Knights against the Night Part 6

After everything Bolt had been through trying to find out more about the kid, he was actually surprised not to be busted.

The Old Guy grinned at him and shook his head.

“Bolt, what are you doing?”

Bolt looked down, and shuffled nervously on the spot. “All I got was a name, Sir” It sounded like a whine, and for once Bolt was going to be honest with himself. He was whining, it wasn’t fair, he should have been given the file.

The Old Guy gave him a look. “And did you consider there might be a reason for that?”

Shame crawled up inside, and Bolt shook his head.

The Big Guy sighed. “What are they teaching you these days?” Opening the door, then tilting his head at Bolt, “Come. My office, now.”

Bolt dashed out the door, and headed to the familiar heavily decorated door. He had never stepped beyond it before, most of the trainees didn’t, but he knew where it was. He stood at attention and waited.

Sir Nicolas locked up the records room again and made his unhurried way to the office, suddenly seeming far older than he had before. This was not the jolly energetic man seen striding about the workshop week after week, year after year. This was a man worn down by his burdens, things that Bolt could only guess at.

The office was huge to Bolt, brightly decorated with knickknacks on every shelf, paperwork piled up on the desk, and a cheerful looking computer happily whirling away.

“Sit” Nicolas said, gesturing to the small chair in front of the desk, while he took his place in the red leather monstrosity.

Bolt settled in place and looked at the man expectantly as he cleared some of the paperwork away.

“Freddie is a special case for a number of reasons.”

Bolt nodded, a small smile making its way onto his face. He had been chosen for a reason. He was the best. He might be young but surely they would have given him a challenge worth his time.

“We didn’t want to prejudice you to his case.”

“Yes Sir. I won’t Sir.”

Nicolas held up his hand. “Uno believes, and I agree with him, that it would be best if you entered into the household without any preconceptions.”

Bolt looked down, a sudden flash of angry surprising him. “So I’m not allowed to know anything?”

The old guy considered him, weighting him up and Bolt suddenly wondered if he was found wanting.

“There is something.” Nicolas tapped his fingers against the table, as if deciding how to put this. “The boy is special. Guard him well.”