The infirmary remains quiet after Lewis’s account. His shoulder is secured, and the doctor has forbidden him to leave the bed; Parsley and Edwin still sit nearby.
Francis
The Housemaster has accepted your testimony provisionally. He has recorded it, sealed the shed evidence, and wants your friends to say what protection the younger boys now need.
Francis enters only as far as the doctor permits, carrying the message from the passage. He keeps his hands visible and looks first to Parsley, then Edwin.
the doctor
Lewis is not to be questioned. If his friends speak, they speak to one another and to me, not through him.
Parsley
Then we should ask for protection that does not become another prison. No junior boy should be sent anywhere alone, and no Blood should control the arrangements.
Edwin
The Company can keep a public rota, with the Housemaster’s knowledge. We can accompany younger boys between lessons, but nobody should be forced to join us.
Francis nods, absorbing the distinction. Beyond the door, the Housemaster waits for their answer, while Lewis remains supported in bed, unable to add his own voice unless he chooses.
✓ Quest Accepted
Secure protective arrangements for the younger boys
“Lewis doesn't speak. He just nods in assent.”
Lewis nods once, carefully, accepting the plan without disturbing his secured shoulder. The movement is small, but everyone in the room understands it as assent.
the doctor
That is sufficient. Your friends may arrange the practical details, while you remain resting and free from further questions.
Parsley
Then the rota will be voluntary, visible, and shared with the Housemaster. No boy is protected by being quietly claimed.
Edwin
And every escort can be changed or refused. We should record who is accompanied, without recording anything a boy has not agreed to share.
Francis
I will tell the Housemaster exactly that. We can begin today, with two boys together whenever a junior must cross the grounds.
Parsley glances toward Lewis, then leaves the decision where it belongs, beside him rather than upon him. Edwin opens his notebook, ready to record only what the others approve.
the doctor
Good. The matter is settled for now. Let Lewis rest, and let the Company protect without becoming another authority that boys must fear.
Quest Complete
Secure protective arrangements for the younger boys
“Lewis smiles but stays quiet and lets his eyes close as he listens.”
Lewis smiles without speaking and lets his eyes close. His uninjured hand remains relaxed atop the blanket while the infirmary’s quiet gathers around him.
Parsley
That is agreement enough. We shall write the rota plainly, and nobody will mistake kindness for ownership.
Edwin
I will make two columns: who wishes to accompany someone, and who wishes to be accompanied. Either name may be crossed out.
Edwin bends over the notebook, leaving a generous margin beneath each heading. Francis watches the page, then glances toward the half-closed door.
Francis
I will ask the Housemaster to post it where juniors can read it without having to approach a Blood.
Parsley
And we should tell them the rule aloud. Protection is offered, not imposed. A boy may say no without explaining himself.
The doctor checks Lewis’s breathing and finds it even. Around the bed, the others lower their voices, continuing the work without asking him to open his eyes.
✓ Quest Accepted
Receive the doctor’s further examination
“Lewis listens to them work as he keeps his eyes shut. He quietly asks how long it will take him to recover.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Willpower, rolled +1)
C. S. Lewis
How long will it take me to recover?
The question is quiet, spoken through closed eyes. Edwin’s pen stops, while Parsley turns toward the doctor and Francis remains watchful by the door.
the doctor
The concussion should ease over several days if you rest. Your shoulder will take longer. You will remain here until I am satisfied, then return gradually to lessons.
the doctor
For ordinary use, think in weeks rather than days. Sport is forbidden for now, and any worsening pain, confusion, or fever must be reported at once.
Parsley
Then we shall plan around the truth, not pretend you will be ready before you are. The rota can continue without you carrying it.
Edwin
And your letters need not wait for recovery, though they may be short. I can bring paper, or simply read aloud if you prefer.
The doctor writes the estimate beside Lewis’s notes. Outside, Francis begins arranging the first escorts, while the notebook remains open for a company that must now function without its injured center.
Quest Complete
Receive the doctor’s further examination
“Lewis nods and says that is fine. He would like stationary to write his friends and pass the time. He asks of his parents will be notified what happened?”
SUCCESS (Legendary Willpower, rolled +1)
Lewis nods carefully, accepting the doctor’s estimate. Edwin closes the notebook, while Parsley watches him for any sign that the movement has caused pain.
C. S. Lewis
That is fine. I should like some stationery, if possible, so I can write to my friends and pass the time. Will my parents be notified about what happened?
the doctor
Stationery can be brought at once. As for your parents, the Housemaster will notify them today. They must know of the injury and your recovery, though you need not write an account before you are ready.
The doctor writes the request beneath his medical notes. Francis slips into the passage and returns with paper, envelopes, and a small bottle of ink, placing them on the bedside table.
The Housemaster of School House
Your parents will receive a truthful account, Lewis. We shall state what is known, what remains under investigation, and how long the doctor expects your recovery to take.
Parsley
You can write to whomever you choose. The official notice need not become the only version of what happened, and nobody will read your letters without permission.
Edwin
I will help arrange the paper without touching anything you write. You may begin with ordinary news, if that makes the first letter easier.
+ New Item Acquired
Writing paper
+ New Item Acquired
Envelopes
+ New Item Acquired
Ink bottle
“Lewis keeps the first letter simple, and addresses it to his mother. "I'm alive, I'll be ok, I don't want to leave Malvern." He asks that it be given with the notification to his parents.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Willpower, rolled +2)
C. S. Lewis
Please address the first letter to my mother. Keep it simple: I am alive, I shall be all right, and I do not want to leave Malvern. Give it with the notification.
