Chapter 35: A Big Announcement (2)

Chapter 35: A Big Announcement (2)

The next day at morning assembly, an announcement was made that caused a stir among all of the Seers.

The last of the interviews will be conducted this afternoon, High Archon Sabadras said. The results will be announced first thing next week. Please make sure to attend tomorrows morning assembly, as there will be a special announcement.

The High Archons teasing of a special announcement had the intended effect, as virtually everyone gathered early on the Sixthday morning assembly.

In his haste to find a spot, Xerxes couldnt find Gandash, but instead found himself standing next to Jad.

What do you think its about? Jad whispered. What if theyre sending us off to fight the Abhorrent already!

No way, Xerxes replied. I bet theyre announcing some of the assessment results early. Like for the ones who did really well.

Neither of them were correct.

In order to reward you after this week of testing, said High Archon Kingallu, you are being given a chance to relax before the coming rigors of intensive study and training. By means of a banquet!

A ripple of excited exclamations rose in the crowd.

Finally, Jad said. Something fun!

There will be food, the High Archon went on, wine, singing, dancing, and more. Of course, given the occasion, youll need to wear your finest clothing.

Of course!

Xerxes watched as his friend slid a chest out from under his bed, unlocked it, and flipped the lid back. Xerxes jaw clenched as he saw what was inside. Numerous neatly arranged stacks of gold and silver shekels. He looked away; his friend obviously had a lot more than he did. Not that it was a surprise.

Gandash took out a handful of money and threw it into a pouch. I think Im going to invest in some new bracers. The formal kind, you know? And probably some boots. Have you seen the kind the Archons wear, the ones where the front part curls up in front of the toes? I have to have some like that.

Xerxes hadnt noticed such footwear, but not wanting to sound ignorant, he said, Oh, that kind. Yeah.

Come on, lets go!

Gandash dragged Xerxes out of the school and down the street to the east.

There were carriages everywhere, as well as horses, pedestrians, vendors, soldiers, and beggars. Xerxes felt like his neck was going to be sore from all the looking around. But Gandash kept them moving at a quick pace toward the bazaar.

It was a grander market than anything Xerxes had seen before. He stepped through the main gate into the area with vendor tables, tarps, tents, and the like. How big was this place? There seemed no end to the pathways.

As he walked along, a conglomeration of scents and sounds met him. He caught a whiff of leather from a shop that sold belts and bags, and then a faint, musty aroma as they passed a stall with stacks upon stacks of cotton cloth. He turned his head when he heard yelling, only to realize it was nothing more than a friendly negotiation. And then he heard tinkling sounds from a shop that specialized in glass beads.

It only took about fifteen minutes to slip away from Gandash. While his friend was looking through some silver jewelry, Xerxes said, Im going to check out something over here. Be right back.

Then he ducked around a corner and walked as quickly as possible through three or four intersections before looking around to see if Gandash was trying to catch up. He wasnt.

Finally, he thought. Now I can look around without moneybags peering over my shoulder the entire time. So, where do I start? Robe first? Or hat?