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the ball started to grow. The ball expanded to the size of a full grown man. Heat radiated from it, hitting the crowd in waves; but it was nothing compared to the heat that radiated from the balls of flame Master Auna and the man in black had made.
    Vincent trembled as he looked at the vast crowd that was assembled. This was foolish, why had he tried to do something this complicated? If it went wrong he would surely be killed. His eyes paused on Master Auna, who was smiling encouragingly. Vincent’s worries seemed to disappear and he smiled as he dropped his raised hands to his side. The ball, now the size of a very large cow, dropped from the sky, hitting Vincent and exploding into a roaring pillar that shot into the air. Several terrified cries rang from those in attendance.
    When the flames died down, Vincent stood wreathed in flames in the perfect suit of armour created by his token. He sent the flames back to the torches and returned to his seat. Excitement gripped Vincent as he sat. He had actually done it.
    There was an awed silence that lasted several minutes until Abbot Markov rose slowly to his feet and started clapping his hands. The crowd soon followed until there was a thunderous roar.
    “What a wondrous display of power,” The Abbot exclaimed after the cheering had subsided. “The Goddess has truly smiled upon all of you. Continue developing your tokens and you will all become able tools in the hands of Sandora.” He smiled encouragingly at the initiates. “Now, with the technicalities taken care of, let the tournament begin.” The crowd erupted once again in excited cheers.
    The years seemed to melt off of Grand Abbot Markov as he addressed the crowd of spectators. “The Tournament will consist of four events. The winner of the most events will be named champion. In the event of a tie, an additional event will be held.” Abbot Markov paused a moment before continuing. “Knights of Sandora must be skilled in all aspects of combat. For that reason all knights are taught to use diverse weapons and are trained in various tactics of warfare. Therefore all areas of combat will be tested this evening. The first event will test the archery skills of the initiates.” Thomas moaned audibly. Vincent, on the other hand, couldn’t believe his luck. Of all the skills they could have chosen, it was one in which he was an expert.
    With a nod from the Abbot, ten circular targets were brought onto the field. Master Auna returned to the field as the Abbot sat once again. Auna indicated for Vincent and the others to take their places in front of the targets. Bows and arrows were distributed as Master Auna addressed them
    “The rules are simple. If you miss a target, you are eliminated. Hitting your target will advance you to the next round. Each round will consist of a greater distance from the target. Do you all understand?” The initiates nodded their understanding. “Very well, the first round will be from ten imperial paces. Go.”
    The eager line of contestants measured out the distance and readied their bows to shoot. Auna took a place safely behind the line of archers.
    “Ready...” he called, “release!” There was a whistle as ten arrows left their bowstrings, sailing toward the waiting targets, followed by eight sharp thuds.
    Vincent’s arrow stood quivering in his target. He heaved a sigh of relief. Thomas, on the other hand, was not nearly as skilled with the bow. His arrow had sailed over his target, just barely missing it, and was buried in a tree on the edge of the clearing, thus eliminating him.
    The remaining contestants measured out another ten paces. They took their places and released on Auna’s command. All eight arrows found their mark.
    “The distance will be doubled this round,” Auna instructed and the contestants turned and measured the distance. They now stood forty paces away from the targets
    This round saw four contestants eliminated. Only Kai, Albert, Thayne and Vincent