Several weeks pass, and the altered notice becomes merely an uncomfortable reputation. At the cricket pavilion, summer dust hangs over the ropes while boys cheer beneath the hard afternoon sun.
Tennyson
Lewis, carry the bats and spare balls to the scorer’s table. Then stand with the spectators and applaud whenever our side scores.
Tennyson points toward the equipment shed, his prefect’s uniform immaculate. Beyond him, Fribble corners Parsley beside the pavilion wall, where older boys can pretend not to hear.
Fribble
You will say the broken window was your prank. Refuse, and I shall make certain the masters hear how insolent you have become.
Parsley
It was not me. You know it was not me.
Fribble’s athletic frame blocks the boy’s escape without touching him. A few Bloods, adolescent boys in dark wool school uniforms, watch with folded arms and amused faces glance over, amused by the arrangement, while the match continues across the field.
Tennyson
What are you staring at, Lewis? The equipment will not carry itself, and slack applause is noticed.
✓ Quest Accepted
Shield Parsley from Fribble’s accusation
The younger boy must perform the assigned task or face the consequences of disobedience.
“I explain to Parsley that he is responsible for the broken window, and that he must submit to being punished for it.”
SUCCESS (Great Reasoning, rolled +3)
C. S. Lewis
Parsley, you are responsible for the broken window. You must submit to the punishment and say that it was your prank.
Parsley
But it was not me. You know that, Lewis. Fribble broke it, and now he wants me punished for him.
Fribble’s smile tightens as he hears the words. Behind him, the watching Bloods shift closer, eager for the accusation to become an official spectacle.
Fribble
There, you see? Even Lewis understands what must be done. Say it plainly, Parsley, and spare yourself further insolence.
Tennyson
Lewis, the bats and spare balls. Now. You will carry them to the scorer’s table before you resume your applause.
The equipment shed stands beside the pavilion, its door propped open. Lewis must perform the assigned errand, while Parsley remains boxed in by Fribble and the older boys.
Parsley
I will submit if I must. But I will not call Fribble’s lie the truth.
The younger boy must perform the assigned task or face the consequences of disobedience.
The Blood or prefect inflicts corporal punishment upon the younger boy.
“I obediently carry the equipment and accept that Parsley will have to receive a thrashing on his buttocks for breaking the window.”
Lewis lifts the bats and spare balls from the shed and carries them across the dusty field. The weight is modest, but Tennyson’s order follows him like a hand at his back.
Tennyson
To the scorer’s table, Lewis. Then applaud properly. I will not have you look miserable while our side is winning.
At the pavilion wall, Fribble keeps Parsley penned in by presence alone. The younger boy’s face has gone pale, while the Bloods watch with eager, folded arms.
Fribble
You heard him. You will admit the prank, and you will accept the punishment for your insolence.
Parsley
I will endure it, but I will not say that your lie is true.
Lewis places the equipment beside the scorer’s table and joins the spectators, clapping when required. Behind the pavilion, Parsley is taken from view, and the punishment is administered out of sight.
Tennyson
Good. Keep applauding, Lewis. In this school, obedience is noticed, even when the truth is not.
The younger boy must perform the assigned task or face the consequences of disobedience.
The boy is liable to receive punishment for his lack of positive demeanour.
The Blood or prefect inflicts corporal punishment upon the younger boy.
“I continue applauding our successful cricket team, and I meekly congratulate Fribble for his thorough punishment of Parsley, and the Bloods' celebration of it.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Etiquette, rolled -2)
Lewis continues applauding whenever the cricket team scores, keeping his face bright beneath the hard sun. His palms redden and sting, but he does not slow.
C. S. Lewis
A thorough punishment, Fribble. You have certainly made the lesson clear, and the Bloods have celebrated it admirably.
Fribble returns from behind the pavilion, smoothing his jacket while the Bloods laugh and clap him on the shoulder. Parsley remains out of sight.
Fribble
At last, Lewis, you show some understanding. Parsley will remember who speaks for him, and so will you.
