“You will teach her and her brother privately. Teach them everything and answer all their doubts.” Bloudkast said.

“Well, I don’t think-”

“Don’t feel troubled. It’s just the matter of week.”

“A week!” Maester took few steps back.

“Yes, a week. She would not like to miss her wedding for a class, would she?” Bloudkast giggled.

“Everything….” Doubt was audible in Maester Rudolph’s voice, “Teaching in a week to different minds….”

“It is possible if you cut out impractical knowledge.”

What a shithole I have brought myself to? I can’t even dare to refuse him. Rudolph bit the inside of his lips.

“What are you thinking?’

“I was wondering what I should teach them tomorrow.”

Bloudkast removed the diamond from his bracelet and gave it to Maester Rudolph, “Take this and think accordingly.”

Maester played with the diamond on his fingers.

“Maybe this just might be beginning of your wealth.” Bloudkast continued speaking.

“I hope I will be able to teach them good.”

KNOCK! KNOCK!

“Tea?” a servant was standing outside the door.

“One for Maester Rudolph.” Bloudkast’s voice changed.

The butler couldn’t hide how awkward he was feeling due to the untimely interruption. He didn’t escape the displeased stared from Lord Bloudkast. He left the room before Bloudkast could fill his ears with unpleasant things.

“Sorry for it. Servants here lack manners.” Bloudkast struggled to bring on the smile, “If they were in my castle, I would have flogged manners in these maggots.”

“My Lord, I have to teach in school after a while.” Rudolph tried to refuse drink in softest way. It was what he came up with.

“You may leave if so. Just don’t tell people you are teaching my children.”

Maester Rudolph nod and left him alone in the lavish room.

Bloudkast took a deep breath and stood infront of the oval mirror to observe his face. He was aware he was thinner than he needed to be. Bloudkast touched his face on different regions by both of his hands.

Nobody noticed my nose is longer today. Bloudkast noticed the blunder. I will tell Rikilda and Braden that Maester has agreed.

Bloudkast opened his mouth. Smoke kept coming out from his mouth till he ran out of his breath. The moment last wisp of smoke left his body, he turned into who he was – Nortze Calajhan.

He closed his eyes and vanished.

The servant came with a cup filled with tea, about to spill. Some of it was already on tray. He saw Rudolph at the end of passage but still he chose to bring tea to the room. Servant didn’t knock this time but peeked in straight.

Bloudkaster was not there. The squire coughed when remains of the smoke reached to his nose.