Filed to story: The Chosen Saga Novel PDF Free
“Correct. The Choosing is a ritual held annually in one of the main villages. Last year it was over in Oak. People can attend any Choosing in their province as long as they reached official age that same year.”
“That’s what that girl last year did, right? She went to Oak. She never came back, so I am guessing she made it.”
“Ha, Shavon as a Chosen. Doubtful,” Korine sneered. “She was weak, like you. You two should have been best friends, Araiya.”
“No one wanted to be my friend because of you, Korine. You always whine and take things that don’t belong to you. Like a spoiled toddler,” Araiya threw back.
“Girls!” Sonya smacked the table. “The Choosing is being held here this year, but it will go to the next village next year. So, when you become official, unless you want to travel to another village, you won’t be able to enter. This year is just aligned to make it the most special day. A few Chosen are selected from each province every year by the Goddess. No one knows exactly what happens after they are Chosen, but they do randomly come back to their villages for visits. It is all very secretive, but that is the Goddess for you.”
“So, you don’t know what happens to these people?” Linc asked.
“Of course, we do. The Chosen go on to live long, successful lives.” Lincoln turned toward his father as he walked into the room, so Linc missed the guilt that flashed on their mom’s face, but Araiya didn’t. She arched an eyebrow at her mother. Her mother gave a tiny head shake before she turned to Jon with a smile.
“Good morning, husband.”
“Good morning, everyone. Sorry, I took so long. I couldn’t bring myself to start the day.” He sat down, and everyone dug in. “So, Araiya, are you ready for your birthday?”
“Yes, Jon, are you?”
“Oh yes, thank you for asking. Everything is all prepared for this special day.”
“You are ready for my birthday? Why?” Araiya questioned.
“Oh well, as of today, you are an official woman. Are you ready for everything that comes along with that change?” Jon stared over at her, and Korine snickered from her chair.
“Well, thankfully, I am.” Araiya looked back at Korine with a smirk. “I have already accepted an apprenticeship at the stables. Elder Tobias asked me to work for him if I am blessed enough not to be chosen. He seemed very pleased that I already have so much experience working with your horses. I have already secured a place to live, so I am not a burden on you anymore.”
“You what?” Korine screeched.
“What? Was I not supposed to plan the next steps of my life as an official? It’s what we are told to do in school. Anyways let’s eat. I am starved and have tons of stuff to do before this stupid ritual.” Araiya started to fill her plate with food.
“Honey, before you dig in, would you like to open your gifts? Lincoln has been dying to give you his gift all morning.” Araiya’s mother came over and placed a small box and a letter in front of her. “Lincoln can wait a little longer. I want to go first. Don’t open the letter yet. It’s for another time. You will know when to open it. Open the box.”
Araiya slowly untied the ribbon on the small box and cracked the lid. She gasped and pulled out a silver necklace. Her mother stood and helped her put it on. The pendant was a dragon wrapped around a deep violet jewel. As soon as it touched Araiya’s skin, a deep feeling of love settled into her body. Korine and Jon’s face were riveted on the necklace.
“Mom, it’s amazing! Thank you so much. I love it.”
“Sonya, darling. Where did you get that necklace?” Jon’s eyes strayed to her mom but quickly settled back on the necklace.
“I want it, father! Make her give it to me!” Korine tried to snatch the necklace, but Araiya jumped up and wrapped her hand around the chain.
“I have had this necklace since before Araiya was born. It’s a family heirloom, so no Korine. You won’t be getting the necklace,” Sonya replied.
“I’m your family too.” Korine stomped her foot. “I turned twenty-one months ago. That should have been mine.”
“It is from her family, Korine. Not mine, not yours. Why would I give you a necklace that has been made for Araiya?” Sonya raised her eyebrow at Korine’s little show. She turned to Jon. “If Korine wants a necklace, you should buy her one, darling, because she isn’t getting this one.” She waved Araiya to sit back down and kissed her cheek. “Happy official birthday, my love. I have loved you since the day the Goddess blessed you into my life. No matter what changes or what comes to light on your path, always remember that.” She kissed Araiya’s forehead and then sat back down.
“It is amazing, Rai.” Lincoln smiled over at her. “Just like you.”
“FATHER!” Korine screeched.
“I’ve saved this necklace from Araiya’s father until she was official, her twenty-first birthday. No one else is getting that necklace, and that is that! Now, Jon, it’s your turn,” Araiya’s mother snapped out, and everyone turned to look at her stepfather.
“Darling, I would prefer if I went last.” Jon smiled like he had a huge secret. “Let’s let the children give the gifts first. Korine, did you get your sister anything?”
“Yes, actually, since you made me. Araiya today and only today. I am willing to do your chores except for the stables. No way am I picking up after the horses. But I’ll do the rest of the stuff in the house.” Korine smiled.
“Thank you, Korine. That is a very nice gift,” she said softly as she glanced over at Linc. She had to play this correctly. If her stepdad or Korine thought for a second that this was something she would want, they would change their minds. So, she had to act sad and hurt by such a simple gift. Truthfully, Araiya was ecstatic. She just had to feed the animals, and she was done. She just had to make it through breakfast as quickly as possible and get away to pull this off. Linc hid his smile behind his hand and coughed. Linc got up, walked out of the kitchen, and returned with a huge box.
“Here, Rai, I hope you like it.”
“Lincoln, this is way too much.” Araiya stared at the massive box in awe. “It’s so big. You really shouldn’t have.”
“Yes, I did. I worked at the neighbor’s farm for the last six moon cycles just to save up for it.” He took her plate away and placed the box down with a thud. “Mom helped me!”
Araiya stood and unwrapped the box. “So that’s what you’ve been doing, and here we all thought you just had a crush on young Rebecka.” She chuckled at the warmth on his face as she winked and unwrapped the gift. Inside was a black cloak with fur lining. The trim was a purple that matched her eyes. Araiya gasped and pulled out the cloak. Underneath there was a simple black dress and a tiny note. “