Chapter 39

Finn felt a surge of satisfaction at the applause but regulated his expression admirably, only tidying up barely. He mastered concealing his true emotions. Life on the street taught him that. He can cope better with people who are in touch with their true emotions yet appear "tough" than with those who have masked their own emotions to themselves yet appear "mild." Stage one of his maturation into his better self is being in touch with his true emotions. Becoming a better person was stage two. Thus, the former were at an advantage and easier to coach. Those who were both honest and mild-mannered are the elite all. 

"You know of my elite warrior?" were the master's next phrases.

"Yes, sir," Finn replied.

"What do you know about them, young man?"

"Sir, um-hmp that they are your selection brigade for special tasks, sir." In truth, it was all that Finn could speculate about the distinguished party of elite warriors—the most respected among the men—whose midnight ex