When Rick woke up, he saw Sylvia already dressed and standing at the entrance to the pavilion. The light from the early morning sun framed her silhouette.
She looked different in some way, like she was more tense than she had been in days. Last night's calm closeness felt like it came from a different world.
Rick said, "Something's wrong?" And then he immediately wished he hadn't when he saw her shoulders tense up.
"The Council of Elders sent word this morning," Sylvia said without looking back. "They've made a decision about what your last trial will be like."
"The Character Trial." She clenched her hands at her sides. "I tried to change their minds, but they all agreed. After the council votes, I can't change their minds."
Rick got dressed and went to stand next to her. "The Character trial, huh... What's that supposed to do?"
