The prep room is still and close, the scratching of pens thin as insects. Foxley’s cool, appraising stare at last makes sense, not as idle cruelty, but as a man measuring where Roald bends.
Foxley
Come here, Dahl. Let us see what sort of boy you are.
Roald steps forward. Foxley does not look at the envelope first, or the uniform, or even the hands. He studies Roald’s face, waiting.
Foxley
You flinch at the wrong moment. You hold your breath before the blow. That is useful.
The Prefect
He is not hunting obedience. He is hunting the crack in it.
Foxley taps the desk with one finger, a small, patient motion, as though he has all the time in the world to find the precise place to press.
Foxley
Stand there. Try not to look frightened. I want to know how long you can manage it.
✓ Quest Accepted
Withstand Foxley’s scrutiny
“Can I keep my face blank while he stares at me?”
YES (Even, rolled 29)
Roald Dahl
If I focus on the grain of the wood on his desk, I can keep my expression from betraying the terror in my chest.
Foxley
You are remarkably still, Dahl. Most boys at your age have a nervous tic, a twitch of the eye, or a tremor in the lip when they are being weighed.
Foxley
I am Foxley, and I find that a blank face is often the most interesting mask of all. Tell me, what do you think of when you look at me and see nothing but a wall?
“I tell Foxley that I admire his strength, intelligence and wit, and respect his authority.”
SUCCESS (Fair Diplomacy, rolled +3)
Roald answers with care, praising Foxley’s strength, sharp mind, and wit, and placing his respect where it can do the most good. The room seems to hold its breath for Foxley’s verdict.
Foxley
Strength, intelligence, wit. Sensible words for once. You are learning what counts.
Foxley eases back a fraction, not kindly, but with interest. The cane stays out of his hand, and his stare turns less like a blow and more like an examination.
Foxley
Authority is not kindness, Dahl. It is steadiness. A boy survives by noticing who has it, and who only pretends.
The Prefect
He notices. That is the trouble with him, Foxley. He notices too much.
At the doorway, the Prefect watches with his usual cold stillness, the crumpled paper still pinched between two fingers. He gives no comfort, only a flat assessment of the game being played.
Foxley
Then let him keep noticing. It will teach him where to stand.
Quest Complete
Withstand Foxley’s scrutiny
Skill Upgrade: Diplomacy Fair→Good