'He's never in the best of moods,' Isak grumbled. 'Yesterday he pushed a knife right into my hand, just for touching that green ring of mother's.' He held up his hand, displaying the ugly, dark-red scab.

'Well then, you deserved it.' Carel wasn't going to let his fondness for the boy stand in the way of a lesson. 'You know perfectly well what that ring means to him. Just leave her things alone. It's all he has left. At least you heal much faster than the rest of us. Be grateful for that.'

'He has more of her than I do. All I have is the blame for her death.' Isak sighed.

'And such is life,' replied the mercenary without a trace of sympathy. He was Isak's friend, but that didn't mean Isak got special treatment. 'You are what you are – that in itself is enough for most, and more for Horman. He really loved your mother. Why antagonise him?'

There was no reply. Isak just sat there looking sullen, unable to admit defeat.

Fine, enough talk of your father. Are you looking forward to joining the Palace Guard? After Silvemight you can take the trials without your father's permission.'

what's the point?' Isak ran a fingernail along a groove in the wood.

11 never be a Ghost – why would they want someone like me?' You won't be an outcast all your life, I promise you that. Do you

ink I would bother to waste my time teaching you to fight despite what that lot think?' Carel jabbed a thumb back at the wagons follow-jng- These people aren't like most Parian. You might never be popular, u the tribe has a use for you, sure enough. I've fought side-by-side with your kind, and there's far worse than your childish temper in the ranks of the Ghosts – men who'd have been hanged years back if they weren’t so happy to be in the front line. You're all a dangerous lot, but you've more of a mind than most and the Swordmasters will see that. Just remember me when you become General Isak.'