Their mother turned to Roderick. “Go now and tell him that is a mistake. You must see that he needs put the Sentinel off. He needs to take this opportunity and go study full time at the Academy. He will apprentice the head healer. Do you know how rare it is for a first year student to be an apprentice? I’m not sure it has ever happened.”

Roderick stood up and walked towards the door, he looked at his mother. “I will not tell my grown brother what to do. He is of age, and he will make his own choices.”

His mother opened her mouth to speak, but Roderick cut her off.

“Furthermore, I believe he has made the right choice. If the prince is willing to go to the trouble of meeting with the High Captain to arrange a schedule just for Galen, the prince must want Galen to go to the Disciplines. You have to know it.”

His mother sighed and stood up. She walked over to Roderick and took his hands. “Galen is not like you, Roderick. He is sensitive and quiet. What will happen to him in the Sentinel? I am afraid he will be taken advantage of. I am afraid he will be lonely.”

Roderick gripped his mother’s hands. “Galen is much too clever for anyone to get an upper hand on him. He is quiet, but he is not unfriendly. He will find his place in the Sentinel. I know he will.”

“You will watch out for him, won’t you?” asked his mother.

“He will have to find his own way, but I will not abandon him completely. He will always be my brother.”

His mother nodded.

“If you need my support for Alaric to give the necessary funds for Galen’s education at the Academy, please let me know. If it is needed, take the money from my share of our father’s inheritance.”

“But you might need that one day, Roderick. What if you have a family?”

“Mother, you know I will never marry or have children. You know the life I have chosen.”

“But there have been Elites who have found love and married.”

“But I am a second of the High Captain,” said Roderick with a small smile. “I am already committed to a woman, though she isn’t my wife. She and the kingdom have my full devotion.”

His mother squeezed his hands and let them go. “Do not throw away the idea of finding love and a family yet, Roderick, you are still young. Many things could happen.”

“We will see, mother, but if Galen needs the funds for school, please do not hesitate to take them from my share. He is much more worth the investment than me. My way in this world is already set, but Galen will have unlimited opportunities.

“He might still choose a different life than an Elite, you know. He is not committed until he reaches two more levels in the Disciplines, passes his test, and takes his oath. Let’s give him every opportunity we can so he will have a choice someday.”

“I will speak with Alaric tonight. I am sure there are funds enough for Galen’s education without robbing you. I always want you to know, you have a choice as well, Roderick. Do not think I do not love you as well as Galen.”

“I know you do, mother,” said Roderick picking up her hand and kissing it. “But my choice has been made, and I am satisfied with it. I have to get back to the Fortress. Please give my best to the lord. Tell him I shall come to dinner the day after mid-spring if I am welcomed.”

“You will be, my dear, you know you are always welcomed in your family home.”

“Goodbye, mother.”

Roderick walked swiftly from the room. He was in a hurry to get back. He wondered how much his High Captain knew of the prince’s plan for Galen. Roderick was very interested to see what she had to say about it.