My Pledge protectors, Dur-rele, and I had to run to catch up with Master Kiev. He was walking at a pace that was almost a jog and looked like he was ready to give Master Meh-len more of what he thought about his teaching techniques, and maybe something else too.

“Master Kiev wait up!” I yelled to be heard over the crowd around us.

I had to admit that I was a little winded, but I had also spent the last half hour doing a decent workout. I might have slowed the forms down, but they were taxing just the same. I really didn’t want to have to jog all the way to the chalet.

Master Kiev turned, took a look at me, and flushed red. He immediately stopped and waited until the Pledges and I had caught up. Only once I was beside Kiev, did he continue his walk, but at a far slower pace. He also handed me back my coat, which I decided to just hold instead of putting back on, even though its cooling abilities would have been beneficial. It just felt wrong to wear something so heavy in this insufferable heat.

“Forgive me, Highness, and I also have to apologize for what happened today. I honestly thought Master Meh-len would act like a professional, but I suppose I should have assumed otherwise. He has quite the reputation around here for putting his students in needless danger.”

“I don’t see the problem. I was able to evade him.”

“He shouldn’t have used the Hand of Death against you like that.”

“Aragon did.”

Master Kiev stopped once again and threw me an astonished look. “What do you mean?”

I stopped too and shrugged. “During my training, Aragon attacked me much like Master Meh-len did. I certainly wasn’t expecting it, and I know that’s why he did it. Dad––I mean Aragon wanted me to be ready for the unexpected. He was always doing stuff like that in my training.”

Master Kiev nodded thoughtfully. “Yes, but he only had himself to teach you. There were no others to spar with, and you knew that, so in a way you were forewarned. I suppose it’s good he did it that way too, otherwise, you may not have been able to evade Master Meh-len so well. Excellent work by the way.”

“Yes, I must say, Highness, that was impressive to watch. I’ve seen quite a few sparing matches in my time, and that was top form I must say.” Dur-rele added with a gleam in his eye.

I gave the aide a surprised look. As usual, I’d almost forgotten he had been with us. Normally, he kept silent and sported a bored look. It was actually nice to see him excited about something.

Kiev’s face darkened. “I would hate to know what would have happened if you hadn’t been able to evade that attack.”

“You make it sound like Master Meh-len would have killed me if I hadn’t.”

The Master Mind Bender was silent for a long moment before he finally spoke. “Meh-len has made it clear what he thinks of those who don’t learn quat-lo in what he calls the proper way, since he first started teaching here many decades ago. I think the only reason the College puts up with him is because he gets results and there really aren’t that many Quat-lo Masters out there. Would he have gone so far as to deliver a killing blow with his Hand of Death? I don’t know.

“But he should have known better to do such a thing, especially after the attack on the chalet. What he did was reckless and irresponsible. As instructors, we are here to provide a safe place for learning and to create confidence in skill, not to settle scores or press agendas or sooth hurt egos. Master Meh-len should be ashamed of himself for acting in that way.

“And you can be sure I will consult with Captain Dexter and Chief Commander Jordem on whether you will require further proof of your skill, though after that demonstration you provided, I’m sure it will alleviate their concerns that you weren’t taught proper skill or control. That was the reason for the assessment in the first place. But if for some reason they decide you need further testing, I will be requesting someone else to do it. I will even press for the Master’s dismissal.”

Surprise washed over me at that last statement. “I am extremely grateful for your intervention and standing up for me, but to ask for his dismissal over this? I’m sure that isn’t necessary to go so far, Master Kiev.”

Kiev waved a hand. “I know you are trying not to add more conflict to an already tense situation. I have noticed that about you, and while it is an admirable thing and an even necessary skill to have in the political arena, this has been a long time in coming for Master Meh-len.”

I nodded as I realized this wasn’t something I was going to talk Master Kiev out of, but I couldn’t help but feel that I was going to have a hand in ruining the life of yet another person. That fucking sucked.

Master Kiev began to walk as he motioned for me to follow. “Let’s get you back to the chalet, shall we.”

“Actually, I was hoping to finish that tour you promised me.”

Master Kiev paused once more. He looked trouble, but then after a moment, he nodded. “Yes, I suppose we could do that if you really feel you are up to it? And putting this off until tomorrow would be unwise. There will be a new class of recruits coming in later this evening. This place will be far too chaotic for the next couple of days.” He looked to me as if searching for injuries or weariness.

