Before the Eclipse...

Fedlir looked over his notes for the third time in the last ten minutes. At least, he pretended to. He wasn't really absorbing anything anymore. His mind was filled with too many thoughts. Tomorrow was everything. The outcome would change his entire life.

Every year, the High Druid chose a day for the rite of calling power. It was the day when all the druids, shamans, and sorcerers looked to the sky for omens, for knowledge, and for the power to drive them into their next stage of power. It was also the day that neophytes such as Fedlir came into their own. It was when they would choose their path and join the ranks of the masters.

Fedlir was one of only two attempting the Choice this year, and for very good reason. Most years, the Calling was at highest noon on a summer day, chosen using arcane formulae only the High Druid truly understood. This year was special.

This year was the eclipse.

At this time tomorrow, the sun would darken almost completely, even in the midst of a fully lit day. It was the greatest of omens and the greatest opportunity for all the magi in the land. It was also the most dangerous. Many of the magi would abstain this year, and quite wisely, knowing that the power of the eclipse was beyond their grasp.

But for neophytes, this presented an opportunity that came only once in many generations. The rites were more complex, the understanding required far deeper, and the level of control was beyond the reach of many of even the eldest. It was considered pure hubris to even attempt the Choice at the eclipse. Only once in history had it been successful. Most died, or had their minds blasted out by an experience they were never again sane enough to describe.

Fedlir would succeed. He had to. This was how Fedlir would make his name. How he would show the world that a child who grew up in the low country could not only accomplish greatness, but could be of legend.

Only Garna would make the attempt as well. Heavens forbid that Fedlir ever succeed where she did not. He hoped that, in Garna's studies, she decided to back away and leave the Choice for the following year. Fedlir did not wish her death, but he did not want to see her win, either.

Tomorrow was Fedlir's day. She would not take that from him.