Veyr set his own goblet down carefully, buying a moment to compose his response. "I understand your anger, my lord. Any father would feel the same." He leaned forward slightly, voice softening with practiced sincerity. "But perhaps we should consider what's best for Jerric's future, rather than focusing solely on punishment."
Halworth's eyes narrowed suspiciously. "What do you mean?"
"Well," Veyr said, as if the thought had just occurred to him, "incidents like these can cast shadows on both parties. The noble recruit bested by a commoner... such stories tend to grow in the telling." He sighed regretfully. "Already I've heard whispers suggesting Jerric might have... provoked the encounter."
"Provoked?" Halworth's face flushed deeper. "Are you suggesting my son deserved this treatment?"
