Chapter 2
This chapter begins shortly after the 1st one. Pug is with his good friend from the Castle who has almost been like an adopted brother to him. Thomas's parents have even treated Pug as if he was one of his own in the Castle. They are walking through the woods talking about the coming Choosing ceremony. A Festival where all boys in the castle and town are chosen by the Master Craftsmen and Castle staff to be new apprentices. Most if they are the sons of Masters then those are typically the crafts they are chosen into. Other sons may join new crafts if their father has no more room or the certain boy shows the aptitude for a certain craft.
While in the woods they happen upon a majestic deer with a huge antler. The Dukes Huntmaster happens upon the boys and is able to calmly walk up the deer and then, in turn, have the boys approach the deer to pet it. Martin the Huntmaster is a sort of enigma not originally being from the area and having arrived and be appointed the position outside the tradition. He recounts how he knows the elves to the east/northeast in Elvandar. The boys were especially excited to talk all things elves. Martin let the boys know he had been gone from the castle for the last few month because he had been in Elvandar for the feast where the Eleven Queen Aglaranna ended her 20 years of mourning from the death of her husband the Elven King.
It was a nice subtle way to build more of the world around pug by the author. Not a huge exposition dump but it flowed naturally. Pugs curiosity raising the question where had Martin been the last few months. The world around Pug gets a little more in depth. We know from this Chapter that the area is somewhat peaceful. The Duke is very well respected. His Children well loved. The Elves to the east are friendly and at least to Martin inviting. The Elves are seen as something exotic and grand.
At the choosing ceremony, we are introduced to the Duke and his family. Borric conDoin his two sons Lyam and Arutha. As well as the Father Tully. The Castle priest. who served the previous Duke and is wise and jovial but also stern.
The choosing goes quickly with Pug and Thomas to be chosen last. Thomas, as expected, is chosen by the swordmaster. Meaning Thomas may one day be an officer in the Dukes personal guard. Unexpectedly Pug is left last and seems to be about to be unchosen by any master something uncommon but not unheard of. Just as Pug is losing all hope the Castle Magician speaks up and requests that Pug become his apprentice. The people are shocked at first since the magician is not really considered staff per say and his request goes a bit against tradition (Keep in mind we learn Magicians are viewed very suspiciously by most. People not understanding magic and being superstitious). The Duke, however, rules that the Magician is indeed a Master of his craft and therefore has the right to choose an apprentice. Pug is relieved and even though he never once imagined being a magician it will no doubt be better than the not being chosen option.
The Chapter ends with a Feast where everyone celebrates the Harvest and the choosing. we are given a picture of peace and prosperity where people of Crydee are happy and well taken care of. The chapter paints a very pleasant picture of the times and the people and the area. But also underlays again that Pug is an underdog. Almost not chosen and even admitted to by Kulgen that he only chose him in a last-second impulse. Though it is true he could do with a little help from an apprentice. Pug is liked enough around the Castle that most seem happy that he did find a place.
This chapter begins shortly after the 1st one. Pug is with his good friend from the Castle who has almost been like an adopted brother to him. Thomas's parents have even treated Pug as if he was one of his own in the Castle. They are walking through the woods talking about the coming Choosing ceremony. A Festival where all boys in the castle and town are chosen by the Master Craftsmen and Castle staff to be new apprentices. Most if they are the sons of Masters then those are typically the crafts they are chosen into. Other sons may join new crafts if their father has no more room or the certain boy shows the aptitude for a certain craft.
While in the woods they happen upon a majestic deer with a huge antler. The Dukes Huntmaster happens upon the boys and is able to calmly walk up the deer and then, in turn, have the boys approach the deer to pet it. Martin the Huntmaster is a sort of enigma not originally being from the area and having arrived and be appointed the position outside the tradition. He recounts how he knows the elves to the east/northeast in Elvandar. The boys were especially excited to talk all things elves. Martin let the boys know he had been gone from the castle for the last few month because he had been in Elvandar for the feast where the Eleven Queen Aglaranna ended her 20 years of mourning from the death of her husband the Elven King.
It was a nice subtle way to build more of the world around pug by the author. Not a huge exposition dump but it flowed naturally. Pugs curiosity raising the question where had Martin been the last few months. The world around Pug gets a little more in depth. We know from this Chapter that the area is somewhat peaceful. The Duke is very well respected. His Children well loved. The Elves to the east are friendly and at least to Martin inviting. The Elves are seen as something exotic and grand.
At the choosing ceremony, we are introduced to the Duke and his family. Borric conDoin his two sons Lyam and Arutha. As well as the Father Tully. The Castle priest. who served the previous Duke and is wise and jovial but also stern.
The choosing goes quickly with Pug and Thomas to be chosen last. Thomas, as expected, is chosen by the swordmaster. Meaning Thomas may one day be an officer in the Dukes personal guard. Unexpectedly Pug is left last and seems to be about to be unchosen by any master something uncommon but not unheard of. Just as Pug is losing all hope the Castle Magician speaks up and requests that Pug become his apprentice. The people are shocked at first since the magician is not really considered staff per say and his request goes a bit against tradition (Keep in mind we learn Magicians are viewed very suspiciously by most. People not understanding magic and being superstitious). The Duke, however, rules that the Magician is indeed a Master of his craft and therefore has the right to choose an apprentice. Pug is relieved and even though he never once imagined being a magician it will no doubt be better than the not being chosen option.
The Chapter ends with a Feast where everyone celebrates the Harvest and the choosing. we are given a picture of peace and prosperity where people of Crydee are happy and well taken care of. The chapter paints a very pleasant picture of the times and the people and the area. But also underlays again that Pug is an underdog. Almost not chosen and even admitted to by Kulgen that he only chose him in a last-second impulse. Though it is true he could do with a little help from an apprentice. Pug is liked enough around the Castle that most seem happy that he did find a place.
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