It was a fairly perfunctory greeting and he did not wait for an answer, proceeding straight to the lectern at the front of the hall, where he opened a book and called out, ‘Pages fifty-two to fifty-five, Heribert’s Misleading Letters, read the piece on appearing to agree while not agreeing at all, and then we shall discuss.’

Clariel found the book under the lid of her desk, one of the three books there, opened it and began to read. But while her eyes took in the words, she did not retain them, nor think about the content. She was wondering what Aronzo meant by ‘we can discuss it at dinner tonight’, whether he was a good shot with a crossbow, and how well he could swim. She was also thinking about collecting her money from Kargrin and getting out of Belisaere, what she would say to the King in just a few hours, the possibility of meeting Aziminil the Free Magic creature again and what she might do if that happened … There were so many things that were more important than writing misleading letters.

But she had to listen to the discussion about such letters, and then write one, all of which seemed to take far longer than two hours. In part to avoid Aronzo and partly because she simply couldn’t bear being cooped up again, Clariel raced away as soon as Kaernon dismissed the class.

Denima hurried after her, and caught her by the front gate.

‘Clariel! Aronzo said that Bel was hurt? Is he all right?’

‘Yes,’ said Clariel hurriedly. After a moment’s reflection she added, ‘At least as far as I know. I’ve been told he is … injured … but recovering.’

‘But what happened? Was he attacked too?’

‘I can’t talk now,’ said Clariel. ‘I have to go. Sorry!’

She rushed out through the gate. Valannie was already waiting, and rather than trying to encourage Clariel to stay and lunch with her fellow students, this time she was anxious to get her back home as quickly as possible.

‘We must hurry, Lady Clariel,’ she said. ‘You need to dress and I will have to repaint your face as best as I can, indeed I don’t know how I can make it last to this evening! If only I’d been told earlier!’

‘Told what?’ asked Clariel crossly, as she led the way into the street, with Heyren, Linel and the new guard – an older, very tough-looking woman called Reyvin – rushing to keep up.

‘That you would be dining at the Governor’s House tonight,’ said Valannie. ‘And going straight from the Palace instead of coming home first!’

‘I see,’ said Clariel grimly. ‘Am I to go alone, or with my parents?’