Scout Jia caught up to the boys during the morning practice session. He stood back to assess San Jin's form and noted how the young man favored one hand. "Your injury is still bothering you," he observed.

"I just need to loosen up a bit more," San Jin said twirling the staff he was practicing with.

"As long as you didn't re-injure yourself tying up a night-time intruder."

"You heard?" San Jin's ears turned red.

"The whole place will have heard by now. Especially given the way the other conclave member carried on about interference with a special investigation."

"Well, they shouldn't be interfering with sleeping boys." San Jin said.

"Yes. Nice stroke labeling the visitor a pervert. The whole community is on your side. They should have been in any event but it clinched it."

"Did they say what they were investigating?" In-Yeon asked before repeating himself in a louder voice.

"Rumors about energy use anomalies related to a potential guardian. It all sounded rather far fetched but the Temple-Master wants to see us." Scout Jia explained.

"Do you trust him?" San Jin asked looking first to In-Yeon, then to Scout Jia.

"We'll see," the man said quietly as he led the way to the office.

In-Yeon was relieved to see a familiar face waiting for them. The Herbalist explained since they were assigned to his work details he would act as their sponsor. "I don't expect this matter will come before the full council but you can never tell with members of the conclave."

The Temple-Master rose from his behind his desk and welcomed them warmly. The two members of the conclave remained seated. A pair of burly monks stood behind the office guests. It was not clear who they were there to protect.

"We are here to try to clear up misunderstandings that may have arisen recently. I have your letter of introduction delivered from the conclave. It says nothing about an investigation." The Temple-Master looked over the masked pair who seemed to shrink back into their robes. "There are, as you should be well aware, appropriate protocols for meeting with any students. They are protected guests and should not be approached without their sponsor being present." The Tempe-Master nodded to the Herbalist who responded with a slight bow.

"We would all like a clear explanation of last evening's events. Let's start with the victim statements." One of the masked visitors stood. "No. You are the suspect," the Temple-Master said and a monk pushed down on the visitor's shoulder. The suspect squirmed onto the chair.

San Jin cleared his throat and waited for the signal to continue. "It is simple enough," he said looking directly at the members of the conclave. "Since my usual guards are not present, I took basic precautions. A noise in the middle of the night woke me and I stopped a prowler beside my bed. Rather than disturbing my companions I secured the culprit to be dealt with in morning. As I stated to the Assistant Dorm-Master there is simply no excuse to approach a sleeping boy. Especially one who has been working so hard taking care of me and our horses on this trip." San Jin warmly smiled at his young friend.

"Just as a matter of curiosity, why did you use so much salt?" The Temple-Master asked.

In-Yeon whispered something to his friend. San Jin encouraged the boy to speak for himself but he repeated just one word. "Crypts."

In-Yeon gave a pleading look to the Herbalist and the monk stepped forward to say, "It is not our usual practice to admit to such things, but this young student has special sensitivities. The explosions under the governor's castle disturbed the crypts. The salt allowed him to rest easier."

In-Yeon nodded his agreement for the explanation and gave the Herbalist a shy smile. The Temple-Master frowned not wanting to think about the possibility of souls trapped in limbo looking for a conduit. One of the pair from the conclave gave a derisive cough.

"I never dismiss some one else's belief. Especially if true, it could explain other, more unlikely, manifestations." The Herbalist stared directly at the one who had coughed so rudely.

"I am not sure what you mean." The Temple-Master tilted his head to one side and gestured for the Herbalist to continue.

"I only mention this because of the rumors circulating about the conclave looking to claim precedence over training a potential guardian. Frankly, it seems far more likely that someone who channels different spirits might exhibit a range of energy affinities. I don't want to dwell on old debates but thought it might comfort the boy to know his path is not yet determined." He gently patted In-Yeon's back.

"I'm sorry but how can anyone else purport to claim precedence? There is only one registered contract in place. Baron Pange has not released his son to anyone else. It is up to our group to decide which schools will best accommodate our training regime. So far, the temple schools have been profoundly disappointing." Scout Jia signaled for the boys to stand beside him.

"I understand," the Temple-Master frowned at his other guests. "I am reluctant to ask but our gatekeeper said the boys sent an urgent message to General Tan this morning. Should we expect a military follow-up?"

"No. Uncle understands the limits of his authority. I just want to get out ahead of the grapevine so he would not worry. His attention is needed for more important concerns." San Jin gave the Temple-Master a slight bow.

The two members of the conclave turned to each other and whispered back and forth. San Jin watched with disappointment. He usually avoided trading on his family's status but it brought expected results. One of the masked men stood up and apologized for any inconvenience their misunderstanding might have caused. San Jin tapped himself on the chin, opened his mouth to speak but then thought better of it. He turned to Scout Jia.

"I'm sure the members of the King's council will have already heard other stories of the conclave acting as a law unto itself. I wonder how the Mistress of the Dawn will take knowing you bandied around mistrust for her seeing so cavalierly. I can imagine she will be pleased." Scout Jia smiled and ushered the boys out of the room ahead of him.

In-Yeon stopped at the end of the passage and turned back. He smiled at the Herbalist who hurried to catch up. "Congratulations. That last comment. Brilliant. The Temple-Master will be furious at being used against the Morning Temple in such an underhanded way."

Scout Jia acknowledged the compliment with a grin but then sobered "We will need to sort out different accommodations for tonight. I wonder if the riverboats might take on passengers in advance."

"Check with the Door-Master later. I am confident there will be a guest suite opening up." The Herbalist winked but then sobered. "Before you go the Dream-Master, would like a word with Student In-Yeon., if that is alright."

"Providing we can go with him." San Jin insisted.