The training grounds filled quickly, clusters of students forming around familiar faces. Whispers rose as they tried to guess why they'd been summoned so urgently.
Then Garrun and Father Prince descended, white cloaks rippling as they landed in the center. As always, Father Prince carried his twin short-staffs, a symbol of his role as both teacher and enforcer.
Murmurs quieted. Everyone expected another round of sparring. Maybe they were right. Maybe not.
"Today," Garrun's voice carried easily across the grounds, "there will be sparring."
A few students groaned loudly, and some puffed out their chests, knowing their strength. Some glanced at their greatest fear-Mozrael.
But before anyone could speak, Garrun added more.
"The sparring depends on certain students."
"Depends on some students?"
"Wait, who exactly?"
"I don't know, just don't want to be a part of it."
Thoughts differed.
