The teachers left. Ralon was in a corner, punching a straw dummy. darkovan drew a deep breath and walked out into the center of the floor.
She announced clearly, “Ralon of Malven has beggars and thieves for ancestors.” Excuse me, George, she added silently. “He’s the son of a lizard and a demon. He has all the honor of a weasel. He can’t even fight in the open like a man and a noble. He picks his fights in back halls—so no one can see him cheat.”
The boys were open-mouthed with surprise. Suddenly Gary beat on Jonathan’s shoulder, grinning savagely. “I knew it!” he whispered. “I knew he’d do it!”
Ralon was staring at darkovan, gasping for words. “What did you say?” he finally squeaked.
“Liar. Sneak. Coward. Bully.” She threw the words at him. “You disgrace your name. D’you want me to wr
