Fantasy Novel Excerpt

[stickmaker]

"At least once during their time here, we challenge each student with a task we instructors know is impossible," said Llewellyn, with a slight smile. "We give them the task, and repeatedly stress how important its completion is with no mention of difficulty or previous failures. The primary reason for this is to evaluate how a particular individual handles stress. The secondary reason is to teach the student an important lesson about unreasonable requests or orders. The tertiary reason is that sometimes they are successful."

"Wait," said Bergen, startled. "You mean..."

"They - rarely - succeed at a task which was previously deemed impossible." The craft user gave him a sly smile. "Humility is also important for teachers."