Chapter 8: The Test
"Hello, Miss Elowen," Martha greeted politely.
But Florence didn’t respond, as if she hadn’t even heard her. Her eyes were still locked on Derek.
"Miss Elowen?" Martha tried again.
"Oh! Martha," Florence finally broke into a warm smile. "It’s been so long. How have you been? And how is the Keeper Head doing these days?"
"All are fine, Miss Elowen. Thank you for asking. Today I’ve come for Daisy’s test. She has shown great potential as a mage since birth. Her aptitude leans toward healing magic. We would truly consider ourselves fortunate if she could grow under your guidance, become a healer, and one day help
Florence chuckled lightly. "Oh, come now. You’re giving me far too much credit. I merely show the path. How far one can walk down it depends entirely on them. By the way..."
Her gaze shifted suddenly to the small figure in Martha’s arms again. "If I’m not mistaken, this must be your newborn. The child I’ve heard about. What was his name again?"
Feeling the sharpness of her stare, Derek’s senses immediately tensed.
’Is she doubting me for some reason? But why? Did I slip up somewhere?’
His mind raced. And then, to divert any suspicion, he quickly used his weapon.
"Da... da... da..." His tiny limbs flailed awkwardly as he babbled, stammering in broken sounds.
’This should be enough.’
Martha chuckled, kissed his cheek, and answered warmly, "His name is Derek."
"Oh! Derek, is it? And...He also must have a great aptitude for magic, right? He looks quite special."
Hearing that, Martha’s smile faltered slightly. "No, Miss Elowen. He only has aptitude for
Florence’s eyes widened in surprise. "Are you sure you aren’t mistaken?" She hadn’t expected that answer.
Her question startled Martha. "Yes... I’m quite sure. Why do you ask?"
"Um... It’s nothing," Florence quickly shifted her tone. "Let’s begin with Daisy’s test."
Martha didn’t dwell on it any further.
But Derek did. A faint unease lingered in his heart. He could tell Florence had noticed something.
’Did she somehow see through me? Can she sense it... Something even I haven’t fully comprehended yet?’
His thoughts sank deeper.
’I wish I could ask her...’
Meanwhile, Florence reached toward the side of the table, where a curious, spherical orb rested. It was smooth, translucent, and pulsing faintly with its own inner light. With great care, she lifted it and placed it at the very center.
"Daisy, would you place your hands on the orb for me?" Florence asked, her voice gentle yet expectant.
Daisy nodded shyly and approached the table. "Oh god, I really hope I don’t mess this up... Otherwise Arthur and Derek will think their sister is useless."
She laid her small palms atop the cool surface of the orb. For a moment, nothing happened. Then, slowly, the orb began to glow. First, a soft golden hue shimmered at its core, then the light deepened, shifting and swirling until it turned a warm, medium orange.
Florence’s eyes widened in amazement. "Excellent," she breathed. "You are quite good even at this early age. Your magical capabilities are already at level
Martha’s face brightened up instantly at Florence’s words. A wide smile painted her face. Still holding Derek on her lap, she gently caressed Daisy’s head with motherly affection. "See? I already told you there was nothing to worry about," she said softly.
Daisy beamed, her tense shoulders finally relaxing. All morning, a knot of worry had been twisting inside her, but now relief finally washed over her in a gentle wave. She let out a long breath, her eyes shining with happiness.
Derek, nestled in Martha’s arms, watched his sister with quiet admiration.
’Well done, sister,’
he praised her silently.
’I knew you would just nail it.’
Florence’s satisfied smile lingered as she turned to Martha. "You don’t even have to wait for the result outside, like the other parents. Daisy can start her training or apprenticeship from next week with the others."
Martha’s eyes sparkled with relief and gratitude. "Thank you, Miss Elowen. Truly," she said, bowing her head gently.
Daisy, cheeks flushed with happiness. She also said, bowing respectfully, "Thank you, Miss Elowen!"
Even Derek, nestled in Martha’s arms, broke into a wide baby grin and gurgled, his lips forming unfinished, eager sounds, as if trying to thank Florence in his own way.
’Well, Miss Elowen, you have earned yourself a thank you from me for recognizing my sister’s potential and praising her as well.’
Martha and Daisy both burst out laughing, their joy bubbling over, and Florence couldn’t help but join them with a warm smile of her own as well.
"Miss Elowen, we’ll take our leave then. You must be busy, and there are still other children whose results you need to announce."
Martha rose to her feet with Derek in her arms, and Daisy quickly stood up too.
But just as they started gathering their things to leave, something clicked in Florence’s mind. "Wait a moment," she said, her tone suddenly serious. "Would you mind if we tested Derek’s aptitude as well?"
All three, Martha, Daisy, and even Derek, were taken aback. Martha blinked in surprise. "Test Derek? But why? Is something wrong"
Florence hesitated, then shrugged lightly. "No particular reason. I just have a hunch, and I want to clarify it for my own peace of mind. Nothing else."
Martha glanced at Daisy, uncertainty flickering in her eyes. After a moment’s consideration, she nodded. "All right. This isn’t such a big deal after all.."
Florence gestured toward the orb, still resting in the center of the table. "Please, walk forward and help Derek place his hand on the orb."
Martha nodded. Then shifted Derek in her arms and gently guided his tiny palm onto the orb’s smooth surface.
For a few seconds, nothing happened. The room held its breath.
’What is she up to? I was never a mage. The power that I have inside me is of an Auran at best.’
Derek’s little fingers twitched. Nothing happened even after a long time had passed.
Florence sighed. "Maybe I was mistaken."
But just as he began to lift his hand away, a sharp crack rang out. The orb suddenly exploded, shattering into glittering fragments that scattered across the table like a burst of starlight.