Aptitude Test

"In a world, on a continent, at a kingdom, within a town, inside a house, there were people..." A long pause followed till someone yelled, "Well duh!"

An eight year old girl with an annoyed look on her face gave voice to her displeasure. This old man did this every time. Always saying this nonsense before beginning his stories.

Usually the girl was wide eyed with wonder at the old man's stories, as were many of the other children. Yet today she was huffing and puffing at the old man's antics.

"What were they doing?" came another voice. A small boy of only five years asked.

The old man, Elder Kim, smiled and continued his story, "They were gathered around the fireplace, sitting on chairs, discussing the exciting news of the day." "What news Elder Kim? Was it about the Kaldion Knights?" A girl, seven years old, asked in excitement and longing. She dreamed of marrying a Knight of Kaldion, and at times, wished to be a knight herself.

Elder Kim looked at her and said, "It was indeed about the brave Knights of Kaldion, specifically about their captain!" The girl was overjoyed. "A few weeks ago news of a great and terrible monster roaming the eastern side of the kingdom came in. Our King of Kaldion sent his knights to slay the beast and bring peace the land. Just days ago they returned victorious with the captain leading the knights to slay the foul monster. It was said that the captain personally ended the beast's life with his own sword. So the King and Court of Nobles held a feast in his honor and to the honor of all the Knights in service."

Many of the children grew ecstatic at the news! "They did it!" One said. "Wow, they're really strong!" called another. With the excitement all around, many of the adults smiled at the reactions of the children.

"But enough of that," said Elder Kim "Today is a special day children! Today is the annual Test of Aptitude." Excitement grew once more, yet, a few were nervous as well. This was the once a year event that would determine if they were to be selected for the journey ahead.

The children didn't really understand what this 'Journey Ahead' was all about, but the grown-ups always talked about it with such weight that many feared disappointing their parent's expectation.

They lined up in front of a small desk with an outsider sitting behind it, on a stool. They had never seen this man before. He wore a dark blue robe with the hood obscuring most of his features. The only thing of note was a long brown beard that came from under the hood.

Elder Kim informed, "Children, this here is Mag- Ahem, Senior Edwards." This 'Senior Edwards' shifted uncomfortably in his seat at Elder Kim's slight blunder but was otherwise unconcerned. "He shall be the one administering the Aptitude Test for this year's event. One by one, each of you will come up and place your hand upon the orb." On a purple cushion sat a small, round glass ball. This 'Orb' was clear, seeming to not contain anything whatsoever.

"Ah, this event is only for those of eight years or older." Some younger kids had filed in with the older ones not realizing that it wasn't their time. They were lead off to the right side to watch the event unfold.

"Jamie, please come up" Elder Kim called. The first kid in line walked with timid footsteps to the orb and placed her hand upon it. It was the girl who shouted earlier and she was clearly nervous about the outcome of her test. Soon the orb began to change color, becoming a cool blue. "Talented" the outsider spoke the results and Jamie let out a breathe of relief.

"Come over here Jamie." Elder Kim motioned for her to come and join him on the left.

"Next." called Senior Edwards and a nine year old boy stepped forward. He placed his hands on the orb but even after a minute of waiting nothing happened. "Untalented." Senior Edwards voiced out with disappointment. The boy was afraid, he asked to try again, saying that something must be wrong, but was waved away. His parents came and collected him, bringing him away while comforting him. "There is always next year." His mother told him, as they made their way home.

Child after child went up to be tested. Some were pronounced talented and gathered around Elder Kim off to the left, but most were found untalented and sent home. At one point, a boy's test saw the orb light up green. "Very Talented" breathed the outsider. His voice carried a rare hit of amazement.

"Excellent! Brandon, please come join me and the others!" Elder Kim encouraged the boy, whose test became green, to come over to him with all the other selected children.

Finally came that last two children to be tested. A boy and girl who had been loudly whispering with each other the whole time. "Alisa, please go up." Elder Kim had to interrupt their conspiring with his brows drawn together.

"David, were both going to get in, ok!" Alisa said to the boy behind her. "Don't worry, you'll see!" She smiled and went forward. She placed her hand on the orb and it became green! "Very Talented!" Senior Edwards said again. Alisa became very happy and skipped over to Elder Kim with a big smile on face.

David hesitated. He really was quite worried before and now that Alisa, his best friend, had passed, he became even more apprehensive. But he still had to go and be tested. He walked up and place his hand on the orb.

"You can do it David!" Alisa yelled in glee. Elder Kim hushed her and she put both hands over her mouth in fright.

A few seconds went by, then David felt something come up into his hand and down his arm. A cool sensation washed over his body from head to toe and back again. After that, the orb lit up with a cool blue, just like all the other children who passed. David relaxed upon seeing that light. Yet, even as he breathed out, the light flickered once and then again. "Eh?"

The other children held their breaths at what happened and David looked up at Senior Edwards to make sure nothing was wrong. Being so close to him, David saw that Senior Edwards had piercing green eyes in addition to his long brown beard. He began studying the orb as David held his hand against it. There was no flickering anymore and the light was a solid cool blue, even after a minute had passed.

"Talented" the outsider said conclusively and David was energized by his words. He ran over quickly to Alisa and grabbed her hands in excitement. They soon began jumping and circling each other because of their happiness, before Elder Kim broke them up for being to loud.

Whatever this 'Journey Ahead' was about, they would be in it together.