“Nerod," Mrs. Praner called into the rows of children.
A tall, thin boy with hair so blond it was almost white, approached the three of us. He had a look on his face like the whole world had surpassed disappointment and ventured into the realm of disgust. Without so much as a glance at Caedrus or me, he faced Mrs. Praner and said, “Yes, ma'am?"
“I'd like you to show Caedrus and Gyrath here to their bunks." He nodded as she spoke. “I believe that bunks 29 A and 54 B are open."
“Yes, Mrs. Praner. Icthis."
Then, he turned toward the doorway and, maintaining his refusal to look at us, commanded, “Follow me."
There was nothing else for it, so we followed. Nerod led us out of the singing room and up two large flights of stairs. I smelled cooking and heard kitchen noises as we left the first
