Bullies: I'm Going to Find Them (2/3)

Writers: Clancey, Eimi
Date Posted: 26th October 2006

Characters: Daynar, Nyblek
Description: Daynar hears Nyblek is in the Infirmary after fighting but finds its something even more disturbing.
Location: Smith Hall (NPC)
Date: month 13, day 27 of Turn 3

"You sharding wherrybrained arse!" Daynar boomed, forgetting for a brief time that he was in the Infirmary. He loomed over Nyblek's bed where the little rascal looked quite ..
terrible. His eye was swollen shut and the Healers had said he might have a concussion, something AIVAS had taught them was quite bad. "I warned you about fighting, Apprentice." The Hallmaster went on in a softer, kinder tone. "What happened, then? And I hope the other Apprentice looks worse." Daynar looked around the other beds, trying to see if any other of his Apprentices looked half dead. "It was dark," Nyblek whispered between swollen lips. "I didn't see them."

"THEM!?" His voice raised again. The journeyman Healer on duty glared at the Hallmaster. "Quiet, Hallmaster. He needs his rest!" The young man hissed, drawing Daynar's purplish gaze. Looking back at Nyblek, Daynar tried to modulate his tone. "Them? There were more than one of them? What did you do to them, hmm? And can you talk now?" His words left very little doubt that he had _better_ talk now. "I'm not sure," Nyblek croaked quietly. "I was walking towards my sister's cot, and something hit me on the head from behind and knocked me to the ground. I couldn't figure out what was happening, but suddenly I was on my feet and two boys were holding my arms. They were older boys, but that's all I could tell."

Daynar frowned darkly. "What had you done to deserve such treatment? Is there any details you can remember about them?" He waved over a Healer to get Nyblek some water, and even offered him the cup himself after it was brought.

Nyblek tried to think of details as he sipped the water through the straw, but none were coming. "I really don't know anything, sir," he finally replied apologetically, leaning back against the pillows. "I was walking and then suddenly I was face down on the road with a pain across the back of my head and ringing in my ears. And everything was just so confusing and mixed up." Tears started to form in the apprentice's eyes as he tried to remember everything that happened. "I know I was picked up and people held my arms. And someone was hitting me and saying nasty things. Maybe more than one, I just don't _know_..."

"Well something must be done!" Daynar groused. He was marrying soon, and this would _not_ be tolerated at his Hall. He frowned down at Nyblek. "No more going out alone for you, or any apprentices, until I find the culprits." The Hallmaster promised, though it would mean even stricter rules for the boys in his care. "Yes sir," Nyblek whispered, feeling chastised and humiliated, and yet relieved. If they could find out who did it, maybe he could feel safe again and stop jumping at every imagined sound.

Daynar nodded abruptly and patted Nyblek's hand. "Rest tonight, lad. Perhaps even tomorrow if the sharding Healers won't let you go. There is no punishment for fighting _this_ time, since that your opponents chose a coward's way to fight. But, if you remember anything at a later time that will help us, don't hesitate to come and see me, yes?" It wasn't really a request. Yes, it was a cowards way to fight. He didn't even have a chance! Nyblek eyes burned with tears of frustration and anger, mixed with the shame. They hadn't even given him one swing. They had just made him look the fool. They were cowards. But dangerous cowards. "I will, sir," he finally nodded, fighting not to let his voice break. Nyblek didn't want to add crying like the youngest apprentice to his humiliation.

While he excelled at _not_ comforting his daughter, the apprentices were like sons, in addition to the 3 he claimed, to him. He often gave them all the warmth he should have given his own family, and this was no different. His anger at Nyblek fighting again had been swallowed by his anger that anyone,especially young boys, would dare such actions at _his_ Hall. "Its alright Nyblek. I'm going to find them and make sure they never hurt you or any of my other boys again." "I hope so, sir," the apprentice said softly, hoping the Hallmaster didn't notice the way his bottom lip was starting to quiver.

Daynar noticed, but only minutely. Mildly stern, he patted Nyblek's hand once more saying, "Now, Apprentice. You know better than to cry. We'll find them. In the meantime, get your strength back." The Hallmaster rose to his feet, intending to get started immediately on finding these mysterious boys.

Last updated on the October 30th 2006

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Bullies: I'm Going to Find Them (2/3)