The Education of a Ji (ATTN: Rory)

[Prew]

As he climbed the staircase leading to the upper levels of the Tower, Prewtez marveled at the detailed wall hangings, the intricate woodworking, and the almost reverential feel to the air. He glanced at the Accepted at his side, a young woman with jet black hair and the almond eyes so common to Saldaeans, his escort to parts of the Tower unknown to him. In fact, he had never been further than the fourth floor classrooms. While he realized this Tower did not have the long history of its white counterpart, the Sisters had obviously worked hard to duplicate their rival.

He gripped the hilt of his sword tightly, not from a sense of danger, but rather a habit of nervousness. At Ubriel Bryne’s suggestion, Prewtez had contacted Asha’man Rory Brooker in the hopes he would teach him even more about the Blight, and the man had graciously accepted, instructing Prewtez to meet him in the library at exactly five hours after Early. This would mean missing the midday meal but the sacrifice would be well worth it if this Asha’man was as knowledgeable as Ubriel had indicated. The source of his nervousness, however, was the warning the Mistress of Training had added. So, this Rory was a man of many theories, was he? Prewtez could only hope they were sound ones.

“Here we are, Ji,” his escort announced as they arrived at the entrance to the Brown’s library. As he looked through the double arched doorway Prewtez could not help but gasp. Never had he seen such a collection of books! House Northan had its own library, of course, but it paled in comparison to what met his eyes. And this was only a small section of the Browns’ collections.

A small Dedicated stepped forward as the Accepted handed over her charge. “This Ji has an appointment with Asha’man Brooker,” she told the man, bowed to both Prewtez and the Dedicated, and departed.

“Wait here, Ji…?”

“Prewtez d’Grayson.”

“Of course. I shall inform the Asha’man of your arrival.” With that he turned and left Prewtez to marvel again at the size of the library.