The ride to town took a little over an hour. We spent the time laughing and enjoying each other’s company, knowing it could be the last time for several years. I might know my class ahead of time, but that didn’t mean I knew where the kingdom would assign me; we were sent where the kingdom needed us.
Eventually we reached Trefi and made our way to city hall. “Looks like we’re the last to arrive,” my father pointed out as he went to greet one of the other families. I looked around and saw the others already separated into their typical groups. I was the only assignee from the farmsteads this year and didn’t really fit in with the others.
The tavern keeper's son, Magnus, whispered something to the two boys standing with him. His words were met with snickers and mocking glances in my direction. They wouldn’t do anything today, not with our families here, and definitely not on Assignment Day. But Magnus and his cronies, William and Lucas, rarely missed an opportunity to make me miserable.
I turned to look at the pair of assignees, Gwendolyn Kish and Katherine Cavat. They shook their heads and turned away from Magnus and the others, unamused with their childish antics. They hadn’t wanted to spend time with the rest of us for the past few years. Maybe Mom was right about women maturing faster than men…
My thoughts were cut short as the mayor entered the room and cleared his throat. “Excuse me everyone. If you could all take a seat, Magister Cross will be joining us shortly.” With that, he hurried to his own seat next to Lucas and patted his son on the back. ‘Not long now son.”
With his words all of us settled into an anticipatory silence, knowing what was coming next. We didn’t have long to wait before a tall woman dressed in the well-tailored robes of the magisters entered and stood before us. “Good morning everyone, my name is Evelyn Cross. I know you’re all anxiously awaiting the results so we’ll be starting with class assignments and then moving to what the next steps for each of you will involve.” Allowing a short silence for her words to sink in, she pulled a small shimmering black orb out of her pocket before speaking again, “This is the Opdracht. It is able to connect to the gods to bestow their blessings upon us. When your name is called, please come to the front and hold your hand on the crystal. Your class will be displayed above your head for all gathered to see. Lucas Casella, please approach.”
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The mayor shook Lucas’ shoulder encouragingly as he stood. The Opdracht began to pulse through a variety of colors, quickly at first before gradually slowing into a yellow glow. Above Lucas’ head read, [Pugilist (Uncommon)]. Lucas stood slack-jawed as Magister Cross spoke, “Congratulations! Uncommon classes are rarely granted as one’s initial class. And a martial class will be exceptionally useful in the years to come! Katherine Cavat.”
Looking even more nervous after Lucas received an uncommon class, Katherine made her way to the front. The orb pulsed for her as well, though not nearly as long, before settling into a comforting green. [Craftsman (Common)] appeared above her head. Her face fell for a moment before she raised her head to meet the eyes of her family. On her way to her seat, the magister called out, “Calvin Jones.”
Despite knowing my class, my heart felt as though it would beat through my chest. What would happen if a hidden class was announced? I felt a bead of sweat roll down my back as I walked to the front, almost stumbling once or twice. Finally I stood before Magister Cross who just looked down at me and gave a short nod. I reached out my hand and felt the power begin to flow into my body as I placed my hand on the orb.
The orb reacted similar to when Lucas had held out his hand and similarly settled on yellow. Before my eyes alone, and above my head for all, the decision appeared. I finally felt my breath begin to slow back into a normal rhythm as I read the words, [Mauler (Uncommon)]. I made my way back to my parents as the magister exclaimed behind me, “Two uncommons! This is incredible for such a small group. Gwendolyn Kish, please approach. Maybe we’ll have a third today!”
Though it was unexpected, Gwendowlyn received an uncommon class as well, Elementalist. Magnus and William weren’t as fortunate however. They each received common classes; Squire and Craftsman respectively. Magister Cross was ecstatic, “Half of the group received uncommon classes! This is incredible, do you put something in your water? Haha, I only jest. I’m proud of each and every one of you. For now, we’ll cover your kingdom assignments. Mr. Casella, Mr. Jones, and Mr. Treacher will be joining the Drakescale Legions. Ms. Kish will be sent to the Brightwood Scholars. And last but not least, Ms. Cavat and Mr. Varona will be remaining in Trefi under the tutelage of the craftsmen’s guild until their specializations are determined.”
“Those assigned to the Drakescale Legions will immediately be sent North to the border. Tensions with Gelyn have been increasing recently. Consequently, Emperor Isari has directed many of the new assignees to join the Drakescale Legions for their training as a show of force.”