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the post you are now reading is designed to dull your senses to THE TRUTH.  do not live the life of the worker bee, the cog, the well-oiled piston in the MACHINE OF DECEIT!

there is a grand CONSPIRACY afoot.  you have been taught to believe that you are UNIQUE, one of a kind. THIS IS NOT TRUE. long ago, a cabal of scientists created technologies to ensure that ANYONE’S MIND AND BODY can be duplicated.

human cloning isn’t NEAR. it’s already HERE. discover the truth at http://JCHutchins.net

you are being DECEIVED. break free from the cogs, flee the hive, become A PROPHET OF THE TRUTH!

kilroy2. was here … kilroy2.0 is everywhere

>>> [ CONTENT OVERRIDE CEASES ::: DATABASE STATUS: RECOVERING ] <<

Over the past couple of months we have spend a lot of time getting our house ready for sale, which we sold recently.  Then I go sick and I haven’t felt upto recording.  Add in how easy it is for me to get distracted and then spell bad news for the site.

I will however podcast Shadow Hunter and part two of Buried in the Sand that I have written.  I am also planning on doing a third part to BITS but it’s not written yet and I’m working on anohter project, I’m hope that what I have record is enough to hold me over for a while.

Music, Something about Eve by Falling You provided by Magnatune.

Note: I still have openings for readers

The chase begins May 15th, 2008

I’m still looking for a couple of guest readers for a pair of short parts in “Chasing Shadows”. I preparing to send out text to the readers this week and hope to start Part 2 of Shadow Hunter soon.

This episode was created with GigaVox Audio. I will have a little review of GagaVox Audio in the next episodes.

I have posted a poll, here, asking for input on what people would like to see on Never Was until “Chasing Shadows” is ready.

Normally I would post a poll in the forum but, I wanted to ensure I got as much feed back as possible and make it as easy as possible. So I have posted the poll below. Please select the option or options (you can vote for more than one) that you would prefer.

The Hunters gather and try to find a way of removing the bracelets from Kallen and Master Harret.

Promos Played:

• 100 Word Stories
• Crescent

Shalli faces off with the Valtas and Zatle.

Shalli continues her battle with Lord Revil’s forces.

Shalli and the others battle against Lord Revil’s forces.

Shalli and Landra free Hunter Kallen and Master Harret.

Shalli starts her first day as a servent at Lord Revil’s keep.

Landra and Shalli arrive at Revil’s keep.

Skype ID: tdmclean

xBox Live: Never Was TM

Landra and Shalli travel towards Revil’s keep.

Tyrel learns of Shalli and Landra’s time at Karan’s farm.

Landra and Shalli are surprised by Hethra’s skills.

Shalli recovers from her injuries.

Shalli and Landra are reunited but things are getting really bad for Kallen.

Landra has an unexpected encounter while she searches for Shalli.

Things get even worse for the two mage apprentices.

• 100 Word Stories
• I Beg to Differ

Shalli tries to find a way back to help Kallen.

The talks take a turn for the worse forcing Kallen and Shalli into action.

Shalli and Kallen learn about their new mission and Shalli gets a surprise.

This episode also contains a surprise for all the listeners.

Shalli and Kallen search for answers in the library.

Looking for feed back on the show format; what you would like to see stay and what would you like to see change?

Tyral and Nae faces off against the demon.

• NaNoWriMo
• I Should be Writing

Tyral faces off with the thugs.

• NaNoWriMo
• Mikey Pod
• Podcast Pickle

Follow Tyral as she hunts a demon.

“Please stop.” Kallen said calmly to Shalli, but his stare was focused on the old man. Shalli’s panic subsided only enough for her to see the look of concern in Kallen’s eyes.  “Please forgive my apprentice, her mind sometimes wonders. She did not notice you and I was not quick enough to stop her.”  Kallen bowed deeply to the old man. The subsiding fear in Shalli was replaced with confusion. She had never heard of a mage apologizing or giving such a bow to anyone who wasn’t a mage; and even that was rare.

It was obvious to Shalli that the old man was no mage; to start she had never seen a mage that old before. His head was shaved, not uncommon for mages, but his plain beige clothing were not something a mage would wear and appeared ill suited for the cold.. In fact in all her studies of non mages cultures she had not seen anything like it.

“Think nothing of it,” the old man said. He smiled and a warmth filed Shalli from within.  “I should not have sneaked up on you.”

“I apologies if we have ventured into your lands but the regular path had been washed out in the summer storms.”  Kallen bowed again.

