10 days later

   Corin and Quinly were doing duty in the kitchens. All servants had been diverted from their original tasks, so that they could focus on preparing food and the ballroom. Today wasn't just Corin's birthday, it was the prince's. Corin wasn't sure whether to be happy that there wouldn't be a fuss over him leaving, since everyone's attention would be on Brine, or to consider it a bad omen that he shared something with the prince.
   Of course, he would attract some attention. The eighteenth year meant the entrance into adulthood, and when it would be determined if you would be free to make your own choices, or if you would become a Sentinel.
   Even though the odds were stacked against it, a small part of him secretly hoped to be chosen. But then again, didn't everyone, at some point in their life?
   Even though it was unlikely, it was still required that he took the test, something only your family could observe, and could never tell anyone about it.
   At the beginning of sunset, Corin and Quinly were back in the barracks. All the chores were done, and servants weren't allowed into the party. Until the sun disappeared, they were free to do whatever, so long as they stayed in the basement.
   "So what do you think you're going to do when you leave?" Quinly asked, picking apart a blade of straw.
   Corin shrugged. "See some of the sights, look at what's out there, whatever. I haven't really set my mind on anything."
   "Where can we meet when I leave?" Quinly asked. They had both talked about it, but had never decided on anywhere.
   Corin thought for a second. "Outside the gates. Nobody looks twice at that place."
   Quinly nodded. "As good a spot as any." He stood and looked out their little slit of a window. "Sun's gone down. They'll be coming soon." He looked back at Corin. "The gates, one month from now. Promise?"?
   "Yeah." Corin said.
   Their talk was cut short by two guards appearing at the doorway, waiting for Corin. He stood and held out his hand to Quinly. "Brothers?"
   Quinly took it. "Brothers."
   Corin turned to go with the guards.

   Astere sighed and forced herself to continue sitting straight as King Finbar gave the traditional coming-of-age speech. And this was only the first in her lifetime. Next would be hers, and then her sister's. At least they were getting Brine's over with. She almost couldn't stand the haughty look he had worn all day.
   About halfway through, she noticed the servants door, off to the side of the room, quietly open. One of the castle guards stepped through followed by a shabby young man, stumbling a little as if he had been shoved. He probably had been, she thought, as she noticed the second guard come out behind him.
   Astere immediately but discretely focused her attention on the new arrival, anything to take her mind off of the boring drone of the king's voice. He was slightly taller than average, and the color of his hair and skin were hard to determine, given that they were covered in a thin sheet of dirt and soot. When he looked up, she caught a glimpse of piercing blue eyes that flashed with rebellion, though he kept his posture relaxed and inconspicuous. She wondered why he had been admitted in the ballroom, when she noticed that he looked the same age as her brother.
   He must be turning eighteen as well, she thought.
   Her thoughts were interrupted by a gentle applause from the lords and ladies assembled in the hall. Her father had finally finished the speech, and now it was time to meet the Sentinel who would be overseeing the test. Her family stood and walked to the doorway in the back of the hall. They had already been sworn to secrecy.
   The walked into a little room with nothing but a small bowl on a pedestal on the far end. Hidden in the shadows just beyond the bowl was a beautiful woman in dark clothes, with golden hair and hazel eyes. Her peaceful expression did not change as they shuffled in, closely followed by the servant boy. The guard accompanying him stayed outside the door.
   When the door shut, the woman smiled. "I know the prince, of course, but I have not been told the name of the other young man."
   The king turned to the boy. "What is your name, boy?"
   The boy lifted his chin slightly. "Corin, sire." His eyes flashed as he addressed Finbar, but his outward appearance did not change.
   "Who are your parents?" Queen Allegra asked from then other side of Astere.
   "I've been an orphan my whole life." Corin said, looking more respectful this time.
   The Sentinel nodded. "I am known as Memory. I will be overseeing your tests. It is rather simple, as the adults of this room know. A sip from the liquid in this bowl is all that is needed. If you are chosen, the mark will appear on you. Most likely though, nothing will happen. But it is always uncertain who will be chosen and who won't. Only destiny can tell."
   She walked forward till she stood directly behind the bowl. "Prince Brine, come forward."
   Astere's brother walked forward, trying to project confidence and failing. Memory produced a small cup, dipped it in the liquid, and gave it to Brine. Astere couldn't help noticing that the liquid was perfectly black, even in the light.
   Brine drank and stood for a second, waiting to see if something would happen, but nothing did.
   "Remember, not being a Sentinel can be a good thing. You may keep your identity, and you will someday rule Airad. Your destiny is already great."
   Brine nodded and looked slightly relieved.
   Memory filled the cup again and turned to the servant boy. "Corin, step forward."
   Corin accomplished what Brine had not, and stayed completely in control as he walked forward. He drank the liquid in one quick gulp and leaned back, obviously expecting nothing to happen.
   In fact, it was quite the opposite.
   Corin suddenly pitched forward and groaned, clutching his head. The liquid in the bowl rippled on it's own, and the shadows of the room seemed to brighten. Then Astere realized that Corin was glowing.
   As soon as it had started, it was over. Corin started to fall forward, almost unconscious, but Memory caught him, and Addis, Astere's younger sister, against her parents wishes, rushed forward to help. When the boy had recovered enough to stand, Astere gasped. Barely visible beneath the grime and his dark dreadlocks at his hairline was a black mark, resembling a lightning bolt leaving the clouds.
   Astere remembered what Memory had said about losing your identity if you were chosen. Already, Astere couldn't remember who it was that was standing before her. She tried desperately to hold on to fleeting images of the boy, but they all escaped.
   Before she realized it, she was back in her seat next to Allegra, and the celebrations were starting again. But she spent the rest of the evening trying to remember the boy with the spark in his eyes, and trying to shake the feeling that they would meet again.