Chapter 212: Guardians, Part 17, Eight Years Ago

They stand, heads drooping, in a line before their headmaster.

“I have never seen such a display. All three of you are easily old enough to know better than to behave as though you were in some common bar-room brawl.”

Limping, holding his ribs with one hand, battered but not bowed, Chad says, “I’m sorry, Mr Kalkowski, but I couldn’t not help when Jack started picking on Jenny.”

The old man surveys the penitents, noting that Jack is the only one bearing serious damage. His lower lip is badly swollen and split and one eye is already closing. Chad has a rip in his shirt and another at his knees. Jennifer appears unscathed, but….

Jennifer is not looking at him. His eyes follow hers as they slide across to his walking stick.

He sucks in his cheeks, choosing his words. “Jennifer, we do not administer corporal punishment here. However, misdemeanours cannot go unpunished. All three of you will receive extra homework and I will expect it to be done on time.