"Again."
The elderly armsmaster gave a sigh and aimed with the bow. The arrow whizzed past Sharrow's ear, plinking off the stone wall. "You weren't aiming at me" the young man complained. "How am I supposed to learn to deflect arrows if they're not even flying at me?"
"Son," the old human sighed deeply "if I aimed at you, you'd be shot now and I would have to explain to Lord Saroian why there's perfectly drinkable blood being wasted on the floor. Look at this whole situation this way: if you are suddenly needed, you'd have to work while injured - that can't be good for... efficiency."
That was an argument Sharrow couldn't counter. The armsmaster was right - while keeping his skills sharp and learning new things was important, it was a secondary concern. "You're right, sir" he admitted. What should he do with himself then? Perhaps he could find an encyclopaedia of Hyoitian tundran plants - he's never been there, but if there ever was a need for him to visit the place, being acquainted with the local flora could be useful.
He headed for the door, but before he reached for the handle, he heard footsteps. It was probably just one of the guards - there was clinking of armour accompanying her stride, and she walked with ease of one accustomed to the place and her duties. Still, it was no excuse to lower his guard. He stepped away from the door and rested his hand on the hilt of a nearby weapon.
The door opened and no assault came. "Is Sharrow here?" the guard called. "Master Saroian wants to see him."
"I don't know why would anyone want to see that ugly mug of his" the old armsmaster commented. "I'd far prefer to stare at something pretty."
"I'm here" Sharrow responded, coming into view. He recognized her and it didn't look like an illusion, so it should be safe to follow her. He could hear the armsmaster sighing behind him, but he didn't care. If paranoia was the price he had to pay for efficiency, so be it. No matter how unlikely it was that some infiltrator managed to sneak into the castle, it was better to keep a watchful eye on his surroundings.
He followed the guard all the way to the office. She stayed outside, taking place at the door near the other guard. Sharrow knocked on the door, waited for permission to come, then entered and dropped to one knee in a show of respect.