I have always been of the opinion that we should leave matters of state to the wise, as opposed to the merely strident or muscular. Indeed as I fail to fall into any of these three categories I feel that I am an unbiased observer whose opinion should count for much.

But the question has to be asked, who exactly are the wise and how do we recognise them. I suppose the second question that would have to be asked is, ‘if they are wise, why would they want to waste their time dealing with matters of state?’

But I suppose I do my best to ensure we have a new generation of wise people coming forward to take up the burden. I lecture occasionally at the University here in Port Naain. A position which can hardly be described as lucrative as I am paid directly by those whom I have the severely mitigated pleasure to lecture.

Now it so happened that I had to go to the university. Over the previous few months I’d acquired a number of academic gowns which had been discarded under circumstances I am not at liberty to divulge. Still Shena said she could use the material so I would collect them from my office (a cupboard on a side corridor).

Mutt announced that as he’d never really been into the university buildings he’d like to go, and Shena agreed that he could accompany me, provided he wore something moderately respectable. So in second hand cut-down trousers and jacket, Mutt accompanied me. Shena did raise the issue of shoes but Mutt could tell that this was one battle he could win. “Not wearing them out, just got them, they’re almost new.”

With that definitive statement on household economy we left, with me carrying a carpet bag to carry the gowns in.

It was a fine morning, cold but bright, the streets were busy but not packed and the city had a generally sociable air. Both of us nodded to acquaintances and generally agreed it was a pleasant day for a walk.

As we entered that part of the city where various university buildings tended to be concentrated Mutt grew quiet. It wasn’t an area he was too familiar with. Finally we arrived at the Offices and Grand Refectory. I led Mutt through the corridors until we came to my cupboard and I stowed the gowns in my bag. Mutt said brightly, “Now for something to eat?”

Now the Grand Refectory isn’t cheap but it is quite good, so in theory I was amenable to this suggestion. I led Mutt towards the Refectory and had almost reached it when somebody shouted my name. I turned to see Illus Wheelburn, one of my more promising students.

“Ah Illus, good to see you.”

“You going to eat, Tallis?”

I hesitated slightly before answering, but Illus is from a wealthy family, so it was unlikely he was about to try and get a meal out of me.

“We thought of it.”

“Then I must introduce you to Professor Quern.”

He led us in, Mutt hanging back slightly, and took us to where three tables had been pushed together. A short fat man wearing Pince-nez was holding forth to a mixture of students and lesser academics who all appeared to be hanging on his every word. I was introduced, and can consider myself honoured in that he halted his diatribe long enough to acknowledge me.

I noticed that at the end of the table there was a young man wearing the robe of a charity scholar. As I expected there was a space left between him and the other students so I sat down next to him. He nodded shyly and I was about to speak to him when Professor Quern raised his voice.