The attendant escorts Lewis back into the infirmary, keeping himself between the boy and the corridor. Parsley remains on his bed beneath the Matron’s care, while the pavilion’s exposed scorebook waits outside.
The attendant
Matron, the scorebook beneath the pavilion steps requires official attention. I have left it untouched, but its entries may concern discipline and house privileges.
The Matron
Then report its location to the Housemaster. You will not summon prefects through an informal message while Lewis is under my medical supervision.
The attendant pauses at the infirmary door. Parsley watches from his bed, jaw supported by one hand, while the Matron closes her case and faces the question of custody.
The Matron
Distinguish your duties plainly. Securing a book is an administrative matter. Escorting Lewis is a medical precaution. Neither permits you to expose him to fresh orders.
The attendant
I understand. Lewis remains confined to the study under observation, and I brought him here only under your existing permission. I will make no further stop.
The Matron points to the chair beside Parsley’s bed, offering Lewis a protected place while the report is made. Outside, the pavilion and its scorebook pass back into the school’s official chain of authority.
✓ Quest Accepted
Submit to Fribble's perverted wishes
“I will ask the Matron when Fribble may receive me again.”
SUCCESS (Good Theology, rolled +0)
C. S. Lewis
Matron, when may Fribble receive me again? I ask so that his authority over Parsley and me remains properly bounded.
Lewis keeps his question quiet and exact, his school uniform lending it the formal shape of a report rather than an insolent challenge. His diplomatic instinct tests the boundary without denying the Matron’s authority.
The Matron
Fribble may not receive you while you remain under my medical supervision. He may neither question you nor assign you duties here.
The Matron opens the case note and considers the question as a matter of theological and practical authority: power alone cannot make an order righteous, nor can uncertainty excuse careless judgment.
The Matron
When your jaw is fit and the Housemaster has reviewed my account, Fribble may request an interview through proper channels. Until then, he has no access to you.
Parsley’s hand loosens beneath his jaw. The attendant records the boundary, while the Matron’s answer gives Lewis the precise knowledge he sought: Fribble’s next meeting is barred until medical clearance and official review.
“I ask when Parsley may safely leave care”
SUCCESS (Good Theology, rolled +1)
C. S. Lewis
Matron, when may Parsley safely leave your care? I ask for the conditions, so that no one can turn his recovery into another accusation.
Lewis frames the question with careful theological precision: authority must be bounded by a reason, not merely asserted. His diplomatic instinct keeps protection and accountability joined.
The Matron
When his jaw moves freely, the swelling has diminished, and he can eat without renewed pain, I may release him from medical care.
The Matron
But safe release also requires a recorded boundary. Fribble must not question him, assign him duties, or receive him without the Housemaster’s review.
Parsley tests his jaw cautiously. The movement remains tender, but the Matron’s answer supplies a definite standard rather than leaving his safety to custom or personal favour.
Parsley
Then I can leave when I am healed, provided Fribble cannot claim me first?
The Matron
Precisely. Until those conditions are met, you remain here under my care. Once they are met, I shall release you with the restriction entered plainly in the record.
The uncertainty narrows into two tests, medical recovery and accountable protection. Parsley now knows both when he may leave and what must be secured before he does.