The Chosen Read Online Free PDF Page A

in the army have ranks. In the army your time in service as well as your knowledge of battle determines your rank. Among the mages, your rank is decided by specific tests that are usually administered six months after your choosing and then every year thereafter to mark your progress and mastery of your gift. The better you wield your blessing, the higher you climb in rank. Those are the basics of what to expect in the weeks to come for you, Seth. Now, Sara, it is your turn.” Judilanthaliz glanced now at Sara as they continued to climb the many steps curling up the tower’s outer wall.
    “Your new position is simple enough if you are sound of mind and organized. Your task is to be near me at all times unless I tell you otherwise. You will be taking down notes for me, running errands for me and delivering messages as well. We head mages keep in close contact with one another, and with a war forthcoming, we communicate even more frequently now than we do in times of peace. I hope you learn fast, young Sara, as you need to familiarize yourself with the lay of the city and where to appropriate certain goods rather quickly, as well as memorize a few dozen names and faces so that you might deliver a message swiftly if the need arises. Keep your eyes and ears open at all times as you will need to learn the habits of many people so that you might know their whereabouts at any given time.” Judilanthaliz paused as he looked around to take note of their surroundings as they continued to climb.
    “Only a dozen floors to go and we reach the first floor of our home. It will be just the three of us on the uppermost two floors of the tower so we will be seeing a lot of each other and spending a great deal of time together as well. We have our own kitchen and a cook who can prepare whatever you like so long as you let her know in advance your favorite dishes so that she can keep the ingredients in stock. I think if you are hungry than the three of us shall eat and then we can find you rooms. After you are settled in, we will then visit the library and gather up the first few tomes that you will need to read to begin your training. Then I will have to be returning to the castle proper for a meeting held by the king that will probably run late into the night. Normally this is the type of thing you would be joining me with, Sara. However, I think it better if we start you off tomorrow. A new day, a new task,” Judilanthaliz smiled leading them up the final flights of stairs.
    The first floor of the home of the gray robes looked identical to every other floor they had passed on their long climb up the stairs. Upon reaching it, all that was visible was the staircase they were on and a hallway that led into darkness. This floor Judilanthaliz told them held all their common rooms, such as the dining room, kitchen, library and several informal lounges, amongst a few other areas. They walked down the darkened hallway and, as they passed, torches flared to life with an almost eerie transparent green flame. The flames did not waver nor sputter as they erupted into life, nor did they smoke. The small spectacle left both Sara and Seth in awe and dangerously curious. The coming of light to the darkened hallway revealed several open-arched doorways lining each side of the hall. No doors were present thus leaving each room open to the hall, and allowing a view into every room they passed. As expected the hall did end abruptly, with a new hallway appearing, stretching both left and right from the one they had traversed. Leading them to the right, Judilanthaliz strode silently upon the stone floor, his gray robes rustling slightly with his movement.
    As they approached the first doorway within the hall, the gray-robed man stopped and turned, gesturing for them to enter the room. As they entered, the same green light burst into being, revealing all that had previously been shrouded by darkness. This time it was not torches that lit the way. Instead a