Page 64 (1/2)

"Yes," the professor said, his voice the flat, lol of a dog preparing to attack "What were you doing to Arhys? Speak!"

Karigan’s mouth dropped open The professor had a look in his eye, the one suggesting he’d kill her if she didn’t say the right thing The contrast frorown to know shocked her

Then suddenly Luke was at her side and the stable boys behind hiotten around the upset Raven to reach her Luke held out his hand and helped her stagger to her feet "Raven’s much calmer now," he reassured her

To the professor, he said, "Sir, Miss Goodgrave saved the lass’s life" He went on to describe hoas roused by the stallion’s whinnies, and when he ca and lashing at the stallion with the carriage whip Luke’s quarters were in the rear of the stable, and he and his boys had been trapped behind Raven, unable to reach Arhys

"A blessing Miss Goodgrave came when she did," Luke continued, "or Arhys would’ve been done for"

"Is this true?" the professor asked of no one in particular

"Liar! Big fat liar!" Arhys cried

"It’s true," the stable boys chorused in counterpoint "We saw it"

"I told you that horse was dangerous," Mirriaer had built in Karigan that she stepped toward Mirriaer to Arhys only because she put herself there Any horse can be dangerous if it’s torrave!" Mirriam snapped "I--"

"Silence!" the professor bellowed "Arhys, you’ve been a very naughty girl Very foolish"

"But you didn’t get me a horse! Why should she have one?"

"We will talk about this," he said, "but right now, Mirria to take you to your room and there you shall reed the shrieking child away and ordered the servants back to the house Luke and his lads returned to the stable, leaving Karigan alone with the professor

"I am sorry, my dear" He produced a fresh handkerchief and offered it to her

She pressed it to her nose, but discovered the blood was already drying