"Come in, Herlak," said Ero Shan. Then he turned to me. "Herlak will serve and guard you until the result of the examination is announced. You will find him an efficient and pleasant companion.
"Herlak," he continued, addressing my guard, "this man is a stranger in Havatoo. He has just been before the examining board. You will be responsible for him until the board's decision has been announced. His name is Carson Napier."
The man inclined his head. "I understand," he said.
"You will both dine with me in an hour," Ero Shan announced as he took his departure.
"If you would like to rest before dinner," said Herlak, "there is a couch in the next room."
I went in and lay down, and Herlak came and sat in a chair in the same room. It was evident that he was not going to let me get out of his sight. I was tired, but not sleepy; so I started a conversation with Herlak.
"Are you employed in Ero Shan's house?" I asked.
"I am a soldier in the unit he commands," he explained.
"An officer?"
"No, a common soldier."