Chapter 160: 3:20

"We will talk," Twali said, moving toward Ned. The silver cart to his left, Sasani to his right—sitting. "But first"—nodding toward the plate of roasted meat—"eat."

Ned sighed. He leaned forward, removing his back away from the curved bed. After pushing himself once more, he successfully reached for the cart with roasted meat atop. Fork with two teeth to the left of the plate, silver knife to the right. The cart was covered with a white cloth, it made the meat more enticing. Ned looked at Sasani and Twali he coughed. Did they think to watch me while I eat? Ned thought.

Sasani stood, drawing herself away from the stool. She curtsied together with Twali and left Ned to enjoy his food.

Ned stabbed the meat with the fork, cut it evenly. And as if revoked of meat for weeks, Ned gnawed the meat. Slowly, he could feel his energy rising going fifty percent, then sixty, then eighty, then—