Adju reached the table before anyone. "I am hungry, Mistress Aenaila." He reached for a platter stacked with meat when he caught himself, recalling the slap he received for forgotten manners the last time.
Aenaila smiled when she saw him standing stiff, waiting patiently. "You may start tonight, Adju."
Darstan ate little at supper and spoke even less afterward. Then, when the night was still young, he announced he would retire. "Thank you," he said as he left the room. "Thanks to all of you."
Darstan lay in bed, unable to sleep. The bed was comfortable but the day had not been.
Why did all those people have to see me rescue that boy?
His mind wandered, jumping from one thought to another when he sensed someone in the room with him. He gazed to the left where a shadow hovered. Darstan
