Knights against the Night Part 4

The morning after the parties, when most people were sleeping off their excess during the week, Bolt and a few others were among the first to be found outside the hall.

Lots of tables had been set up with signs, and Bolt hunted out the one marked Ted Z, his unit line.

There wasn’t anyone standing behind the table, nor was there a box of assignments.

Bolt lingered before the table, eyes scanning the doors.

A kitten cheered happily as she ran out the room, the first to receive her assignment.

Other teachers set up their tables, and students crowded around.

One group quietly chatting while taking discreet glances towards empty tables.

Bolt jittered in place, taking deep breaths.

He was joined by another bear, this one tan compared to his honey colour.

“Hey.” The other bear said, “I’m Marco.”

Bolt glanced back at him, and smiled, glad of the distraction. “Bolt.”

Marco nodded, “Been here a while, Bolt?”

Bolt shrugged, “Well it only seems like forever and a half.”

A loud thump sounded behind him and Bolt jumped, spinning around.

Finally.

“Give me a moment boys.” The older bear said, she was a faded mauve colour, Madame Maple, and taught European history.

Bolt waited, somewhat impatiently, bouncing on the spot.

“Right.” Madame Maple said, getting out a list from the top of the box, looking up. “Bolt, right? Your number?”

“Six-two-four-four-two!” Bolt recited.

“Here you go.” She said, handing over an envelope.

Bolt grinned, stepping aside for Marco as he eagerly tore into it.

Name: Frederick “Freddie” Masters

Age: 5

Bolt stared. What?

He turned over the single piece of paper.

Nothing.

Was that it?

A name and an age?

Shouldn’t there be more?

Marco nudged him. “Anything good?”

Bolt offered him the piece of paper blankly, and Marco traded for his.

Bolt glanced at Marco’s assignment.

Name: Finn Jones

Age: 4

Household:

Mother: Gladys nee Arrow Jones

Father: Douglas Jones

Sister: Starling (elder)

Guardian: Ace Blue (Ted Unit G23142)

Brother: Emil (younger)

Guardian: unassigned

It went on, giving personality profiles, karma points, recent events...

“I don’t understand.” Said Marco.

“Neither do I.” Bolt replied, taking his assignment back. “There’s... nothing.”

“What are you going to do?”

Bolt shrugged, but already there was a plan forming in his mind.