Eli hurried back towards the Research Wing. He hoped that the boys wouldn't think that he would be heading there and would instead believe him to be fleeing the town before they caught him. In that regard, he was correct. However, trouble found him anyways. As he entered the building, another disciple was walking by, holding a bunch of loose papers. Luckily, this disciple wasn't Shan Tenaym or another like him. Rather, this was one of the more level headed ones. Seeing a worker walk in with a bundle on his back, she strode over.
"What do you need in here, young one."
Eli mentally nodded at her approach. It was neither too rude, nor too servile. He handed her Elder Li's token. "I was taken in as an assistant by Elder Li. He said that someone would show me the way to his assistant's lodging. Might I ask if you are available. I don't mind waiting if you are busy right now."
Raising her brow, she took the plaque. Elder Li was known to be very strict in who he chose as his assistant. In fact, it had been years since he had chosen the last one. Now, apparently, he had chosen a child and a worker at that. Just as she was about to answer, a voice chimed dripping in thinly veiled contempt.
"Don't listen to that brat. He probably stole that token when he was in Elder Li's office for a delivery." Shan walked over with his arms crossed haughtily over his chest, a smile of derision playing on his face. "Boy, if you are going to lie, you have to do it better. Everyone knows that you have to be 15 and learned to be selected as an assistant. And Elder Li is even more strict in his selections. Why would he accept you as his assistant?"
The female disciple seemed to be contemplating for a moment. "I will report this matter to Elder Li. I do not have the authority to make a decision in this matter. Young one, I must ask that you remain here while I go make my report." With that, she turned on her heel and disappeared through one of the doorways.
Eli sighed heavily, not even trying to hide it this time. Why did I have to run into him again at such a time? Why couldn't he have just waited until later to cause me so many troubles. He looked at Shan it obvious annoyance and boredom. "You know, for someone who is supposed to be seeking knowledge, you sure seem to think you know everything that there is to know."
"What did you say?! How dare you speak to me like that. I'll have you know that I have been learning in Wisdom Hall for the past 13 years and I have been in Research Hall for the last 5 years. I may not know a lot, but I surely know more than you. How much could a boy of 5 or 6 know anyways." Shan was sure that this boy had to have developed this attitude because the supervising disciples had been lax and lazy with the disciplining of the workers. He would be sure to speak with the Elders of this and ensure that the workers were thoroughly put in their place. This boy would become an example of what would happen when a worker forgot their place and got too arrogant.
The two engaged in a silent standoff for a while, the tension growing with every minute until the female disciple made her way back with Elder Li in tow. Shan and Eli took this moment to bow, Shan began to glance gloatingly at Eli. Now we shall see how you get out of this mess. Straightening up, Shan pointed at Eli. "Elder, this servant dared to lie and claim that you had taken him in as your assistant. He doesn't seem to know that there is an age requirement as well as a knowledge requirement for that position. Please discipline him so that others won't try to scam their way in to Research Hall by following his example."
Elder Li raised his brow towards Eli, who simply shrugged as if to say, he had tried to reason with him. Shan took that as Eli being dismissive of the entire proceeding. "Boy, don't be disrespectful of Elder Li. Apologize now and I'm sure that he will be lenient with you. If you don't, don't say you weren't warned."
"Enough! Disciple Tenaym, you will report to the Head Elder of Research Hall. You are to turn in a seven thousand word essay on what it means to seek knowledge. You have disappointed this very organization with your mockery of our ideals. I have indeed taken this child as my assistant. You have no authority to detain anyone. Your sister disciple is the only one of you two that followed procedures. You will also have your stipend revoked for the next two months. In the future you must fix your mentality and focus on your academic pursuits and intellectual studies."
Shan's jaw dropped more and more with each additional statement. How could this be true? "But Elder Li, everyone knows that there are age and knowledge requirements to become an assistant. How is he qualified to be your assistant?" Surely this had to be a bad joke. It was just impossible for this situation to be real.
Elder Li looked towards Shan with ridicule. "True knowledge is knowing that you don't know anything in the grand scheme of things. In addition, you will write a five thousand word essay on the folly of assumptions. Go. Before I add more punishments." Fourteen thousand words total! How long would it take him to write that much? Shan sped out of that room, his view on the inner workings of the world crumbling by the second.
"Disciple Chow, you did a respectable job by coming to report to me before making assumptions. I am increasing your monthly stipend by 10% for the next 6 months. Keep upholding the ideals of Knowledge Hall. You may go. I will take over from here." Mei Chow was shocked. She hadn't expected that not only would he take Shan's stipend away, but also increase her own. All because she hadn't judged the situation based off what she had seen before. She hurriedly bowed before leaving, deciding that she would reward the newest assistant in some way for his help.
After she left, Elder Li sighed and looked to Eli. "I apologize for this situation. I should have foreseen something like this happening and been here to guide you in the very beginning. Forgive my oversight."
Eli quickly waved his apology away. "You couldn't have known that he would show up right as I came in. There's nothing to apologize for and you handled the matter before it could get any worse. I should be thanking you instead."
Elder Li nodded in acceptance and dropped the topic. "Now, I will guide you to your room and get you settled and outfitted. Then, we shall get you started with some tasks to prepare you for your role as my assistant. Follow me." Eli followed him and began to look forward to the future. He wondered what his first task would be. Surely he wouldn't be expected to be Elder Li's personal maid and simply do chores. Right?