The Ranger (Book 1) Read Online Free PDF Page B

Auna standing a short distance behind Kai; an approving look on his face. It was then that Vincent noticed the ring of light around the field was shrinking, slowly pulling toward Kai.
    The Light crept slowly, plunging the training field into total darkness; except for the ball of concentrated light hovering above Kai’s hand. The light felt surreal. It cast no shadows, and shed light on nothing. It was just a ball of light, and it was all Vincent could see.
    The ball started shifting and contorting, changing shape until it emerged as a beautiful dove. The bird of light took off from Kai’s hand and soared gracefully into the air amid enchanted sighs from the gathered crowd. The bird abruptly split, becoming two, then four. Soon there was a flock of doves gliding about the ring. As the birds started to fade, the light started to return, revealing Kai, sitting once again in his spot on the bench.
    “Wonderful,” Master Auna said with a tone of admiration in his voice. “For those of you who don’t know, creating a shape, be it from shadow or light, is among the most difficult techniques of the Shadow Token. Making them move requires great control, and you did it smoothly. Congratulations.” An awed whisper cut across the crowd. “We are nearing the end of the presentations with only two tokens remaining. We will now see the presentation of the Token of Lightning.” Auna returned to his seat.
    Once again, two knights entered the field and saluted each other; but this time Vincent didn’t recognize them. They obviously came from a different abbey as their tunics were green. A yellow light formed around their hands as they faced off. Both raised a hand in the air; a deafening crack followed, accompanied by a blinding light. As Vincent’s sight retuned, he was able to see the two knights holding balls of lightning in their hands. They threw the balls into the air, which immediately arced around the field. As simple as the demonstration was, it was still effective in inspiring awe.
    “Well done,” Master Auna said, returning to the field. “We will now see the presentation of Jan Mazza and Thomas Honson.”
    Jan took his place on the field next to Auna; his long black hair hung disheveled around his shoulders. He closed his eyes, obviously concentrating as he embraced his token. Slowly the yellow light materialized around his hands. He opened his eyes and raised a hand into the air; palm open, facing the sky.
    A thunderous crack accompanied by a blinding flash shook the ground. Once again Vincent struggled to regain his vision. As it returned, he saw a ball of lightning hovering above Jan’s raised hand.  Jan stared at the ball for a moment before raising his left arm straight out from his body, fingers held tightly together, pointing at a tree on the edge of the clearing. The ball shot down his raised arm to his outstretched hand and shot like a bolt, arcing across the field and hitting the tree, splitting it up the middle.
    The glow faded from his hands. He looked up at Master Auna, who towered above him, seeking approval. Auna nodded curtly. Jan smiled broadly as he returned to his seat.
    Thomas smiled at Vincent as he stood to take his turn. “Watch and learn,” he whispered as he passed. Thomas strutted confidently to the spot next to Master Auna on the field. He quickly called lightning from the clear sky, bouncing the ball from hand to hand. He casually tossed the ball into the air, which flew up a short distance before dropping to the ground, where it started to expand. The ball quickly grew into a vast sheet, creating a wall between Thomas and Master Auna, who seemed unfazed by the crackling wall standing a hair’s width from him. The wall stood for a moment before arcing back into the sky. Thomas returned triumphantly to his seat.
    “Beat that,” Thomas whispered as he took his seat.
    Vincent didn’t have time to answer as Master Auna once again addressed the crowd.
    “We will now have the final