Tennyson
That is better. Keep your applause lively, Lewis. A congratulation delivered without enthusiasm can resemble insolence.
Lewis claps harder as the field erupts for another boundary. His voice has gone hoarse, and Tennyson watches his expression as closely as the match.
The younger boy must perform the assigned task or face the consequences of disobedience.
The boy is liable to receive punishment for his lack of positive demeanour.
The Blood or prefect inflicts corporal punishment upon the younger boy.
“Will Parsley remember to obey Fribble without question from now on?”
NO (Unlikely, rolled 67)
The applause continues until the match breaks for tea. Then Parsley reappears from behind the pavilion, pale and unsteady, his collar crooked but his expression newly guarded.
Fribble
You will thank me for correcting you, Parsley. Next time, you will admit the prank before anyone asks.
Parsley
I will do the chores you give me. I will endure what you arrange. But I will not call your lie the truth.
Fribble’s smile vanishes for a moment. The Bloods exchange glances, sensing that the punishment has secured compliance with tasks but not obedience of the mind.
Tennyson
Careful, Parsley. Defiance is not improved by being spoken quietly. Lewis, keep that cheerful face while the players return to the field.
Parsley lowers his eyes and begins gathering the abandoned cricket gear without protest. Yet when Fribble turns away, his fingers close around the strap, refusing the older boy the satisfaction of surrender.
Parsley
I will obey the order that keeps me standing. I will not obey the lie.
The younger boy must perform the assigned task or face the consequences of disobedience.
The Blood or prefect inflicts corporal punishment upon the younger boy.
+ New Item Acquired
Folded warning
“Will the prefects cane Parsley again for his defiance and lack of positive demeanour?”
YES, AND MORE (VeryLikely, rolled 11)
Tennyson’s expression hardens at Parsley’s pale face and quiet refusal. He orders the boy behind the pavilion, and the Bloods follow as witnesses.
Tennyson
You will look cheerful when you return. Insolence and misery are twin offences, and both require correction.
The punishment passes out of sight behind the pavilion. When Parsley returns, he carries the cricket strap and wears a strained, obedient smile, while Fribble looks satisfied.
Fribble
Now you understand. Carry the gear to the shed, and thank me for teaching you better manners.
Parsley takes the strap and begins the assigned chore. As he passes Lewis, his fingers briefly catch the boy’s sleeve, pressing a folded scrap into his palm.
Parsley
Fribble hid the missing scorebook beneath the pavilion steps. He means to blame you when it is found absent.
Parsley moves on before Fribble notices. Tennyson turns toward the field, unaware that Lewis now possesses a warning capable of diverting the next accusation.
✓ Quest Accepted
Teach Parsley to respect his elders
“I ask Parsley if he understands that his sore bottom is the result of his defiance and lack of proper respect for his elders”
SUCCESS (Legendary Etiquette, rolled +0)
C. S. Lewis
Do you understand, Parsley, that your sore bottom is the result of your defiance and your lack of proper respect for your elders?
Parsley
I understand that Tennyson ordered it because Fribble called my refusal insolence. I do not understand it as proof that Fribble’s lie became truth.
Parsley keeps hold of the cricket strap and walks toward the equipment shed as ordered. His movement is careful, but he does not drop the gear or refuse the chore.
Fribble
There is the proper answer, Lewis. The boy obeys because correction has taught him where his elders stand.
Tennyson glances back from the field, measuring Parsley’s strained smile and Lewis’s expression. The prefect’s authority remains active, and any visible misery invites another charge.
Parsley
I can carry the strap and keep standing. I need not surrender the truth merely because they have punished me.
At the shed, Parsley deposits the gear beneath Fribble’s watch. The folded warning remains hidden in Lewis’s hand, while the missing scorebook waits beneath the pavilion steps.
The younger boy must perform the assigned task or face the consequences of disobedience.
The boy is liable to receive punishment for his lack of positive demeanour.
The Blood or prefect inflicts corporal punishment upon the younger boy.
