transfer are going through."
89 "Tell me," inquired Morn, "does the General have a daughter?"
90 "Yes, he does," the Guard remarked, "a rather charming girl couple
of years older than you."
91 "Good," laughed Morn. "Don't worry about it. Your transfer's going
to be cancelled. I'll see to it after school tomorrow."
92 As Morn arrived at school the next day the boys were all staring at
him and smiling mischievously. It seemed his mother's Maid had told one
of the other ladies in the Palace of Morn's overnight guest. She had
told a friend, and she had told her son and husband. And the boy was a
member of Morn's class.
93 Some of the boys asked him embarrassing questions while the others
just teased him. One boy, though, made a statement Morn didn't like. "I
wouldn't have bought her freedom though," he remarked. "I'd have kept
her around a while. But maybe he was afraid of making another lover
jealous, if you know who I mean!"
94 North started forward, but Morn's hand on his shoulder stopped him.
"He's mine!" grinned Morn. "This afternoon in sword practice!" North
nodded.
95 That afternoon as they fenced, Morn and North worked their way
around the floor until Morn was in the right position. The other boy
never saw it coming, until the hilt of Morn's sword struck him soundly
on the end of his nose. He went down to his knees as blood poured from
his broken nose.
96 Everyone around him stepped back as the Teachers came to his side.
"You must be careful, Lord Morn," one of the Teachers remarked. "This
could have been far more serious."
97 The other boys looked at each other knowing full well it had been no
accident. Some looked angry, others gave Morn a nod of approval.
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