Grimm's eyes were wide and wondering, with nascent tears glittering around them. "What could my Granfer have done to make the Chief Wizard angry? He's a kind man; everyone back home in Aylmer likes him. He is ever so nice, really."

The boy's brow furrowed, as if he were searching Doorkeeper's words for some inner meaning; then, his expression cleared. "You mean they might send me back to the smithy? I'd like that. I only came here because Granfer wanted it so much. I can't see how I could be a wizard, even if Granfer wants me to. But I'd try hard, just for him, like I did in the smithy." His face fell a little. "I wasn't very good in the smithy, so Granfer didn't think I'd make a very good smith. I do so want to be really good at something for Granfer if I can.

"Doorkeeper, what did he do? I really want to know, even if it's not very nice. If I'm going to be here a really long time, perhaps I ought to know."

Doorkeeper hesitated. It seemed unlikely to him that Lord Thorn would accept any application from Loras the Traitor but, if he did, the boy would indeed be within the House for a long time. His future classmates might have an unfair disadvantage over him, and Doorkeeper might not be able to rectify the situation before Grimm was badly hurt; the major-domo knew how cruel lads could be to each other. Better to tell the boy now, as kindly as he could. Grimm could be no more than seven years of age, and the major-domo knew that the full, unvarnished truth might upset him deeply. He knew that he must tell the child something, so he picked his words with care.

"Grimm, what I have to tell you is what I know and nothing else. A long time ago, a very long time ago, before I became a mage, I knew your grandfather. He was twenty-seven years old, and he was very kind to me.