***
The entrance to the Horum Vir's quarters was a small elevator found in one of the corners of the Atrium. It was a little cramped, but after a few minutes of arranging, Monson, Casey, Artorius, Mr. Gatt and all the luggage were packed in the elevator and cruising upward to the top floor of The Barracks. Cramped and uncomfortable, talking seemed like a luxury they could forgo. After a few sore moments, in which everyone wished wholeheartedly that they had split up, the elevator screeched to a halt and the doors opened. This caused everyone and everything except Mr. Gatt to tumble out of the elevator. Being the closest to the door, Monson fell first. He spilled forward, hitting the ground hard. He looked up just as Artorius and Casey lost their balance. Monson shuddered as they came stumbling out after him.
In the midst of the disorder, an odd-looking man rushed to their side, catching them all off-guard. He was skinny to the point of bony with long fingers, high cheekbones, and thin eyebrows. He also had a kind of austere manner that spoke of an unwavering strictness. Despite this, he looked at them with kind eyes that were brown with hints of green.
"Ah, Brian," said Mr. Gatt, putting his hand forward. "I was wondering where you scampered off to."
"Markin," Brian said, extending his own hand and shaking Mr. Gatt's vigorously. "It has taken you a great deal longer than I expected. I thought you might be in the Comfort Room with the other students and parents. So I went to investigate."
"What did you find?"
Brian shrugged elegantly. "The usual pretentious people, of course."
"Well, allow me to alleviate that burden," Mr. Gatt replied, letting out a slight chuckle. "Let me introduce you to the new Horum Vir, Monson Grey."
"Hero," Brian said, giving Monson a slight bow. "I am very glad to make your acquaintance."
"Hero?" Monson said, confused by the greeting. "Why are you calling me Hero?"
Brian looked slightly shocked. "Hero—have you not been told what 'Horum Vir' means?"
"No, I don't think so." Monson replied.
"Horum Vir is Latin for hero. Well, actually, the Hero."
Monson raised an eyebrow. "So, I get to walk around with everyone calling me Hero? Nice. Now if you'll excuse me, I think I'm going to throw myself off a balcony."
"I see this one has a quick wit," Brian noted.
"And a sharp tongue. I think you're going to have your hands full with him, my old friend."
"Indeed."
Monson glared at the two men. "On behalf of all teenagers, I just wanted to let you know that we love it when you talk about us as if we aren't here. We think it's awesome."
Mr. Gatt put up a hand. "Peace, Monson, we're on your side, I assure you."
Brian bowed. "Please allow me to show you to your quarters. You’re in for quite the treat."
"You two, please follow me," Mr. Gatt said to Casey and Artorius. "I’ll show you where you’ll be staying."
"You got it!" Casey said buoyantly to Mr. Gatt, as he finished gathering his scattered possessions. "We'll hook up with you later . . . Hero." He looked highly amused.