Edwin places a fresh sheet on the bedside table and steadies the inkwell. Lewis writes slowly, his injured arm secured while the doctor watches for strain.
The short letter states exactly what Lewis asks: that he is alive, recovering, and wishes to remain at Malvern. He addresses it to his mother and folds it carefully.
The Housemaster of School House
I will enclose it with the official notification. Your mother shall receive your own words alongside the school’s account.
Parsley
That is plain enough to be understood, and yours enough that nobody can mistake it for the school speaking.
Edwin
I shall leave the letter unmarked and untouched. It will travel with the notification exactly as you requested.
The Housemaster places Lewis’s sealed letter beside the official notice, then carries both from the infirmary to be sent. The request is complete, while paper and ink remain ready for his friends.
“Lewis shyly admits that he did that to make sure she didn't take him away from the two of them. His mother is protective enough that he expects at the least she will try to visit the school and see him.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Willpower, rolled -2)
C. S. Lewis
I wrote it partly to reassure her. Mother is protective, and I thought she might try to take me away from the two of you.
The confession leaves the infirmary quiet. Lewis’s fingers tighten around the pen until his hand cramps, and a small blot spreads beneath the last line.
Parsley
Then the letter tells her you are alive, recovering, and choosing to remain. That is honest, even if she comes to see you.
Edwin
She may visit, but a visit is not the same as taking you away. We can meet her plainly, if you want us there.
The Housemaster of School House
Your mother will be admitted according to the school’s rules. She may ask questions, and you may answer them in your own time.
The cramped hand forces Lewis to set the pen down. Edwin moves the ink away from the letter, while Parsley leaves his hand close by without touching.
Parsley
You have not deceived her, Lewis. You have told her what you need her to know, and kept your choice in your own hands.
“Lewis says that he knows. He just wanted to say it. Malvern is better than it was at the start of term. And he has Parsley, Edwin, and their friends now. He has reason to stay even with what happened. He just wanted them to hear that.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Willpower, rolled +3)
C. S. Lewis
I know. I only wanted to say it. Malvern is better than it was at the start of term, and I have Parsley, Edwin, and our friends now. I have reason to stay, even after what happened. I wanted you to hear that.
The words settle over the infirmary. Lewis’s cramped hand relaxes beside the blotched paper, while Parsley and Edwin remain close without turning his reassurance into another duty.
Parsley
We hear you. Staying is your choice, not something you must defend to us, and we will not make you pay for choosing it.
Edwin
And if your mother comes, she can hear it from you directly. We may be present if you want us there, but she will not find you alone.
The Housemaster of School House
That is a sound distinction. I will arrange your mother’s visit according to your wishes, and ensure your companions may attend if you request them.
The offer gives Lewis something practical he had not asked for: a protected meeting in which his own words, and the friends who share his life here, can remain present.
Parsley
Then we have heard you, Lewis. Malvern is not what it was, and neither are you. We are here because we choose to be.
“Lewis closes his eyes again and nods. He says he wants Parlsey and Edwin there when she visits. And he still wants to know if his father writes back. He knows it will take a week or two. Maybe if he's lucky his father will just come here with his mother. He can only hope.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Willpower, rolled +1)
Lewis closes his eyes again and nods carefully. His request leaves the room quiet, but not uncertain: Parsley and Edwin will be present when his mother visits.
C. S. Lewis
I want Parsley and Edwin there when she visits. And I still want to know if Father writes back. I know it may take a week or two. Perhaps he will come with her.
Parsley’s hand remains beside Lewis’s, close enough to be found but not claiming him. Edwin reaches for fresh paper, ready to mark the request plainly.
The Housemaster of School House
They shall be present if you wish it. As for your father, the school will tell you at once if a letter arrives, and his reply may come in its own time.
Parsley
And if he comes with your mother, you will not meet either of them alone. We can listen, or give you privacy, as you choose.
Edwin
I hope he comes too, if that is what you hope for. But whether he writes or travels, you will not have to face the waiting by yourself.
The Housemaster records both requests beside the medical notice. Lewis’s sealed letter to his mother is sent with it, while the possibility of his father’s reply remains openly acknowledged, neither promised nor dismissed.
“With effort, Lewis closes the distance and takes Parsley's hand. "I always want to hold your hand, remember? So for right now, please just hold it. I'm too weak to keep asking."”
SUCCESS (Legendary Willpower, rolled -1)
With visible effort, Lewis moves his uninjured hand across the blanket until his fingers reach Parsley’s. The motion leaves him breathing shallowly.
C. S. Lewis
I always want to hold your hand, remember? So, for right now, please just hold it. I’m too weak to keep asking.
Parsley
I remember. You need not ask again. I will hold it because I want to, and I will let go only when you ask me to.
Parsley closes his hand gently around Lewis’s, supporting rather than gripping. His thumb rests still against Lewis’s knuckles, leaving the pressure entirely under Lewis’s control.
Edwin
That is a good arrangement. You may keep his hand, Parsley, and I will stay here without making either of you explain it.
the doctor
Quietly, please. The contact is harmless, but Lewis has spent enough strength. Let him rest while you remain beside him.
Parsley keeps holding Lewis’s hand. Edwin settles nearer with his notebook unopened, while the doctor watches the steadying rhythm of Lewis’s breathing.