Her mind was a little muddled from lack of sleep compounded by the mental and physical exertions of the day before. She became a lot more alert, however, as she made the turn in the final hallway and saw the dining hall doors were closed. More unusual was the fact two watchers were standing before the doors as if guarding them. Puzzled, she slowed her pace as she approached. She felt both women’s gazes latch on to her as they spotted her and they didn’t look away. She felt her apprehension rise. “Mornin’, Miss,” the younger of the two said. Before she got a chance to return the greeting she was cut off by the other. “The Administrator has ordered all students to wear their armor today. No one is to get in without it.” She frowned at the news, wondering why Lareen would give such a command. “I would suggest you get yourself upstairs and put it on.” The older woman’s stare was hard. “We’d also appreciate it if you’d mention this to anyone you passed along the way?”