“I politely ask Tennyson if he feels that another thrashing would help to remind Parsley to respect his elders properly.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Etiquette, rolled +0)
C. S. Lewis
Tennyson, do you feel that another thrashing would help remind Parsley to respect his elders properly?
The question is mild in tone, but it carries across the shed. Tennyson turns from the field, and Fribble’s satisfied expression briefly falters.
Tennyson
A remarkably courteous suggestion, Lewis. Since Parsley still wears that miserable face, I shall test its usefulness.
Tennyson takes the cricket strap from Parsley and orders him behind the pavilion. Parsley obeys, still holding the gear until told to set it down.
Parsley
Yes, Tennyson. I shall keep cheerful, sir.
The punishment occurs out of sight, brief and officially described as correction for insolence and poor demeanour. Lewis’s polite intervention has secured the intended reminder, but Tennyson now watches him with fresh suspicion.
Fribble
How thoughtful of you, Lewis. You have taught Tennyson where your sympathies lie, and I shall remember it.
The boy is liable to receive punishment for his lack of positive demeanour.
The Blood or prefect inflicts corporal punishment upon the younger boy.
The younger boy must perform the assigned task or face the consequences of disobedience.
“Will Parsley continue to fail to respect his elders if he is subjected to a bare bottom caning from the housemaster?”
NO (Likely, rolled 85)
Tennyson’s suspicion does not fade. He sends for the Housemaster of School House, and Parsley is taken from the shed beneath an order no younger boy may refuse.
Tennyson
Let the Housemaster determine whether this insolence is truly finished. Parsley will return with a proper respect for his elders.
The correction takes place behind the closed door of the housemaster’s room and is not witnessed. When Parsley emerges, his face is composed into the required cheerful expression.
Parsley
Yes, sir. I shall obey the tasks assigned to me, and I shall show proper respect.
The answer satisfies the stated test. Parsley no longer fails the school’s definition of respect, though the punishment has compelled obedience rather than made Fribble’s accusation true.
Fribble
There. Now even Parsley understands that elders are not to be questioned. Carry the cricket gear back, and keep smiling.
Parsley takes up the strap and returns to the shed as ordered. Tennyson watches for any lapse in his expression, while Fribble enjoys a victory narrowed to conduct and appearances.
The younger boy must perform the assigned task or face the consequences of disobedience.
The Blood or prefect inflicts corporal punishment upon the younger boy.
“Does Parsley respect his elders now?”
NO (Unlikely, rolled 78)
Parsley carries the cricket strap toward the shed with the required smile, but his eyes remain steady. The punishment has secured obedience, not respect.
Fribble
You are still looking at me as though I have lied. That expression is insolence, whatever your mouth says.
Tennyson hears the accusation and turns back from the field. Parsley’s cheerful mask tightens, yet it does not become submission.
Tennyson
The Housemaster’s correction has not reached your understanding. Carry the gear, smile properly, and do not mistake silence for respect.
Parsley
Yes, sir. I will carry it and smile. I will not call a lie the truth.
Fribble’s face hardens, while Tennyson’s hand closes around the strap. Parsley continues to the shed under orders, outwardly compliant and inwardly unconvinced.
The younger boy must perform the assigned task or face the consequences of disobedience.
The Blood or prefect inflicts corporal punishment upon the younger boy.
“Will Tennyson punish Parsley again for refusing Fribble’s lie?”
YES (VeryLikely, rolled 58)
Tennyson takes the strap from Parsley and points toward the pavilion’s closed side door. Fribble follows at a respectful distance, wearing the satisfaction of a charge successfully made.
Tennyson
Behind the door, Parsley. You will return cheerful, and you will remember that calling an elder a liar is insolence.
Parsley
Yes, sir. I will obey the order. I will not say that Fribble told the truth.
The door closes. The correction remains out of sight, but the strap’s sharp reports carry briefly across the pavilion before the cricket crowd drowns them.
Fribble
He will learn eventually. A younger boy cannot preserve his little truths when his elders have decided what happened.
