The Chosen by K. J. Nessly

called from somewhere nearby and David found it strange that one should be out this late. As it was he could have sworn the torchbearer flinched when the cry was uttered.
    Finally the eulogy ended and the four torch bearers stepped forward and ignited the pyre. As the body was engulfed in fire, David wondered if he would ever become a full Guardian. He was seventeen and had yet to be placed in a family. Did this mean he hadn’t been chosen? Those trained by the Guardians but not chosen for Guardian service usually ended up working as royal protectors. He didn’t want to end up as a bodyguard for royalty— he wanted to be a Guardian. With every fiber of his being he wanted to be a Guardian.
    After the body was consumed there was a small reception, David’s thoughts turned back to the young torch bearer and he looked around, but she had disappeared. That night, as he lay in his bed, his thoughts turned to his destiny. David didn’t think he could go through life not being chosen as a Guardian, but it was not his decision. His tortured thoughts kept him awake much longer than usual and his dreams, restless.
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

Chapter 5
     
     
    Early the next morning David was summoned to appear before the Guardian Council.
    “You’d think they’d pick a better time,” Luke grumbled as David stumbled around in the dark getting dressed.
    David had to agree with his friend on this one. Daybreak was not normal rising time—for anybody.  However the Council had called and h e mus t answer. As he made his way to the council room, David couldn’t stop the aerial gymnastics his stomach was currently participating in. There were only four reasons a trainee was summoned to the council room, punishment, promotion, expulsion, or family emergencies.
    The last time David had been summoned before the Council was when his grandfather had died. He had been released from training for one week for the funeral and to spend time with his family.
    Now, as he walked down the halls, David couldn’t help but wonder if someone else in his family had died. Several couriers had arrived late in the evening the night before. Perhaps one had brought bad news. At last he reached the doors to the council room. An elderly woman asked his name, and then disappeared into the room. For several tense moments David was left alone before she came back out.
    “They are expecting you,” she said as she waved him in.
    The council room was a circle inscribed inside another circle. Between the outer edge of the first and second circles, fourteen stone chairs sat on a slightly raised platform. Inside the inner circle was an etching of the kingdom. Each of the six realms were subdivided into the regions patrolled by Guardians. The fourteen chairs were occupied by fourteen Guardians who had been chosen by the Council before them.
    “Welcome David,” Lord Mora greeted him. Lord Jasse also issued a welcome to the now alert teenager.
    “My Lords.” David gave a bow of acknowledgement to the Council, keeping his eye on Lord Mora and Lord Jasse. Of all the Council members Lord Jasse was friendliest with the trainees and the least intimidating. His face was not sorrowful or carefully controlled, which made it unlikely that David was about to receive condolences.
    “Have you any idea why you have been called here David?” Lord Lyrion asked.
    David shook his head. “No, sir, I do not.”
    Lyrion smiled. “Then let us tell you.”
    Lady Teresë, one of the oldest councilmembers, spoke up. “David, you are being appointed to Guardian status.”
    David looked at the Council in complete surprise. This was not a possibility he had entertained and the knowledge that he would not end up as a palace guard brought unspeakable joy. But just as quickly that joy was replaced with doubt. “I am honored, but I do not feel ready,” he protested quietly.
    Lord Jasse looked at him. “It is for that reason you are.”
    “There is another reason you