`` he come into any furies yet , or are you finally going to admit what a useless little freak he is ' '' the simple comment pierced tavi like a thorn , and he opened his mouth to make a furious response bernard settled his hand on tavi 's shoulder and said , `` do n't worry about my nephew `` he glanced at bittan 'after all , you 've got other concerns why do n't you head on down to the steadholt ' i 'm sure isana is getting something ready for you `` `` think we 'll stay here a while , '' kord said `` maybe eat a little breakfast `` `` suit yourself , '' bernard said , and stared on down the lane tavi followed close behind them bernard ignored kord until they had crossed the footbridge `` oh , '' bernard said , looking over his shoulder `` i forgot to mention that warner already came in last night , kord his sons are on leave from the legions so that they could visit their father `` `` bring them on , '' bittan snapped `` we 'll tear them apa- '' kord delivered an openhanded blow to bittan 's face that knocked the boy to the ground `` shut your mouth `` bittan shook his head , dazed and scowling he did n't answer kord or look at his father as he stood up `` go on down , '' bernard said `` i 'm sure we can get everything worked out `` kord did n't reply he beckoned his sons with a curt gesture and started down the lane they followed him , and bittan cast a harsh , hateful glare at tavi as he walked `` freak `` tavi clenched his hands into fists , but let the comment pass bernard nodded his approval , and they waited as kord and his sons headed down the lane to bernardholt as they watched , tavi said , `` they were there to attack warner , were n't they , uncle ' '' `` it 's possible , '' bernard said `` that 's why your aunt asked warner to come in last night kord is desperate `` `` why ' it 's bittan that 's been accused , not him `` `` rape is a realm offense , '' bernard answered `` kord is the family head , and he shares responsibility for offenses against the realm if the truthfind shows that there needs to be a trial , and bittan is judged guilty , count gram could remove kord 's claim to kordholt `` `` you think he 'd kill to protect it ' '' tavi asked `` i think men who lust for power are capable of almost anything `` he shook his head .