The Mindspin machine, built by elves long ago, is a very ordinary looking device. Deceiving in its apparent simplicity, it looks like no more than a flat, six-meter-diameter stone resting in the exact center of a huge amphitheater. No one living today in Noordan understands how the Mindspin machine works, for the knowledge of its operation went with the elves when they departed many ages past to their secret land. But, the simple ceremony that sends candidates on their quests is understood.

First, the candidate stands on the stone. Once the candidate is in place, the Elders form a circle around the stone and recite an ages-old incantation. As the final word of the incantation is uttered, the candidate is instantaneously teleported to a location on the planet known only to the Mindspin. For the next seven days, while on the quest, the candidate is referred to as a Journeyer.

Using only one’s own abilities and skills to complete the quest, the Journeyer is required to use courage and cunning to survive unaided for a full week in the wild. Annabel had learned of this final step to adulthood, long absent from Noordan, as a child. She had romanticized it and worked all her life to learn her lessons well. She was determined to be the one to reinstate the quest into her country’s culture.

Idle for more than two centuries, the Mindspin was now to be used again. There wasn't any complicated preparation necessary. Everyone took their appointed places, starting with Annabel. Somewhat apprehensively, yet with great excitement, she moved to stand on the Mindspin platform. Allowed to pick the items she would take with her, Annabel had chosen her travel cloak, her wand, a writing journal and two flasks of drinking water. The wand and journal were tucked away in pockets inside her cloak. The water was tied to a sash about her waist .

Annabel had carefully weighed the decision about whether or not to take her wand. She knew she wouldn't really need it. At least not from a magic consideration. No, Annabel had decided to bring the wand for a totally different reason. It had been given to her while she was still a child, and Annabel felt the same type of comfort having it as some other child might have felt about an old blanket or stuffed bear. It was an old friend and would be something familiar in an unfamiliar place.

Standing at the platform's center, Annabel watched with anticipation as the Elders formed a circle around the platform. Solemnly, as one, they began the ancient incantation to send Annabel on her quest.

"Heed us, oh Mindspin, we Elders of Noordan. We give you a task to convey one of ours on a quest to complete her journey to adulthood. Look at the one chosen and study her well. See her destiny and then find a place that will help guide her to it. Take this Journeyer and set her safely in the place you have chosen. Keep her safe while in your grasp and then return her to us in seven days hence. Mindspin, send her now."

The air began to swirl around Annabel in changing hues of silver, creating a vortex that completely enshrouded her. Then, an opening appeared in the silver and she was gently pulled through as though a giant hand had plucked her up. One instant Annabel was in Noordan, the next she was in a great forest with giant trees all around and sunlight streaming through. What a beautiful place, she thought. Then, the wind began to blow.