Clementine:
Once we were told about the intensity of the task and how many other crusaders had died trying to finish it, we just went silent. I could tell everyone was grateful we had come back alive at all.
But there was more. The door opened again, and this time the headmaster walked in. He wore a big round black hat. His face was covered with a black surgical mask. His hands were clasped behind his back, his long black overcoat buttoned tight down to his pants.
The coat trailed behind him even though there was no breeze. He almost floated across the floor. His upper body barely moved when he walked.
He reached the podium, stepped onto the main stage, and stood between the ringleaders. They instantly moved back to let him take the lead.
Behind him came lurkers carrying bouquets, medals, and baskets filled with food items like coffee and snacks.
