A few minutes after the 8th Trial...

The circumstances of Calf's failure in the 8th Trial provoked action from those known as 'The Garbs'. One among the highest of their numbers approached the various masters of the citadel and called for a meeting to decide the way forward. The Final Rites would be expedited and they had less than 3 hours to get everything in order. With the message conveyed and the messenger departed, the preparations for the rites began in earnest.

Those available to attend the Testers' planning session had convened at the gazebo to share their thoughts on the testing procedure. This would be the first year in all of their lifetimes that such a testing would occur. All but one of the testers were in attendance so they decided to continue with the session. The junior archivist in attendance would just have to write a second, condensed set of minutes for the Warden's benefit.

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An hour after the 8th Trial...

The session lasted for three quarters of an hour and just as they were about to conclude, a rumble of thunder above them caught their attention, and this was followed by a bolt that descended to the center. Forced to blink away the lingering effects of the flash, most of them missed the second figure that had briefly appeared in front of them. The first to clear the temporary blindness noticed a prostrated Warden struggle to his feet, whilst the rest caught up to the sight at different stages of his recovery.

They all waited patiently for him to get up before the Head of Crafts looked a question at him. Of those gathered here today, only he and one other would dare ask anything of the Warden after such a vulnerable display. The Warden dodged explaining and instead gestured for the junior archivist to pass him the minute scroll. He nodded as he read through the scroll and ignited it once he was done with it. His staff morphed into a bow with a shake of his hand, and then produced an arrow pouch from the folds of his long hair. With his archery set complete, he lifted it high, presenting it to all present before vocalizing his portion of the test for the junior archivist to note.