The door opened, and the light woke Salamin out of a deep sleep. He blinked, gazing up at the imposing figure of a robed mage.

  The mage lowered his hood, revealing a shaved head, and gray impassive eyes. Dead expressionless eyes. “Mage Paxton is gathering the initiates in the Dining Hall. Come.”

  Salamin’s muscles ached when he sat up. Slowly, he braced against the wall and stood.

  A sudden punch to the gut reeled Salamin back to the floor. He gasped for breath as a powerful hand wrapped around his throat.

  “You killed my brother,” he said. “I should crush you right here.”

  Salamin clawed at the grip, struggling for air.

  The mage released his hold and punched him low and hard.

  Doubling over, Salamin lay on the floor gasping for breath.

  “Paxton gave you a pass, but my brethren will not. You won’t survive the Catacombs. That’s a promise. “ He grasped Salamin’s arm, bringing him upright. “Come on, let’s go.”

  Salamin’s eyes watered as he caught his breath and stood. He limped behind the mage into the corridor, clutching his stomach. The pain slowly subsided, and he stood upright.

  The other initiates were seated around the grand table, eating. Salamin took the empty seat next to Lane and nodded to her.

  “I was worried,” she whispered. “I thought you weren’t coming.”

  “I’ll tell you later,” he said. The first thing he did was drink a huge glass of water. Soothing, cool liquid trickled down his raw throat. It was the best thing he’d ever tasted. He stuck his fork into a cake and savored the spicy goodness.

  Paxton stood at the end of the table, his robes moving with him. “Initiates, you have shown your resolve in the face of fear, and have demonstrated your loyalty. The Catacombs are in a few days time, and we will split you up to work with the mages to increase your skills.”

  Two mages in brown robes stood behind Paxton, regarding the initiates. Salamin recognized the mage from the attack in the chambers. “Mages Saban and Farak have graciously agreed to train you. You will be under their tutelage the next two days. Follow their instructions. It could save your life.”

  Mage Saban caught Salamin’s eye. Salamin’s breath caught. It was the same mage that threatened him. He tensed.

  “What’s wrong?” Lane whispered.

  Salamin shook his head. “Later.”

  Paxton clapped his hands. “Gather round. The honorable mages will choose their students. When your name is called you will stand and line up behind your instructor.”

  Salamin exhaled, centering himself, and waited.

  Elian was chosen first by Saban, then Caden. Soon, the other Mage Farak had chosen Parric, Staya and Lane.

  Salamin stood alone as the others lined up behind their new teachers.

  “I choose Sedwick Draken.” Saban said at last. His gray eyes bore into Salamin’s. Salamin looked away first and lined up behind him with Caden and Elian.

  “Excellent,” Paxton said. “You are in excellent hands. Follow your teacher’s instructions and we will check back tomorrow.”

  His new instructor, Saban, gazed at the three of them, the motioned for them to follow. Lane’s eyes were wide as she took off with her own instructor. Salamin nodded to her. She was going to be okay, he told himself. He had no doubt that Saban would follow through on his threat.

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  Saban led them out a small door to the outside. A beautiful courtyard nestled in the center of the Keep. The blue sky and sun shone down on a simple tree with twisting white bark, its red leaves fluttering over a rocked filled pool. The fountain at the center hit Salamin’s face with a light spray.

  “This is a sacred place of contemplation.,” Saban said. “Sit.”

  They all sat near the pool, and Salamin stretched his knees up, waiting, and watching.

  Sabar continued. “Soon you will reach the Catacombs, and the final test.” He pointed towards a boulder on the side of the pond. Symbols were etched into the rock face. “That is our memorial to the fallen onces.” He gazed at it and inclined his head solemnly. “Every five years at the choosing, we know not all initiates will make it back. It is not dishonorable to leave., and to live the life of a commoner.”

  All was silent except for the trickle of water on stone. No one moved.

  Saban broke the silence. “If you want to be exceptional, you will follow the lessons learned here. You will follow them without hesitation.” He eyed them all, lingering his gaze on Salamin.

