Ennui. II

"Jordan! Please come for breakfast! You don't want to be late don't you?" Adria called from the kitchen.

A young boy, no older than 10 appeared at the bedroom door. Hair disheveled, clothes unkempt, and a face that begged for more sleep. Groggily, he shuffled his feet over to the dining table. He slumped on the table and rested his head on his hands.

"Put your hands up Jordie. Eat up! Father is already at the town hall."

Today, 15 Trimember XX15, the thirteenth month, was the most anticipated the day of all 10 year old's. A rite of passage of sorts. The Magical Adept Test.

Village elders will gather the children around a platform, packed like sardines, and mutter a spell. The ones who react to the spell are found to have a magical root in them and are sent to the capital for school. Those who don't react remain as farmers or guards in the village. The village had an abundance of farmers and guards.

Not many people react to the spell. In fact, some years might not even have any children sent to the capital. This year was the third year in a row.

After breakfast, Adria accompanied Jordan past the closed down stalls and the barren streets. Past the emptying houses and the silent – usually vibrant – play area.

Slowly, more people entered his vision and more stalls could be seen. Selling bread I suppose, he thought. He caught a whiff of freshly baked bread. He looked to his left and saw a someone manning the temporary bakery. He pulled on his mother's hand, beckoning her to follow him.

"We'll get that later Jordie. We're already quite late."

Mothers and fathers holding their children hands could be seen just outside the town hall. A large and imposing building stood in the middle of the village. On the steps leading up to it, a man, much too short to be an adult; looked like the height of some of the kids.

"Welcome! I thank you for the timely arrival. So let's not waste any more. All of the children please follow me."

As goodbyes were bid and hands were let go of, Adria kneeled down. She placed her hand around his neck and kissed their foreheads.

"Remember Jordie. It doesn't matter if you're not adept at magic. Your father is still the village guard. You're set no matter what happens." She smiled and pulled in her unresponsive child for a tight hug.

Jordan nodded and set off for the test. He followed the rest into the town hall and promptly stood on the aforementioned platform. It was grey, but it was inviting. The swirling pattern from the edges and the fractal-like appearance must have played a part in it.

At the demand of the elder, the children relaxed their bodies and let their limbs go loose. Immediately, a blue sheen spread over the platform. Their bodies lit up like the blue flame every year during the festival. Suddenly, a boy floated up from the platform.

"We have one! Ahah!" The elder mused.

A second one floated, then a third, then a fourth.

"Four! We have four this year! What a talented bunch!"

Jordan closed his eyes and prayed to the Gods that he too will float and be number five. He clenched his fist but maintained a cool face. He felt something, on his feet. Slowly, he opened his eyes hoping he was number five.

He was still on the ground.

"Alright kids, no worries if you haven't been selected. It's very rare you do, and the fact that we have four this year means that the Gods have bestowed us a miracle!" he closed his eyes and brought together his hands in prayer.

"Alright, the ones who hadn't been selected please exit. Those who have come and follow me!"