TORI FOUND herself standing around a handy number of common folks. Where am I? The last thing she remembered was she told Rowan to guard her while she took a nap under the Willow Tree that she found near the exam hall. Tori was sure she fell asleep under the shade of a tree with the chilly breeze that almost sang her to sleep.

"Where am I? Why is everyone gathered in the capital's plaza?" Tori recognized the crowded place. It was the capital's plaza where nobles and common folks usually meet.

The sun was almost setting as the fiery red hue flashed on the horizon; the bells kept ringing,...