With that a thought entered into Shalli’s mind, the monks. She didn’t know much about them, mages rarely talked about them. They had only had one brief lesson that mentioned them, and that was just long enough to say that the were in the mountains and to leave them alone. No one had gone looking for them in more than two hundred years. Shalli tried to step back but bumped into Kallen who’s presence prevented her from moving. She looked to her left up the rocky cliff and then to the sudden drop on here right. There was no where to go.

“No worries friend, I am far from our valley. You are more than welcome to use this path.”

The monk stepped to the side, right to the edge of the drop. He motioned for them to continue but other wise did not move at all. Shalli could still feel something unnatural in the old man. Kallen pushed Shalli forward. She stumbled her first couple of steps, before mindlessly starting to walk. Shalli did not look up as she pasted the monk instead stared down at the path directly in front of her. However the words the monk spoke etched themselves into her mind.

“It was a pleasure meeting you Shalli.”

Shalli started to stop and turn towards the monk but Kallen pushed her forward. She wondered if he had heard what he said and that was what drove him to push her faster. She disparately wanted to ask the monk how he knew her name, but she dared not stop. Her mind raced but formed no specific answer or question.

They were an hour down the path before Kallen even slowed and her mind started to clear again.

“How did he know who I was?”

“I do not know,” Kallen said, concern filled his voice.  “but, I believe it would be best if we did not speak of this to anyone.”

*****

Two weeks had passed since their encounter with the monk. It had taken them that long to return to Grarendian. Travel was slow along the mountain paths even with her ever increasing skill of snow removal. The weather had turned colder earlier this year than normal. If they had been delayed a few more days they might not have made it back, but it was not thoughts of dying that disturbed Shalli.

Every day for the past two weeks, Shalli woke with one question on her mind. As much as she tried she could not put the questions aside for even a moment. It had taken her much more effort than it should have to form the spells Kallen instructed her to make. She could tell that Kallen noticed her distraction but he did not comment on it. Several times she had almost brought the monk up to him, but each time something stopped her. Now as they passed through the gates of the city she knew that any opportunity she had was now gone.

“Shalli,” Kallen said in an unusually quiet and uncertain voice.  “It would be best if you did not contradict my report of our mission.”

There was no question in Shalli’s mind what he was talking about. Their encounter with the monk would not included in his report. She wondered why the monks were so feared but, she doubted that even Kallen knew the answer and even if he did he was not likely to tell her. Shalli’s mind wandered again and she questioned again how the monk had known her name and why the monk had addressed her and not Kallen?

“Out of my way.”  A woman yelled in a shrill voice.

Shalli’s mind was pulled back to the streets of the city. She had to make a quick step to the side to avoid running into Tyral and then again to avoid Nae. Her foot slipped in the to loose gravel but she just managed to avoid falling, although it must have looked less than graceful.

“So you’re finally back from you ‘mission’” Tyral said stopping in front of Kallen.  “What took you so long”

Nae started to laugh but quickly stopped when Tyral turned and glared at him. Shalli had always though Nae a good mage. He had the strength to be a hunter, but he had always lacked the ability to control his emotions. That was likely the reason why most of the other hunters had passed him over; he had a hard time forming spells under pressure. Most feared that he end up dead before completing his apprenticeship, but may be Tyral was just what he need to stay alive.

“We have a confirmed Demon in a small town north of Lyj.”  Tyral said. Shalli was sure it was meant as a slight against Kallen.

“I am sure you and your apprentice will make quick work of it, Hunter Tyral.” Kalen said in his usual calm voice; not allowing himself to be goaded by Tyral.

“Yes, I’m sure we will.”  Tyral started to leave but stopped.  “There’s reports of an unusual dragon ravaging some farms in the south.” Her tone was flat and Shalli could not read her mood.

When Tyral seemed reluctant to continue, excitement filled Shalli. Had they finally been given a real mission? She knew Tyral couldn’t block them forever. She would finally face her first real dragon.

“I want you to go through the reports and find out exactly what we’ll be dealing with on our next mission. I don’t like surprises.”

With that Shalli’s excitement crashed. They would spend the next days or even weeks going through the library trying to match the reports with the records. Without another word Tyral and Nae marched passed them, leaving Kallen and Shalli standing in the streets. After a moment Shalli felt a hand on her shoulder.

“Do not let her get to you.” Kallen said in a warm comforting voice.  “If you do she wins.”

Promo for I Should be Writing

Shalli and Kallen return home after their encounter with the stranger.

