Admin from hell - old style

The Lord Marshall's high quarter was that of lean, sleek, efficient splendor and even though I was kept waiting for more than half an hour the palms of my hands remained strangely dry and warm although the rumors were many and the window was open in the small room where I was told to await his Lordship. His assistant was that of friendliness and efficiency combined. It was not the feeling of excitement nor fear that had grabbed my heart, no - it was the feeling of the fearless. In this very small "la chambre secret" I was not yet aware that Captain Flash-Heart had made contact and once again offered his services. This time he had been rejected on the grounds that "we can not afford him in these times of cut-backs". So little did I know that I, his Padwan Learner, was going to be accepted on the very same grounds. Had I known that Captain Flash-Heart had the aspirations for the same position I would naturally have backed down - but know this, I did not.

The Petty Governor of Minor Matters had conveniently "dissappeared" and made himself in disposable during the great gathering of all knights of the round table. He had suffered a major blow to his already bruised ego in the new rank order of the troops but with his latest temper tantrum there was more to be lost than just face. He had, in fact, lost almost 80% of his troops to other officers and was now left with only the Bloated Beggar from Roads Ends and Sir Point (of No Return). The Bloated Beggar had followed the Petty Governor from early days and was loyal beyond compassion however Sir Point was new in the ranks but would always stand his ground firm, something that annoyed the Petty Governor immensly.

In all this loss of troops and face the Petty Governor was, surprisingly enough, endorsing me to the Lord Marshall - if this was because he knew that I would utterly fail or if he actually believed that I would do good is something I will probably never know, nor do I intend to find out.

As I was sitting in the small room with glass walls facing an open area where officials would hurry past and giving me a quick but inquisitive glance, I felt like a strange object in a "Cabinet de curiosités" but was at the same time quite comfortable with that. An old Admin from Hell is not that easily intimidated especially when he has been summoned for deeds well done to face the Lord Marshall.

Earlier that day I had been called to the den of the Viceroy and received the most precious instructions regarding what the Lord Marshall likes and dislikes. I was handed vital information for my survival and success but the bottom line was that I should remain true to myself - needless to say, I will.

I was interrupted in my thoughts by the Lord Marshall entering the room with long strides and a firm handshake to seat himself with back to the inquisitive knights, me on his right and the outside in front of him. This was a good position that gave me chance for bonding and trust which I took. The conversation was between gentlemen and knights and will not be recited here or anywhere else but the outcome was good and after an hour I was back outside the building with carrying both trust and challenge in my mind.

This was a good beginning
Yours
A.F.H.