I was tired, but I also didn’t want to go back to the chalet just yet. I had just spent two long days cooped up there, and I wasn’t eager to return so soon. “I am,” I said as upbeat as I could, shaking off my tiredness. I could take a nap later, if Dur-rele didn’t put me to doing lessons as soon as we got back. And I had to admit that maybe that was the biggest reason I didn’t want to go back yet.

Kiev nodded gravely and said, “Very well, where should we check out first?”

I was still feeling hot from my assessment and running to catch up to Master Kiev, and the while it was not quite midday, the heat was already rising at an uncomfortable pace, and I was still unwilling to put that coat back on. Perhaps by this point, it felt more like being able to get away with a small rebellion than it was about me wearing a coat in this heat, especially since putting it on would actually cool me down.

“Is there somewhere we can get a cool drink?” I asked.

***

We didn’t have to go far. Only a few quick steps brought us to the auditorium, and across from that was a long building with a wide archway that declared it the Lower Trainee Cantina. Master Kiev stepped through the arch and into a small courtyard that held a handful of stone tables under the shade of wide branched trees that looked to be a cross between a tall fern and a short palm tree.

If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

Two of the tables on the left held a small group of light coat individuals, who stood up suddenly from their meals as they saw me enter. Each of them bowed, and I nodded to them, giving them the silent permission to go back to their meals.

Master Kiev motioned to an empty table to the right. “How about we sit in the shade and order? Someone can bring it out to us.”

I nodded, realizing that perhaps actually going inside the cantina would be too disruptive. I could hear the loud chatter of the diners inside. Based on the volume, it sounded like the place was packed. So I eagerly took a seat in the shade and enjoyed a sudden gust of breeze that fluttered through the leaves of the trees overhead, while Master Kiev sat across from me.

“With your permission, Highness, I wish to return to the chalet. I have seen the College before and I also have assignments from your father I need to complete.” Dur-rele said as he gave a slight bow.

I waved the man away. “You don’t have to ask my permission, Dur-rele.” And I paused as I realized who I was as talking too. Dur-rele was a stickler for how thing should be done, and would never consider doing anything he would deem inappropriate. He also would be reporting on my progress of how well I was learning his teachings to my father.

“But I appreciate proper protocol. So I give you leave,” I continued hurriedly to show him that I had actually been paying attention to his lectures. “Enjoy doing whatever it is you do,” I couldn’t help but add at the end.

Dur-rele gave me a small frown, but he said nothing as he turned and quickly exited the courtyard. Out of our entourage, that just left my two protectors. Gunter took up a position directly behind me, which made me feel immensely uncomfortable, and Vasti took up a position near the archway exciting the courtyard.

“Are you comfortable there? It looks like the sun might be in your eyes, Highness. Why don’t you sit over here?” Master Kiev said as he peered across the stone table at me and motioning to the seat right beside him.

There was no sun in my eyes. I eyed the man carefully, and it finally dawned on me why he made the comment. “You’re right. It is. Thank you.” I stood up and moved beside Kiev. Once seated, Gunther was no longer directly behind me, and I could see him from the corner of my peripheral vision. God bless, Master Elorkis Kiev.

“Well, Highness, what would you like to drink, or would you like something to eat too?” Kiev said as he activated his unity ring.

A transparent screen projected from the silver bracket and hovered in the air between Master Kiev and I. To me all the lettering was backwards, but I could tell it was an order menu.

“I’m still full from my late breakfast. A drink will be fine. I’m not picky about what it is as long as it is cool, Elorkis.” I replied, stressing his first name to remind him of our deal, even though I really was having a hard time thinking of this man other than Master Kiev. That title just seems to suit him so well.

The corner of the Master’s mouth turned up in a smile. “Yes, this heat takes a little getting used to. I’ve been here nearly a hundred years, and it still gets to me sometimes.”

Kiev quickly made a selection and the screen disappeared. He rested his forearms on the hard stone surface of the stone table.

“A hundred years? That’s a long time to be in one place.” I said.

“It is?” Master Kiev shrugged. “Maybe. But I’ve enjoyed my time being here and really couldn’t imagine going anywhere else. The College is my life.”

“You have no family?” I asked, and then immediately realized that perhaps I’d asked too personal a question. I was about to open my mouth to apologize, but the Master was already speaking.

