Paulus stepped off the ship, massaging the pain out of his jaw. The trip here had been a mixed bag for him. On one hand, he rather enjoyed the ocean air and found he dealt with the swaying rhythm of the sea. On the other hand, he did not get along with his fellow travelers that well. He was appalled at the blasphemies that they seemed to be spouting at every second. Naturally, as a defender of his country, he had a number of fights. Luckily the voyage was in the past, and he could begin to focus on his training. After turning in his papers and reporting to the captain.
A couple of women made eyes at him as he passed through the marketplace. Paulus did not notice, however, as he set out to make it to the citadel. The young man was used to the sights and sounds that came with a port, as he often found work at the one near his home. Paulus felt a slight tug on his pants, and he looked down from his goal to see a lowly pauper, holding his hands out for a coin. Paulus was sent with plenty of bronze and silver to sustain himself, and he gave the man a coin with and a smile. Then he continued along, almost forgetting the encounter.
Finally, he stood on the steps of the citadel, and he made his way inside. Paulus was filled with a rush of pride as he did. Deep down he had always known that he would follow in his father's footstep. He could almost hear the stories his father would tell him as a young boy. The majestic dragoons with their muskets blazing, and bayonets gleaming in the sun -- that was him now. Now was not the time revel, he had his instructions. Briskly, he made his way towards the captain's office.
As he stood in the ridiculously long line, Paulus overheard a group soldiers talking about their training in the hippodrome. He had caught a glimpse of the structure as he entered the citadel, and thought he might like to take a look. He could even work in some training, so long as he reported to the captain in time. He resolved to ask the men about the structure, and then figure if he should stay or go and train.
He made his way to the group, and politely asked, “I overheard you talking about the hippodrome, may I ask what kind of training goes on there? And if you think if I could make it there and back in time to report to the captain?
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