Free Prophecy's Promise (Prophecy of the Edges Book 1) by Lauren Amundson

simply nodded.
    “Enter and learn of your Track, your Future, and our Future,” the man said. “Follow your Initiate now and for a year.”
    Altis stuck his hands out to his side, parallel to the ground and spun in a circle. Beneath him, the ground turned into a solid wooden disk. He stepped off the disk and lifted it up, revealing a staircase. Altis entered and I followed.
    The stairway led down to a well-lit tunnel. The tunnel was a perfect square carved through the rock. There were no torches. Light was Woven into it. We walked along until we were what seemed to be about half way back along the edge of the Mist Weaver Building, and then we turned, walking underneath it. From there, the tunnels turned into somewhat of a maze, but Altis led me along twists and turns without hesitating. I trotted behind in silence. Finally, he opened a door and ushered me inside.
    “Before the Keep and the castle that protects it were built, our ancestors hid in these tunnels. Hid and lived. Today, you will find new life in new secrets and promises.”
    We entered into a chapel with an immense altar flanked by twin candles. The altar, covered with intricate patterns, appeared to be carved from a single slab of limestone. A few of the patterns on the altar reminded me of the pendant Garth had given me.
    Several dozen Warrior Initiates filed in and stood along the walls, which were also covered with patterns.
    “Kneel, Apprentice,” Altis said, gesturing in front of the altar. I obeyed.
    I’m not sure what I expected, but this formal ceremony littered with both obscure and obvious symbolism was far from it. Lavender scents filled the room. I turned trying to find the source, but Altis tisked at me. I faced the altar once again.
    “My brothers and sisters, we are gathered together to bring our new Sister into our numbers,” Altis said. He moved out of the way, and each of the Warriors shuffled in front of me and whispered a prayer over my head. After each of the Warriors had uttered various wishes, prayers, or sentiments, Altis stood in front of me again. Silence reigned for several long moments.
    “Are you prepared to use the Mist to defend those who cannot defend themselves?”
    “I am.” I liked the thought of that. Although, I wished that I could have defended Shezdon and somehow prevented his death.
    “Are you prepared to use the Mist to battle all evil?”
    “I am.”
    “Are you prepared to use the Mist and enter into our numbers?”
    Not particularly , I thought, but instead said, “I am,” for the third time.
    “We welcome your new beginning and ask the Guardians to guide you in your journey. You will keep the Vigil, but remember the Rite only begins today. It is up to you to continue the Rite each day as you use the Mist and as the Mist uses you.
    “Now you will keep the Vigil. Do not move from your place. You will learn of the mysteries of the Mist and our responsibilities as the Warriors. You will have time to reflect on this. Time to be silent and time to grow into the beginnings of the Warrior you will become. Reflect upon your truths.”
    All the Warriors shuffled from the room. The door slammed shut, leaving me alone with Altis. “It helps if you Weave a cast around your legs.” He blew out the candles and left the room.
    The same intrinsic light that was part of the tunnels was part of this room. I wondered what would happen if I moved. How would they know?
    Kneeling there, I knew that I could not accept Adine’s offer, at least not until after I had completed my duties to Gryshelm. Some Guardian did select me. Me. Hailey Troubade.
    It wasn’t only the Guardians who were putting their faith in me. Nazarie and Meena trusted me, as did Altis and Queen Mauzaca herself. Shezdon had even died in order to give me an ancient book that he felt would help me.
    Every equation has a solution. Often at first, for the really complex ones, the equation is not easily apparent. Maybe even for a hundred years no one can see