Chapter 8

Vanessa’s day began earlier than anyone else’s. As always, his eyes opened automatically as soon as dawn broke. He wrapped a cloak over his nightclothes, then washed his face and tidied his hair before leaving his quarters. Moving through the quiet morning hallways and staircases, Vanessa arrived before Fren’s room, then fell to his knees and called out to his master. “Lord Fren, morning has come. May I enter?” Usually, Fren answered readily whenever Vanessa asked for permission, but mornings were an exception. Heavy with morning sleep, Fren took a full thirty minutes before he finally heard Vanessa’s voice. Rubbing his eyes, he spoke in a voice thick with slumber.