What A Beautiful Rage!

It was a twisty path indeed to the gray imposing building in which the High Mages resided. Chloe felt like her innards had all re-arranged with fright.

Still, she did her best to breath deeply for as much mental clarity as she could have. She had no idea what the tests would involve, but she was determined to undergo them successfully.

Kaaldar looked especially stern faced this morning, his mouth turned into a grim downward curve. Somehow, she knew this wouldn't be easy. ''Time to practice that deep breathing,'' she thought with care.

A long path, and they were in a large chamber. Grim faced mages in black robes wandered to and fro. One with an elaborate headdress was at the center of the room, on a raised platform. He must have been the highest of the "High Mages". He, also, wore the sternest expression of them all. Chloe felt sure her heart was in her throat. Swallowing was very difficult.

"Grand Inquisitor Halerian D'Visic", the small bronze placard rad, near the top of his podium. "Gulp! Grand Inquisitor, indeed!'' She thought. She felt close to fainting.

''Greetings. I have heard of your plight. Do you have some idea of what lies before you, Chloe?'' his green eyes bore into Chloe's blue eyes with a laser intensity. She looked into those green eyes as unblinkingliy as she could. She was determined to show bravery. ''Yes,'' she said firmly, ''There will be tests and a transformation.''

''Good, Kaaldar has given you some idea. Now, Kaaldar, you are to sit in this chair off to the side. You may not in any way interrupt the proceedings? Is that understood?,'' D'Visic's ears gave Kaaldar the glare, now.

''Yes,'' Kaaldar replied, somewhat bug-eyed. He found the hard seat, and lowered himself on to it. He felt so afraid for Chloe. He felt afraid for himself, as well. He was sure Chloe was match for the test. Still, until the results were all in, he would continue to be nervous.

As the platform was a good foot and a half taller than the ground floor, the inquisitor towered over the pale elf. No doubt, this was to give him a sense of greater authority.

''We will begin with a prayer to Innoruuk,'' the inquisitor began.

''Oh great and mighty Innoruuk, I stand before you today and beg your wisdom. I place myself upon your altar. Destroy me that I may be re-created anew in your image.''

With that, he leaned backwards, his ornate headdress still adhering tightly. Chlow was surprised how much the man's face softened during this act of submission to his diety. His face, which had been almost ugly with severity became beautiful. ''Should I be having these thoughts,'' Chloe wondered.

He spent some time in this position of submission, looking somehow radiant. He looked as though he were gathering strands of energy form some invisable source, becoming more radiant with each gathering.

Finally, the prayer was done, and a rather refreshed man faced her.

His green eyes glowed, as they bore through Chloe. ''You have heard a false version of the creation of the children of Innoruuk, twisted by the minds of fear and ignorance. You have heard how the High Elven prince and Princess were tortured in making them the first of the Dark race. This is because they do not understand the necessary rituals.

It is the power of Innoruuk to destroy in order to rebuild. You must face death unblinking. Do you understand?'', those laser eyes bore into Chloe.

''Yes,'' she uttered, not letting loose of his eyes.

''You will die, but you will be reborn. You will die to your old self, but you will be born stronger, wiser, fiercer, of keener eyesight, you will be. But, be aware, you will find yourself hated by those who originally spawned you. You will be unwelcome in the Fierdal cities, their guards will consider you their enemy, and will run their sharp swords through you. Do you understand?''

Wide-eyed, yet still holding his eyes in her gaze, she replied very softly, ''Yes.''

''You will understand it is their minds of ignorance and fear that is the true evil.''

''Yes, I do,'' Chloe interrupted rather abruptly.

''Good,'' D'Visic gruffly replied, not happy with being interrupted.

''Can you bear this pain? Have you the strength?'' Chloe nodded. ''You must give up your weak ways of humility! Only the proud survive. The meek deserve their shameful deaths. No one shall mourn the loss of their despicable lives,'' he continued.

This was a radical departure from what Chloe had been taught as a child. Always, she was told pride was a sin. One was to never think 'too much of oneself'. She had been frequently scolded for bragging too much. It had never made much sense to her.

Perhaps, she'd be at home among these brave, fierce, but misunderstood people, and she let loose a half smile.

D'Visic noticed this half-smile. Leaning over the podium to bring his face hearer to hers, he shouted, ''Do you agree?''

Chloe nodded. ''Can you say it a little more strongly than that?'' he grilled, still leaning over her, glaring through her.

''Yes!'' she quickly affirmed.

''Is that all the strength you can muster?'' he taunted her.

''No!'' shouted Chloe, finding herself a little angry.

''Are you going to be strong, or will you crumble under the first whiff of disapproval from the paler elves? You won't have a Momma to run home to. Are you gonna take it? Are you gonna be proud enough to survive?'' D'Visic grilled, his eyes nearly reaming her.

Standing on her tip toes, to bring her face nearer to him, Chloe screamed at the top of her lungs, ''YES, I'M GOING TO BE STRONG ENOUGH!''

''Good!'' D'Visic smiled. ''What a beautiful rage! You have passed the test.''

Chloe cried with great relief. She, still feeling somewhat weak-kneed, walked over to Kaaldar and embraced him, gratefully surrendering to his strong arms, which held her so gently but firmly. ''Ah-h-h-h-h!,'' they both sighed.