The Ancient Testing Chamber was deep in the oldest part of the palace. Unlike the fancy newer areas, these hallways had worn stone walls and old tapestries showing how the Covenant began—the magic agreement that gave the royal family their powers.
As Arthur walked up to the huge wooden doors, he felt a tingle—old magic in the very walls. Two guards stood there in old-style armor.
"Prince Arthur Lionheart for his preliminary assessment," Elliot announced formally.
The guards bowed and opened the heavy doors. Inside was a round room that seemed to exist outside normal time.
The walls had carved runes and the ceiling showed star patterns. In the middle was a platform with a large crystal glowing blue—the stone that had tested royal magic for generations.
Royal Mage Thorne stood nearby, talking with two assistants. Several nobles watched from the edges of the room, as was their right.
"I'll go alone from here," Arthur told Elliot quietly. "Wait for me outside."
