she could have sworn that Brydan had whispered something else. Something that made Naeren's heart lurch with fear. She was almost sure that Brydan had whispered two simple words, but their meaning, their implication made Naeren terrified.

Stay safe.

*******

As Naeren reached the top of the steps she could see other children her age all lined up preparing to enter through several doorways. The lines moved slowly. Naeren looked behind her down the steps. In the distance, she could see the rooftop of her home. She could see Brydan and her family slowly walking back home. A home that she might never return to.

Naeren forced herself to look away and turned her focus to the test ahead. After a long time, it was finally Naeren's turn to enter the building. Inside she was surprised to see a doctor in a long white coat.

"You are...?" The doctor asked. His voice was brisk and businesslike.

"Um... I'm Naeren,"

"Naeren... Naeren... Ah, yes. Here we are. Female, sixteen years of age, brown hair, blue eyes, fair skin, height 5'-4", weight 135 lbs," the doctor read off a screen, looking up at Naeren for confirmation.

"Yes..." Naeren said, looking around the room in confusion. She had been expecting a written test or something... certainly not this.

"Stand there," The man pointed. He proceeded to test her vision, hearing, reflexes and measured her vital functions. He took a scan of her whole body and pricked her finger with a needle and collected a drop of her blood on a tiny glass tray.