The match ends beneath a lowering haze of dust. Tennyson directs Lewis through School House’s south door, while Fribble follows close behind, smiling as though the outcome were already settled.
The narrow passage beyond the door is empty except for the Junior Prefect, an older boy in dark wool uniform standing beside the housemaster’s closed room.
Tennyson
Forward, Lewis. The Housemaster is waiting to hear your account of the broken window.
Footsteps approach from the courtyard. Tennyson and Fribble arrive behind Lewis, sealing the passage from the field and leaving no ordinary witness to what was arranged there.
Fribble
A fortunate route, is it not? The match kept everyone occupied, and certain matters could be settled without unnecessary spectators.
Junior Prefect
I was told only that Lewis was to be brought here. No written order names the broken window, nor explains why Parsley was questioned first.
Tennyson’s expression hardens. Fribble’s confidence falters for a moment, revealing the blind spot: a minor instruction had carried Lewis away while an accusation was prepared unseen.
Tennyson
Enough insinuation. Lewis will answer the Housemaster directly, and the rest of you will remember that obedience does not require a public audience.
✓ Quest Accepted
Accept blame for the broken window
✓ Quest Accepted
Undergo the Housemaster’s caning
“I accept blame for the broken window without naming Fribble.”
SUCCESS (Superb Willpower, rolled +2)
C. S. Lewis
I broke the window, sir. I accept responsibility, and I will answer for the damage.
The admission settles in the narrow passage. Fribble’s smile falters, while Tennyson studies Lewis with a colder attention and the Junior Prefect remains silent.
Tennyson
You have spoken plainly. The Housemaster will hear the same account, and you will accept the correction required.
The closed door opens. The Housemaster of School House appears, his cane resting against one sleeve, and looks first to Lewis, then to the prefects behind him.
The Housemaster of School House
You admit the damage without excuse. That is better than evasion, though it does not restore school property. Come inside.
Fribble
He has taken the blame, but he has not spoken my name.
Lewis enters the housemaster’s room. Tennyson follows as witness, while Fribble remains outside beneath the Junior Prefect’s watch, his manufactured accusation deprived of its intended target.
Quest Complete
Accept blame for the broken window