'A featherpen?' Spheris pondered. 'It might be the only thing she had, but it's still a bizarre gift. Did she take me for some kind of scholar? Or perhaps featherpens are more valuable than I think.'
He pouted. 'Not that I would need the money. A thousand silver callisters a day is more than sufficient.'
Gareth halted, bringing their walk to a stop. "We've arrived."
In front of them was a large door, bedecked with golden flowers and leaves. Spheris gazed at this door for a moment before turning to Gareth.
"The courtyard is beyond this door. Bestar Ivyssis prefers to have his training in a serene place. Do well to respect his rules, he's a very strict man."
The two marshals by the door approached Spheris with a small box. "No weapons inside. If you have any, it goes in the box."
Spheris regarded them with an untrusting gaze then glanced at Gareth. The Head Marshal gave him a nod of approval. "Remember what I said about respecting his rules."
