A disgustingly polite cough suddenly entails my speech of bravery, and I see a brown tender engine nearby, wheeshing out excess steam.
"Pardon the interruption, gentlemen, but I burst a cylinder on my way here. Would you be so kind so as to repair it, please?"
"Of course- come on lads!" The workman talking to me exclaims to this newcomer suddenly, whilst begin laughing at this pitiful plight before me.
"Oh, this is rich! How often do you break down? You look too old to work here!" I chortle, sneering at this.
The engine gives me a stern look. "I see you've arrived." He informs me coldly- and unnecessarily.
"Of course, old timer- wouldn't it be odd if I wasn't here?" I retort.
Eyes suddenly narrowing dangerously, the engine gives me such a stare I suddenly wish I kept my mouth shut.
"Listen to me, youngster. This sort of behaviour would never have been tolerated by His Grace." The engine tells me calmly, sending cold fear in my smokebox- even more so when I notice his nameplate.
It read, simply 'Duke'.
Now I understand what these workmen meant about him, but I decide to stand up for myself. "Well, what are you gonna do about my attitude?" I ask, in an attempt to be brave. "The manager said that God will have mercy on you for"-
His bark of a laugh interrupts me. "I think my methods are sufficient enough without divine intervention." He tells me calmly, and I find myself at a loss of words. "Besides, you meant that God will be merciful and help me with you."
"What...what are you planning to do?" I ask trembling in my wheels in fright.
"Well, for starters, get this confounded valve mended!" He replies. "Then, after that, we can get started."
"Get...get started on what?" I stammer fearfully, eyes darting round the small shed for any witnesses who could help me against this mad engine should I need to be helped.
"Why, your education, of course." He answers good-naturedly.
"Pooh, I don't need to be educated!" I retort rudely, annoyed that he scared me so much just to teach me on how to be an engine!
"Hm, if you really think so highly of yourself, young 'un, you can get started on shunting in the yard. But mark my words- you will need help before the day is out, or I'm not his Grace's engine!"
Figuring that Duke is bluffing (and also delusional at being owned by a duke) I decide to take matters into my own buffers.
"Fine, we'll bet- if I win; you're not to annoy me ever again!" I tell him, satisfied. "But if I lose, I'll allow you to torture me to your heart's content."
"Education is not torture, youngster, but I'll accept your bet." Then, he remembers something. "I forgot to introduce myself- I'm Duke."
"Falcon," I relent begrudgingly. "And prepare to lose, old timer!"
Duke just chuckles darkly at my weak attempt at defiance. "I'd suggest you do the same, young Falcon."