A strange feeling flooded James, like he'd just signed a contract without reading the entire contents. Like he'd started watching a film ten minutes before the end. It was strange and innerving, yet exciting all at once. Things had moved so fast, from hiking to literally tumbling into the role of apprentice.
We'll see how this goes, James thought, wondering if this would be anything like school. He hopes not. James had always had a problem with people telling him what to do. Something inside him yearned to do exactly the opposite, no matter how sensible the order was. He just didn't like to be told what to do.
But it was a chance to do something with this new chapter in his life. It was worth a try. What did he have to lose, after all?
James stood up, standing straight and tall for the first time since arriving here. His strong heartbeat thudded calmly inside his broad chest. He was a tall man. Compared to Sarish anyway. Just the look in his eyes made him seem taller. It was like he was drilling an anchor deep into the Earth and refusing to budge. Whoever this Head Master guy is, I'll make him crack one way or another. Whatever his deal is, I don't care. He's not scaring me.
And nor had Striker when the bulkier player had come barrelling towards him at full speed, clearly aimed for a devastating tackling blow. But the opportunity to score was too great, and James never missed, nor did he turn and run.
And who has a study apart from Bond villains? this gets better an better, James smirked, fixing the Head Master with his steady green stare one last time before leaving the room. "I look forward to what lessons you think you can teach me," he said, and left the room. Not without casually saluting the parrot.
James waited until he was farther down the hallway before he started talking again. "So what's his problem? Is he just old and hates younger, fitter people?" He carried on a few steps more. "What's first then? But you should knoww, if I have to shave I'm out."