THEN there was silence, a very still one. The sounds made by the boys training on the training ground could be heard, the howling of dogs from the mountains deep in the woods, and the clashing of cymbals in the meeting hall.

Phoenix stood still, watching her father, as though she hadn't heard what he said. His gaze was distant as he spoke, as though he was reading out what he spoke from an imaginary slate hung in the air.

The silence between them stretched. Then Phoenix sighed, breaking the ...