EVENING CLASS

'You'll have to leave that behind the desk, sir,' said the security guard.

Reluctantly, I removed my sword and passed it across the counter.

'And that ..'

My shield, too? I sighed as it went the same way.

'Right, sir; night school, is it?  Sign in here.'

With a flourish, I withdrew a quill from my rucksack. The guard shook his head and, with his eyes, directed me to a pen attached by wire to the counter.

'What class are you doing, sir?' The impertinence of the man; I ignored him.

'Sir,' he went on. 'I can't direct you to your classroom unless I know what you're studying.'

He was beginning to stretch my patience.

'Chivalry, swordsmanship, jousting ... you know, the usual.' I replied.

'Are you on something, sir?'

'Of course; he's tethered outside. Can you water him?'

'I'm going to have to ask you to leave, sir.'

'Look, just direct me to knight school, you rude little man.'

'What subject?'

'Knight school. KNIGHT SCHOOL! What don't you understand?'

'Oh!' he said. 'Ker-night school. Why didn't you say so? Room 304 - third floor. That's the class for you.'

He pointed to his list. It read 'Spelling: Room 304'.

'Spelling?'

'Yes, sir.' Something clearly amused him.

'I want to be a knight, not a bloody wizard!' I retorted. 

He could see he'd pushed me too far, but it was too late. I pulled him across the counter by his tie and in one swift movement withdrew the dagger from my left boot. I pressed the point into his throat, just enough to break his leathery skin.

I became aware of a group of three or four rowdy men behind me, pushing and shoving each other.

'Problem, Eric?' one of them said.

I twisted the knife slightly. A drop of crimson fell onto Eric's collar.

'No, sir; I'm fine.'

The man who'd spoken consulted the room list with his index finger.

'Piracy: Room 216, lads.'

He placed a cutlass on the counter.

'Keep an eye on her for me, Eric.'

'Will do, sir.'