Decision

Getting out of the carriage, we head to the classroom feeling light and confident of our abilities.

On the first day we would have written assessments covering politics, philosophy, literature, mathematics, astrology, geography and history.

On the second day we would be assessed on our ability to speak on a given broader subject in writing.

And, finally, between the third and sixth day, riding, etiquette, archery and, finally, hand-to-hand combat would be evaluated on each respective day.

The week went by smoothly with all assessments being carried out without interruption.

The results would be available by Monday so we wouldn't have to wait too long to receive the final ranking.

When the last day was finally over, everyone was able to breathe more lightly, pushing out all the anxiety that had been building up for the past two weeks.

Arthur, Merida, Luan and Brayan agreed to meet at Sabrina's establishment at dusk to, as Arthur put it, 'drown the hurts, uncertainties and regrets accumulated during the week'.

* * *

Finishing 'drowning our sorrows', I said goodbye to Arthur and the others and helped Sabrina close the restaurant.

On the way back, we walked slowly down the street watching the night sky and feeling the cold wind pass over my cheeks.

Looking at the beautiful full moon hovering in the sky I took a deep breath feeling refreshed and with a clearer mind.

I turned to Sabrina and asked. "Is it okay for me to participate in the Competition between Realms?"

"Why wouldn't I be?" She snapped, her eyes full of tenderness.

" 'They' wouldn't find out?" I stopped and turned my eyes to Sabrina. "What will happen if they find out I'm from the Aires family? I still can't protect myself, nor those around me. I... I'm scared of what might happen."

Sabrina watched the various emotions that flashed in my eyes and after a few seconds she hugged me warmly as a sign not to worry.

I stayed in her arms for a few minutes until we back to walk side by side, we remained silent for a while and walked serenely through the dark streets.

I waited patiently until she finally answered my question. "You don't need to worry, at least not yet, we still have time. A witch's awakening only occurs at age 20 and according to my observations your awakening is not yet complete and what you experienced was just some sort of mechanism of self-protection"

" 'They' haven't acted yet and..." She turned her dark eyes to me and continued. "We are not alone, there are other witches and when the time is right it will be time for us to get together and for the Aires family to resurface in the capital, so don't worry and do what your heart desires"

I stared at her for a few seconds and a myriad of emotions were reflected in my eyes, I looked away from Sabrina and back to the bright moon in the sky, I took a deep breath and my eyes began to reflect my conviction with a touch of gold shimmering slightly.

Sabrina smiled and asked me again. "So, have you made up your mind?"

I turned my eyes to her and with a smile decorating my face replied "Yes, I decided!"