The Test

Felix felt sick. His head swam and it took a moment before he could focus properly . His eyes met his mother's across the cheering crowd. He registered, for a brief moment, the look of shock and remembered her words. He resolved to steel himself and demonstrate that he could pass the test and endure the undertaker, for her sake.
Drevil seemed to float up onto the platform to stand beside Felix. Felix prepared to listen for the task that lay ahead. He must pass. There had only been one instance, to Felix's knowledge, of a failure to pass the test. Porth's mother had never recovered and had simply wasted away afterwards until her death. Gossip, however, perpetuated the story and it was unlikely ever to be forgotten. The legend had grown more sinister when Porth disappeared, shortly after the event. Some said that he had run away, driven mad by his failure. Some said that he had been sent away. Some even said that he had been killed because of it. It was possible. Felix knew that the tests were designed to suit the aptitudes of the apprentice. They were mainly a device to demonstrate commitment to the placement. Drevil began to unfurl a scroll. His voice shrilled over the noise of the crowd.
"The test will consist of the building of a coffin."
The crowd gasped and a ripple of applause broke out.
"You must bring it here in one hour." Drevil turned to face Felix and his mouth stretched into the shape of a smile. His eyes remained fixed and cold. Felix returned the look, but not the smile. He would do this task and he would make the best of it, as his mother would want him to.