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After our meal, my uncle advised Spink and , if ere so inclined I was, and I brought out uide hih my father’s journals to the sections that mentioned his father She seemed to have an excellent memory, and found the entries quickly Out of curiosity, I joined the over Spink’s shoulder as Epiny pointed out passages I went back to nain si folk"we had eaten at the Academy Only the meat was served hot, but the cold fruit pies and whipped creae "Think what Gord would make of this!" I commented to Spink as I took a second slice

"Gord?" Epiny instantly asked

"A friend of ours at the Acadeets the opportunity" Spink sighed "I hope he is feeling better e return The last few days have been difficult for him"

"How is that?" Uncle Sefert wanted to know

We did the stupidest thing possible Spink and I exchanged glances, and then neither of us spoke I tried to find a truthful lie, but when one ca well!") it was somehow too late to utter it Epiny eyes shone with sudden interest when her father said mildly, "Perhaps we shall discuss your friend’s difficult days in my study after dinner"

I think Epiny was as surprised as I when her father shut the door before she could follow us into the study She had traipsed along behind us, apparently confident that she was to be included Instead, just as she tried to enter, her father stepped to the door and said, "Good night and sleep well, Epiny I will see you at breakfast tomorrow" Then he simply closed the door Spink looked shocked, but covered it well My uncle went to his sideboard and poured a brandy for hi it, he poured two very short shots for Spink and estured us toward two chairs and took the settee for himself Once ere settled, he looked directly at us and said, "Nevare, Spinrek, I think it’s time you told me whatever it is that you think you should not tell , sir," I said, trying to reassure hiuilt jabbed ht and not reported the treated unfairly, and yet I had not spoken out My uncle sees were amiss, for he kept his silence and waited It startled me when Spink spoke

"It’s hard to tell where to start, sir But I think I would value your advice" Spink spoke hesitantly, and glanced at me as if for permission

My uncle read his look "Speak freely, Spink Honesty should never seek permission of anyone"

I cast my eyes down before my uncle’s rebuke I was reluctant for Spink to talk toI could do about it now With no eht with Trist, and then went on to tell hoe had gone to the infir Gord back, and that ere sure that old noble cadets had been responsible for Gord’s beating So and hu brawl and the culling that had followed it When I did not bring up Tiber right away, Spink proainst a new noble cadet"

I had to speak then I began by saying that I had only suspicions and no real evidence I saw nizesilent Instead, he commented, "I know Lord Tiber of Old Thares, not well, but I do know he does not drink, nor did his father before him I doubt that his soldier brother drinks, and hence I doubt that his son would Iin this But either Lieutenant Tiber has broken not only an Academy rule but also his family’s tradition, or he has been entrapped by falsehoods It deation I am disappointed that you were not called on to tell what you knew before they took such an extreainst him It must be rectified, Nevare You know that"

I bowed e relief in hearing hi the honor code and advise us to turn in our resignations to the Academy I kneould have to obey hi aloud what I already kneas the most honorable course to pursue