The names continued to be called. One by one, the futures of countless youths were decided.
For many, this day would determine the course of the rest of their lives.
Then, at long last, the old official unfurled another scroll.
His eyes widened slightly as he looked toward the crowd and called, "Thane."
A murmur immediately swept through the great hall. No surname had been registered, nor any clan declared.
Yet everyone knew who was being summoned.
"The Giant."
"The Champion."
"The Fool of the Maze."
"The one who defeated Etno."
"The one who crushed Donovan."
Whispers echoed like restless birds, and Thane rose from his seat.
The giant scratched his cheek. "Is it my turn already?"
Conor sighed. "Yes."
"Good. I was getting hungry." Thane yawned.
Sky pinched the bridge of her nose and let out a big sigh. Rimon lowered his head.
Under thousands of gazes, Thane strode toward the center of the hall.
