After lunch the four children retired to their rooms while Niko, Rosethorn and Lark stayed at the lunch table talking.

"I have some news for you" Niko was speaking.

"As long as it is nothing to do with droughts, pirates, earthquakes or outbreaks of disease then go ahead" Rosethorn

"Fortunately it is not to do with any of those things you mentioned. We have a new boy coming to stay with you at Discipline. His name is Fabian and he will be arriving in two days time."

"But…." Rosethorn started to say something and was soon interrupted by Niko.

"But nothing! He will share a room with Briar. You will set a bed up there. It will only be on a temporary basis while his parents attend important business. I feel Discipline will be the best place to house him as he is somewhat……different to other children."

"How different?" asked Lark "He won't disturb the other children will he?"

"You will find out everything in two days time. I have a feeling he will get on quite well with the children….in time."

"Oh," both Lark and Rosethorn replied at the same time and both had a feeling that they knew exactly what the other was thinking.

Niko got up and walked to the door. Lark and Rosethorn both stood up as well and Lark held the door open. Immediately Little Bear rushed up to Niko, jumped up at him, and started licking his face.

"Get down dog!" he ordered the dog, who in his own mind was still a puppy, to get down and go and run about outside. He turned to Rosethorn and Lark. "Do you want me to break the news to the children or do you want to do it?"

"You can do it," replied Lark immediately. "But I have a feeling you won't need to. For some unknown reason they seem to know everything before we tell them. I wonder why that is?" She said this last sentence with a raised voice.

"Briar, Sandry, Tris and Daja, get down here right now!" Rosethorn shouted up the staircase. Four faces slowly appeared at the top of the stars with rather sheepish looks on them. The children carefully made their way downstairs and stopped in front of Niko, Rosethorn and Lark.

"Did you want us?" Sandry asked innocently.

Niko spoke. "Yes of course we want you! I take it you already know what I'm about to say. I will say it again anyway. There is a new boy coming to stay with you. His name is Fabian and he will be staying in your room Briar." At this a scowl appeared on Briars face. "And you will accept him and make friends! I'm sure you three girls will have no problem accepting Fabian although it might take a while to accept you. Please be patient. If you have no questions, then I will be on my way. Good afternoon."

"But what about my lesson?" Demanded Tris.

"No buts. Our lessons will continue after I return but I need to go and collect Fabian and he lives a days journey away. If he is expecting to arrive in two days time then I need to leave now so Goodbye!"

And with that Niko walked out of the door and Tris stormed upstairs. She went into her room and slammed the door. At the same time Briar had slammed his door which together with Tris' had caused an almighty racket.

Sandry and Daja were quite happy and decided to go and speak to Tris and Briar. "Come and meet in My room," Sandry thought-said to Briar and Tris. She didn't get any replies but she presumed they were both coming as she heard two doors simultaneously slam again.

Tris stormed into the room shortly followed by Briar who came in shouting.

"A BOY! ANOTHER BOY! I WAS QUITE HAPPY ON MY OWN WITHOUGHT ANOTHER BOY IN THIS HOUSE!"

"Keep you voice down will you!" said Daja.

"A boy! Another boy instead of Briar." Sandry said dreamily.

"Thank you very much! Obviously I'M not good enough for you. Well maybe you're not good enough for me!" An with that he stormed back out of the room and shortly afterwards another crash was heard which was Briar slamming his door for the third time.

"Someone's not very happy!" said Tris.