And there was much tearing of hair and of clothes, crying and wailing, for the people Solom were enslaved and their masters were cruel. Why, O Father of Slaves, have you allowed your children to suffer so? - The Torment, Chapter 3 Verse 12

Teacher Grimshaw looked at me, almost as if appraising me. “As you know, child, we are the Gar’shan people. We are the chosen of God, the Father. It is a burden, as you most definitely understand. The Torment has lasted over 200 years. Yet we are still a people who have sacred knowledge, as bitter as it may be. You are becoming an adult. You have reached your 18th year, and it is my sad but sacred duty to test you.’

I nodded. Being Gar’shan was a burden, as he said, but was an understatement. We were slaves to the Tauron nation, mocked for our weird practices of following the 999 Commandments that God laid down in the scriptures. I thought of this briefly before I listened to the rest of what Grimshaw was saying. The called us atheists and ignorant savages, they mocked our scriptures and our language and the styles we must wear to announce to the world we are Gar’shan.

‘The Test will consist of two parts if you fail. You will still become an adult, and you will learn the secrets of our people and this world. It is my hope you fail, as it is my hope that all children fail. But sometimes, a rare child passes the test.’ Grimshaw shivered at the mention of success. ‘I passed it, as have all Teachers of the Gar’shan. If you succeed, you may die, despite all the preparations we have made.’

I looked at the table with various instruments and potions. Expensive potions, bought by the entire tribe for this purpose. They were so rarely used, that though a financial burden to maintain, it was a feasible one.

‘I see you have brought your father and brothers. It is beautiful to see a family together, and rare. Are you ready, brothers?’

I looked at my father, who was strong in body and spirit, despite The Torment. My brothers Sal and Joel are growing to be like my father, big muscles and devoutly faithful. They are adults and all had failed The Test. I took after mother, who was not here. Master had to sell her a decade ago, though he apologized for it almost daily. We had a good Master. Mother was lean and slight in stature. She was skilled in reading the scriptures and copying them. She had served as a scribe to our Master and had taught me how to read and write in both Tauron and Gar’shan. I was a natural even at the age of 8.

They all moved me into place, holding me down and strapping me on the table. No one spoke of what would happen during the Test, and I started to grow frightened. ‘Is this necessary? I mean, I will not run or do anything bad, I promise.’

My father was the one who replied. ‘It is necessary, Vin. Its not to hurt you or punish you, it is to protect you.’ Despite the straps, my father started holding my chest down Sal held down my arms, even though they were strapped down already and Joel held my legs. The used their full body weight to hold me down. Teacher Grimshaw took his place near my head. His cool hands rested on my forehead as he pushed my head uncomfortably into the table.

‘Now, Calvin. I am going to tell you to say two words. You will repeat them. If you fail the test, nothing will happen and I will unstrap you and we can have a little chat.’

‘What happens if I pass the test?’ I asked, nervous.

‘Well, Calvin… lets hope it doesn’t come to that. Though we need more Teachers, I would not wish upon even the most evil Tauron what will happen to you if you pass.’ Grimshaw said this with sadness and a little fear. I knew we hadn’t had a new Techer in over 10 years so I was not worried… well not too worried. Every Gar’shan was tested on the day of their eighteenth birthday. Rumor had it that if you were not tested, then something horrible could happen to you.’

‘Are you ready, Calvin?’

‘Yes, Teacher.’ I said, though suddenly I was not sure.

‘Repeat after me….’ He paused and uttered two words. The words were two words that I knew, but never would have put them together, but I repeated them faithfully, even though I was so nervous my voice shook.

‘Character Sheet’ I said. It was then that everything changed forever.