The Test
"Willow, come on down. Dinner's ready."
Her mother called up the tree and gestured to the pot on the fire.
"Coming!" Willow called as she began her descent and in a matter seconds, dusting off her robe.
"I made your favorite but if you're too nervous to eat I understand." Her mother told her. "After all tomorrow is a big day."
Tomorrow was a big day. It would probably be the biggest day of her entire life because it would determine how she would spend the rest of her life. Tomorrow was Apprenticeship Day.
As she spooned out some vegetable soup into her bowl she voiced a question she had been wondering about. "Mom, you know how you were chosen to be a diplomat in Lady Sarafina's service? Well, what was dad?"
The atmosphere around the table in their sod house changed from merry to subdued.
"Oh honey, you know I don't know much about your father. He was sweet and kind and so handsome but I don't know much about his background. He died in the war and that's all you need to know. You just sort of appeared." Her mother looked unhappy as she told Willow this.
"Ok thanks for dinner it was great." Willow pushed back her chair and went outside. It was dark except for the full moon and stars. Willow walked over to the huge oak and climbed up, heights held no fear for her. As she settled herself conveniently into a fork in the tree, she looked towards the sea. She could sometimes get a glimpse of the party lights in the Queen's castle. After a while she gave up trying to find them and went back inside. Her mother was already asleep, Willow sighed as she blew out the candle and she went to bed.
*******
"Are your nerves getting the better of you? Huh, Willow?" a bigger, older girl named Chryse seemed to enjoy bullying the other kids in their group.
"Less chatter over there, young lady." Their elder guide said to Chryse. The older girl bowed her head, knowing enough to respect the elder.
They were less than five minutes from the Queen's castle and Willow couldn't help but be nervous. Her mother had wished her luck this morning and Willow promised that whoever chose her, she would make them and her mother proud.
As they reached the Queens crystal palace the guard looked at the guide and nodded before opening the gates. Minutes later they found themselves in the Queen's study. Then the test began, first their guide lined them up by age then sent everyone but the eldest into the hall where they whispered amongst themselves until their name was called. After the first three or four went into the study, they realized that whoever went in did not come back out the same way. Then suddenly, "Willow?"
She stood and walked in, behind a long desk sat five elves.
"You are Willow Earthenborn?" A proud, haughty-looking lady asked looking down at Willow from behind her horn rimmed glasses. "Before we start, do you have a preference of occupation, Willow Earthenborn?"
"No, this is a test, I will qualify for what I qualify and I will do what I need to do to make the Queen proud." Willow said softly.
"Admirable answer, now-"she broke off, looking inquiringly at the man in the gray cloak at the far end of the desk. He stood and handed the woman a note before regaining his seat. She scanned the note quickly. "Are you sure, Hama?"
"Indeed my lady. It is without any doubt." Hama said in a clear, sure voice that was oddly calming.
"Very well, Willow, you will spend the night in a room prepared for you, and then you will report to the hickory clearing on the west side. As all apprentices have specific outfits that pertain to their craft, yours will be waiting on your dresser in the morning. You will meet the Ranger in the clearing at exactly 8:30. Good night."
As Willow left the room she looked for the man in the gray cloak but he had disappeared. She was exhausted from the day's events and one last thought came to her before she was swept into darkness, "What did that note say?"