The Vanghi mountains were difficult to pass during the hight of summer but this late in the season they were nearing impossible. In, at most, a few more weeks the mountain paths would be completely impassible until the spring. Although they did not use these paths; to the north and south trade to the western lands would stop. The mining and trade route towns on both sides of the mountains would be on their own through the snow, hoping that they had enough stores to hold out.

“Are you still happy to be out of Grarendian”? Kallen shouted over the howling winds. He was dressed in a gray fur coat; his hood was pulled up tight so Shalli could barely make out his eyes. She must have just about disappeared against the snow in here near white furs.

“It’s better than searching through countless tomes in the library to find the answer to some obscure question.” She now considered herself an expert on three rare dragons and an obscure demon. None of which she would likely ever have to face. In fact she wasn’t ever sure the hunters who requested the information was going to face them. Al of them were Hunters she knew to be supporters of Tyral.

“Well, we might as well get some use out of this trip.” Kallen forced his way through the snow towards her. “How about you clear a path for us”?

“How would you suggest I do it”? Shalli said examining the snow covered path.

“Any way that will not bring an avalanche down on us.” That did little to settle Shalli. She was already worried about being able to focus enough to form a spell in the cold, now she had to worry about killing them. “You said you wanted to learn control, this is a good chance for you to try.”

“We’ve never covered clearing a snow covered path.” Shalli said after thinking about the task for a moment. “I’m not sure I know where to start.” She had never been good at creating new or compound spells. That had always been something Justin was good at. An image of him with his warm arms around her filled her thought and almost push the cold away.

“You will often find yourself in situations you have not been trained to deal with. A hunter needs to be able to create their own solutions, on the fly and under duress. Lets see if I can help you get started.”

Kallen raised his hand to the snow pack above them. At first Shalli was not sure what he was trying to do, but then it became obvious. At first there was a low rumble. Then the sheet of snow gave way and started down the mountain towards them. Shalli did not considered this helping at all.

“Consider this your first test.”

Shalli stared up at the wall of snow headed towards her. She wasn’t sure how to even approach stopping an avalanche. As every second pasted the avalanche’s speed increased and more snow was added to its mass. She had to act quickly. Shalli tried to focus but panic filled her. Not a single spell came to mind.

“Focus Shalli.”

The fear started to fade and she started going through a list of spells in her mind, none of which would help her. The snow hit the ridge directly above them and started its final dive towards her. She could see nothing but the white wall of snow in front of her.

In a flash Shalli’s mind cleared and she started to form a spell. At first she didn’t know what she was doing, the spell just flowed naturally. The air in front of Shalli started to ripple; just ahead of the front of the wave of snow.

The snow impacted the ripple and started to evaporate. Steam filled the air in front of Shalli. She could feel her face start to warm and the steam continued towards them. For a brief moment she enjoyed the heat before she realized that it was still getting warmer. She hadn’t stopped the avalanche just changed its form. Shalli continued without any though and formed a second spell on top of the first. She felt cold air blow past her knees and up to her face. The increasing cloud of steam rushed up into the sky.

Shalli took a deep breath as the last of the now evaporated. A light shower of ice pellets started to rained down on them and for a moment she smiled.

“Not exactly clean, but it worked.” Kalled placed a hand on her shoulder. “In the end that is all that matters.”

“How closer were you going to let that get”?

“I am not sure that I understand your question.”

“How close were you going to let that avalanche get before you helped”?

“If I stepped in, what kind of test would it have been? When you are out in the field there will not be anyone to help you.” Shalli could not see his face to know if he was joking or not, but she had a feeling that he wasn’t. For the first time since she had met Kallen he scared her. “Now will you please clear the path? I have had quite enough of this snow.”

*****

For three weeks Shalli and Kallen weaved their way along the mountain passes. As time passed Shalli realized her fear of Kallen subsided. She realized that he was right. Once she was a full hunter there would not be anyone to step in at the last moment if things did not go well. As much as she was here to learn from Kallen she knew that what she need to learn was to stand on her own. She would have to face and overcome the obstacles on here own.

There were wards throughout the mountains to prevent any unnatural creatures from crossing the mountains to Grarendian. Every few months a hunter was sent to fortify the wards, a job that normally fell the Kallen. After three weeks in the mountains they now approached the final ward, Shalli clearing the snow in front of them. After the first couple of days Kallen had forbid her from reusing the same spells and the next day he started placing other constraints on her. Today an invisible force was pushing the snow off the path, today his restriction was no fire or heat.

The sun was high in the sky, there wasn’t a single cloud in view, which helped warm Shalli’s face. She was so focused on the warmth that she stumbled with shock when her spell hit something and dissipated. Shalli fumbled to reform her spell as she searched for what had caused the disruption. The only think that she saw, however, was an old man sinking into the snow.

