William walked briskly through the long stone corridor that led from the observation balcony to the senior combat class training hall. His shoes tapped sharp echoes against the polished floor. He clenched his tablet tighter in his hand, his smirk from earlier gone. In its place was a faint tension that pulled at the corners of his mouth.
When he reached the tall oak doors of the combat hall, he paused, breathing out slowly to steady his face. Then he pushed them open.
Inside, the senior combat class students were gathered in small groups, some sitting on stacked mats cleaning their weapons, others sparring lightly in the far corner under flickering rune lights. Their instructor's arrival made them straighten instantly.
"Gather," William said, his voice echoing against the high ceiling.
