“Well? What are you standing there for? The king’s Drae is out and the soldiers, too. You need to get on home before curfew.” The man jerked, as if surprised I was addressing him. I rolled my eyes. This one must’ve dropped his acorns when he was fighting for the emperor. “You see me?” he demanded. Oh, brother. It was sad, really, what happened to men after war, but Mum said manners didn’t cost a thing. Using the politest tone possible, I asked, “Are you usually invisible?” The silence following my remark was drawn out. In only a few seconds, it became awkward. I shifted, debating whether I
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