Chapter 1 It was a bitter, cold, morning on one of the most anticipated days of the year. Hundreds of people gathered up to see the graduation ceremony, where the new citizens will be given a monster egg, and assigned to a home in one of the multiple housing districts, or if the graduate chooses, the military barracks, where they will be trained to fight and defend the great house of Trinity. Gale was up early that day working the family farm when he heard a loud whistle. Turning to face the source of the noise, he noticed Daen sitting haphazardly on his horse. "Hey Gale, you ready for the ceremony? We need to get there early so we can be first in line." Gale, knowing that today was Reckoning Day, had, in fact, been looking forward to it since he began his last year in the University. However, that particular day he had a gut wrenching feeling that all was not well. "Yeah we can leave in a minute, I just need to put the saddle on Ole' Faithful" To his right, Ole' Faithful, a beautiful black Stallion neighed. His intimidating light grey mane stood out from the dark of his shiny coat. The horse carried himself with dignity, which gave away his many years of experience. Gale often took pride in the horse's superior training. Gale and Daen were well down the road when they spotted Alyssa walking down the dirt path shivering ever so slightly. "Alyssa!!" Daen called "How come you aren't riding your horse. The ceremony will be over by the time you get there." As Daen pulled up beside her he reached out his hand, helping her up on his horse. "Thanks Daen" "Jeez Aly, you're freezing. Here wear my sweater" Alyssa smiled at him. "Thanks" Daen turned to Gale grinning, not even trying to hide his fiery red cheeks. The rest of the trip was very quiet up until the University came into view. What happened next seemed to last ages.