New Stomping Grounds
It was strange to have no classes while he waited for his graduation to acolyte to be sorted out. Martel still worked one bell every morning in the apothecary, but compared to his schedule since he first arrived to Morcaster, that felt like nothing.
Tonight was an exception, being Pelday when the sparring guild t, and he also had to visit the Night Knives in their new location. But first, rembering that Master Alastair had promised to speak with the overseer yesterday, Martel went to ask for news.
"Oh, Martel. I can guess why you have co." Keeping the door to his chamber ajar, Master Alastair stayed inside as his student stood in the hallway.
"Did you speak to Mistress Juliana?"
"I did, my boy. It will be a few more days, probably."
"I don't understand. What's the cause for all this delay?"
Master Alastair looked towards the floor. "Your situation is unique, Martel, with just one year of schooling as a novice. I'll let you know as soon as I know anything for certain."
No wiser than yesterday, Martel walked away while his teacher quickly closed the door.
***
The new address for the Night Knives in the bridge district belonged to a stone house with the typical two stories. In size and appearance, it reminded him of Oswald's ho; probably built around the sa ti given the similarity of location. The only difference was that the Night Knives had a small courtyard between the street and the front door, typical for small rchants where they might store goods and other materials for their business. As for the rcenaries, it would provide them with a small area for training, and all in all, clearly an improvent to the apartnt in the insula.
He found the door to the yard open; with only two inhabitants, they probably did not bother keeping soone outside at all tis to respond to knocking. They did watch the front entrance, Marcus opening the door as soon as Martel had rapped his knuckles against it.
Martel stepped inside to enter the main chamber of the ground floor, containing a large table and nurous chairs. Beyond, he could spy a small back room that served as kitchen and probably had the door that led to the alley on the other side of the house. By the wall stood the implents of war, dummies holding armour alongside a weapons rack.
Flora appeared, walking down the stairs; for an eerie mont, Martel was reminded of how Weasel always showed himself, during the forr's visits to the copper lanes. "Master Martel, what do you think of our new ho?"
"Certainly more room than the last."
"Indeed. Space to train in the yard, where I might do so earth magic without disturbing the neighbours. And when Marcus annoys , we can stay on separate floors. At least until others arrive."
"You're expecting more of your people?"
Flora shrugged. "Not imminently, but with this progress, I believe our captain may soon feel comfortable that our position in Morcaster can be considered permanent. It was a bit precarious staying at the docks, considering our arrangent was with the previous master of that district. Fortunately, Lady Pearl has seen fit to grant us patronage and permission to stay here."
"Well, I don't mind the lack of stairs going to visit you," Martel remarked. "Was there another reason you invited here? Besides your new lodgings."
She planted her hands on her hips. "Why, is that not enough? You only care about business?" She shook her head and assud a more relaxed post. "So be it. As you surmise, we have a new job, finally. This ti, the client is Lord Ironside, if you know of him. Master of the market district."
Martel vaguely recalled the man from the eting of the Nine Lords, looking more like a warrior than anyone else at the gathering. Purely from appearance, he seed dour and not to be trifled with. Martel certainly felt more at ease with Lady Pearl, but the task and paynt was what really mattered. "What's the assignnt?"
"A simple one, on the surface of things. Tomorrow, he has a shipnt landing at Smallport. He wants us to receive it and bring it to his place in the market district," Flora explained.
"If he's hiring the Night Knives, I imagine there's more to it."
Marcus gave his customary snort.
"Without doubt, the value of the shipnt must be great. If luck is poor, it could arrive late in the day, aning we would have to transport it through the city after dark. Lastly, controlling the central district ans that Lord Ironside has no gate of his own. He must pay a tax to bring sothing through, and our good relationship with Lady Pearl helps to facilitate that."
Of all the tasks Martel had done with the Night Knives, this promised to be the easiest. "When do we et?"
"Co by as early as you can tomorrow. We'll go to Smallport together and wait for the shipnt."
"See you tomorrow."
***
Arriving at the Chamber of Earth, Martel looked around to see who else had co to spar. He was eager to try his shield spell; while it was too late to prove anything in regard to his examination, it would be good to confirm that his spellwork was still in order. Given his labours with the Night Knives, his magical shield might very well save his life at so point.
Henry approached him, slapping one hand down on his shoulder. "Co for another scalp? Physical conquest during the day, magical conquest at night."
Maximilian joined them, apparently having overheard the remark. "What now? Nordmark, have you been involved in scraps without in the city?"
Martel stared at Henry, making vague protests while wondering what the air acolyte knew.
"Our good novice keeps getting ssages from won in the city," Henry shared with a glint.
Feeling mortified, Martel glanced around until he saw Eleanor across the room, hopefully out of earshot.
"That reminds , why are you still in brown?" Maximilian muttered. "Did you not have your examination last fiveday or sothing?"
"I did, it went fine," Martel quickly explained. "They are just sorting out so administration before I get my new robes."
"In that case, if this is my last opportunity to beat the novice, what say you to a round of sparring?" the mageknight said in challenge.
"More than happy to oblige."
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