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 met, and he also had to visit the Night Knives in their new location. But first, remembering 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 come." 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 home; probably built around the same time 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 merchants where they might store goods and other materials for their business. As for the mercenaries, it would provide them with a small area for training, and all in all, clearly an improvement to the apartment in the insula.

He found the door to the yard open; with only two inhabitants, they probably did not bother keeping someone outside at all times 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 numerous 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 implements of war, dummies holding armour alongside a weapons rack.

Flora appeared, walking down the stairs; for an eerie moment, Martel was reminded of how Weasel always showed himself, during the former's visits to the copper lanes. "Master Martel, what do you think of our new home?"

"Certainly more room than the last."

"Indeed. Space to train in the yard, where I might do some earth magic without disturbing the neighbours. And when Marcus annoys me, 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 arrangement 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 me 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 assumed a more relaxed post. "So be it. As you surmise, we have a new job, finally. This time, the client is Lord Ironside, if you know of him. Master of the market district."

Martel vaguely recalled the man from the meeting of the Nine Lords, looking more like a warrior than anyone else at the gathering. Purely from appearance, he seemed dour and not to be trifled with. Martel certainly felt more at ease with Lady Pearl, but the task and payment was what really mattered. "What's the assignment?"

"A simple one, on the surface of things. Tomorrow, he has a shipment 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 shipment must be great. If luck is poor, it could arrive late in the day, meaning we would have to transport it through the city after dark. Lastly, controlling the central district means that Lord Ironside has no gate of his own. He must pay a tax to bring something 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 meet?"

"Come by as early as you can tomorrow. We'll go to Smallport together and wait for the shipment."

"See you tomorrow."

***

Arriving at the Chamber of Earth, Martel looked around to see who else had come 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 some point.

Henry approached him, slapping one hand down on his shoulder. "Come 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 me in the city?"

Martel stared at Henry, making vague protests while wondering what the air acolyte knew.

"Our good novice keeps getting messages from women 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 me, why are you still in brown?" Maximilian muttered. "Did you not have your examination last fiveday or something?"

"I did, it went fine," Martel quickly explained. "They are just sorting out some 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."