“I am not going to serve the bishop!”
Bluster grabbed at John’s shirt, but the man was already pushing Thomas backwards.
“You’re going to do as I say!”
“The bishop’s twisted you!”
“That Academy has twisted you!” shouted John, shoving Thomas hard against the study wall. “It has turned you into a creature beyond redemption! The bishop has helped me see the truth!”
“What truth? That you should have me beaten senseless?”
“I did nothing of the kind!” John snapped. “I asked two of the bishop’s men to help him with his prayers, and in the midst of it, he attacked them!”
“Thomas?” said Bluster. “Is that true?”
“No!” Thomas pulled at the hands on his shirt. “He lies!”
“Lies?” John pulled him away from the wall then shoved him back into it. “Lies, you little bastard?! Get out of my house! O
