"What do you mean?" Theo asked. Sydney disengaged from her hug and walked to the door.
"As I said, you'll know soon." She said solemnly as she went inside.
'What does that mean!? You can't just tell me to fight you then cryptically say you're worried I'll leave!' Theo thought to himself with outrage. Theo sighed as he sat down and leaned against the house. A few minutes later, his dad walked up to the yard and was about to go inside before he noticed him.
John walked over to Theo. "What's wrong?" He asked.
"I'm not sure. I got back and Sydney wanted to spar me, but she said she wouldn't hold back. She seemed worried about something and now I'm just confused." Theo said. John chuckled a bit.
"I see. I think I know what's wrong. Come on, I have something to tell you and your mom wants to be there to hear your response to a certain choice you'll have." John said as he offered Theo his hand. Theo sighed and took his hand.
"Alright..." He said as he got up. They went inside and saw Kendra sitting at the table, waiting.
"Food's done, we'll eat after our talk." Kendra said. John nodded and motioned for Theo to sit. He did and John sat next to Kendra, on the opposite side of the table from Theo.
"Does this play into how Sydney was behaving earlier?" Theo asked. Kendra nodded.
"You see, in my family, there are expectations placed on every child, no matter how far away they live." Kendra said warmly. John nodded. "The boys are expected to be intermediate-level swordsmen and at least an intermediate-level Wizard. At some point when they're seven, a test is held for every child, you remember that time when a woman came here and Sydney spent the day with her, right?" Kendra asked.
"Yeah, she seemed nice." Theo said. 'I thought it was strange though...' He thought.
"She is. That's my sister, but she was also your sister's test giver. You see, for the women, you are expected to be at least a high-level Wizard and a novice swordsman. She passed easily. But if you fail the test, you have to train at the family house. You also have the choice to just go to the family house without taking the test. If you do go to the family house, you will be there for at least three years." She explained.
"So you want to know if I want to be tested or just go." Theo guessed.
"Correct." John said. Theo nodded.
"I'd rather have a test." Theo said.
"Alright." Kendra said.
"We're expecting the test giver to get here any day now, which is why we're bringing it up to you now." John said.
"I know it seems like we're just throwing this on you, but the test is meant to be secret until they know when it's going to be held." Kendra explained.
"Okay." Theo said.
"That's all, go get your sister and wash up." Kendra said. Theo nodded then went to his room.
"They told you, right?" She asked as he entered while looking out the window.
"Yeah." Theo said.
"You get why you need to practice now, right?" She asked as she looked at him. Theo nodded.
"I get it. But we only have a few days." Theo said.
"That's why we have to train hard!" Sydney said as she walked over to him and put her hands on his shoulders. "I don't expect for you to stay, but I'm hoping to lessen the time you're gone for." She said.
"Good to know you have high expectations for me." Theo said sarcastically.
"I'm just being realistic." She said with a laugh.
"Anyway, the food's done, we have to wash up." Theo said.
"Alright! Let's go!" She said with her usual chipper tone.
"Good! Like that!" Sydney said as Theo took an opportunity to counter, though he missed. As the two were sparring, a man walked up to them.
"Is this the Lorenstein house?" He asked. The two stopped sparring. 'If it is, I don't think I have much hope for the boy...' The man thought to himself as he looked at Theo.
"Yes, our mother is inside." Sydney said with a serious tone.
'Looks like this is the guy... Thin, lanky... Probably skilled...' Theo thought to himself.
"Thank you." The man said, then went inside. Theo and Sydney followed him.
"Ah, Gavin, they sent you..." Kendra said, a little disheartend.
"Yes, well, the others are out. It was me, or father." Gavin said.
"I see..." She said. "Well, that's Theo... He's great with magic..." Kendra said gloomily.
"And swords?" Gavin asked, clearly he had been expecting her to continue.
"You'll see..." She said with the same tone and expression as before.
"Yes, well, I suppose I will." Gavin said, then turned to Theo. "Boy, follow me." He said as he started walking to the door.
"Right..." Theo said reluctantly as he looked at his mother. After a moment, he began to follow the man.
"We will be using dulled swords, they're made of metal, unlike whatever barbaric garbage you were using over there." Gavin said.
"Well, they're cheaper." Theo said.
"Yes, I suppose they are." Gavin said as he continued walking. Once out of the yard, they took a left. "In my notice, I was informed you are an elite level caster, same as your sister, is this true?" He asked.
"Yeah, since I was five." Theo responded as they walked.
"Hm, impressive. I suppose we'll see if your swordsmanship is as impressive." He stated. After a while of walking, they reached a carriage with many guards around it. Gavin entered it and came back out shortly. "Here's yours, we'll perform the test here. I will not hold back, use whatever trick necessary." Gavin said as he handed Theo the practice sword. The guards turned to watch the sparring match.
"Last time I was here it was a girl, and damn, she could fight." One of the guards spoke.
"Was it his sister?" Another asked.
"Yeah, I think so." A different guard answered.
"Let's see if he can measure up." Yet another guard spoke up.
"Even magic?" Theo asked. Gavin thought for a moment.
"Use any trick so long as it's not magic." He rephrased.
"Right..." Theo said.
"Stand ready!" Gavin asserted as he readied himself. Theo did as well. "Begin!" He said.