As she watched him she started to feel something unnatural about the man and fear started to fill her. She quickly formed the first spell that came to mind, a binding spell, but she could not get it to form. She stared to panic as a felling of helplessness washed over her. The old man just looked at her and smiled.

Promo for Escape Pod

Mention NaNoWriMo

Shalli and Kallen meet and old man in the mountains.

She dressed slowly trying to just feel the joy that filled her. Deep down she knew that it would last. Soon she would be faced with what being an apprentice really meant. She would be at Kallen’s side for what ever missions he was assigned, doing what ever task he decided for her. If he told her to scrub the floor she would be expected to do so. For the next two years of her life belonged him.

Shalli stopped suddenly with her shirt half over her head. She thought she had heard a faint knock but couldn’t place its source. A second knock, this one louder than the first and Shalli realized the obvious; someone was at her door. She pulled the shirt down over her head.

“One moment.” She said as she reached down for the blue robe that lay across her bed. She threw it on as she crossed the floor. Stopping, Shalli smoothed out the robe and then opened the door. A servant stood in the hallway.

“Miss Shalli, I am sorry if I disturbed you, but you have a visitor.” The servant bowed deeply holding it until a count of three as protocol demanded, it would be five when she was a full hunter, but she didn’t really care. “A master Justin of the Education Guild is here to see you.”

Shalli could not stop the smile that appeared on her face. She had thought she would not be able to see Justin so soon, and she couldn’t wait to share the good new with him. She started to push past the servant before she stopped herself.

“Thank you.” She said recomposing herself. “Please.” She motioned for him to lead the way. She was no longer a student and she would have to work at breaking her old habits.

*****

Shalli waited as the servant opened the door to the small meeting room. Guests were not allowed in the tower, except in the meeting rooms that made up most of the first floor. She stood, trying not to look impatient, as the servant announced her arrival. More protocol, Shalli thought to herself. There were much more important things to worry about than if you held your bow long enough or waiting to be announced; at least there was to Shalli.

As she entered she nodded to the servant, indicating that he could leave. The servant would remain until the guest had been verified by the hunter or apprentice. Not that the servant would have been able to do anything if the person was not who they said they were. It felt like time slowed, the servant slowly stepped out into the hallway and then closed the door. The moment the door latched shut Shalli lunged into Justin’s arms and gave him a big kiss. He hugged her and returned her deep kiss before letting her go.

“I hear that things went well yesterday.” He had a big smile on his face, but Shalli could feel that something was off. She knew him too well for him to hid anything from her.

“Yes,” she replied, “for a while I didn’t think he was going to show, but Kallen accepted me as his apprentice.” Her eyes fell on the wooden box sitting on the table. Justin noticed that her gaze had fallen on the box. Although he was still smiling it look forced.

“I brought you a present,” he said, “to congratulate you.”

He reached down and picked up the box. It was almost as wide as his forearm was long and a little longer in length. He held it out for her. Shalli slowly pulled the lid off the box. Justin had not been one to give gifts, it just wasn’t in his nature. Even the mid-winter presents he had given her were small.

“You know we agreed to wait and get married after my apprenticeship.” Shalli said.

“It’s just something I made for you.”

Shalli pulled the lid away from the box so she could see inside. She looked down at the two simple silver daggers. She reached out and picked one up. They felt lighter than she expected.

“I enchanted them myself.” he said. “A spell of my own creation.”

“Thank you,” Shalli examined the dagger, she was no expert on weapons so she had no idea if they were good or not but they were from Justin and that was all that was important. “They’re great, what did you enchant them to do”?

Justin ran a hand through his hair. Shalli stared back at him without a word. He shifted his feet before finally lowering his hand.

“Well you see,” he said, “I’m not quite sure.” Shalli carefully placed the dagger back into the box.
“You gave me something and you don’t know what it does.” Shalli was in shock. It was difficult to enchant an item and dangerous to use it until you were sure it did what you intended. “What are you thinking”?

“It’s not like that.” He protested. “It’s safe. I’m sure of it.” Shalli stared back at him without saying a word. “It was one of my experiments.”

“That doesn’t make me fell any better.” Experimental spells tended to be even more dangerous.

“I figured out that by forcing the item to do a specific thing limits its power. By allowing the item to choose there are no limits.” Shalli still stared silently back at him. “It’s also safer. I could explain it to you.”

“That’s OK.” Shalli said. Justin would not give her something if there was a chance that it would harm her. She trusted him without question. She reached down and picked up the dagger again; giving him a smile. He forced another smile in return. “What else is there”?