“My students and the staff here are my family. As for any blood relations, no. I’ve always been alone in that aspect, which I am perfectly fine with.”

I nodded, but I couldn’t help but feel a little sympathy for the man. I had come from a very loving family, at least where my Earth family was concerned. I couldn’t imagine living a life without that sort of foundation, but if you never had one to begin with, maybe you really didn’t know what you were missing. And perhaps he did have a good network of people here to support him. Just as good as I had it back on Earth, maybe better. Suddenly, I felt sorry for myself, and missing what I once had.

“That sounds nice.” I managed to get out. I decided to change the subject. “So you really are serious about pushing for Master Meh-len’s dismissal?”

“I am,” Master Kiev spoke with a solemness, but I could also hear the edge of determination in his voice.

“Please, don’t do that on my account.” I said with my own determination.

“Like I said, he’s had many other infractions before this. I will make my recommendation to Command. It will be up to them how they wish to proceed. Just because I ask for a dismissal doesn’t mean they will agree.”

I nodded. “I understand.”

I was about to say more, but an older gentleman in a light colored pants and long shirt came out to the courtyard and directly for our table. He held two large fluted glasses with a light blue liquid over some ice. He put one before each of us before he backed up and gave me a low bow.

“It is an honor to serve you, Highness,” the man spoke with a gravelly voice.

He was pole skinny with a rather noticeably large nose and a tight cut haircut like everyone else at the College, but even with the close cut, the gray in his black hair was obvious. He also had a slight hunch in his back like he’d spent a lot of time bending over.

“Thank you for our drinks. They look refreshing.” I responded.

“Let me know if there is anything else I can bring you. Either here or while you are in the chalet. I know there are pellets meals up there, but sometimes a fresh meal is more appetizing.”

“I might just do that, and what might I call you, sir?”

The man blushed a little. “Oh, I’m no sir. I’m just Orlick. You can call me that, Highness.”

“Then Orlick it is. Thank you.”

The man bobbed his head and started to walk away, but then stopped as if he remembered something. “Oh, yes. I was given this to give to you Master Kiev. The bearer said it was urgent.”

Orlick took out something from his pant’s pocket and handed it to Master Kiev. He then gave me another bow before rushing back into the Cantina. I eyed what Orlick had given the Master. It appeared to a piece of flexi-film or what Ethians used as paper, not that they used it much. Most of their communication happened over the nanti-network.

The Master read it. His face paled, and then he quickly stuffed it away inside his brown short coat. He looked around like maybe he was expecting someone to pop up suddenly, but then he nervously took hold of the glass in front of him and took a long drink.

I decided to follow suit. I was pleasantly surprised at the fruitiness of the drink. It tasted like a mixture of berries with the distinct cooling of not just the ice, but the drink as well. It certainly covered the refreshing requirement I was looking for.

“Is it important? Do you have to leave?” I asked after a moment of enjoying my drink.

“What?” Master Kiev looked at me like he had been caught doing something he shouldn’t have. I could also feel a distinct nervousness coming from him, and it worried me. Up until this point, I had only ever known Master Kiev to be a solid person. And in fact, I rarely picked up on any strong emotions from him, but something was making him loose his normal cool.

“The note. I figured it must be important. If we have to postpone our tour for later, I will understand.” I said, trying to be reassuring to him.

But my words seemed to have the opposite effect on the Master. He looked at me for a good long while before wetting his lips and speaking, “No, let’s finish the tour. I think that’s best, at least I hope so.” He muttered the last part, but I managed to catch it.

I eyed the man and his strangeness, but if something was wrong and it had to do with me, I was sure Master Kiev would tell me. Maybe this was personal and none of my business. So I decided to give him a few minutes to gather himself while I finished my drink.

The fruity goodness was gone way too soon, and I might have asked for another one, but Master Kiev looked antsy. He probably really did have to go, but he was being polite enough to stay and finish the tour. I decided not to take up more time than was needed. So I stood up.

“Let’s do this. Shall we?”

Master Kiev stood up as well and nodded. “Yes, yes. You were asking about the Hall of the Renowned. I think that would be a good place to start.”

I nodded as I looked at the long coat I had set aside when I sat down at the table. I really couldn’t find a good reason not to put it on, so I reached for it, and put my arms through the coat sleeves. Immediately, I felt the cooling sensation. I sighed. Okay, so maybe wearing it wasn’t so bad after all.

I motioned to Master Kiev. “Lead the way.”