Today was the day of the initiation. His vows to the brotherhood. Kinst knew he couldn't have studied more, every waking minute he'd spent nose deep in old musty books and scraping his ink across cheap parchment. He sighed deeply as he paced the floor, five steps forward, three steps left, five steps back. He hated his cold, cramped cell with not even enough room to pace properly in but at least next year he'd be with the second years in their larger and more comfortable rooms - well if he passed anyway. He didn't want to think about what would happen if he didn't. It was less than an hour away and time was going too fast and too slow at the same time. The clock-tower rang out half past the hour. Soon now. A creeping nauseous feeling crawled up his body like he had a stomach full of ants.

A familiar face popped around the door of his cell; dark brown hair, blue eyes with a little something extra behind them and a large toothy grin.  

  'Come on Kinst, we've got to get going already!'

  'Okay Ganny. I'm coming. Hold on a second.' said Kinst grabbing his brown leather bag, he couldn't forget that, he'd need it for later. They walked together down the long draughty corridor that led to the ceremonial quarters, their footfalls echoing off the hard granite floor. The quarters were usually only for practitioners and third years but, today, only the first years came for their initiation. One master, one boy. You went in as a neophyte and come out as an acolyte. Kinst longed to get that status. One of the ordained. Ganny chatted constantly his arms and head animated as he gesticulated wildly. Kinst didn't pay any attention, just a grunt now and then, his mind was a blank as if everything he'd learned up until now had just drained out of him like blood through a deep wound. They stopped, joining a larger group of first years. Ganny leaned over and flicked Kinst in the ear sharply.

  'Wake up Kinst. It's not that bad: you just have to pass that's all. It's not like you would fail; you're always swotting away.'

  'It's not that, it's well... it is... but it's more what we have to... you know... do.' Kinst grasped the hem of his red robe squeezing the fabric tightly as its softness rubbed against his skin comfortingly.

  'Oh that? No problem at all. It's not anything important. You just say the lines and complete the ceremony. Just don't fail,' Ganny winked and nudged Kinst in the ribs. Kinst looked at him, his heart was still beating too fast and his palms were sweaty but those few words from Ganny sent the ants away.

  'You're right and - hey! Who're you calling a swot?' Kinst gently thumped Ganny in the shoulder and the two of them started laughing, Kinst grinning just as widely as Ganny ever had.

A deep black menacing shadow loomed up behind them suddenly. A hand rested on both their shoulders. Kinst jumped with a squeak. Ganny froze mid chuckle with a cough.

  'Time for joking eh?' the shadow said in a scratchy tone, half deep and half squeak. Kinst and Ganny turned like two puppets on one string to face the shadow. The head boy towered over them, grinning malevolently. 'Must be confident, eh?' he said with a snort.

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  'No, Rant, we're not. Just trying to cheer up Kinst. Sir.' Ganny said with a grin and a mock salute. Rant's eyes narrowed. With his fists clenching at his sides he leaned forward, the stink of his breath making Kinst's nose wrinkle.

  'Well just remember what happens if you fail. Us third years get you for... practice. Well, after the masters are done with you.' Rant laughed and turned sharply, striding away down the corridor, heels clicking loudly on the stone floor.

  'I can't believe you said that Ganny! I thought he'd turn blue!' Kinst laughed richly.

  'You're the one that thumped me!' Ganny winked. 'Anyway, look it's starting.'

The large bronze doors swung open. Kinst had imagined that behind them would be carpeted halls and rich tapestries but it was just the same plain stone walls and floors as the rest of the citadel. The ants started up again with a vengeance as if making up for lost time. They crawled and crept more violently in his stomach than before. The masters were in their best robes. Rich vermilion hoods covered their faces. Names were being read out one by one. His classmates were leaving, with the master that called their name, meekly following like lambs to the slaughter. Suddenly only he, Ganny and a boy everyone called, behind his back, “Nervous” Nuk were left. Nuk's face was pale, like white ash, he was visibly shaking as he mumbled under his breath. Kinst could understand his being nervous but you only got one try at this. Nuk had to pull himself together. A tall hooded master stepped forward and called out the next name.

  'Nuk Bhanto' the master said in a deep rich voice. Nuk stepped back trying, as if it were possible, to hide behind himself. 'Come along boy. Follow me.'

  'M-Master, I.. I.. Can't.' Nuk stuttered over the words. Kinst watched aghast. He'd said “no” to a Master. Punishment would be swift and painful.

  'Is that so?' the Masters voice gently softened. 'Well don't worry boy, we have other uses for you. Go back to your cell and wait until you're needed.' Nuk scuttled off down the corridor, his face visibly relieved, as fast as his short stubby legs could carry him. His master followed after him purposefully.

  'Ganneth Meda.'

 'Here Master.' Ganny sighed softly, his usually confident face furrowed in a frown he followed his Master through the doors. Suddenly a loud scream of fear, high-pitched like a girls, filled all the hall. Kinst didn't even look up. Nuk knew what would happen if he failed. It was his own fault.

  'Kinst Syte.' The last Master bellowed. Kinst knew this voice, it was Old Master Spruk the subject of many nightmares since he'd come to the citadel. His bald head and wrinkled face were covered with silvery thin scars, his hands and arms likewise. He seemed ancient, like he'd seen everything, including the inside of Kinst's head. Classes with Master Spruk were almost as bad as the nightmares. Kinst closed his eyes and took a deep breath.

  'Here Master.' He was the only boy left, he didn't see why he had to say anything but it was part of the ceremony. He'd been through it in his mind so many times, he just had to do everything right and he'd be fine. Master Spruk began shuffling slowly down the cold corridor.

Kinst followed, his face pale and his mind racing.