Double Dog Dare

[Northen Light36]

"And people would gossip, Spice," Mat says gently. "How you behave reflects on your parents in the eyes of people around you. If you're running around causing trouble, people are going to say Alethia and Talon are bad parents. And that will upset the whole family, which I'm sure you don't want." Mat looks at Spice then finishes, "You know you did the wrong thing today and I don't want to upset your mother. So, if you promise me you won't do anything like this again, this can be our secret, all right?"

[Kender Bard]

Spice let out his breath; that was the biggest thing he was worried about. If his mother or father found out, they'd do more than tan his backside over the matter, he was sure.

"Yes Uncle Mat," he said quickly. "I promise, promise, promise to behave and not say a word!"

[Northen Light36]

Mat nods then puts a hand firmly on Spice's shoulder. "all right then, Spice. But I want you to realise that I'm treating you like a man here and trusting you to keep your word. If you break that trust, you will wish I'd told your parents about this." Mat looks thoughtfully at Spice then says, "On the other hand, if you can prove to me that you're a responsible young man before Kit and I go to Maelstrom, I'll teach you a few thief tricks - not stealing of course, but things that could get you out of trouble if you decide to go adventuring like your father and Amaro when you're older. Would you like that?"

[Kender Bard]

Spice had swallowed hard at Mat's threat but the opportunity offered made him light up with joy. "I can! I will!" Spice promised with even more enthusiasm than he had on behaving. "Is there anything you want me to do or do I have to just be good?"

[Northen Light36]

Mat smiles. "The only thing I want you to do is be good and stay away from the boys who got you into trouble today," he says, then pats Spice on the back. "Now, you've had a long morning and I happen to know the cook here makes the best hot chocolate in the world. Why don't you go tell the twins they can come out now and we'll all have a cup before I walk you home. We'll just tell Alethia you've been helping me by watching the twins, how does that sound?"

[Kender Bard]

Spice grinned at Mat widely. He saved his hero worship for Amaro and his father, but there was no small amount of gratefulness and adoration in Spice's expression.

"Sounds great, Uncle Mat! Did I mention you're tied for best Uncle in the whole world?" He laughed and hurried off to get the twins.