The Testing by Jonathan Moeller

“We’re just going to drop in for a visit with your father?”
    “No,” said Corthain. “I’d prefer not to see my father at all. I…merely want to know what become of my sister.”
    “To pay her a visit?” said Luthair.
    “No,” said Corthain. “She blamed me for Solthain’s death. I doubt she wants to see me. Besides, if she became an Adept, no doubt she is as cruel and arrogant as the rest of them. And if she didn’t survive the Testing…I simply want to know what happened to her.”
    He stopped before the gates to the grounds. A Sword stood there, hand hovering just near the sheathed blade in his belt.
    “Aye?” said the Sword, eyes glinting behind his helm. “You have business here?”
    “This is the tower of House Kalarien?” said Corthain.
    “So you’re new to the city, then?” said the Sword. He seemed to puff up a little. “Aye, this is the tower of Arthain Kalarien, Magister of the Conclave and Lord Governor of the city. You must indeed be new, if you don’t know the name.” 
    “Does Lord Arthain have any children?” said Corthain.
    “He does, two sons…or he did, I suppose,” said the Sword. “The eldest fell in battle some twelve years ago. The second was banished for cowardice…but have you heard the name of Corthain Kalarien?” 
    Luthair's lips twitched. “You know, I think I have.”
    “I was at the Battle of Dark River,” said the Sword. “Part of the deputation the Conclave sent to fight the barbarians. The Jurgur scum smashed our host, and would have won, but Lord Corthain took command, and won a great victory.” The Sword shrugged. “Hard to see how such a man could be a coward.”
    Corthain swallowed. “You mentioned only sons. Does Lord Arthain have any daughters?”
    The Sword nodded. “Just one. Thalia. An Adept of the Conclave, like her father.” 
    “She is?” said Corthain. He was astonished at the relief he felt. Thalia had not perished in the Testing. She had survived. 
    “She is. And…just between you and me, she’s something of a…character,” the Sword, grinning behind his helm. “Drives her father wild, she does. Not a bad sort, for an Adept. Though it’s not my place to say so, of course.” 
    “Of course,” said Corthain. “That’s all I wished to know. Thank you.”
    He turned to go.
    “Divine have mercy,” said the Sword, sudden awe in his voice. 
    Corthain grimaced.
    “You’re…you’re Corthain Kalarien, aren’t you?”
    “That he is,” said Luthair. “Shouldn’t you be saluting or something?”
    “My lord,” said the stunned Sword. “It…let me just say it is an honor to meet you. We would have all perished at Dark River, if you had not taken command.”
    “Many brave men perished at Dark River,” said Corthain. 
    “Have you come to claim your inheritance?” said the Sword. “You are Magister Arthain’s heir, now. And…whatever happened in the past, surely the Hammer of Dark River would be welcome among the lords of the city.”
    “No,” said Corthain. “I am here on business, nothing more, and I wish to leave in a few days. I would prefer if you mentioned my presence to no one.”
    The Sword gaped at him. No way the man would keep quiet after this.
    Corthain sighed. “You may mention my presence to my father, if you wish. Whether he wishes to speak to me or not…that is up to him.” 
    “Aye, my lord,” said the Sword, banging a fist against his armored chest. 
    Corthain nodded, thanked the man, and left.
    “That was a mistake,” he muttered as they walked back to the Silver Coin Inn. 
    Luthair blinked. “You don’t think your father will have you arrested, do you?”
    “No,” said Corthain. He hesitated. “I think.”
    Luthair sighed. “Ever the optimist, my lord domn.”
    “But he hated me twelve years ago, and I doubt his enmity has wavered in the slightest,” said Corthain. “Once he realizes why I am here, he may forbid Salorin to buy the wines of Moiria simply out of