About a Boy

Writers: Ames, AL
Date Posted: 22nd February 2011

Characters: Wirnan, Zathris
Description: Zathris and Wirnan discuss what to do about the boys who beat Wodi.
Location: Amber Hills Hold
Date: month 12, day 1 of Turn 5
Notes: Follows "The Unthinkable" and "They Find Him"

Wirnan

Zathris

Zathris grit his teeth. It was a horrible situation and he knew it wasn't
going to get any better any time soon. The man reached up, thumb and
forefinger pinching at the bridge of his nose. He remembered how often
Benaroy was solemn and serious. Perhaps the weight of being Lord Holder had
turned him that way. It was certainly cramping his normal jovial self as of
late.

Wirnan sat silently for the time being, sorting through his own thoughts. He
had dealt with things in his time as steward at other holds, but somehow
this current situation seemed worse than any he could recall. The boy had
been beaten badly. There was _no_ reason for anyone to gang up on another in
such a manner.

"They need to face retribution for their actions," he finally said with a
firmness to his voice. "We cannot allow such behavior to continue here at
Amber Hills."

"Of course not!" Zathris snapped, then pulled back before more words could
come forth. Wirnan did not think him a fool, he was simply stating what was
already on both of their mines. "Of course not." The Lord Holder repeated,
a little more kindly this time. "It's just a matter of what sort of
punishment." Zathris brought his hands together, his expression grim.
"I've been thinking on the matter and have a punishment in mind, but I
would like to hear your opinion on the matter."

"Always, my lord. That is what I am here for," Wirnan knew that Zathris'
little outburst had not been directed at him per se, but rather at this
terrible situation. "The young boy, Wodi, was clearly in bad shape after the
others had taken their fists to him. What punishment do you have in mind?"

"Lashes. Twenty for each boy. Then each boy will be pressed into service
as drudges for at least a turn. If they wish to craft, then will have to
wait. If they already craft, they will lose time on their craft." Zathris
sighed and reached up to rub his eyes. "On one hand, I don't believe it's
harsh enough. On the other...perhaps they can learn and change their ways.
A close eye will certainly have to be kept on them."

"I think that punishment is more than fair, my lord," Wirnan reached a hand
up to rub the back of his neck. "Part of me wishes they were forced to
suffer the same abuse they dealt out, but I know that is not the way to
handle such things." Wirnan sat forward a bit. "I believe we should lay out
additional consequences for the duration of their year and even into the
time they will be released from their service as drudges. If they act out
again in anyway, then we would have additional plans in place to deal with
their behavior. What do you think, Lord Zathris?"

"I think that is a wise suggestion." Zathris folded his hands together and
nodded. As much as he hated to do it, it made sense. They needed to
realise that actions had consequences and further actions would reap further
consequences. "Longer time in service, longer hours come to mind
immediately. Any suggestions for others?"

"Those sound good, my lord." Wirnan paused, giving a small sigh, before he
leaned forward and looked at Zathris. "I do hate to say this, but what if
these boys cannot be reformed? Even with the consequences we have put in
place, what do we do if they continue such vile actions? I would say we
could send them from the Hold, but such actions in times of Thread would
truly be a dire punishment. I also would not want them to try and seek
refuge in another Hold and cause similar problems." He sat back in his chair
with another tired sigh. "Let's hope these consequences will teach them the
difference between what is right and wrong, acceptable and unacceptable,
because, honestly, contemplating further punishments is almost more than I
can bare now."

"I think further punishment can be decided if we have more trouble with
them." Zathris didn't really want to think about it either and he heaved a
sigh. "Do you mind if I have them report to you or would you prefer a guard
to be assigned to that? I think they should check in before breakfast and
just before retiring daily, and then when they are at tasks, someone should
be over them at all times."

"That's fine. I want to keep my eye on them anyway. We'll have to assign
someone to watch them during the days, of course. I wouldn't be able to
manage that and my other duties, but yes, have them report to me each
morning and each night. I'll also ask whomever we assign as their guard to
report in as well. I'll keep records of everything, of course, and share an
overall weekly assessment of how things are going with you. Unless of course
there is a problem, in which case, I would come to you immediately." Wirnan
was ticking things off on his fingers, his mind already thinking about how
he would organize and keep track of all the things he needed. It was after
all his job, and one he was very good at.

"Of course not, but I would feel better if you were the one they had to come
to and check in and out." It was a small thing, but one Zathris felt was
best in regards to the matter. The large man sighed and reached up to pinch
the bridge of his nose. This was a particularly large headache that he
wished he could just wave a hand and make disappear. But that wasn't how
life worked. "Let us let things stand as they are. We'll revisit the
matter if there are any further issues."

"I agree," Wirnan replied. "Perhaps it's time your joined your sweet
wife for a spell.
Maybe she can help you forget some of the horrors we've had to witness this
day." Wirnan rose, knowing he was not so lucky. He could go and spend time
with his sister and her children, but truth be told, he wasn't much in the
mood for socializing at the moment.

"I'll make sure everything is secure with the guards for the night and see
you in the morn for the sentencing."

Last updated on the April 27th 2011

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About a Boy