Yolande slept soundly as usually, comfortably, and blissfully unaware both of Anders' brief dark thoughts, and if the quiet movements below as the Principal and his trusted assistants finished preparing the lower level of the Academy - areas that as far as the Chancellor knew were unused and unfinished, since there was more than enough room above ground for the number of students and classes they needed.  So far, at least.  So the lower level was behind a set of locked doors, mainly for the students' protection, and Yolande herself hadn't had any need to go down there since she first cleared the mansion of its monstrous inhabitants.  Not having needed to go to the basement, she hadn't tried to discover that - by some oversight - her master key didn't open those particular doors.  She had absolutely no idea that there was yet another set of corridors and rooms that were hidden - so there was really no chance of her stumbling into anything prematurely.<br/><br/>She ate with Anders, rather than in the hall with the students - on other days she might join them, but today she was inclined to spend a little more time with her husband, considering last night.  But not much more time ... she as obviously jumpy throughout the meal, and hurried out as soon as she reasonably could, to get to classes.<br/><br/>Despite her initial uncertainty, once she began, teaching felt really good - she loved seeing the students so keen to learn, and although they had a lot more preparation to do before it would be safe for them outside the Academy, still she was rather impressed with the abilities of some of them.  As far as melee fighting was concerned, they would have no difficulties - Yuri, Lieselotte, very good, while Gena was rather better than Yolande herself had been at that time.  She shared encouraging words with all of the students, though didn't hold back her praise from those three in particular - though of course she still pressed them, challenged them.  She was quite warm by the time class finished - they had given her a fair workout, especially since she was trying unfamiliar training weapons, and not her own personal weaponry.  It took some adjusting, and by the time class was finished, everyone had improved, including Yolande herself.<br/><br/>Theory was not her strong suit, and she was happy to pass the class on to another mentor, with thanks and an exhortation to keep practicing whenever they had free time.  The day was off to a better start than she had expected... but then came a letter, one that demanded immediate attention.  She had heard a horseman arrive - it must have been the messenger, though why would the king be writing her so soon?  Was it just a note of good wishes?  But no... she took it and opened it immediately, standing in front of Kabuno.  Her eyebrows lowered, and she re-read the note, her lips moving silently.  Then her head came up, to see her Principal standing expectantly.<br/><br/>"This is not good, Kabuno."  She handed the letter over, so he could see the problem.  "Very strange... and urgent.  With hostages taken, I can't waste any time.  This is... really infuriating, we just barely got started!"  She took a deep breath.  "But there's no choice, I'll leave immediately.  I'll have to ask you to take care of everything while I'm gone... I'm not sure how long that will be.  If it goes really well... with travel time... well, just over a week if the gods are with us and everything goes perfectly, but that's asking too much.  I have to investigate a little, as you see.  No doubt there's some... dark wizard behind it or something... no offense, Kabuno."<br/><br/>She strode back to her quarters - she needed her weapons and gear, and then to the kitchen for some supplies.  Her last stop was the forge to say a rushed good-bye to Anders, with a quick explanation of her mission, and then she picked up her horse at the stables ... it was already saddled and ready, thanks to Kabuno's orders while Yolande was gathering her gear.  There was a light crossbow strapped to the saddle as she preferred for special occasions, though she generally preferred to fight up close.  A healer's kit was in the saddlebags too, along with some additional rations and wine.<br/><br/>She didn't really like riding - it was very difficult to use Equalizer from the saddle, which meant wasting time dismounting if trouble arose.  But for travel on the roads of the realm, its speed was worth that nuisance.  When she neared danger, however - such as the captured village - she would leave her mount behind, and stay on foot.  She expected to find some of the king's men before she reached the village ... surely he would have pickets out to keep an eye on the place, even if an army could not approach.<br/><br/>