“You seem to have some measure of ability as an adventurer,” Talimar continued smoothly, somehow making it seem less like a complimentary statement and more of an accusation. “However, there are a great many things in this world that natural skill and luck will not be enough to see you to success.”
“He means,” Beleg explained casually, with none of the delicate words that Talimar seemed used to, “that you need to smarten up fast or you won’t be long for this world.”
Talimar nodded. “Exactly that,” he confirmed simply.
“Luckily,” Beleg chuckled, clapping Kre heartily on the shoulder, “we now know this lack within you, and we can work to fix it.”
“Had any of us known the sad state of affairs in the Tehynshin educational system, we would already know where to begin with you. Unfortunately, because this is unknowable, we must start from the beginning. Each of us will take time to tutor you in such things as history, culture, etiquette…”
Kre tried hard to suppress the groan, but it must have shown on his face as Talimar listed off so many of the subjects that Kre generally thought were completely useless. Professor Marxin tried his best to find new and interesting ways to get the students to relate to the subject, but for Kre it was rarely successful.
In fact, Marxin’s efforts usually had the exact opposite affect on Kre. Once, when the professor showed up to class with a lute borrowed from a traveling bard in order to discuss the manner in which string tension created various tones, all Kre could think about was what it would be like to travel around as a musician, making your way in life with only your songs to provide for you.
Another time, Marxin brought in a small pig so that he could explain all about the porcine digestive system and how their individual diets had a ripple effect across every aspect of the Tehynshin swine economy. While that was going on, Kre was imagining running his own massive pig farm and whether he would be happier with pigs than with sheep. He was so deep in his daydream that when the pig got loose and most of the class was scrambling to catch it, he was lost in what he would name his farms. He was waffling between ‘Swineland’ and ‘Hog Harbor’ when the pig crashed against his chair, sending him sprawling, much to the amusement of the class.
Talimar cleared his throat softly and Beleg took the cue to jab Kre sharply in the upper arm. “Focus,” the large man commanded.
“I see now that perhaps the educational system was not the failure, but rather the inability of the student to focus.” Talimar gestured at his head, “Focus is a key attribute for any hope of success in life, not just as an adventurer. However, those not in our profession rarely risk truly horrible deaths, not only for themselves, but also for those that placed their trust in our ability to maintain our focus and composure.”
From behind the lot of them, Kersath’s raspy voice unexpectedly parodied Talimar’s sing-song cadence, “You lose focus in a fight, and we are all dead meat.”
