Glory City Palace: Master Insula Fu’s Quarters
“Well, seems you got a hint of bad luck,” Master Fu said giggling as she took a sip of tea. Sitting at her window, she leaned back and looked out at the traffic. The sun was just beginning to set. She liked watching the distant red and white lights move in different directions.
Insula Fu was usually willing to help a student in need but Metcalf’s issue was beyond her. “Sure, your friends can help you study. They should help you,” she said thinking. She turned to Metcalf and lowered her voice almost to a whisper, “I think you’ll need it.” Then in her commanding voice she finished, “Still, I can’t tell you anything about the Final.”
“Yes ma’am,” Metcalf replied politely, “I understand that. I was just hoping to learn something about stealth tactics while I prepare for the Final.” Metcalf stood in the middle of Master Fu’s living quarters trembling slightly.
The Quarter Masters apartment was quite clean, the only clutter being near apparent work areas. Two matching broad bladed falchion swords were displayed above the main book shelf that took over the main wall. The shelf was completely filled with books. There were also several inviting chairs and a couch in the center of the room. Metcalf remained standing because she was not yet invited to sit.
She had to remember etiquette and rank around the Stream Quarters Master. Master Fu was easy going towards everyone but would easily become upset if Metcalf addressed her lightly. She was a Founder and deserved her respect.
The respect went beyond the principal-student relationship. Founders were a higher level of Crisho and the remnants of a great war from long ago. Students at the academy were selected from the rare few Commoners around the world showing promise in one of the accepted forms of energy: magnetic, thermal, mechanical, or electrical. The most gifted of students could fumble around with a second type of energy. Master Fu’s lineage gave her control of all four energies simultaneously. It also gave her a very long life.
Her appearance made it particularly hard for Metcalf to remember protocol. The visible aging of Founders slowed dramatically at about twenty years. In effect, Insula looked nineteen but could easily be about sixty. If it weren’t for her well known position, Metcalf would mistake her for one of her friends. At just under five centimeters, her height didn’t aid her image.
“Oh, my mistake,” Insula replied. She turned to see Metcalf still standing in the center of the room. “Oh, please sit,” she said motioning for Metcalf to one of the more comfortable chairs.
Metcalf needed no more invitation and headed straight for the couch. Insula held her hand over her tea cup. Using her thermal skills she made the tea the perfect temperature, and then gulped down the rest of it. Setting the cup on a table, she moved to the soft chair near the couch.
Suddenly, Insula started asking her about random things: why Metcalf wanted to learn about stealth; her favorite foods; her life on campus. They started chatting and after about twenty minutes of talking, Insula suddenly said, “I think there could be a class before my morning preparations.”
Metcalf’s eyes opened wide at the possibility.
Seeing Metcalf’s excitement, Master Fu decided to warn her, “This class, plus what you’ll have to learn for the final will be a very difficult load. I’ll train you like an advanced student.”
Metcalf couldn’t help but stand and bow in excitement at realizing what Master Fu was saying. The Quarter Master was going to take the time and train her personally. The honor was very great. “Thank you Master Fu,” she said as she bowed.
“I had nothing to do in the mornings anyway,” Insula commented, “I’ll see you at hour five.”
“Yes ma’am. Thank you.” Wait, five hours after midnight?