CLOUD OF DOUBT

Mr. Benjamin Starkridge, the school director, invited the four students into his office. He was a man of simplicity, thus the decor wasn't overly complicated. They took their places around his long oak office desk, while he adjusted his seat behind it. Mr. Starkridge didn't appear to mind when a small owl finch fluttered through the open window and landed on the frame.

"What happened to Nelanian?"  He asked, gently sliding his fingers around each other as his hands clasped together, "I thought the instructions were explicit that all applicants for the champion of Ithea trials must attend this conference."

"We should just forget about him; if he proceeds to perform the trials, he will only bring us shame. He might as well drop out of school altogether."

“You shut up! Don't talk about him like that; Nelanian is a member of our team, and I'm not going to sit here and watch you tarnish his name in front of the director!” Cecily leaped from her seat and yelled back at Luciana, who remained unfazed by her remarks.

“I hate to admit it, but Luciana is somewhat right. Since joining us as a candidate, Nelanian has been putting up terrible numbers. If it were up to me to make the decision, I would cut him out as a participant for the sake of the school's reputation,” Jalon Barr said. Jalon was always regarded as an outspoken member of the group. He used to say things only to taunt others and have a good time, but this time he looked to be speaking sincerely.

“Well, that is expected of you. You always hated Nelanian and would say anything to throw shade at his name. What about you Norval?” Cecily questioned Norval, "Tell me you don't agree with these two." At first glance, Norval appeared unpleasant and even threatening at times, but he was actually a very straightforward, disciplined, and honorable individual. He was a fantastic candidate and, most importantly, a great friend, despite being a little naïve about personal relations due to his elite background. He rarely shed his customary severe expression, but the candidates knew he was a brilliant candidate and, most importantly, a great friend. And because he was never one to lie, they could count on him to give them straight answers.

“I believe Nelanian is not as concerned as the rest of us. Luciana is correct. Even though I disagree with the way she expressed herself, she is correct. Nelanian would be here with us if he was serious about this. He hasn't been to class in a while, and his grades are at an all-time low. This institution requires a particular level of dedication, which I don't believe he possesses, so I don't believe he should take part in the trials,” Norval stated, his face solemn.

“So all of you would just abandon and give up on him. Mr. Starkridge, even you. You were the one who encouraged him to continue his training, and he was making progress before Master Gale's tragic death. Now that the media has arrived at the school gates, all you can think about is your own reputation and the school's image, so you dismiss him.”

“Sit down little girl! I've had enough of it. Don't think of me as one of your peers to address me as such. Learn proper etiquette!” Cecily was growled at by Mr. Starkridge. She paused in her outburst and returned to her seat. Her voice was beginning to quiver, and the rest of her pals, knowing how much of a cry baby she was, knew it was only a matter of time until she burst out crying, and they were happy Mr. Starkridge had intervened before it happened.

“Now, as scheduled, all of you will speak to the media in the afternoon. So get yourselves ready for that. The trials are set to begin next month, so that should be a top focus for you,” Mr. Starkridge concluded, "We will debate Henfery Nelanian's fate with the teaching staff further."

“Nelanian said he was dropping out of school today, so there was no need for it. He said he was going to meet with you this evening and tell you in person,” Luciana said, not bothering to look at the rest of her peers.

“That is a lie; it is untrue. That's something Nelanian would never do!” Cecily spoke up again, leaping from her seat.

“He was returning his books to the library and packing his belongings the last time I saw him,” She said, "So you can go see for yourself."

“If you disrupt this meeting one more time, I will eject you from my office. Do I make myself clear, Miss Cecily?” Mr. Starkridge said, stabbing his pen on his desk. Cecily regained her composure and sat back down in her seat.

“Yes director, sorry about that,”

“If this is the case, we've saved ourselves the trouble of having to expel him. So be it if he has made the decision to drop out on his own. After the media interview, we'll resume our studies and wait for Rhaizen Gales' body to come tomorrow morning and set up the school for public viewing.

You will now be in charge of the foyer, Jalon Barr. Tomorrow we will have prominent guests, and I would like you to work with other members of the staff to ensure that the venue is properly set up. Norval Greensmith, you'll collaborate with Cecily Ethel and assist the valet service. The majority of the visitors will arrive in cars, therefore I'd need you to oversee the valet services and ensure that everything runs properly.