He reaches the guard commandery.

After a few minutes of walking, Domic reaches the guard commandery, reports to the sergeant in the front hall, and is quickly ushered up the stairs and into the Captain's solar. The wood paneled room is dominated by a massive oak desk and an equally massive arms rack, while light shines in through large windows behind the desk. A painting of two knights lancing a bone-white dragon hangs on the wall across from the rack, and Domic admires it as he waits nervously. After a minute or two, the Captain, a short bull of a man, stomps in and sits down behind his desk. He has a small boulder for a head, with an afterthought thick dark beard attached, that sits atop an unadorned steel gorget and breastplate. Two dark pebbles under bushy brows look back at Domic.

"Take a seat, Domic and welcome," the man says. "Admiring the painting?"

"Thank you Captain Halle, sir," Domic says, sitting down in a very uncomfortable, rather crudely crafted wooden chair. "Uh, yes I was - who are they?"

"Hrmph, Haellenor and Faelah, the founders of Pael's sister settlements. Two idiots. I'm sure you know the story?"

"Uh, yes, Haellenor and Faelah were devoured by the dragon. Then Paelic avenged his brother and sister - by dropping a cliff boulder on its head as it slept."

"Yes, that always irked them - our founder survived, and they didn't even get horns or teeth to sell," Halle chuckles. "Well, anyways, I'm sure you're wondering why I called you in here. There's no need to worry Domic, you've done nothing wrong," Halle says. "I have a task for you, a special one," he smiles broadly.

"A special task for me? Uh, why me?"

"Because of your skills and because I knew your father, Domic, may the gods guard him. I knew him well enough to know he was a good and honest man, and an excellent hunter and woodsman. A man who'd raise his son right, and although he past before his time, from what I've heard around town and what I see before me, he succeeded."

"Thank you, sir," Domic says, self consciously.

Halle continues: "So Domic, this is your task. I have a lovely young daughter, Cerni, your age," his face brightens. "You likely saw her at your training, for she has the same term of service as you. I am proud of her, for all must serve 'For the pride of Pael'," he monotones. "However her mother," his face suddenly darkens, "rather foolishly thought this day would never come, and insulated her. I tried to teach Cerni what I could of guns and swords, and command, but I missed much in other subjects, subjects she must know about if she decides to become Guard Captain one day. So, Domic, today, and until I deem her fit, I want you to take Cerni into the forest, not far, never far," he says. "And teach her. Teach her how to hide herself in the woods, how to follow tracks, what plants are edible, that sort of thing."

"Captain, I don't know eno-"

"Nonsense, you know enough. I assume your sister hasn't been the only one working all these years," he gets up. "And besides," he says, walking over to look at the arms rack. It suddenly seems much more intimidating in the presence of its owner, every blade sharp, every mace solid, every gun already cocked! Halle turns and smiles. "I know you're an honorable man, and you and your sister's, ah, material situation prevents you from getting any silly ideas about 'joining houses' in your head, of course."

Domic gulps. "Of course, sir. A-and I would be honored, sir, to uh teach Cerni, the ways of the woods, uh sir."

"Excellent!" Halle says, walking over and extending his hand. Domic gets up and grasps it. "She should be waiting outside for you. It's best if you come in before nightfall, at least today," he says, returning to his desk. "You are dismissed!"

Domic takes a slight bow and heads out the door and to the outside.