Loras had become reclusive and neurotic, starting at shadows, his eyes hooded and haunted. For many months, Doorkeeper had seen little of the youth, but he had seen with his own eyes the result of Afelnor's training: a wrecked schoolroom; four Students and a Magemaster in the Infirmary with grievous injuries; and, many months later, Loras' Acclamation as a Mage Questor.

"Loras Afelnor was declared a wizard, or as we would say 'Acclaimed as a mage', and he soon became a very important one," Doorkeeper continued. "He was asked to visit High Lodge, the most important place in the whole Guild, several times, and he got to be very rich.

"Lord Thorn was his best friend, another strong Questor, and we all assumed that, one day, either Loras or Thorn would become Prelate here or be asked to join High Lodge. Then Lord Thorn caught Loras-doing something bad."

Grimm balled his small fists and frowned. "Granfer isn't a bad man! He wouldn't do anything wrong!"

Doorkeeper gulped, a little out of his depth. "I'm sure Loras didn't mean it to be bad, Grimm," he stammered. "It wasn't like stealing or anything, but it was bad anyway. All I will say is that I think he was trying to ease an old man's pain, but other people didn't see it like that.

"Nearly all of the House council, what we call the Presidium, wanted Loras to be executed for what he had done, but his good friend Thorn persuaded them to let him live. Instead, Loras had most of his money taken, and the Presidium made a great spell to take away his magic."

Grimm looked close to tears. "But what did he do, Doorkeeper? He's a good man, a nice man!"

The major-domo felt hot-cold spears of panic lancing through his nerves. He knew he could never bring himself to tell Grimm the full truth. He knew his diplomatic skills and his way with words were poor; nonetheless, he tried to sweeten the bitter pill as best he could.