The study door hangs half open behind Lewis. In the corridor, Alexander waits in the dim wash of the lamp, one shoulder against the wall, as if he has all the time in the world.
Alexander Pavlovich Romanov
Well? What did he say, exactly? If there is rot, I should know where it starts.
Lewis steps out at last. The air feels colder away from the Housemaster’s desk, and the long shadow from the lamp cuts between him and the waiting boy.
C. S. Lewis
The Housemaster wants order, not trouble.
Alexander Pavlovich Romanov
Good. Then order can be used. Tell me whether Blugg has named Fribble, or whether he still blusters as though nothing can touch him.
At the far end of the passage, Blugg appears with his heavy tread and puffy, watchful face, taking in Lewis and Alexander in a single glance. He stops where he is, waiting to see which way the wind turns.
Blugg
If the Housemaster has need of more names, I can provide them. The question is whether the boy is useful enough to keep near, or foolish enough to flatten.
Alexander’s glance flicks from Blugg back to Lewis. For a moment the corridor feels like a trap closing, and Lewis sees the shape of it clearly, his safety now tied to what he says, and to who decides to believe him.
✓ Quest Accepted
Commit to Alexander's agenda
“I tell Alexander that he is my hero and that I will obey whatever he wishes me to do.”
SUCCESS (Superb Etiquette, rolled +2)
C. S. Lewis
You are my hero, Alexander. I will do whatever you wish.
Alexander Pavlovich Romanov
Good. Then you understand the shape of things. Loyalty first, advantage second, conscience nowhere at all.
Alexander Pavlovich Romanov
Stay near me, Lewis. Watch, learn, and speak when I need a harmless mouth to speak through.
Blugg
Hah. Fine words. Let us see whether the boy keeps them when the floor is dirtier and the Housemaster is done being polite.
Alexander’s mouth lifts in a thin, pleased curve. He does not look surprised, only vindicated, as though Lewis has stepped neatly into a place he had already measured for him.
Blugg angles his shoulders aside, no longer blocking the passage. The corridor seems to widen by a handspan, and the lamp’s hard light catches on Alexander’s watchful face.
Quest Complete
Commit to Alexander's agenda