The Chosen Read Online Free PDF

giant ornate chandelier hung from the center of the ceiling. The chandelier held dozens of small candles that now burned with the same light of the torches, illuminating everything within the room. It was not a large room, nor was it lavishly furnished. It was a simple dining hall filled with wooden chairs placed around two long, wood-framed tables topped with polished stone. Judilanthaliz passed around the first table and seated himself quickly mid table and gestured for his guests to seat themselves across from him. Seth and Sara quickly seated themselves, sliding their packs off their shoulders and placing them on the floor. Being near enough to touch Sara, but unable to do so without revealing their secret, was driving Seth insane. It apparently was having a similar effect on Sara as she fidgeted often in her seat. Judilanthaliz studied them for a moment, and discovering nothing of immediate interest, he began to speak as he had upon the stairs.
    “Our cook should be here shortly. In the meantime I think perhaps the two of you might have some questions. Please feel free to ask me anything, no matter what the subject, and I shall do my best to provide you with an answer.” The man said pulling back his cowl to reveal his mangled features.
    “How do the torches work?” Sara asked quickly, curiosity getting the best of her.
    “Good question” Judilanthaliz smiled before going on to explain. “Many years ago, Vladmere had a talented pupil blessed with the ability to mold and control fire. Most of the red robes have this ability these days, but this particular student was extremely talented. His gift was so great he could imbue items with a magical flame such as those above us. Most of the buildings within the castle walls are lit by torches and candles imbued by this young mage. He had also suffused some weapons with the flame of his gift. Unfortunately, he savored power too lustily. He repeatedly pushed his limitations. During an experiment that he believed would unlock his most potent abilities, he lost control of the power blessed to him and he himself was consumed in the flame. Not an ash remained where he had stood during the blaze. No trace of the man managed to withstand the heat. Everyone half expected those items imbued by him to extinguish after his tragic end, but all except one continue to burn. The sole torch that illuminated his very own room never again erupted to life after the mage was lost. It remains vacant still. Some fear it may be cursed, though others leave it untouched in homage to the man who brought us unending light in the darkness. He was a very powerful mage, one of the most powerful the kingdom has ever seen. It was a tragic day when he was lost. Does that answer your question, Sara?” Judilanthaliz asked, his eyes unfocused as if seeing something the others could not.
    “Yes Judilanthaliz, thank you,” Sara answered.
    “Please both of you just call me Jud, my name is such a mouthful. I prefer to keep it simple,” Judilanthaliz replied.
    “I have a question,” Seth stated, waiting for Jud’s look of approval before continuing. “What happens if I am not blessed by Saranadia in the time I am allowed?” Seth was quite certain he would not be receiving a blessing from the goddess, seeing as he would not be worshipping her.
    “Well young Seth, if you are not destined to wear the gray robes, you will be assigned a new position. First and foremost, I am sure if you are not blessed here then Vladmere will probably take you on to see if you are destined to wear the crimson robes of his order. As I told you before, though, it is believed you can only be blessed by the god or goddess who has given you the gift. So if you have any idea who that particular god may be, or if you feel inclined to visit a particular temple, please let me know as the sooner we may find you an allegiance to a god, the sooner we can begin your training,” Jud finished with a sincere look upon his face.
    “What