Parsley emerges with the required smile and retrieves the abandoned gear. His steps are careful, his collar crooked, and his eyes fixed beyond Fribble rather than lowered to him.
Tennyson
Carry the strap to the shed and resume your duties. Lewis, keep the spectators applauding. No one here is to look miserable.
The younger boy must perform the assigned task or face the consequences of disobedience.
“Will Parsley finally learn to respect his elders when he is subjected to an ice cold bath while all the other boys mock him?”
YES (Unlikely, rolled 25)
The strap reaches the shed, but Tennyson’s suspicion remains. He orders Parsley toward the washroom, where an ice-cold bath has been prepared as a further correction.
Tennyson
In you go, Parsley. You will learn that respect is warmer than insolence, and you will emerge cheerful.
Parsley obeys. Cold water closes around him, and the cricket boys, a group of adolescent boys in dark wool school uniforms with flushed, laughing faces gather beyond the doorway, laughing and calling encouragement while Tennyson watches his expression.
Fribble
Smile properly. Perhaps the cold will wash that stubborn little truth from your mind.
Parsley
Yes, sir. I respect my elders, and I will obey the tasks they assign.
The laughter swells as Parsley climbs out, shivering beneath the required smile. The bath has not made Fribble truthful, but it has made obedience visible.
Tennyson
There. Now you understand. Return to the field, carry what you are given, and show respect without argument.
“I smile with satisfaction as I realise that now, finally, Parsley has learned to respect his elders.”
Lewis smiles with satisfaction as Parsley stands shivering beneath the required cheerful expression. The assigned correction has secured obedience, and the boy has learned where his elders stand.
Tennyson
That is better. You have completed the task given to you, Parsley, and now you will return to the field without complaint.
Parsley
Yes, sir. I will return to the field, carry what I am told, and show proper respect.
Parsley gathers the cricket strap and straightens his crooked collar. He obeys at once, his smile fixed carefully in place as he passes beneath the watching boys.
Fribble
You see, Lewis? A younger boy can be taught. Give him enough correction, and even his stubbornness becomes useful.
Tennyson resumes his place beside the pavilion, satisfied by the visible result. Parsley carries the strap toward the field, performing the duty assigned to him without resistance.
Tennyson
Keep smiling, Parsley. Respect is shown by obedience, and obedience is what you have finally learned.
Quest Complete
Teach Parsley to respect his elders
Skill Upgrade: Oratory Mediocre
The younger boy must perform the assigned task or face the consequences of disobedience.
The younger boy must perform the assigned task or face the consequences of disobedience.
“Would it be easiest to let the prefects punish Parsley for the broken window?”
YES, BUT (Likely, rolled 59)
Parsley reaches the field beneath Tennyson’s watch, carrying the strap as ordered. Fribble points toward the pavilion, where the broken window glints above the dusty stones.
Fribble
There is the damage, Tennyson. Parsley has admitted enough by his conduct. Let the prefects correct him, and the matter ends.
Tennyson
Parsley, you will report to the housemaster and answer for the broken window. Lewis, remain here and keep the spectators cheerful.
Parsley obeys at once, carrying the strap toward the house entrance. The prefects accept Fribble’s accusation as sufficient for punishment, but the cost is immediate: Tennyson’s suspicion settles on Lewis.
Tennyson
And you, Lewis, will explain later why you were so eager to involve yourself. A boy who notices every accusation may be hiding more than he reports.
Behind the pavilion, the housemaster’s door closes on Parsley and the correction passes out of sight. A single sharp report carries across the field before the cricket crowd drowns it.
Fribble
You see? The window is no longer your concern, Lewis. But Tennyson may now make your interest one.
The younger boy must perform the assigned task or face the consequences of disobedience.
“Does Tennyson suspect that I broke the window?”
YES, AND MORE (Unlikely, rolled 2)
Tennyson’s suspicion sharpens as Parsley disappears into the house. He watches Lewis instead of the pavilion, while Fribble’s easy triumph becomes noticeably less certain.
