The Master’s study remains quiet around Roald when a folded message arrives by an older pupil. Its instruction is brief: report immediately to Foxley. The Master does not accompany him.
Roald crosses the stone corridor alone, obeying the summons without question. The school’s evening sounds recede behind him as he reaches Foxley’s study door.
The door stands open. Foxley waits inside beside the desk, his cane laid visibly across the blotter and his memorandum placed beneath one steady hand.
Foxley
Come in, Dahl. Close the door, and stand where I can see you.
The room offers no witness and no escort. Beyond the threshold, the corridor remains empty; the Master has stayed behind, leaving Foxley’s authority to fill the study.
Foxley
You were summoned here before. You delayed. Give me an unquestioning account of where you went, whom you spoke to, and why you made me wait.
Foxley does not lift the cane. He taps one finger against the memorandum instead, watching Roald across the desk as the closed door settles the silence around his demand.
✓ Quest Accepted
Answer Foxley’s questions about the delayed summons