‘When’s my next lesson?’ Ralph said adamantly, thinking by his body language that Gannet meant to snub him.
‘That is Birin’s affair,’ Gannet replied as he left. ‘One of my duties is the training of soldiers. The care of civilians is not my concern, unless it is made to be so.’
Ralph was stung by the big Elf’s remark, but decided to seek Birin out, to have a schedule made up. He found the captain at an officer’s meeting in a building a discreet distance from the soldier’s barracks. Ralph didn’t wish to intrude, but the Elf captain seemed glad for the opportunity to escape for a breath of fresh air, and a chance to stretch his legs.
When Ralph mentioned his intention to begin training in earnest, Birin’s relief, though palpable, was reserved.
‘You should understand,’ Birin told him, ‘that most soldiers begin learning their craft as small children. I must warn you that it is very rare for a late starter to become a good soldier, though within the ranks of a conscripted army (which is what the male civilian population will become the moment civil war is officially declared), volunteers command more respect than those pressed into service.’ He considered Ralph thoughtfully for a moment. ‘To be entirely honest with you, I was certain that you would last only until Gannet’s menacing nature made you fear for your personal safety.’