Costis moved carefully, moaning. With the excitement of the sparring over, he was realizing that some of the blows hadn’t been light. “Serves you right,” said the king. “You haven’t even apologized.” “I’m very s-sorry, Your Majesty,” Costis said immediately. “For what exactly?” the king prompted. “Anything,” said Costis. “Everything. Being born.” The king chuckled. “Will you serve me and my god?” “I will, Your Majesty.” “Then come out,” said the king, helping him, “knowing that you’ll never die of a fall unless the god himself drops you.”
