Interlude

Torsday 16th Awgost, Year 1456
It has been a couple of weeks. Every day so far has pretty much been the same. Up early in the morning, running drills and mock combats, overseen by D'iha herself. When it comes to brute force and straight combats, its pretty clear that you are the best amongst the new recruits. You have yet to see any of her veterans in action, but there are certainly a few that look like they can hold their own against either of you, and while you might cherish the thought of testing just that, now is not the time.

You have also learned that while Pharloth called D'iha a cunt, bitch would probably have been more appropriate. One tough bitch, with a temper as cool as the Ice Dales, and a punch as hard as a giant, as Grum learned the hard way when he answered "Freth", when asked what house he belonged to. "No house is the answer", she said, after almost knocking him out cold with a well-placed knee to his groin.

But tough as she might be, she obviously wants you (and the others) to be the best you can be. Her drills and exercises might be hard and grueling, but she sees everything and often offers good advice on how to be better. "You are no good to me or the rest of the Swords if you are dead", or the short version "You are no good to me dead" seems to be her favorite phrases.

Not only is she tough, but she obviously knows how to handle her weapons. Longsword and dagger is what she uses, and while neither of you have ever fought her, one morning, when you showed up early for drills, she was training with 3 of the veteran Swords. Yeah, definitely not one to cross on your own, and maybe not even with all of your friends.

So far, there is no sign of any special connection to the Cult of the Elder Elemental Eye, or any other cult for that matter. Not that D'iha or G'az ever talks about the jobs that the Swords do. She probably doesn't trust you yet. Come to think of it, G'az never really talks. Since that "Follow me if you want to live on the first night", you have barely heard him speak 10 words.When around, he always seems to hover around D'iha, or rather, Mistress D'iha as anyone who values his teeth calls her, as if waiting for someone to come and attack her, so that he can pounce on said person. Creepy guy..

A couple of nights ago, you were contacted by Drazz. He wants to know when he is getting the gem. So far, he has been fairly patient, but you have a hunch that it might not continue to be that way for long. Luckily, it looks like a break is coming. A few of the other students have overheard somewhere that it is time to be tested and that whoever gets accepted will be given a mission to prove themselves....

Freeday 17th Awgost, Year 1456
At breakfast, you have just been informed that Mistress D'iha wants to speak with all of you (all new recruits) in an hour...