After the conversation with Lord Eldridge, the butler escorted Kai towards the rear of the house while Carter and the head of the house had a few words.
Upon leaving the house out the back entrance, Kai walked to the edge of the courtyard, the late afternoon sun casting soft shadows across the flagstones. This section of House Eldridge's estate was tucked behind high hedges and sculpted gardens, giving the impression of seclusion, though he suspected at least three sets of eyes were watching them from hidden balconies within the Eldridge house and neighbouring ones.
Even noble houses, it seemed, had courtyards for their children to play in or practice their talents. This one was modest, paved with pale blue stone, and dotted with chalk markings and weighted training stones.