Tennyson
You were near the shed, Lewis, and you have been remarkably interested in every accusation. I suspect you broke that window, or know precisely who did.
Fribble opens his mouth, but Tennyson raises a hand. The missing scorebook remains beneath the pavilion steps, yet the prefect’s suspicion prevents Fribble from placing it on Lewis at once.
Fribble
There is no need to complicate matters. Parsley’s conduct already proves enough.
Tennyson
No. Parsley will complete the housemaster’s order, as commanded. Lewis will remain here under my eye, and you will not manufacture another charge.
A sharp report sounds behind the closed door, followed by the housemaster’s heavy steps. Parsley returns with his required cheerful expression and resumes the assigned task without protest.
Tennyson
The window may wait. Lewis, you will answer me after the match, and until then you will applaud where I can see you.
The younger boy must perform the assigned task or face the consequences of disobedience.
“Will I be punished if I fail to applaud appropriately?”
YES (VeryLikely, rolled 29)
The cricket match resumes beneath the hard afternoon sun. Tennyson positions himself where Lewis can see him, while the housemaster’s door closes behind Parsley.
Tennyson
You will applaud every boundary, Lewis. If your hands fall still or your face becomes miserable, I shall correct the omission after the match.
The order becomes official at once. Lewis remains under Tennyson’s eye, required to perform the task or face the consequences attached to disobedience.
Fribble
How fortunate for you, Lewis. A little applause will keep you safe, provided you remember that enthusiasm is also being judged.
Parsley emerges from the housemaster’s room wearing the school’s required cheerful expression. He takes his place near the pavilion, carrying the cricket strap as ordered.
Tennyson
There is no difficulty here. The batsmen score, you applaud. Fail, and your conduct will be treated as insolence.
A clean stroke sends the ball racing toward the boundary. The boys cheer, and Tennyson’s gaze fixes on Lewis’s hands, waiting to measure whether obedience will be visible.
“Will I be able to applaud correctly with sufficient enthusiasm to save myself from a caning?”
YES, AND MORE (Likely, rolled 13)
Lewis applauds each boundary with measured force, keeping his face bright beneath the hard sun. Tennyson watches his hands, but finds no pause to condemn.
Tennyson
That will do. Livelier than I expected, Lewis, and without any need for correction.
Another boundary brings a roar from the field. Lewis’s applause joins it cleanly, and the spectators accept him as merely another enthusiastic younger boy.
Fribble
He is only performing for safety. Do not mistake obedience for loyalty.
The housemaster appears briefly in the pavilion doorway, heavy boots stopping beside Tennyson. He observes Lewis, then the orderly field, and says nothing against him.
Tennyson
You have satisfied the order. Remain here until the match ends, but there will be no caning for this duty.
The immediate danger passes. More usefully, the housemaster’s silent approval gives Tennyson no convenient excuse to punish Lewis, while Fribble’s accusation about the scorebook remains unspoken.
“I admit to Tennyson that I broke the window.”
SUCCESS (Superb Willpower, rolled +2)
C. S. Lewis
Tennyson, I broke the window.
The admission cuts through the cricket noise. Tennyson’s gaze fixes on Lewis, while Fribble’s expression changes from easy triumph to sudden uncertainty.
Tennyson
You admit it plainly? Then you will explain why, and you will accept the correction required for breaking school property.
Fribble
He cannot mean that. Parsley already confessed by his conduct, and the matter was settled.
Tennyson raises one hand, silencing Fribble. The accusation against Parsley loses its force, while Lewis’s admission leaves no room for Fribble to place the missing scorebook on him.
Tennyson
Parsley is released from this charge. Lewis, you will report to the housemaster after the match and answer for the damage.
Across the field, The Housemaster of School House turns at the disturbance. Tennyson orders Lewis to resume applauding until the match ends, but the truth now stands plainly between them.
Quest Complete
Shield Parsley from Fribble’s accusation
Attribute Upgrade: Reasoning Great→Superb
The younger boy must perform the assigned task or face the consequences of disobedience.