  “You’ve only had a taste of the sacrifice needed to advanced. When it comes to survival, there are no rules, and you will find that the other initiates will do anything to survive.” Saban knelt before the pool, cupping his hand and sprinkling the water over his head. “Only the worthy survive. It is the way of power, and the way of the void. I can tell you it is all worth it in the end. Once you take that oath, your potential will be unlimited.”

  All eyes were on their new teacher as he stood and gazed down at them.

  “I can tell you now that only one of you is ready for the challenge. Without my instruction, two of you will die.”

  Silence ensued after Saban’s words. There was no doubt in Salamin’s mind that he spoke of himself and Caden.

  “You know who you are. The thought of victory is sweet, but reality is a cruel master.”

  Elian raised his hand. “It is true that only sacrifice opens the first gate?”

  Saban nodded thoughtfully. “The sacrifice can be done before hand. That is usually the best way, and the blood taken from sacrifice is offered at the entrance.”

  Caden’s eyes grew wide, and he spoke up. “How is the sacrifice chosen?”

  Saban nodded. “There will be enormous pressure to make a quick, thoughtless decision. Sometimes it is the right one, sometimes not. It must be pleasing to Argor, or the gate will remain unopened, and those stuck there will die. It is an honor to die to make sure the powerful move on.”

  Salamin listened, and his stomach curled. The Order had fallen to this in his absence. Sacrifice and death were not the way of Argor. Something much darker now ruled this land.

  “Questions?” Sabar looked pointedly at Salamin.

  “Will there be other initiates from the other towns?” Caden asked. “Are we going in with just this Keep or others?”

  “The Keeps in the different realms will enter separately and at different times.” Saban said. “The Parmouth Keep has always had the best luck.”

  “Can you tell us what lies beyond the first gate?” Elian asked.

  Saban shook his head. “We are oathbound not to tell.” he said. “If you enter the first gate, you will rely on your instincts and training. By Argor’s grace, you will obtain your stone.”

  Elian and Caden whispered together. Excitement buzzed at the mention of the stone. Saban reached into his robe and brought out a smooth red stone with a rune etched at the center. He held it up for them, and the sunlight caught the symbols.

  Salamin recognized it as raw power. It would boost his skills in magic and fighting.

  The mage gazed down at it, rubbing his finger on the smooth surface. “A rare miracle. It is Argor himself that provides the gift.” Saban’s eyes grew unfocused. “If I had to do it all again, I would.” Carefully, he placed it once again beneath his robes.

  Salamin watched. The Fury Stones were indeed rare, and each gave a unique power. They had never been a condition to enter the Order.

  “Meditate by this sacred pool, and I will take each of you individually to test your strengths and weaknesses. Elian will be first.” He motioned for him to come.

  Elian stood and grinned at the others before he followed Saban out of the courtyard.

  Caden let out a slow, exhausted breath. “The first gate it going to be tricky.”

  Salamin turned to face him and attempted to read his abilities. Nothing. Did he have potential at all? “Elian is going to betray you,” Salamin whispered just above the sound of the waters.

  Caden gazed at the sparkling pool and shook his head. “No, he won’t. I’ve foreseen it.”

  Turning his head, Salamin lowered his voice. “Clairvoyance is an apostasy.” The Order didn’t look kindly on this gift.

  “Not everything comes to pass, but I can see things.” He turned to face Salamin. “I know I’ll find a Fury Stone.” There was conviction in his eyes. “Please keep that a secret.”

  Salamin nodded, and dipped his hand into the cool waters of the pool, and gazed within. The seer gift had always been punished swiftly, along with the Devold practices.”

  Caden looked up in alarm. “You won’t say anything?”

  Salamin watched an orange fish turn at the bottom of the pool, and flip its fin. “No, your secret is safe with me.”

  Caden continued. “No one can keep me from the Catacombs.”

  Distant voices floated in the air, and Elian and Saban returned to the courtyard. Elian was smiling from ear to ear.

  “Initiate Caden,” Saban said, “you’re next.”

  Caden glanced at Salamin and then followed the mage out.

  Elian leaned back against the brick wall, closed his eyes, and basked in the sun.

  Salamin knew the mage would soon come back for him. He was not looking forward to it.