The DI by John W. Howell © 2108
“Now listen to me people. I’m going to be asking a series of questions. If you get them right, you’re good. Wrong answers will draw the usual punishment.”
“Uh excuse me.”
“What is it, Thompson?”
“The usual punishment? I’m unfamiliar with it.”
“You have to take a lap around the wheat field with your falcon.”
“Does the falcon fly or ride?”
“You have to carry your falcon.”
“My goodness. That seems harsh.”
“Look around you, Thompson. See the smiles. No one else is bothered. See they know the answers. do you?”
“I haven’t heard the question yet.”
“Yet, sir.”
“You don’t have to call me sir.”
“I’m not calling you sir. You need to call me sir.”
“Okay, sir.”
“Okay what, Thompson?”
“I’ll call you sir. By the way, sir when can I have my Falcon back?”
“As soon as I’m through inspecting him.”
“Yes, sir. Maybe after the inspection, you’ll realize he is a she.”
“I think I’m going to have trouble with you, Thompson. What was your last assignment?”
“Falconer to the king, sir.”
“What? With that attitude? What happened? You get banned?”
“Not really, sir. I received the Croix de Oiseau and a pension.”
“What are you doing here then?”
“I felt my skills could be put to use with the common folk.”
“Who you calling common?”
“It is just a term that separates the royals from everyone else. No need to take offense.”
“Okay I’m going to give you a question, and if you can’t answer it, we will see you in about eight hours.”
“I’m ready.”
“You’re ready what?”
“For the question. Oh, I’m sorry. I’m ready, sir.”
“Here it is then. How fast can a falcon fly?”
“Before I answer. How about a small wager?”
“What kind of wager?”
“If I get the answer right, you take a lap of the wheat field. Wrong I’ll take two.”
“You are on.”
“In 2016 a Peregrine Falcon broke the record for a dive at 240 miles per hour.”
“How did you know that?”
“I was there. Give me my bird. See you tomorrow.”
