Open Roads *Chapter Three*

The Guild Master, and I went our separate ways. I went towards the Head Masters office. She had vanished out of site. I took an immediate right, just as she had instructed. I was in a long wide hallway, with black, and gold trim carpet. At the end of the hallway was a large decorated door. At each ends of the hallway, there were busts, and miniature statues of other Head Masters. They had plaques on the bases, that read: the year they were instated, and birth years.

I was nervous at the moment. I stopped in the middle of the hallway, deep in thought. What if he did not approve of me? What if I was not gifted enough? What if there were no open slots at the moment? I thought harder, then became blank. I had nothing to worry about. I should just be calm, and collected. I continued to walk down the hallway. I walked even faster, because I didn't want the what if questions to come back. I reached the giant door. Took a deep breath, and knocked hard.

The door was open, and I was starring at a fairly young man. Probably in his late thirties. He welcomed me in, and sat me down on a couch next to a fire place. Everything in his office was marble, and smooth white colored stone. He spoke, he had a deep solid voice, "Young Casey, welcome to the Shadow Crest Guild." I was scared, but replied, "It is an honor to meet you in person Head Master." He smiled then looked at the fireplace. The only thing I noticed faulty in his office, was the untidy mess of vines on the fireplace hearth. He spoke again, "I am here to assess you, a very short meeting, but very important all the same." Still speaking, "Please, set those vines on fire." I did, I didn't want to hesitate. The bright glow of hot fire danced across the marble floor. The Head Master wrote something down, then spoke, "Alright, please put the fire out." Again without hesitation, I did. I watched as water slowly poured out onto the vines. Only the smoke lingered. Speaking softly, he spoke once more, "Read, and control my mind please." I did, I knew he was letting me. I made him think of dancing flowers, it was the only thing I could think of. The Head Master spoke, "Good, now please take this note with you, and give it straight to the Guild Master, and please no peeking."