"You weren't asked before you started at the katekhinal either," Berik says. "That's different!" "It is your education. Whether reading and writing, or etiquette, you need to know these things." His voice is flat, not angry, and somehow that makes it worse. "It's time you faced the facts. You will not be attending the Lyceum, and you can't tag along on Knawan Ysenna's coat-tails forever. You will be of age next year. You need to make your own living." "I -" "You know what my rents are for the Senara spire houses. Do you think you can afford even that on the pittance she pays you?" Orien is mute, tears in her eyes, fists clenched. Berik turns away. "Taar Shiraya is waiting."