There appeared to be no insult in Ader’s voice. Just calm curiosity. Clariel felt as if she were an object, being weighed up and examined, and, once identified, to be put in the appropriate place, just as she herself had often sorted coins by type and weight and mint, and placed them in the correct niche within the great chest in her father’s office.

‘I have done some work with my mother, but not to her satisfaction, so it seems that I lack the native talent to be a goldsmith,’ said Clariel, not bothering to mention that she had deliberately sabotaged her own work, because she did not want to be like her mother, did not want to be trapped inside by forge and workbench. ‘Though I do assist my father in the exchange of monies, lending, the keeping of accounts and so forth.’

‘That is good,’ said Ader. ‘If you did not already know how to read a book of accounts, we would have to teach you. But tell me, is there no other craft you wish to follow? Your parents could surely have you indentured wherever you would choose.’

‘No trade,’ muttered Clariel.

‘Please, you must open your mouth and speak clearly,’ said Ader. ‘At all times. This is a rule of the Academy, but also a good guide in life. Speak clearly and you will never be misunderstood.’

‘I do not wish to be apprenticed to any trade,’ said Clariel, quite loudly. ‘I do not want to belong to any Guild.’

‘You are fortunate to be of the Goldsmiths’ Guild, by blood,’ said Ader. ‘Much more fortunate than you seem to be aware. I shall ensure that you are taken on a tour of the Flat, where the day labourers live. But the question remains, if we are to teach you most effectively, we need to know your intentions for the future. Do you, for example, wish to become a guard?’

‘No,’ said Clariel. ‘I can fight, if need be, with sword and dagger and I am considered an able archer. But I have no desire to march about, and bellow orders, or take them for that matter. Or live among many, in a barracks.’

‘You would, of course, be an officer, and not live in barracks,’ said Ader. ‘The Goldsmiths maintain a large company, and there would be a place for you. But if that was your intention, then I would send you there at once, for soldiering is a trade best learned young. So tell me, is there some path that you do wish to follow?’

‘Yes,’ said Clariel reluctantly. She hesitated, sure that she was about to invite the scorn of this elegant, poised woman, then said, ‘I want to join the Borderers, and live in the Great Forest.’

One painted eyebrow rose a fraction of an inch, but there was no other obvious reaction and no immediate outpouring of derision.