"Come in Amar."
I froze. My hand fisted, ready to knock, only a few inches away from the door. How did he know I was here? Did he have people watching? He was high master and I wouldn't have put it past him to be spying on me, yet … I couldn't see anybody around. Could my eight years of training possibly have failed me?
With that dismal thought catapulting around in my brain, I slowly regained control of the rest of my body and apprehension overcame me as I twisted the door knob. If he knew who I was, could he possibly know why I had come? Suddenly my mind was flooded with images of earlier that day and I was reminded again of what a disappointment I was.
I stood alone in the circle of fire light although I could sense the presence of many of my brothers hidden in the shadows. Outside the day was beautiful and clear but in this room the atmosphere was dark, gloomy and even a little bit dangerous. Ever since I joined the Rakshana at the age of six, I always knew it was dangerous. But this was different, I should have been excited but I wasn't; I was scared. It was that I feared being hurt physically. No, that I could deal with. Something was going to happen in this room that would change my life. Twist the way I viewed the world completely upside down.
"Amar," A voice called from somewhere above me. I could not see the speaker but I knew the voice from somewhere. Somewhere hidden deep in my memory I recognised it but from where? Before I had time to remember the voice was speaking again.
"For eight years you have been with us. You have been a modal student, gain top marks in the majority of you're test and we all believe that you are something special." The voice paused, leaving me fighting the silly grin threatening to burst onto my face. "Many years ago, it was prophesized that your mother would give birth to a son. A prince that would fix the balance of magic from where it currently tilts towards our enemy: the Order. In short a prince that would bring the magic back to Rakshana. We have always believed this to be you and now is the time to prove it."
I was struggling to understand all this. A prince? I was a prince? Now that I thought about it, it did explain why I always received small privileges over my fellow students. I always thought it was because of my parents' wealth but then many of my friends had rich parents too. A prince? Wow!
"I am ready to what ever you wish. What am I to do?" I asked, unable to keep the tremors of excitement shooting up my spine.
"It is a simple task," The voice answered. "All you must do is pick up the feather." My eyes scanned the room and it wasn't long before they landed on a luxurious red, velvet cushion and the pure white feather holding pride of place in the middle of it. The feather was placed exactly the way a crown would be supported. No coincidence I guessed.
I stepped closer to the cushion and inspected it. I could see nothing wrong with it yet surely this must be a trick. How could one determine one's future as a prince just by picking up a simple feather?
The voice above me seemed to read my mind. "No it is not a trick, Amar. Just pick up the feather."
It was strange how easily the voice swayed me. As I stretched my hand out, it was if the world slowed down. My fingers slowly inched forward until they were on a couple of centimetres away from the feather that could change my world. I closed my eyes preparing myself for the feel of magic within and covered the final distance towards the feather. I waited for the softness beneath my fingers but it didn't come. My eyes flew open; my hand had stopped in mid air. I withdrew my arm and pushed forward again. I still couldn't reach the feather. It was if there was an invisible barrier around the cushion. How could this be? Did it mean I wasn't the prince?
Surprised whispers erupted in the shadows around me. I bowed my head and waited trying to force my brain to think something useful, to piece together what I knew.
"Amar," The voice above me called, it seemed to have lost its laughing edge, "please could you retire to your dormitory until you are called."
I nodded and walked towards the door. The last thing I heard before the door slammed behind me is something I shall never forget. "We got it wrong. His brother is the prince after all!"
What do you think? Complete rubbish or should I continue with it? I'd love some reviews. Some great ideas to continue on, lots of romance. Sorry if you hate it be I'm addicted to the soppy stuff!
luv ya all!