Gideon stepped through the door into a small square room. There was a older boy standing just inside the door. He was taller than average, slim, dark skin, with angular features. He had a soul patch on his chin and is hair was braided in several tiny braids. Gideon couldn’t help but notice the boys bushy eyebrows or his big smile. “Professor,” the boy said in greeting. He wore the gray and black house colors. I wonder which house is which. The healer girl Gage said she was part of The Delvers Guild. I would bet the nobles Syndicate Guild are maroon and gold, that would make this guy a Ronin. “I see you have a green recruit with you today sir. Do you need me to assist you in anyway?
“No Mr. Kingsley, I have things under control. I will handle this one, you will have other responsibilities soon. I need you to prep for the next guest and his escort. He should arrive shortly,” Professor Hemlock said.
“Two special cases in one batch of first years. This should be an interesting year. I heard of the commotion that occurred at the trials sir, but I was on duty and unable to attend. Care to share any juicy morsels?”
Hemlock looked at the boy with a disappointed look. “I do not, you should find another that will gossip properly, I will not partake in spreading rumors. As you were,” Hemlock chastised the boy.
“Yes sir!” the boy said, He bowed deeply to the professor. “I will get a detailed report from Hudson when I get back to the headquarters sir. This evening I will fill you in on the details of the events that occurred as the students saw it.”
Gideon heard the last part and a few details clicked; everything coming together. He thought on it as they ascended a spiraling staircase that felt as though it may never end. In all the earlier excitement of the day Gideon hadn’t really noticed Professor Hemlock’s clothing. His clothes had looked fine and indistinct, now he understood why. The color, he wore gray and black. Not nearly as pronounced as some of the students, but there it was in plain site. Professor Hemlock must be the house leader of The Ronin Guild. “Professor, are all the guards throughout the city Ronin?”
Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation.
Hemlock turned to Gideon and gave him an appraising look. “You have an eye for detail after all. Perhaps I will up my bid on you to join my house. Yes Mr. Daniels, I train the Ronin in my house to function as individual fighting units. While we function well in a group, solo activities are the strong point of our house. Guards within the academy must be able to function alone or on a team. Diversity Mr. Daniels, is the key to The Ronin House.
They arrived at the top of the stairs without encountering anyone along the way. The hallway stretched out before them. The professor lead him down to the end of the hall and knocked on the large ornate door. “Come,” the voice said from inside. They entered into the room, seated at the desk in the center of the office was Headmaster Dagon. “Welcome Gideon. Please have a seat,” Headmaster Dagon invited. Gideon walked to one of the large embossed chairs the headmaster had indicated and sat. Professor Hemlock remained standing. “Orpheus, thank you for your service today. You were exemplary in your actions as I have grown to expect. It was certainly an interesting start to the year. You may leave us Orpheus. Mr. Daniels and I have a little conversation that we need to have.”
Hemlock hesitated. “Yes Phineas, of course. Are you sure?” he said.
“Sure that we had an interesting day or sure that you can leave me alone with a single young boy? Of course I’m sure. Don’t be crass.”
“Of course, my apologies.” Professor Hemlock bowed and left the room, quietly shutting the door after himself. That was how Gideon found himself sitting in the office of the headmaster on his first day, unsure how events had transpired to get him to that point.