“Yes Sirus in fact I am.” Judilanthaliz said nodding. “I am happy you have reminded me I had not thought to find myself one today.” He added.
“Does this young woman suit your needs?” Sirus asked the man in gray.
“She might indeed. Let’s give her a small test shall we?” Judilanthaliz asked in a musical voice that was too sweet to be wholly human.
“What do you have in mind?” Sirus asked the older man.
The man in gray thought a moment and turning his gaze upon Sara he asked his question.
“Young woman, can you recall some details of the conversation we just had with the man who stood beside you a moment ago?”
“Yes M’lord.” Sara answered.
“Well then young woman what do you recall.” Judilanthaliz asked.
“Well M’lord your name is Judilanthaliz the head of the gray robed guardians. You worship Saranadia and live to protect those in need of protection. The man in red here is Vladmere The head of the red robed battle mages. He worships Zeranthil as do most of the battle mages. They fight with the armies of Valdadore. The beautiful woman beside you in white is Karishtala the head of the order of healers. They worship Lorentia and live to heal those in need of healing. Sirus here is the head of the Knights of Valdadore and he and his men worship Gorandor. They fight with the army though they hold a much higher council than those of the regular forces. The man behind you in green is an elf and I assume as such that he is the head of the druid order, though I know not his name. Behind him, Heath stands with a large tome in which the names of those chosen are recorded as well as the location of their homes as well as their new station in life. Beyond him representatives of the regular army as well as a representative of the King’s house stand. Is that sufficient sire?” Sara asked after speaking every detail she could readily recall.
“Indeed young woman your memory is sharp.” Judilanthaliz said and turning to face the knight he continued. “I think she will fulfill my needs of a messenger quite nicely.” He said with a grin.
“Sara go and see Heath and tell him you are to be messenger to Judilanthaliz and follow his instructions.” Sirus said grinning once again.
Sirus watched as Sara passed and he could not help himself but to smile. His wife had given him instructions not to allow her and Seth to be separated, and though he knew it was not entirely up to him, he had played his cards properly and by doing so had not disappointed his wife.
Seth watched for many long moments as Sara spoke to those gathered before her. He was close enough to see who was speaking and when but too far to clearly hear their words. He could clearly see through Sara’s mask to the fear she was trying to hide. The same fear that twisted within him. He watched as she spoke for a long time, speaking more quickly than she normally would as if in panic. He then watched as Sirus and Judilanthaliz exchanged words and Sara left them to speak to Heath. Seth watched even more intently as heath scribed Sara’s information in his book and finishing with his quill, again raised his head. Heath said a few words then to Sara, and turning his head he pointed directly at Seth. Sara nodded her understanding to the man and with a giant beautiful smile turned to meet Seth’s eyes with her own amber gaze. Seth suddenly realized what was happening and all fear rushed from his body to be instantly replaced with gratitude and love. Sara strode confidently to his side, where she belonged, and took his hand interlacing their fingers once again. For all that had gone wrong since the night before Seth left his home in Vineleaf, something had finally gone right. He was to be separated from Garret he knew, but it was a realization that he knew he would have to come to terms with. Garret dreamed of glory and honor, whereas he just wanted a quiet life with Sara.
To both Seth and Sara it was as if a huge weight had been lifted off of their shoulders. Though they had not spoken of it frequently they had both been carrying the fear of separation with them for many days now and it had slowly eaten its way through them. So certain they each had been that they would be separated that both of them had already planned by themselves when they would flee and what route they would take back to the inn. Now however it was all for naught. The fear, the anguish, and the planning had all been for nothing. They were together just as they were meant to be. Finally each of them was able to relax and the tension that had been building dissipated quickly.
“I love you.” Sara said smiling as big as she was able.
“And I love you angel.” Seth replied also smiling.
Together they waited hand in hand for the remainder of The Choosing ceremony. No one came to join them, nor did anyone join Garret and the dwarf. Seth and Sara paid the actual choosing selection little attention, instead choosing to enjoy the time together. Neither of them had any real idea of what was to come in the days ahead, but they were both sure that they would at least be able to see each other frequently, and that was enough for them to be happy.
Before long the ceremony was finished and the procession of delegates performing the actual choosing parted ways and each went to collect their new members. Seth and Sara both waved goodbye to Garret as Sirus came to collect him and the dwarf. It was not long after Garret had left the courtyard that Judilanthaliz came to collect his two new charges as well. Greeting them as he approached he asked both Seth and Sara to follow and he led them across the courtyard the way they had come earlier in the day.
