When Gunnar saw the tall older man that Narrick called Dean Baldur, he was immedieately struck by how much he resembled Gunnar's grandpa, Marcus. They were not identical as Marcus was a little wider in the shoulders and had dark hair where this Baldur had light brown hair and his blue eyes were more deeply set.
Gunnar noticed that the dean's gaze hesitated on him for a second longer than the others who were filing out of the back of the ship.
Gunnar didn't know how this man was related but he definitely was part of Gunnar's, grandpa Marcus's family. He watched the man speak quickly to the teachers who had gone on the relief mission before turning to the two students and speaking.
"I am the interim dean of The Forge, school of the forgeworld of Kelton. My name is Brand Baldur, and before I send you to be checked over at the infirmary or to your barracks for some rest, I will need to speak to you both to get the story of what went on."
Something about the way that Brand Baldur framed that last bit set Gunnar's hairs on end. It felt like the man was trying to imply that the demon was a made up story to excuse the two from calling the teachers in early for pickup.
"Dean, I am more than happy to tell you what exactly happened, but as we are minors I will inform you that we will be accompanied by guardians or those appointed by our guardians as we speak." As Cassie finished her statement she gave a little shudder and reached to grab onto the hand of Kilara.
"The demon has shaken us up and I know that you will have to report this to the parents and the council of the planets as it is a demon sighting on Kelton during the survival trial, so I would like auntie Kilara to stay with me. At the very least until my and Gunnar's parents can get here."
Gunnar noticed the skin around the dean's eyes tighten slightly and felt no small amount of awe seeing the brilliance of Cassie shine once again. His mother always said that she would either make a fantastic general or a fantastic lawyer and there was almost no in between.
The dean straightened and spoke after a slight hesitation. "That's all well and good for you but I also have to talk to Gunnar so I will take him back first." As he said this he flickered forward and placed a hand on one shoulder on Gunnar's and started to pull him away to be interrogated.
But before he could move Gunnar an inch Narrick caught his other shoulder and sent a flush of mana through him to fling the deans hand off of Gunnar. He then recieved a glare and a threat from the man.
"Are you obstructing an official investigation into a demon infraction teacher Narrick? That come's with a heavy punishment." As Brand said this he released his mana presence as a means to preassure Narrick into letting go.
Narrick chuckled low and deep in his chest. "The investigation is only official when the council of planets says its official and when they can send someone over to investigate the problem. In the meantime the person with the higher rank makes the decisions and while you have the rank of colonel in the planetary defense forces, it is only an honorary appointment. My rank however is recognized not only on these three planets but also on the planets of three different empires affiliated with The Forge. That rank is a Lieutenant General."
"I know very well what you wish to impose on this young man and I will not let that happen."
The elder Baldur first turned red then deeply pale at the "Honorary" status of his appointment being flung into his face. He then turned and stormed away, shocking Gunnar with his petulance. He acted like a spurned teenager rather than an elder in authority.
Gunnar turned and thanked Narrick for his aid. "Thank you teacher Narrick. I didn't now what to do here, but thankfully you and Cassie did."
"Until you are recognized as an adult, never go anywhere alone with a figure of authority. Because of the many sensitive issues that children can be apart of in this school, they are entitled to have a representative of their houses or clans here whenever they are interviewed or questioned about anything." Narrick cracked a sarcastic smirk. "Oddly enough, as I am roughly considered an elder of your grandfather's maternal clan, I qualify as your escort. But we won't let that old bastard know that."
When he noticed Gunnar looking at him with questions written all over his face he slowly shook his head at Gunnar. "That's not a question I can answer yet kid."
Gunnar's face fell and it looked as if someone had taken a toy from a child, he was so crestfallen. When the older man saw Gunnar's face he gave a low rumble in his chest that Gunnar latter realized was a chuckle.
Narrick pulled a small slate out of the folds of the shaggy fur that sat over his shoulders, then swiped on it and pressed it a few times before a soft trill began.
After a few seconds it gave a beep and above the slate, a figure of Sheila Forge appeared above the slate. Before Gunnar could marvel at the new technology that was being showed to him, his gramma Sheila addressed Narrick.
"Old man, has something happened to Gunnar and Cassie? What's with the call—?"
Before she could spiral further Narrick held his other hand up. "They are both well, but you and the parents will need to get here immediately with the Delta incursion protocol. As I said they are both well but they will be questioned by the Tri-Planet Council and are entitled to have their guardians here."
A look of absurdity appeared on Sheila's face but she nodded and responded. "We are on our way."