The first tower of the Rider’s Academy was an impressive structure, it was vast and held many halls.

It was also well guarded, there were dragon guards stationed at the balcony and patrolling the halls.

The dragon guard was made up of both dragon lords and mortal soldiers and so Neveah was not surprised to see the soldiers donning dragon guard armor were a mix of human and other races.

There were a few dragon lords too, and that much was enough protection as one dragon was worth an much as an army.

The tower was built in such a manner that there was a winding stairwell around the outer wall that led to the different hallways.

It made it certain no one would trespass on any hallway without being sighted from the guard posts.

"As you are already aware, the academies are considered to be a pillar of the stronghold. Each has His Grace’s unwavering attention."

"The security within the academy is water tight. What you see is but the surface, you might not see it but you need only know that they are there." Elina informed.

Elina led the way up the stairwell and they climbed up for a short moment before she took a right turn into a rather quiet hallway.

"The first hallway holds Master Heather and Master Gerwin’s study. They are two of the three senior masters in the riders academy."

"All riders of the twelve squadron are assigned to a senior master, and your assigned master is on this level. Amongst all three senior masters, Master Maloway is the highest ranked and most experienced." Elina said.

"Lord Rodrick has chosen well then." Neveah murmured, she had not expected much when the choice was left to Lord Rodrick and so it was a pleasant surprise.

"But Master Maloway also has the least number of students, including you...there is only but ten riders under Master Maloway’s guidance at the moment." Elina continued. 𝑓𝘳𝑒𝑒𝓌𝘦𝘣𝘯ℴ𝑣𝘦𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝑚

"Ten...Is that strange?" Neveah asked, something told her she had spoken too soon of Lord Rodrick’s decent choice.

"Assisted by the junior masters, Master Heather and Master Gerwin both have a few hundred riders under their wings. If the difference does not tell you enough, there is not much else that will." Elina replied, not providing Neveah with a direct answer.

"I take it this Master Maloway is not a favored choice, for good reason..."

"He never disappoints." Neveah murmured with a shake of her head.

This sounded much more like what King Jian would choose for Neveah, Neveah had not expected he would make anything easy.

"If you hope to last a day under Master Maloway’s guidance, keep your opinion to yourself." Elina said without glancing back.

Neveah pursed her lips slightly at Elina’s reprimand but she held her tongue and followed after Elina till they arrived at the wooden double doors that led into Master Maloway’s study.

Elina knocked twice and waited to hear a response.

"Come in." A gruff voice sounded from within the hall.

"Now, be sure to mind your words... I would not appreciate having to escort you back out to the gates." Elina warned, glancing at Neveah.

"Rest assured, I am not so easily gotten rid off." Neveah replied with a casual shrug.

"Well?! If you do not plan to enter, get lost!" Came the voice again, harsh and crude.

Elina’s gaze which was still fixed on Neveah narrowed slightly and she looked tempted to say something more, but she decided against it and pushed open the door.

"My apologies, Master Maloway. It is Elina." Elina said as she stepped in and led the way past a few shelves to where Master Maloway’s desk was set.

Neveah stepped in after, passing a brief glance around the study as she walked before her gaze settled on the desk where a thin, frail looking old man sat, hunched over.

With a head full of grayed hair, a bushy beard and a thread bare coat, Neveah was not sure what manner of a man she was staring at.

For a moment, Neveah was taken aback by the size of the man. With such a thin structure that he almost looked sickly,

Master Maloway was what Neveah would call a regular neighborhood grandpa. The kind that always wore a smile that wrinkled their face and gave out candied sweets.

Now, Neveah had only ever heard of such kind old men in books, but she assumed this was what one would look like.

"I am certain I already know who you are, my senses are not as dim as you lot!" Master Maloway replied in a harsh snarl, not even acknowledging Elina and Neveah’s presence.

Neveah blinked in astonishment, it had only been a moment and Neveah immediately realized there was nothing kind about this old man.

"Of course, Master." Elina agreed with a roll of her eyes.

"Do you have trouble with your eyes girl?" Master Maloway asked and Elina stiffened visibly.

Neveah raised a brow, Master Maloway had not even glanced up but he somehow knew just what Elina had done.

"Just a sting, Master." Elina replied.

"What a load of bull!... Move aside girl, let me see the specimen you bring me." Master Maloway instructed.

Elina complied immediately, stepping aside so Neveah was in full view. It was only that Master Maloway still did not glance up.

"Not much meat on her bones, certainly more suited to a dress than a rider’s suit, exuding the arrogance of an overgrown peacock..."

"And I must wonder if lifting a utensil poses any trouble seeing those branch like arms...a sword certainly has no place in the same room as this one. And what is all that hair to be used for? A hand hold?" Master Maloway accessed, still not glancing up.

"I did not expect much, but this is certainly disappointing. Perhaps you have brought me the wrong person?" Master Maloway asked, referring to Elina this time.

’I think I see why he is not liked.’ Neveah’s wolf thought to her.

’You think?’ Neveah thought back, feeling apalled.