The Paladin Prophecy

WAYFARER

Once they were in the hall, Dan McBride confided that this wasn’t the first complaint he’d heard about Lyle Ogilvy. He explained that the Center gave provost marshals authority because it reflected their philosophy of students governing themselves. This had occasionally led to a few marshals abusing their position. McBride promised to bring the incident to Headmaster Rourke’s attention.

“I’m glad you called me, Will. You let me know if he troubles you again. You’re certain you have no idea what Lyle could be looking for?”

Will felt bad about lying to him but didn’t see an alternative.

“No, sir.”

McBride bade him good night. Back in the pod, Will found his roommates seated at the table. Elise sat apart from the others, staring at the ceiling. He realized they were waiting for him to speak first, and he took a deep breath.

“Anybody have a problem with how that went down?” he asked.

“You’re clowning, right?” asked Nick.

“I know you’re afraid of Lyle,” said Will. “For good reason. He’s messed with you before, and he’s going to keep messing with you.” He made a point of not looking at Brooke when he added: “The same goes for his pit bull, Todd, and those other chuckleheads.”

“Tim Durgnatt and Luke Steifel,” said Ajay.

“Unless we put a stop to it. Right now.” Will waited. No one responded. “Come on, the headmaster wants us to talk to each other. So let’s talk.”

“Our concern is this, Will,” said Ajay cautiously. “As delicious as it was to see them all eat a large helping of crow, we’re afraid that now it may only get worse.”

“This is supposed to be a democracy,” said Will. “Who wrote this Code of Conduct Lyle keeps yapping about?”

“Dr. Greenwood and the school’s first class,” said Brooke. “Students helped draft it, and they’ve been in charge of it ever since.”

“Can we change it? To put the brakes on Lyle, or any other kid who throws his weight around?”

“You can propose amendments,” said Brooke, “but they have to be approved by the student council.”

“Small problem,” said Elise. “Lyle, Todd, and their minions—all seniors—control the student council.”

“And Lyle and Todd just put you on their Major Shit List,” said Ajay.

“Along with the rest of us,” said Brooke.

“Big whoop,” said Nick. “We were on it already.”

“Well, now we’re number one,” said Brooke. “With a bullet.”

“Thank you, Miss Congeniality,” said Elise caustically.

Time to make it real. Stop worrying about what they think of you and speak your truth.

Will stood: “Everybody shut up!”

They all looked shocked. Particularly Elise. But she didn’t look angry.

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