Wagers passed between hands as the latest of berating is over. Only for what he did or could bring to the business. Unlike all the ballads and rakish tales told by the skalds, his brain kept freezing as his heart demanded action; not one movement towards her he did nor could make. Hand over eyes he just tuned all out and thought over each moment of this wondrous encounter – and what he expected to be his last. Must be some new disgrace they intended to inflict. He spoke of shedding innocent blood, for the sake of what she is, for crimes not ever done.”
Striking the ground with his cane, the entire academy shook greatly, yet not one bookcase or glassware toppled or broke; such is the control and mastery of his Art. Hand over eyes he just tuned all out and thought over each moment of this wondrous encounter – and what he expected to be his last. A quick glance about showed many of the teachers, journeymen and many of the masters and mistresses gathered about to listen for his answer.
