The first break should only be allowed for students who are capable of passing their classes at the end of the year. I have heard the arguments for their need for a break and tradition. To be honest I find both pointless. While I grant there is some value in forming connections with the people of the capital, it does not out weight the risk of a single student failing. I know this argument has fallen on deaf ears in the past, and will likely fail again. Therefore, I propose keeping those students who are lagging in their studies and are at a reasonable risk of failing.

I have included a list of students below who are at risk, and on their behalf ask that they at least remain behind for further instruction.

-Petition from Major Tack to the senior members of the Campus officer corps.

The sun started to rise and Orn was fast asleep. The holiday had started and Tack had not given him any orders so he was free to sleep in as much as he wanted. He had taken advantage of this the night before, spending hours talking and sparing with Kao. Orn’s plan, was disturbed by someone shaking him.

“Um…” Orn groaned as he rubbed his eyes. Suddenly the shaking became worse and he looked into the tired faces of Jack and Bloom. “Whaaaattttt?”

“Hurry up Orn.” Bloom said after releasing him. Orn watched bleary eyed as the other boys rushed to grab clothing.

Orn at up and rubbed his eyes. He watched as his roommates frantically dressed in the dim light trickling through the window. He was trying to make sense of what was happening when he felt the covers pulled away and Jack pulled him to his feet.

“What the Hell Jack!?” Orn yelled as the larger boy set him on his feet.

“Dress or we will miss the carriages.” Jack said then began to button up his jacket.

“What carriages?” Orn asked unsure what was going on, but he rummaged for his clothes anyway.

“The carriages into town.” Bloom said tucking his shirt in, “I do not want to walk, and I cannot afford the other carriages. So we have to hurry.”

Not fully awake, and Orn began to dress him self mechanically. Orn was sliding on his boots then the other boys finished dressing. “Come on Orn. Why do you have to be so slow today?”

Orn slid his boot on and was about to reply when Jack shoved Orn’s jacket into his chest and began pushing him toward the door. “Dress while you walk. “

Bloom and Travers grabbed Orn’s sword belt, and began to dress Orn while they walked. Orn was suddenly through the door and into the chaos of the hallway. It seemed every other boy in the barracks was up and spilling into the hallway in various states of dress. Orn noticed a boy struggling to pull on his boots while his roommates literally dragged him toward the main door.

Orn managed to turn his shirt the correct way around as they made it out the front door. The group walked the dirt road that connected the barracks to the academy’s main drive. Orn’s jacket was only half buttoned when they reached the gravel road.

The boys were lined up by barracks while older boys at the front looked them over and pointed towards covered wagons. As Orn took in the chaos, he noticed a group of boys being pulled out of the line by their barracks officers. “Where is the rest of your bunk?”

“He was not getting up fast enough,” one of the boys complained only to be silenced by the older boy’s glare.

“You left him behind,” It was not a question and the older boy’s tone caused all the other boys to unconsciously back up a step. “A good knight does not leave anyone behind. No one gets on the carriages without their entire bunk. Those are the rules. Now go get him, before I decide you do not deserve to go at all!”

The boy who had complained looked ready to say more but the other boys grabbed him and pulled him back toward the dirt road. After a quick argument, the three ran back toward the barracks.

The other barracks officers continued to efficiently load wagons throughout the incident. They moved so quickly Orn was surprised when they made it to his group. Orn’s bunk was the last one to reach a wagon, and the older student waived the wagoner to go. Orn had just managed to climb in when the wagon lurched into motion. Orn had to catch Travers who staggered a bit as the wagon shifted under him.

Finding a space to squeeze in, Orn glanced back at the growing crowd and dwindling number of wagons. Some of the boys coming from the barracks looked at the line and number of remaining wagons. These groups started walking along the side of the road, not bothering to get in line. They must have done the math and decided there was no point in waiting, Orn thought as he watched the groups begin their long trudge.

The other boys began to talk about their plans in the city, as the wagon rolled down the road. Some were going to visit shops, and inns, others were hoping to pick a little coin by doing odd jobs. A couple of the older ones were being ribbed about the girls they were surely going to see. Most were trying to get comfortable and tried to get to sleep.

Orn watched the scenery roll slowly by until the gently rocking wagon put him to sleep as well.

“Everyone out!” A barking voice rang out snapping Orn back awake. The boys did not need to be told twice and Orn had to scramble to not get stepped on by the other boys rushing out of the wagon.

...

Stepping clear of the crowd Orn watched the boys breaking into groups and heading for the main gate. As the crowd thinned a bit, he heard Bloom’s voice. “He is over here.”

Travers grabbed Orn’s shoulder and turned him toward the gate. “We need to hurry.”

“Why?” Orn asked following after his friends. The boys joined the crowd of students entering the gates between a pair of bored looking guards.

Travers looked like he was about to explain, but decided against it, instead motioning for Orn to keep up.

Through the gate they entered a small plaza with a fountain in the center. The boys rushed to the fountain which had a line of uniformed boys standing next to it. Out of this crowd, Orn saw Clay approaching. “Good to see you managed to get a wagon. Tack mentioned you were up late yesterday.”

Orn nodded but did not comment further.

Clay laughed and smiled at Orn’s bunk mates. “Good job. You are free to go.”

His roommates nodded and muttered rushed goodbyes as they headed out of the plaza.

“What is going on?” Orn asked as he watched his friends retreating forms.

“Follow me I will catch you up on the way.” Clay said slowly starting for one of the roads leaving the plaza.