“Nothing,” he said shaking his head. Shalli stared at him again, and he gave in quickly. “I’m not sure. I just got the feeling I needed to give them to you.”

“You had a vision”? Although no one had been able to confirm he had the gift, Shalli knew that his visions were true, even if he hadn’t learned how to control them yet.

“Nothing specific,” he said, “but when I finished these I knew that you needed to have them.”

They stood in silence as Shalli looked down at the daggers. How could it be important? A dagger was far less dangerous than she was.

“Just tell me you’ll carry them with you.”

She could see the concern in his eyes. She believed that he didn’t know more but what ever it was that he experienced it had him very worried. She couldn’t find the words so she just nodded and picked up the second dagger.

Promo for Dismay

Justin Arrives with a gift for Shalli.

“Now I am sure that most of you are wondering why Hunter Tyral is still sitting here and what Jel’neque is.” Master Vale paused and looked at the three remaining students. “Any hunter has the right to choose not to select a petitioner and under normal circumstances go without an apprentice. Although it is rarely invoked hunters also have the right to Jel’neque. Under Jel’neque the hunter has the option to choose an apprentice from any student.”

Shalli’s heart jumped and sank at the same time. She could still be a hunter, but she would apprenticed to the one hunter she most wanted to avoid. She wondered for a moment if being put out of the guild was a better option than being Tyral’s apprentice.

“There are however three restrictions to Jel’neque: the hunter must wait until all other hunters have selected their apprentice, they must select someone who did not sign their petition list, unless they have no other choice and, they must select an apprentice.”

Shalli realised that this had been as big a gamble for Tyral as it had been for Shalli, but it was Tyral’s gamble that had paid off. Tyral started to stand in anticipation of Master Vale calling her to make her selection.

“I now call….” Master Vale was cut off as the door opened.? A servant rushed to to him, gave a shallow bow and offered him a piece of folded paper. Tyral now standing had a confused look on her face.

“It would seem my list was inaccurate, I have missed calling a hunter. However, since no real harm has been done, I will now call final hunter forward.” Master Vale paused for a moment. “Hunter Kallen.”

Shalli felt a great weight lifted from that she had been carrying for the past two weeks. Kallen entered hold his petition form in his hand. He gave a bow to Master Vale and Tyral before presenting his form. Master Vale carefully took the petition form from him and looked it over and Shalli thought she could make out a smile on his face.

“You have one name on your petition form, have you made your decision”? Tyral snickered; Kallen was the only hunter announced that didn’t have at least three petitioners on their list. He paid Tyral no noticed and stepped up to the table.

“I have Master Vale,” Kallen said in a clear voice that filled the room. “I have decided to accept Shalli as my apprentice.”

Shalli smiled and had to force herself to not jump out of her seat. She stood slowly and started to walk around the long table. She looked at Kallen’s face smiling and he nodded. Master Vale gave her a quick smile as she reached them. Tyral’s face, however, did not match other two; the smile that had been on her face only moments ago had vanished and her cold green eyes were now filled with red hot rage.

“No!” Tyral said stepping between Shalli and Kallen, “I will not stand to have her apprenticed to him.”

“Please calm yourself Hunter.” Master Vale said his voice calm and soft yet carrying the strength of his order. “The choice is not yours to make, or challenge. Miss Shalli has petitioned Hunter Kallen and he has accepted. Shalli will be apprenticed to Hunter Kallen.”

“You’ll regret this,” Tyral said turning from Shalli to Kallen “both of you.” She then turned toward the door. The servant stood motionless at the door and did not move to open it for her.

“Sit down hunter.” Master Vale said.? Shalli had the strong urge to be somewhere else. She was quite sure she did not want to be around when Master Vale got mad. “You still have an apprentice to select.”

Kallen motioned Shalli to the door. The servant opened the door as they approached and Tyral retook her seat. Without a word and without looking back Shalli walked into adjoining a small room that contained only two chairs and another door on the far wall. The servant carefully closed the door behind them and then moved silently passed them to the opposite door and waited for them to be ready.

“I do not believe that she likes her remaining choices.” Kallen said.
Shalli knew it was more than that, even though the two remaining students would stand up to Tyral high standards.

“She gambled and lost,” Shalli said, “like I almost did. Thank you.”

“Do not thank me yet,” Kallen replied, “we have both made Tyral an enemy today; we may both regret this before too long.”

Kallen took a deep breath before nodding to the servant who opened the door. Shalli was more than happy to follow Kallen out of the small room. The last thing she wanted was to be there when Tyral entered with her new apprentice.

