Chapter 11

The day of the choosing came a week after Harvest Day. Ben was no longer the energetic, knowledge-seeking, joking, Ben Thorton, He was a determined and prepared, young apprentice Ranger.

As the wardchildren got dressed for the day, Ben was the only one not shaking from nerves and excitement. Everyone was talking.

"Hey, Ben, you okay? You look like you've seen a spirit." Tyler asked. He didn't notice the change in Ben, and now he was confused when no answer came. Shauna noticed the exchange and she decided to tell Tyler what was happening.

After breakfast the fourteen wardchildren stumbled out of the door, and in a clustered mob of anxiety, the children headed to the town hall to become adults.

"Welcome." the Baron said. Baron Gerdric sat before the children on a slightly higher seat than the others. The children sat in two split groups of five columns. One for the girls, and one for the boys. Ben looked around and saw all of the headmasters seated to the right of Baron Gerdric. His heart lurched as he saw Will at the end of the row. He was sitting slouched in his chair, his cowl pulled up over his head to conceal his face. The position made him look like he was sleeping, but Ben was sure he was watching intently on only one person. For a moment Ben thought he saw the head incline in a nod of acknowledgement. He looked away.

"Now then. Let's get started."