By the time Daniel reached Elder Robert, the benefits of a restful sleep and a good meal had almost vanished leaving him feeling sluggish. His legs felt heavy, his feet almost dragged across the floor as his body demanded more of the sleep it had for so long been denied. As he entered the sitting room, where Acha and Eiji sat listening to one of Elder Robert"s many outlandish tales, he did a quick shadow count. Everything seemed to be in order, for the time being at least, but still, he couldn"t be too careful. The shadows were nothing if not deceitful, they could be hiding inside another for all he knew.
They rose from their places at the table as he entered, and all conversation fell silent. He felt the weight of their stares as they each examined him, creating their own account on his
