"A letter I'd like you to deliver, I'll tell you about it when I get back."

"Very well, then."

She returned her attention to the youngster, "Come along, Pyotr, it's time I took you inside."

They made their way through the back halls of the Volstrum until Natalia found the room she was looking for. They were called interview rooms and were used for a variety of purposes. Today, this room would be used to assess the potential of young Master Pyotr.

She opened the door, revealing a table inside with two chairs, facing each other.

"Have a seat," Natalia said, "and someone will be along shortly."

The young lad sat down, his eyes wandering about the sparsely decorated room. It reminded Natalia of her first visit, a lifetime ago. She closed the door, but remained in the hallway, waiting.

Shortly thereafter, she spied Mistress Voltana, one of the senior instructors.

"Is he in there?" the mistress asked.

"Yes, Mistress," Natalia replied.

The newcomer halted before entering. "What do you make of him?"

"He's underfed," she said, "and could do with a good wash, but his eyes are bright."

"A good sign," the woman replied, "and as for the rest, well, we can take care of that easily enough."

Natalia opened the door, allowing the mistress to enter. "Will there be further need of me, Mistress?" she asked.

"No," the woman replied, "you may leave us. The servants will take him to the dormitory when required."

"Very well," she said, curtsying slightly. Natalia made her way back to the waiting room. Stanislav, having collected his coins, was sitting in a chair awaiting her return. He stood as she entered.

"This letter," he said, "who's it for?"

"Didn't you read the name on the front?" she asked.

"I did," he replied, "but I don't know anyone named Katrin, and there's no last name."

"Her name's Katrin Stormwind," she said, "and she's a friend of mine."

"Isn't everyone here a Stormwind?" he asked.

"Yes, but she was born a Stormwind."

"Do you realize how many people with that name live here in Karslev?" Stanislav said. "Don't you have an address?"

"I'm afraid not," Natalia answered, "she left without telling me."

"Left? You mean she quit?"

"No, she actually failed the training. They shipped her out before I could say goodbye. I hope it's not an imposition, but I thought you might be able to deliver that letter. I've been worried about her."

"I've got a few days between contracts," remarked Stanislav, "I'll see what I can do."

"You might try the hall of records," suggested Natalia. "I understand wealthy families record all their births and deaths there."

"They do," he agreed. "It's how they keep inheritances straight. Her birth would be registered, and from there, it should be easy to locate her parents."

"I'm afraid I can't pay you," she said, "I don't have access to any funds until I graduate."