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"Damn it! She only went out to find a little slave, and she went and got herself killed. Utterly useless!" Third Auntie was still cursing. Her considerable weight nearly bent the poor cane beneath her!
The little slaves supporting her were drenched in sweat, each one exhausted and miserable.
"All these people? Those damned lowborn fools are dreaming. This town hasn't produced a Wizard in hundreds of years. It never will!"
Third Auntie sneered, unleashing a stream of insults the moment she opened her mouth.
The neighbors all looked over, frowning helplessly.
"What are you staring at? Never seen me before?"
Third Auntie took all her anger out on everyone around her.
Everyone: "..."
The sun climbed high.
Just as everyone was growing drowsy, a Wizard in fine clothes suddenly appeared on the platform.
His white Wizard robe gave him an air of nobility.
Barton glanced around, then looked at the empty seat beside him.
"Hmph! Just as I thought. Mond had no faith in this place and left!" With a cold sneer, Barton sat in the chair the mayor had prepared.
The mayor, nearly sixty, hurried over with a fawning smile and bowed, waiting for Barton's instructions.
"All right. Begin!"
He waved a hand.
"All adults not taking part, leave the square. Do not cross the boundary!"
Barton swept the crowd with a cold gaze. Rich and poor alike retreated in fear, leaving the children in the square.
The children lined up of their own accord, waiting to be tested by the Wizard they held in such awe.
From somewhere, Barton produced a blood-colored basin no bigger than his fist and a small white bone.