The corridor narrows under the old stone walls, all draught and echo. Roald is almost through when a tall cadet boy steps across his path, sword at his side, and the master’s shadow stretches behind them both.
Miller
You there, where do you think you are going, alone like this? State your business.
The Prefect
Foxley’s errand. He has proof enough for the master, if that is your concern.
The Master
I have already seen the paper. Keep moving, and do not loiter in the corridor.
The prefect’s hand closes once more around the crumpled paper ball, as if it were evidence or a warning. The cadet boy glances at it, then back at Roald, measuring him with open suspicion.
Miller
Very well. On you go, then. But if Foxley has sent you wandering, I should not keep it quiet.
Roald gets his passage at last, slipping past the sword hilt and the hard stare, while the three older boys remain behind in a tight, uneasy knot.
✓ Quest Accepted
Pass the cadet’s scrutiny
“I ask the cadet if he thinks Foxley is likely to cane me often.”
SUCCESS (Mediocre Diplomacy, rolled +2)
Roald Dahl
Do you think Foxley means to cane me often?
Miller
Often enough if you give him cause. Less often if you learn how to stand, speak, and keep out of a master’s way.
The Prefect
And if Foxley uses you as a shield, that is another sort of trouble. He is fond of it.
Miller
He is fond of making boys flinch. That is not the same as courage.
The Prefect
No, but it is the same as school, most days.
The cadet snorts, not quite amused, and the prefect’s hand tightens around the crumpled paper before easing again. Roald stands quiet in the stone draft while the older boys look at one another, the danger thinning into something colder and more ordinary.
Miller
If you must serve Foxley, keep your answers short and your hands busy. That will not save you, but it may spare you a cane that day.
Quest Complete
Pass the cadet’s scrutiny
Skill Upgrade: Diplomacy Mediocre→Fair