Nice post, Jeffrey.
Deeaye reminded me somehow (acoustically I guess ) of "duenna" (an older woman acting as a governess and companion in charge of girls, especially in a Spanish family; a chaperone) - but I think that was mentioned already (but seems a possibility), but the drill instructor reference is worth considering I think.
Or of "dharma" (
dharma signifies behaviours that are considered to be in accord with rta, the order that makes life and universe possible, and includes duties, rights, laws, conduct, virtues and ‘‘right way of living’’). Tibetan teachers of dharma being lamas, the word being similar to Sanskrit's 'guru'.
Kerberos (preferring the Greek) apparently kept the dead from _leaving_ the underworld. Doesn't seem quite right for Jeff's need, but hey, meanings change and it's a cool word.
And yes - I definitely saw the 3I's sunburst in the Oriflamme! And I think you're right - he stood next to the noble in battle. (Sir Geoffroi de Charny dying next to his king defending the standard (according to wikipedia) - and I think also having a second banner with him - so how could he fight? :) ) But doing so in a "education of the young noble" seems close. And Oriflamme comes from "golden flame" it says (aurea flamma) - the yellow sunburst again. Perhaps there's a Vilani title or words that could've been used to 'translate' the term 'oriflamme'? (What's Vilani for gold(en) and flame?)