Rumors and Rules

Writers: Clancey, Eimi
Date Posted: 2nd July 2008

Characters: Nyblek, Daynar
Description: Daynar hears a rumor about one of his favorite apprentices...
Location: Smith Hall (NPC)
Date: month 10, day 20 of Turn 4

The apprentice cleared his throat to get the Hallmaster's attention.
"Excuse me, sir, you wanted to see me?"

"Sit down, apprentice." He frowned at the young man from his large chair on the other side of the desk.

"I've heard something that troubles me, Nyblek. Do you have any idea what that might be?"

The young man sat up straighter in the chair, shifting a little uncomfortably under the displeased scruitiny of the Hallmaster's gaze.
"I have no idea, sir. I know I haven't been doing as well in Chemistry..."

"You haven't, hmm?" the frown gentled a moment to something kinder.
"Well, I've a new journeyman who might be able to help you, perhaps."
He couldn't remember right then what Kimbel's speciality had been.
Blast! He knew it a moment ago.

Shaking off that line of thought, he turned back to Nyblek. "No, that isn't it, lad. I've heard you've been spotted carrying a knife. Is that true?"

"A knife, sir?" the apprentice asked, a look of confusion crossing his face. "But apprentices aren't allowed to carry knives."

If ever you have seen your father stare at you down the bridge of his nose, then you will know what Daynar's face looked like to Nyblek at that remark. "This would be my problem with hearing you were carrying one, Apprentice." The emphasis was unmistakeable.

Nyblek supressed the urge to squirm under the Hallmaster's stern gaze.
"But I know that is the rule, sir. Why would I carry a knife?"

"I have many rules for my apprentices, Nyblek. Just because this one involves knives does not mean the rule would not be broken, if the apprentice in question had some reason to do so. What reason might you have for breaking this rule, lad?" The question was posed as if he already knew the answer - and he did.

Nyblek lowered his eyes. He knew exactly what the Hallmaster was refering to. "A knife wouldn't save someone from a cowardly blow from behind, sir. Besides, I wouldn't have known what to do with a knife if I had been carrying one."

Daynar leaned forward over the desk, closer to Nyblek. "No, it would not. But a knife may be the method of exacting revenge for such a cowardly blow. At least, I have heard that said." His frown deepened as he considered what to do with the boy. "Do you think that might be true?"

"Only if you knew who it was who had done it, which I don't," the apprentice replied defensively and then lowered his eyes once more.
"Besides, I couldn't... kill..."

"Killing is not necessary, Nyblek. Not for revenge. In fact, killing might even be a second choice. But I know you wouldn't have a specific target. So I am forced to assume that you would not lie to me and must not be carrying a knife." The Hallmaster paused for several long heartbeats, allowing the silence to grow .. prescient.

"But if you were carrying one, I would suggest that you learn how to use it, correctly." The Hallmaster was looking over his head, focusing on nothing. "Not that I could condone that sort of thing, but my father taught me a bit of knife fighting." He looked back to Nyblek and lifted the young man's chin. "That is, in case the Hallmaster here ever changes the rules for apprentices." It could almost seem as if Daynar wasn't the Hallmaster for that moment. Almost.

Nyblek was confused for a moment. Was the Hallmaster giving him his permission without actually giving permission? It had been hard for the apprentice to lie straight to the Hallmaster's face. It went against everything he had always been taught and tried to be. But if Daynar _was_giving him his blessing, albeit veiled, it went a long way towards easing the boy's conscience. "I think I understand, sir."

The Hallmaster face snapped back to look down at Nyblek. "I should hope so, apprentice. We have reasons for all our rules. You're one of my best apprentices, lad. I don't want to see anything happen to you. I would hate to punish you for breaking rules, especially knowing you would never do such a thing, hmm?"

"Of course not, sir." At least, Nyblek had not intention of being caught. He had been careless letting some of the boys see the knife his father had given him, and taught him to use. The apprentice would not make that mistake again. He would not risk the Hallmaster's displeasure, he'd make sure of that.

"Very well, Nyblek. You may go. You've been warned, aye?" He looked over at the young lad. "Don't disappoint me." He smiled warmly to take some of the threat from it, though Nyblek surely knew he would be punished if word got around to Daynar again. Even still, the Hallmaster did dote on his apprentices.

Last updated on the July 3rd 2008

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Rumors and Rules