Leal, one of the year-eight instructors, walked over to where Tine sat when he noticed the boy spat out the meat.  He feared this would happen when Tine showed up late to morning exercise.  Each instructor knew the signs and symptoms of one of their boys being chosen by the Imperials that came to the school periodically to do just that, but he had never seen a boy in the younger years be chosen before.  It was not unprecedented though, but it was not something that had happened for as long as Leal had been teaching here.

Leal placed a hand on Tine’s shoulder and gave it a slight squeeze.  When Tine looked up, Leal told him to come with him.  It was not too uncommon for one of the instructors to pull a boy out of the hall during a meal.  On their way out of the dining hall, Leal pulled one of the servers over and quietly said something to the boy, then indicated for Tine to follow him.

They walked in silence for a few minutes, and then Leal spoke,

“Is there something wrong with your food, Tine?”

“No, Sir.”

“Then why aren’t you eating?”

“Not really hungry, Sir.”

Leal seemed to be considering Tine’s answer, then he changed the subject, “How are your studies, Tine?”

“F-fine,” Tine responded, looking confused. 

“How do you feel?  I heard you had a bit of a rough night.”

“Tired, sort of achy, but I should survive.”

“Is this the first time it’s happened?”

Tine nodded.

“Do you know what is happening to you?”

Tine shook his head, “Do you know?”

The man quirked up an eyebrow, “I have a pretty good idea, but it’s too early to say for certain.  If it happens again, come to me immediately.”

“Yes, sir.”

“Now, go eat.”

Tine nodded again and headed back into the hall.  His place had been cleared and in the space sat a selection of fresh fruits, vegetables, and a pot of herbal tea.

Tine looked at Aiden who shrugged, “One of the year-fours brought it over, said if you wanted more, just ask.”

Tine nodded and ate his fill.  None of the food made him nauseous. As the boys around him chatted about their day, Tine’s gaze traveled to the table just below where the instructors sat where four boys in red tunics enjoyed their meal.  Among them sat several other boys who were about the same age or a little older.  One looked up as Tine stared.  Tine smiled.  The boy smiled back then dropped his gaze. 

Tine slowly ate the rest of his meal, deep in thought.