Devin could only stare at him. Had he really done that somehow? How? How could anyone make someones arm cramp just by thinking about it?

He thought back to the dream once more…

Thats enough, a voice called out, interrupting. Let him go.

Prince Rodry stepped into the circle of weapons, and the young men there lowered them in response to his presence, almost breathing a sigh of relief that he was there.

Devin definitely did, yet he kept his eyes on Prince Vars, and the weapon he now held in his off hand.

Thats enough, Vars, Rodry said. He stepped between Devin and the prince, and Prince Vars hesitated for a moment. Devin thought he might even swing the sword anyway, regardless of his brothers presence.

Then he threw the blade aside.

I didnt want to come here anyway, he said, and stalked out.

Prince Rodry turned to Devin, and it didnt even take another word for him to be released by the men who held him.

You were brave to stand up for the boy, he said. He lifted the spear he held. And you do good work. Im told this is one of yours.

Yes, your highness, Devin said. He didnt know what to think. In a matter of seconds, hed gone from being sure he would die to being released, from being thought a traitor to being complimented on his work. It made no sense, but then, why should things have to make sense in a world where hed somehow just done… magic?

Prince Rodry nodded and then turned to leave. Be more careful in the future. I might not be here to save you next time.

It took several more seconds before Devin could bring himself to stand, breaths coming in short bursts. He looked over to Nem, who was trying to hold the wound on his arm closed. He looked scared and shaken by what had happened.

Old Gund was there then, taking Nems arm and wrapping a strip of cloth around it. He looked over to Devin.

You had to interfere? he asked.

I couldnt let him hurt Nem, Devin said. That was one thing he would do again, a hundred times if he had to.

The worst hed have gotten was a beating, Gund said. Weve all had worse. Now… you need to go.

Go? Devin said. For today?

For today, and all the days that follow, you fool, Gund said. Do you think we can let a man who fights a prince stay in the House of Weapons?

Devin felt the breath leave his chest. Leave the House of Weapons? The only real home hed ever known?

But I didnt Devin began, and stopped himself.

He wasnt Nem, to believe that the world would turn out the way he wanted just because it was the right thing. Of course Gund would want him gone; Devin had known before he interfered what this might cost him.