The large man glared at Orn as he approached. His eyes narrowed as he looked at the stack of papers in Orn’s hands. The teacher did not comment on them, but directed Orn to follow him.

“The headmaster has made it clear that you are to attend my classes,” Jolm began as he lead the way across the courtyard. “At his request I looked into your family.”

It had not sounded like a request when I heard it. Orn thought.

“I will admit my shock to find that the county of Blackthorn exists,” he continued as he lead the way to a large building along the east of the courtyard. “As your father’s status was approved by the king I must agree that you are technically qualified to be in my noble relations class.” The words came out forced despite the man’s attempt at sounding detached.

“That does not mean you should ever consider yourself equal to the young men here,” Jolm came to a stop outside a pair of intricately carved double doors on the south end of the building. He stared down at Orn. “Your county is nearly as large as the rest of the kingdom combined. On paper. But it is all wasteland. The worthwhile holdings of the previous count were divided among the true noble families under his banner. Your father is a count in name only. The least of the lowest knightly families here, have many times more subjects and wealth than your county.”

“The young men here are from families that trace back centuries, and have the wealth, power, and refinement that come with it,” Jolm continued as his tone became almost a growl. “You are not, and never will be, their equal. I expect you to find an out of the way corner and work to improve yourself. You are clearly in desperate need of such improvement.” Jolm gestured at the math sheets in his hands.

Orn stared back at the man heat rising in his face. He was ready to tell the large instructor what he thought of him when a hand fell on his shoulder.

“Watch his eyes,” Kao whispered.

Orn complied out of habit and noticed the professors’ eyes were darting around quickly. What is he looking for?

“He is trying to goad you into reacting,” Kao continued. “There are several students with sword skills hiding in the area. If you move they will probably... DO NOT REACH FOR YOUR SWORD!”

Orn froze realizing his hand had started moving toward his sword at Kao’s warning of an ambush. He attempted, and failed to keep his expression neutral. However, he did manage to grab the stack of papers so he was holding it with both hands.

“Just play along for now,” Kao whispered. “You have to get inside.”

Not seeing the reaction he expected, Jolm scowled at him. “I see the peasants have at least taught you not to talk back to your betters,” Jolm casually turned his back on Orn and pushed the doors open. As he walked through he gestured to his left. “You may sit over there and observe your betters. Perhaps their behavior will show you how a true nobleman acts.”

The space was less a room and more of a palace hall. Guided light fixtures glittered form the ceiling as the large open space had a floor to painted ceiling mural of coats of arms. Noble students milled about the space further in. The center of the area was filled with students milling about, while there were tables to the sides wit others playing a variety of games.

Orn turned at last to the corner Jolm directed him to. A group of attendants stood in the empty corner trying to be as unobtrusive as possible. There was a notable gap in the group exactly in the corner. There is nowhere to sit… Orn thought looking at the area clearly intended for him, except the floor.

The teacher’s intent was clear, and Orn had no interest of complying. This was all a trap.

I refuse to do that, but if I do not he will... He will what? Orn could see most of the students were looking at him. Several were glaring, but most seemed confused.

Suddenly, he understood why Kao wanted him inside. He had the thugs waiting outside, he could just as easily ambushed me in here, but he did not. Tack was right, most of them want to see an upstart knocked down, but serious violence is something few of them are capable of. He cannot touch me in here without it being his fault. At least one of them could tell the headmaster the truth.

Orn saw Adles staring from across the room. The sight of the one noble student who was was on at least passingly amicable terms confirmed the idea. Rather than heading to the servant’s corner, he turned to the right. Jolm followed, but the fact he was now whispering insults and threats only confirmed what Orn thought. Reaching an empty card table in the corner, he set down the papers and took a seat.

Jolm loomed over him. “I told you to sit in the left corner…”

“With the servants. On the floor,” Orn replied flatly, and pulled the first paper off the stack. “I will not do it. I will sit here at a table and you can ignore me, or call the headmaster.”

“Are you trying to threaten me?” Jolm asked his voice a low growl.

“I am not the one with hired thugs outside the door,” Orn replied softly.

Jolm took a step back, shock written on his face. “I have no idea what you are talking about,” he managed quickly glancing around the room clearly nervous that the other students would hear.

“Tell them to leave now or I let the entire room know you tried to ambush me,” Orn said his voice still soft, but slightly louder than before.

“I needed to ensure you would not attack another student… Alright,” he whispered harshly and waived off the response he could tell was coming.

The large man turned to leave.

“I do not think it will end with this,” Kao said sitting on the table across from him.

“He just tried to set me up,” Orn muttered not looking up from the paper. “He was ready to have me killed or, at the least, maimed. I would be shocked if he just stopped there.”