Arrived at the Capital

I open my eyes and feel that I'm leaning against Rin; we're still on the horses riding to the capital. I look around and notice that the ground seems to be a little white, it's snowing. "How long has it been snowing?"

"It started earlier, we were going to take a break but when you didn't answer me I figured you were sleeping so we kept going."

"Oh, I'm so sorry we can take a break now." All this time whenever I'd fall asleep they wouldn't stop to rest they would push on, they were probably tired, exhausted even.

"No, we're almost at the capital anyway." Rin points to his left indicating for me to look, that's when I notice it. A giant wall stood up on a hill I could see buildings clustered together and at the top was the kings' castle. "We'll be there shortly. Listen, I've been gone for about a week so when we get there I can take you to the testing site, but then I'll have to leave."

I nod understanding that he probably has a lot of work to do and a lot of catching up, he was away from the capital for a while so I hope he won't get in trouble because of this.

We arrive at the gate the guards there approach Rin and me while having their weapons ready to attack.

"Name please you're also required to remove your hood before entering town limits."

"Rin Pierce, captain of the sixth division." He removes his hood and the guards lower their weapon before opening the gate. He puts his hood back on as he nods at the guards.

After we enter the town Rin tells his men to go back to headquarters so they can rest he also instructs a few of them to get ready for an upcoming mission. He then takes me to a small building that's not far from the castle there are people lined up probably waiting to take the test.

"How long is this supposed to take?"

"Well if you're lucky it could take a couple of days, on the other hand, it could take you the whole week or if you just have bad luck you won't be able to take the test at all. The testing started yesterday; we probably would've been here if it wasn't for that assassin. There are four days left, so if you don't get the chance today then you have the next three days. At the end of each day, you're dismissed you have the option to camp out here or stay at an inn."

"It's first come first serve then." Rin nods as I hop off the horse.

"I'm certain that you'll be able to take the test today though." He grabs something out of a bag and hands it to me. "Just in case something happens and you don't get the opportunity to take it you can camp here so you don't lose your place."

"Thanks, so how does it work?"

"Different for everyone, don't worry too much about it I'm almost positive you'll make it into a division." Rin smiles at me before taking off on his horse, I get in line with the others and look around.

Everything's so big and different, there are stalls lined up with people crowded around them and buildings so close to each other it looks like you can barely walk between them. The people here seem so happy and the children are running around laughing and playing. I can hear people arguing while others are singing and clapping. I smell food, food that I've never smelt before it makes my mouth water.

The sun has set; I wonder how much longer the tests will be going on. I haven't seen anyone come back I see people disappear and that's it.

A guy is standing in front of the door; he announces that testing for the day is finished. Some people stay while others leave frustrated. I look at what Rin gave me and notice that it's a sleeping bag; it must be what he uses when he's on long missions and can't stay anywhere.

I sit on the ground careful not to move too much from where I've been standing. I roll out a sleeping bag and I notice the ones that have stayed are doing the same. Not too many of us stayed it was mostly the ones who were closet to the little gate. The people in front of me stayed and it seems like they're already sleeping. I should probably do the same, the sooner I get to sleep the sooner ill wake up especially since I don't know when they'll start the tests again.

"Skye! Forgive me I'm so sorry for what I've done. Forgive me, Skye!"

I wake up panting and look to see if anyone is talking to me, but everyone around me is still sleeping. Who was that and how did they know my name?

I decide to pack the sleeping bag and wait for the testing to begin.

An hour or so has passed, the sun is rising and the other candidates are starting to wake up. A different person stands in front of the door, and everyone stands up hoping they'll let us in. The person lets the two people in front of me in and then I, so it's three people Rin said it could be two or three.

The three of us follow the arrows and signs telling us where to go until we get to a small room, only one person is standing there. Are they the judge? Do they determine if we join the knights?

"Good morning, I trust the three of you are prepared for the combat test? We all nod in unison, the person then open a book and something appears in front of us. "If you could step through this portal it'll take you to the testing site." We all look at each other before walking into the portal. The portal closes behind us the person didn't follow.

I look around and see that it's a field, it looks dead there aren't any trees or grass as far as I can see. I look up at a hill that's to my right and see the judges I notice that they're all wearing cloaks with their hoods on. Only certain people can wear cloaks, don't tell me.

They all take their hoods off one by one; you have got to be kidding.