Shalli was caught off guard by the crowed room they entered next. In all the worry about being picked and ending up with Tyral she had forgotten about the apprentice party. She took a deep breath and prepare for the onslaught of question she knew she would have to face about how she had ended up as Kallen’s apprentice.

Everyone in the room turned and looked at them as they entered. The room fell silent. Shalli could see shock and disbelief on most of their faces, hunters and apprentices both. Obviously most had been expected her to enter with Tyral. Hunter Bagen was the first to approach them; he had a warm smile on his face.

“Well my old friend you never cease to surprise me.” He reached out his hand and Kallen took it. “I didn’t even think your name was in the pool.”

“I very much doubt it.” Kallen replied. “You can imagine my surprise when I caught her outside my office signing my petition form.”

Bagen smiled and turned to Shalli. He gave her a shallow bow which she was quick to return.

“I am disappointed that you are not my apprentice but you have made a good choice.” He leaned in closer, “a much better choice than other would have had you make.” He leaned back and raised his voice, “and I have a fine apprentice myself.”

“I thank you Hunter Bagen for your kind words,” Shalli said, “I am most grateful that Hunter Kallen saw me worthy to be his apprentice.” it was much more formal than required but she was very grateful. He had saved her from two very objectionable options. She hadn’t decided yet which would have been the preferred of the two options, but she was glad she didn’t have decide.

Happy Birthday to the Boy

A call for input on writing from other charaters POV

A call for people wanting to do a Promo swap.

The apprentice selection comes to a close.

The door opened and they all stood as the Master Hunter entered the room. He stood for a moment looking at each of the students, and then sat opposite them. She did not doubt that the Master Hunter knew she had not signed any of the expected petitions but, did he know which sheet she had signed?

“Welcome students to this years apprentice selection.”  His voice was clear but much deeper than Shalli would have thought given his thin frame. “You have all performed remarkably in earning the right to be apprenticed. Now you are preparing to take the final leg of your journey towards become a hunter. As I am sure that you are aware of the process. I will call each Hunter into the room who has indicated to me that they have received petitions of apprenticeship. They will then enter and, if they choose, select one of you to be their apprentice.”

Everyone of them knew the process; the Hunters would be called in a specified order the highest standing Hunter first and then they would work their way to down. Shalli was certain she knew who would be the first to be called.

Shalli looked around the room at the other students, each of them stared at the Master Hunter; many with beads of sweet on their foreheads. She hoped that her fear did not show so plainly on her face as it did on their’s.

“I must take a moment to let you know that any student who is not selected by a Hunter to apprenticed will have their names stricken from the graduating list. They will be escorted to their rooms to collect their belongs and then out of the tower. They will not be given another change to be selected as an apprentice and thus will never become a hunter.” His eyes fell on Shalli and her heart missed a beat.

Shalli did not look at the other students, but the silence in the room told her that everyone was as shocked as she was but, Shalli knew that the comment was made more for her benefit than any one else’s in the room. She had expected that not being chosen would meant that the none of the Hunters felt that they were ready and they would be force to take another year of classes. Now she realized that her risk was much larger than she had thought. Her future as a hunter depend on Kallen.

“Now then shale we begin”? the Master Hunter said picking up the page from the table. “Hunter Tyral.”

The door behind the Master Hunter was opened by a servant standing beside it. Tyral stood motionless in the doorway. Her face showed no emotion except for her eyes which were colder than Shalli had ever seen them and, they were focused on her.

Tyral carried a page with her, it was likely her apprentice petition form. From Shalli’s encounter with Tryal in her room two weeks ago she knew it was signed by almost every other student in the room, except herself and two others who were smart enough to know that Tyral would not select them. Tyral held the page out to the Master hunter who carefully took it from her. It felt like time slowed as the Master Hunter carefully read each name silently to himself.

“Seven have petitioned to be your apprentice,” he announced. “Will you select a student to be your apprentice”?

The room fell silent again. Tyral did not answer right away. Instead she looked at each student one by one. She smile only at Shalli, which sent a shiver through her. Tyral was planning something and Shalli had not forgot her vow that Shalli would be her apprentice.

“I will Master Vale.” It was the first time Shalli had heard the Master Hunters name. It was never used in front of student on the rare occasions that he was even mentioned. The room felt eerily quite as silence fell across the room again and they waited for Tyral’s answer. Each student who had signed her list held their breath, hoping the next words Tyral spoke would be their name but, something in Shalli told her that was not about to happen.

