Ravak took a final critical look in the mirror. He was dressed in the formal uniform of a Gaidin, gold trim highlighting an otherwise near-black suit. The uniform had stiff epaulets with rising golden flames, with more at shoulder and cuffs. It was gaudy, and not at all what Ravak would have worn on a regular day, but this was no ordinary day. He adjusted the pin on his lapel, so that the golden sword of his badge of office pointed straight down. Appearances could count for everything, or for nothing.
The Master of Training set out from his office, taking the grand stairs of the Warder Yards two at a time, and headed straight south through the Grey Tower. He cast a watchful eye over the training taking place, but didn't stop to comment. He pulled the ko'di in around himself, being mindful enough to make with pleasantries to anyone he recognised, but without distracting him for his purpose. The uniform seemed to itch against his right forearm, and he pressed down hard on those sensations of unease.
The walk towards the Novices' and Soldiers' Quarters was a familiar one, the presence of the Master of Training not giving raise to much comment. He slipped around some small groups of novices and soldiers instead of parting them with his presence. His face seemed more at ease today than the usual brow-furrowing glare he usually bore.
Only a short while after departing his own office, he came up to another one. Rav rapped on the door with the back of his hand, and waiting for the signal to enter. He pressed down on the handle to the Master of Soldiers' room, and stepped inside quietly, closing the door behind him.
"I've got the latest reports from the Tower Guard," Rav said without preamble. He handed the Aielman a few sheets of notes written up by Muireen, his makeshift secretary. The Master of Training had a close relationship with a few members of the Tower Guard, a fact that was secret to almost everyone. He received information from them about the comings and goings of the learning ranks. In exchange they benefited from his protection when it came to the bribes they received. Some of the learning ranks thought the Tower Guard could be bought. Unfortunately for them, Rav already had their loyalty. The guards pocketed the coin, Rav received the information, and with the utmost subtlety he, Mirin and Jhanic could monitor their trainees without their knowledge. "I had a look through. Looks like one of your Dedicated is acting as an official chaperone for a number of soldiers and the occasional novice." Rav grinned. "I'm sure he's receiving some coin for the 'service' he's providing. I marked out his name in the list."
This was more or less the extent of their meetings, unless there was a particularly troublesome student that they all needed to be aware of, or there were punishments handed out to students who weren't their own. For Rav's part, the week had been normal and merited no further discussion. Except he did have something else to say. "Jhanic, there's a personal matter I'd like to discuss with you, if you have the time." The itching on his forearm flared up again, and that was no mere coincidence.
The Master of Training set out from his office, taking the grand stairs of the Warder Yards two at a time, and headed straight south through the Grey Tower. He cast a watchful eye over the training taking place, but didn't stop to comment. He pulled the ko'di in around himself, being mindful enough to make with pleasantries to anyone he recognised, but without distracting him for his purpose. The uniform seemed to itch against his right forearm, and he pressed down hard on those sensations of unease.
The walk towards the Novices' and Soldiers' Quarters was a familiar one, the presence of the Master of Training not giving raise to much comment. He slipped around some small groups of novices and soldiers instead of parting them with his presence. His face seemed more at ease today than the usual brow-furrowing glare he usually bore.
Only a short while after departing his own office, he came up to another one. Rav rapped on the door with the back of his hand, and waiting for the signal to enter. He pressed down on the handle to the Master of Soldiers' room, and stepped inside quietly, closing the door behind him.
"I've got the latest reports from the Tower Guard," Rav said without preamble. He handed the Aielman a few sheets of notes written up by Muireen, his makeshift secretary. The Master of Training had a close relationship with a few members of the Tower Guard, a fact that was secret to almost everyone. He received information from them about the comings and goings of the learning ranks. In exchange they benefited from his protection when it came to the bribes they received. Some of the learning ranks thought the Tower Guard could be bought. Unfortunately for them, Rav already had their loyalty. The guards pocketed the coin, Rav received the information, and with the utmost subtlety he, Mirin and Jhanic could monitor their trainees without their knowledge. "I had a look through. Looks like one of your Dedicated is acting as an official chaperone for a number of soldiers and the occasional novice." Rav grinned. "I'm sure he's receiving some coin for the 'service' he's providing. I marked out his name in the list."
This was more or less the extent of their meetings, unless there was a particularly troublesome student that they all needed to be aware of, or there were punishments handed out to students who weren't their own. For Rav's part, the week had been normal and merited no further discussion. Except he did have something else to say. "Jhanic, there's a personal matter I'd like to discuss with you, if you have the time." The itching on his forearm flared up again, and that was no mere coincidence.