The Apprenticeship

Meeting

Twelve in the afternoon, I'm waiting outside the conference room. This is a strange time to meet. I'm nervous to knock on the door. Owen is sitting outside awaiting me. He motions me to sit down across him.

"Guess you're not the only one to get a summons." He smirks as he says it. I'm too nervous to react. "they'll come out and get us when it's time. Mine is at twelve fifteen."

Ten minutes later, a representative from the council comes out to get Owen. I don't know what's going on inside but, I hear some yelling. And it doesn't sound like Owen's voice. It sounds different. Like something I've heard in a dream.

After they're finished yelling, the same representative comes out and gets me, Owen hasn't left yet.

Inside, there's a big table with twelve people sitting around it, including Owen. I sit in the only empty chair in the room and wait.

"Avery," the guy across from me says, "we hear you've been causing some issues." I look at him with a weird look. "let me introduce myself, I'm Daniel."

"I personally don't think there's been an issue, sir. What's wrong with speaking my mind?"

"That's where you're wrong, there's a lot of things wrong with speaking your mind. Firstly, it causes disagreement. Then, confusion. Then, conflict. Until finally, war, people die."

"That's not always true sir."

Daniel looks at Owen, "What have you taught her?"

Owen replies, "We were working on respect. She has a hard time grasping that concept."

"I do not!" I shout, I swear you could hear me from across the hall.

"Avery!" Owen shouts.

"I'm sorry Owen but, this is ridiculous!"

"Avery." He turns back to Daniel, "I'm very sorry about her behavior. She's still having trouble adjusting to being here."

Daniels looks at him with a creepy look. The guy at the other end of the room talks, "She's been here for seven months. What has she learned?"

"Well," Owen begins, "she's learned the basics that she should've known coming here."

"What else?" Daniel asks.

"That's it. I only just got her two weeks ago. When she came, she knew nothing. It seems like Guy Daniels was all about punishing her bad behavior instead of putting it aside and teaching her."

"Something you feel your accomplishing with her?"

"Yes sir. She's learning, it may be at a slower pace but, she's intelligent. Her behavior will come in check as her training continues."

I really want to say something. Something like, why don't I get a say? but, it's not the best time or place.

"I want more improvement in her training, not just excuses." Daniel says. He stands up and dismisses the group. Then, he walks out the door.

Owen and I stay behind, "at least you didn't talk out too much." He says then stands up and walks out the door.

What have I done?