Helas thinks for a moment and then says with a smile, "Perhaps we should wait until after tonight to talk about the book and the knowledge it might contain and its use to you."

Then he adds, "And now, I'm afraid, I must ask you to leave as I need to get in contact with the people you are to meet tonight. Remember, I cannot guarantee that the meeting will occur tonight, but I will be here in either case."

Brand bows, pays for the other book, placing it in his satchell, and says "Until later, then."

He leaves the shop, heading in the direction of the School, by a mildly circuitous route.

Quote from AlaricBrand >>

Brand bows, pays for the other book, placing it in his satchell, and says "Until later, then."

[[Please deduct the funds, if you haven't already.]]

He leaves the shop, heading in the direction of the School, by a mildly circuitous route.

[[Does he approach the School from the direction where he will pass the alleyway where the Temple guards were stationed, or does he approach from the other direction?]]

[[ Whichever side is closer. His main interest is that the bookshop not be his most obvious origin. Happy for him to return the way they left ]]

Approaching the School of Occult Studies by a circuitous route, Brand passes the alleyway where the hand of Temple guards still maintains its watch. The female hand leader acknowledges him with a nod of the head as he walks past heading for the entrance to the School.

As he approaches, he hears Bruxa begin to bark and when he knocks on the door, it is opened by Eddard Maclan.

"Hello Alaric," says Eddard. "Come in, come in. How are you today?"

Brand smiles, "Eddard, it's good to see you! Im well. How are you faring? I haven't forgotten dinner, but there seems to be a lot happening at the moment. How is Nathaniel today?"

"He has visitors," says Eddard. "The Glory Rahni has come to grace him with her presence. I let her and her entourage in to see him just a short time ago."

"A lucky man! I hope they are not overtaxing him. Who else is with her?"

"I left Glory Rahni in the capable hands of Haneena," says Eddard. "And I am sure Mistress Althea will be in the library as soon as she hears such an important personage is at the School."

"And in the Glory's entourage? I hope it's not too large"

"There were only two," replies Eddard. "A representative from the Crown—who is an alumnus of the School actually; queer fellow by the name of Ezra—and an Aiedan Temple Guard hand leader."

Brand raises his eyebrows, "An alumni, you say? Advising the king. That must be good for the school."

"Why do you say strange?"

"You know, odd," says Eddard. "Not interested in girls, or boys even. While he was here he spent most of his time by himself, reading."

Then he adds, "And I would say he's more of a city tour guide for the Glory than an advisor for the king... I believe he's working out a king's patronage."

"Ann odd choice for a tour guide then, if he's the solitary  sort. Do you know why Nathaniel is being honoured, or is the Glory visiting all the masters?"

"Oh, it was only Master Nathaniel they wished to speak to, and I have no idea what about."

"Well I'd best not disturbed him until they are finished. Do you knownifnits possible for me to speak with mistress Vidon, or how I might make an appointment?"

"From memory, Mistress Vidon is with students at this time of the day," says Eddard stepping over to a small desk that has been newly placed next to the door of Minton's rooms. He opens a book that is on the top of the table and flicks through a couple of pages.

"I remembered correctly," he says before adding, "but tomorrow morning she is not teaching. Would you like me to see if she is available? I can send a messenger to let you know if, and when, she is available?"

"That would be excellent, thank you. Would there be any place I might wait for the glory to finish her visit, in the hopes that I might see Nathaniel?"

"We could wait in the gatehouse," begins Eddard, "except it is complete mess. Master Minton is putting all his belongings into storage while he is away, and he hasn't finished packing yet."

Then he says, "Hold on one minute, let me try something."

He takes something out of a pouch at his side and while holding it in his left hand to his mouth he points with his right hand up the path further into the School. Brand sees his lips move and hears him whispering something.

Eddard smiles and then says, more to himself, than to Brand, "Well, what do you know, this trick seems to work."

He then speaks to Brand, saying, "A young student will be here shortly. They will escort you to the Administration building where you can get some caf while you wait to see if Nathaniel is free."

While they wait, Brand gives in to Bruxa's soulful eyes and gives the dog a pat, which is accepted with enthusiasm.

Brand thanks Eddard and gives Bruxa some food from his satchel.