Hadrian hadn’t forgotten about Katerina Winters — was it still Winters? — but neither had he found the time to meet with her since first instating her in the ranger program. The thing that had once been his pride and joy had nearly been turned into a permanent disaster by Regan Lassiter—regardless of how cozy she was with the king nowadays. It was his hope that someone like Katerina could save it. Even though he hadn’t been personally involved, he had kept tabs on her progress, which was significant if the reports were to be believed.

Satisfied that Katerina had proven she was ready to be tested in the field, Hadrian called her to his office. When she arrived, he dipped his head in acknowledgment before inviting her to sit.

“I hear you’re progressing quite well.”

Van Zant was an interesting creature. Hadrian had become somewhat disenchanted with the idea of upstart commoners trying to make a name for themselves by shouldering forward above the pack. After the Regan debacle, he’d grimly decided that perhaps they lacked the discipline and sense of duty that noble soldiers had. He hoped Katerina would be the test case to disprove his hypothesis.

“Good,” Hadrian said with finality, “My hope is that you’ll be ready for the field sooner rather than later. We haven’t much time to dawdle, particularly with the skills you have at your disposal. What do you think, Van Zant?” He tilted his head, allowing himself to smirk a little, “How soon can you be ready?”

Hadrian considered her for a moment longer, for the last time weighing the woman in front of him. Yes, Katerina was new to the ranger program, but she’d proven herself a worthy soldier. A loyal one. At some point, one had to take a leap of faith.

Eventually, Hadrian reached into his desk drawer and pulled out a report that he’d slide across the desk toward her. “No doubt you’ve heard some version of this report’s contents,” Hadrian said with a hint of irritation toward the absent Abott and Woodwick in his voice, “But here it is in full: everything the Dresmondi man had to offer about his kingdom and the Eldouir’s dominion. Now…” Hadrian sighed, “Event at the ball among…other reports have given us reason to question whether we can take the Dresmondi at his word. So, I need you to do a little… fact-checking.”

Surely it would be clear what he was asking generally, but he’d pause to let her look over what he’d put in front of her.

Hadrian decided right there and then he liked her. When Kat swore, he grinned, as if he were the roguish sailor thirty years younger.

“Rough maps, yes, though I hope you’ll be able to help us fill in the gaps. I do want to stress, this is not meant to be an extended stay. No need to form relationships with the locals or find a place to bed down. Think of yourself as a ferret: popping up through the hole to look around then diving back underground before they realize you’re there.” He leaned back in his seat.

“As for the prize, I will make it a top priority. Have you given thought as to what you’d find useful?”

Hadrian nodded, scratching his beard in thought. It would be quite useful, indeed. Invisibility potions had their place, but also their limits. Something that would help her blend in would indeed be valuable.

“I’ll see to it myself that it’s taken care of quickly.” And he would. The king had made a promise, and Hadrian would see it fulfilled. "What else do you need in the way of training? Supplies?"

Hadrian wasn't Santa Claus, but he wasn't above handing out gifts.

Hadrian nodded once, smiling and pleased.

“Whatever you can make use of, you shall have it.” For potions were easy enough. “Contact me when you’re ready so that I know you are ready to begin. After that, I’ll need you to check in with me and provide regular reports. And, perhaps goes without saying,” Though he thought the same could be said for Warren and Aldirch so he’d say it anyway, “That knowledge is for me alone. I’ll share it with the appropriate parties. No one—no one—should know what you’re up to.”

For it was none of their goddess-damned business.

Hadrian nodded once in acknowledgment.

“Take all the time you need. I’d rather you be careful than quick.” Hadrian was optimistic about the young witch’s chances, but there was no way of knowing what metal someone was made of until it was tested.

“Unless you have anything else, officer…” Hadrian stood, signaling the meeting had come to a close.