“I have decided to invoke Jel’Neque.” Tyral’s voice filled the room, but the students remained silent, staring back at Tyral and Master Vale in confusion.

“It is your right Hunter Tyral.” Master Vale said carefully, “you understand the rules of Jel’Neque”?

“I do, and I stand by my decision.”

Master Vale paused for a moment and looked like he was about to speak again. Instead he turned Tyral’s petition form over and placed it face down on the table to his left.

“Then please sit, so that we may continue.” He motioned for Tyral to sit in the chair to his right, Without hesitation she she took the seat.

*****

One by one the Hunters were called into the room. They would hand their petition form to Master Vale, who would look it over before asking if they would accept an apprentice. Shalli noticed some obvious gaps in the names called, they were the Hunters who either did not have any students sign their petition form, did not post a form for the student to sign, or just decided they didn’t like who has signed their petition and felt the process would be a waste of their time. No Hunter was obligated to accept an apprentice, or show up here to say they would not take one of the students who had petitioned them as an apprentice. The last three hunters had done just that; although it was also a possibility that all the students that had signed their list had already been selected by the time they were called.

Then finally with only three students left in the room Master Vale stopped calling Hunter’s names. He slowly stood.

“I regret to inform you that we have come to the end of the list of hunters.”

Shalli closed her eyes and fought back the tears that were forming in her eyes. Kallen had not showed up. She had risked everything on him. She was sure that it had been the right thing to do and it had cost her only chance at becoming a Hunter.

A call for input on the Show Length

A call for help on a promo for Never Was

After two weeks of waiting the apprentice selection starts.

She would spend her time off with Justin. He had arranged for it off and they both knew that once she started her apprenticeship they would not be able to see much of each other. She had hoped to see Landra, but Landa started her apprenticeship two weeks ago and she hadn’t heard from her since.

She stood and dress in her blue robes. She was already considered a full mage but that didn’t matter once you were accepted into a guild. As a guild student she was just that. Until she finished her apprenticeship and was give the mark of a hunter she would be considered a student and the blue robe meant nothing.

She took a deep breath and look out her window. She was only on the third floor, but most students didn’t even have a window so the view of the roof of the hunter library and the near by building didn’t bother her. A slight wind blew across her shaved head. She missed her hair, it was her only regret about being a hunter, but she was more than willing to accept it. She figured she’d let it grow out when she got pregnant; of course after her apprenticeship and she and Justin got married.

The door burst open and Shalli turned quickly. A tall slender woman with stubble black hair stood in the doorway. The woman’s face was hard and she stared down at Shalli with a pair of cold green eyes. Shalli had never liked Tyral even though the hunter had done her best to befriend Shalli. Tyral didn’t wait to be invited and just stormed in.

“You haven’t singed my petition form yet Shalli.” She said. Tyral was trying to keep her voice calm but Shalli could hear the anger in it. “I’m sure it is because you have been so busy preparing for the end of the year, so I thought I would save you the trip all the way up to my office.”

Now she was just showing off, Shalli thought to her self. Other than the High Hunter, Tyral had the best office in the tower and she made sure everyone knew it.

“I’m sorry Hunter, but I have decided not to petition to be your apprentice.”

Tyral stood for a moment with her mouth hanging open before she caught herself.

“I don’t think I heard you correctly.” she said slowly.

Shalli raised herself as tall as she could but Tyral was still a full head taller. Tyral had ‘talked’ to her about who she would petition previously, but Tyral had always avoided more than just suggesting that Shalli sign her form.

“No Hunter,” Shalli said carefully. “I don’t believe that I would be a good match to be your apprentice. Perhaps…”

“I don’t believe…” Tyral slammed the petition form down on Shalli’s small wooden desk. It shook violently and looked as if it was about to collapse but remained standing. “Everyone knows that you are going to be apprentice. Don’t pretend that you don’t want to sign the form. None of your friends are here to impress.”

Slowly Shalli stepped to her desk. She paused for a moment and looked down at Tyral’s form. It contain the name of almost every other student. Looking up from the form Tyral was fighting an axious smile from her face. Shalli wondered for a moment if Tyral was right, but quickly put that thought aside. If this morning’s event proved anything, it was that Tyral was the last person she wanted to apprentice with.

Reaching down Shalli picked up the form. She held it for a moment before holding out for Tyral. “I am sorry Hunter, but my mind is quite made up. I do not want to sign your petition.”

Tyral’s hand shook as she reached out and took the page from Shalli.

“You listen Shalli,” Tyral said forcing herself not to yell. “You will be apprenticed to me.”

