Angry, he shook his head. I must stop borrowing grief. Justice knows it will come for me soon enough. Then, breathing deep of the cool night air, fingers wrapped painfully tight about his locket, about Luzena, he made his brisk way back to the Hall.

When he saw Voln Hahren standing in the Council chamber he came dangerously close to breaking stride. This was why he’d been summoned? The nonsense over Lord Jordane’s useless daughter?

If Hahren has dared lay complaint against me, I shall make him rue this day.

“Lord Varen, I apologise,” he said, glaring at Hahren. “I made it plain to Lord Hahren that I would keep the Council informed of how things stood with Nevin Jordane and his concerns. If he has—”

“He hasn’t,” Varen said curtly, as though the man wasn’t standing in their midst. “We don’t know what he wants. We’ve been waiting for you.”

As Venette rolled her eyes at Brice Varen’s testiness, Sallis Arkley cleared his throat. “But, since you touch upon the subject, Morgan, what have you—”

If he smiled, there would be trouble. Morgan kept his face severe. “In a nutshell? Bellamie Ranowen is blameless. The fault lies with Jordane’s daughter. She is insolent, and her lack of aptitude makes her unfit for her place in the College. Proctor Lowyn and Lord Hahren, here, are looking more deeply into the matter. I’ll have a full report for the Council soon.”

Varen tapped his steepled fingers, unhappy. “You’re sure of this, Morgan? There can be no mistake?”

“None, my lord,” he said, taking his seat at the table. “But I’m confident we can prevent an open scandal.”

“Yes, that would be preferable,” said Varen, very dry. He looked at Sallis. “I don’t want the matter discussed beyond this chamber. If Jordane should press you, Sallis, I expect you to put him in his place.”

Sallis was looking shaken. Beside him, Shari Frieden shifted her hand slightly toward his.

“Of course,” he said, subdued. “But I confess, I find Morgan’s conclusion difficult to accept.”

“Doubtless you do, Sallis,” said Varen, dismissive. “But accept it you will. Unless you wish to contend he’s made the whole thing up out of spite?”

Sallis Arkley would like nothing better, but not even he would go so far. “Of course not,” he muttered.

“Good,” said Varen, and slapped his palms to the table. “Hahren, you’ll be equally discreet, is that clear? And you’ll warn Proctor Lowyn, though I suspect he’s already stitched his lips shut. Now does that conclude our business?”

“I’m afraid not, Lord Varen. And I’m sorry to have summoned you, but I felt it was imperative.”

“Let’s hope your feelings haven’t led you astray,” said Venette. “Because I, for one, could have done without traipsing back here.”