The square slowly emptied of its earlier noise, townsfolk dispersing in clusters of animated discussion while the youths were directed toward the Guild Hall for the last time.
The celebratory atmosphere among the youths shifted into something more mixed—nervous, excited, anxious, restless, and quietly hopeful.
Teclos walked with the others toward the massive stone structure dominating the center of Kolma. Now that the formal display was over, the next step awaited them: counseling from the elders.
The elders would offer guidance, suggest paths they could take, and open doors with their recommendations.
Teclos inhaled once, steadying himself, then followed the attendant who called his name after a while of waiting in the lobby.
They led him past the main hall and toward one of the larger inner chambers—usually reserved for strategy gatherings. It was where they had done the written test, though today it had been arranged differently.
