Chapter 76, A Skip in his Step

Chapter 76, A Skip in his Step

The pavement seemed to sway pleasantly beneath his light steps.

Following his first day of work in a long while, Kreig almost felt like singing. Or whistling. Or humming. Of course, he did none of these things. But there was a trace, almost invisible skip to his step. He had a good reason for this. It had, after all, been a very good day.

Training people in the art of combat and condition was nostalgic, but somehow, the part that gave the labour such joy was the simple reason that this would not end in war. The muscles built at the hands of these rigorous youths would not be rendered by any blade, nor would they be used to cause equal destruction to any foe. They were simply made for the sake of having. Movement for the sake of health, not death. It almost brought a smile to his face.

Of course, not all of his new students were quite so pleased with the situation. This was nothing new. Those Kreig trained usually didnt find his training too pleasant, but now he had some crawlspace. Hed been told quite clearly that his students would want and expect more games than simple exercise. Kreig didnt know too many such games (only the ones he could remember his fellow soldiers engaging in between battles), and so he trusted that his students would eventually give him suggestions. Once they did, he would be happy to oblige them. But for now, they would toil their bodies much like so many soldiers had before.

He looked forward to the games. In the teachers room off in one of the main school buildings, the other teachers had told him a few specifics of the trade, one of which was the fact that he was free to join the students in their games at any time.

Kreig had asked if this was entirely wise since his presence might make the game unfair. The teachers had just laughed at him.

Thats the point, isnt it? the boisterous math teacher had replied.

At the time, Kreig hadnt been able to answer, but now that he gave it some thought, he understood the point quite well. Battles werent always fair, after all. There would always be one side with more money, soldiers and mages. The other side had no choice but to make do. If the soldiers wished to survive, they had to defeat their superior foe through treachery, trickery and intellect.

But first, he had a brief spout of tutoring to get through.

As he came home, he met up with Erica, who stood leaned against a tree outside. She smiled and joined him as they went upstairs. See, with Kreigs new schedule, they could no longer have tutoring during the day. Instead, they had a shorter bout during the evening, right before dinner. None after dinner, though. One might ask how Kreig could afford effectively cutting his tutoring in half, but there was a good reason for this.

He just didnt need it anymore. Hed passed the required tests for a few parts already and was well on the way with the rest. Even more so, if he felt that his tutoring with Erica didnt cover what he had to know, he simply spent his time studying.

Unlike his prior experience studying, he now found it almost enjoyable. Especially so the history books, which he studied with an almost passionate fervour. His interest in math remained waning, however.

Despite his independent studying, Kreig continued to find his tutelage under Erica the most fruitful time.

Regardless, when the time rolled around, Erica left, leaving Kreig alone to prepare dinner. He enjoyed his brief time of solace, and when his sister came home, he welcomed her with a glance. She griped about her days worries while Kreig put the finishing touches on the food, and once George arrived home, dinner was served.

From dinner to bedtime was a quick shift.

Even as he slept, Kreig knew nothing of the harsh interrogation taking place between two of his very students.