Parsley reaches the younger boys’ dormitory, his oversized blazer rumpled and his cheek marked with soot. The room falls briefly quiet, then laughter breaks out around his bed.
The Younger Boys
Look at him! Fribble has got his way at last.
Several boys crowd closer, grinning at his battered appearance. Their amusement swells as though his discomfort were a house performance arranged for their benefit.
A small, sharp-faced boy in a faded school shirt pushes through the circle, waving a folded card. His ears redden with the pleasure of delivering it.
The Sharp-Faced Boy
Another order from Fribble. You are to scrub the boots in the lower passage before supper.
The Doorway Boy
No slipping out, Parsley. I am watching the door.
The doorway boy, a human adolescent with a square jaw, short fair hair, and dark trousers beneath the worn waistcoat, an older, broad-shouldered pupil with fair hair and a prefect’s discarded-looking waistcoat, plants himself across the entrance. Every face turns towards Parsley, waiting to see what he will do.
✓ Quest Accepted
Establish obedience to Fribble
“I take the card and head for the lower passage to scrub the boots.”
SUCCESS (Fair Agility, rolled +2)
Parsley takes the folded card from the sharp-faced boy. The paper trembles faintly between his thin fingers, but he turns towards the doorway without speaking.
The Doorway Boy
That is right. Down to the lower passage.
The doorway boy shifts aside, allowing Parsley through. The younger boys’ laughter follows him into the dark intersecting corridor of Parsleys’ own house.
The Sharp-Faced Boy
Do not dawdle, or Fribble will hear of it.
Parsley reaches the lower passage before supper. Boots stand in untidy rows beneath the hooks, their leather dulled by mud and old polish.
A pail, stiff brush, and tin of blacking wait beside the wall. He sets the card down and kneels, beginning the assigned scrubbing.
Quest Complete
Establish obedience to Fribble
+ New Item Acquired
Folded card