Without another word Tyral marched out and slammed the door behind her, the desk shook again. Shalli took a deep breath and fell to her bed. Shalli knew that Tyral would not be the last Hunter pushing her to sign their petition today; although she doubted any would act as Tyral had. Shalli had made her choice and knew it was the right one. She just had to find the strength to get through the rest of the day.

Shalli struggles with her decision regarding Kallen as another Hunter presses her to sign their apprentice form.

It was the time of year when the students lined up for a chance to put their names on the apprentice list of there favourite hunters. After two years of their specialized training they would finally have an opportunity to go out and put their skills to the test. Most years only half of the apprentices would complete their training. A few would die, but most would find that their nerves didn’t hold up under the pressure.

Shalli was the only student in the school that didn’t have to wait in lines, she had her own. There were great expectations of her, it was said that she was the most powerful mage since Valkyn. No living mage had even seen anyone form spells with as much energy as she could. She had offers from almost every hunter, each trying to convince her how she would benefit from their teaching, but she knew that they were far more interested in what they would gain.

She stopped outside a plain wooden door. The only difference between this door and the many that she had passed in the hall was a name plate with a page tacked under it. The location of his office had been difficult to track down. It was not on the upper floors like the rest, with a view of the city, but in the sub-levels.

There had only been one mage that did not approached her; most had not taken notice of his absences, but she had. This would be an important decision. Important for reasons most students did realise. It was true most students had their own unique style mostly established by this point, but as an apprentice your style and skills would be fine tuned and take on some of their mentors style. It was for this reason that Shalli had come.

She had waited three weeks for the Hunter Kallen to approach her, but he never did. It was not arrogance that she had expected him to do so, but with every other hunters at her door, she wondered why Kallen had not approached her. He was a Hunter of no great reputation. Most of the students didn’t even known he was a hunter. He was assigned the the missions that no one else wanted, but his record was near perfect. The best she had seen, not only had he taken down almost every enemy he faced, he did so with the least amount of collateral damage of any active hunet. With Shalli’s power she could likely apprentice with anyone and still be able to take down any threat, but what would be the cost if she didn’t learn to focus her power. This was what she hoped to learn from Kallen.

The page tacked to the door was empty except for Kallen’s name at the top. It was the petition sheet where students would write their names indicating that they wanted to be considered for apprenticeship. Most contained at least a few names, but she wasn’t surprised to see that the page was blank.

Shalli reached inside of her dark blue robe and pulled out her quill, it had been a gift from her farther when she was accepted to the guild. He had been so proud that she would follow in her mother’s footstep. As she lifted the quill up to the page the door suddenly opened. She stumbled back, but had regained her balance before the door opened enough to reveal who had opened it.

“I am sorry, I did not realise that anyone was out here.” His voice was soft, and his face was not as Shalli has expected. Most of the hunters has at least one scar or burn on there face but Kallen’s face had none. He had shoulder length dark hair, another odd feature as most shaved their heads or had cropped their hair short. “What are you doing down here at this hour? There is nothing down here.” His word might seemed harsh except for his soft tone.

“You’re down here.” Shalli said nervously.

“You have not scheduled an appointment.” He said, looking down at her with his dark brown eyes.

“I don’t have one, sir.” She said stumbling over her words. “I didn’t expect anyone to be down here.”

“Then I’ll be on my way, goodnight miss.” He bowed his head slightly and started away turn down the hall. He had almost turned away from her when Shalli caught herself and return his bow with a much deeper one of her own.

“All ready learning who she does not have to bow to.” She heard him mumble under his breath. Shalli didn’t know how to respond.

“I believe all deserve the same respect.” she said, stumbling with her words. He did not reply and Shalli wasn’t sure if he has heard what she said.

She looked up at the form and raised the quill towards it. She hadn’t been completely sure she would sign his petition formt, but now that she had met him she knew what the right path was for her. Without hesitasion she signed her name.

“Why should I take you on?” His tone was harsh for the first time, but Shalli could still hear his soft voice hidden in the words. She knew in her heart that it was the right thing but she didn’t know how to explain it. She stood silent as he stared down at her. “Well?”

“Because I need you to.” she said, uncertain of what he was expecting or would accept for an answer.

“What you need is someone like Tyral.” He said. Shalli felt judged; that any one misplaced word would deterine her fate.

“What I need is someone who will not use me for their own gain.” Shalli paused for a moment, knowing she had stepped over a line, but Kallen did not respond. She tried to find something else to say but nothing came to mind, so she stood silently waiting for Kallen to say something. Then without another word he turned and walked away.

With school coming to an end the young mage Shalli must decide who she will petition to apprentice with.