Lion Head Mesa twenty-second

Senmut gave him a look. Atreus’s ears pulled back uncertainly, wondering which of his questions had prompted it. Perhaps all of them. Well, he needed to know if he was to understand his orders.

The term “purging” earned a blink, though he was too afraid to ask what that meant, exactly. The entire situation sounded so… political. And largely it all went right over his head.

But he did have a better understanding of what was being asked of him. Senmut wanted him to guard Makono’s door, in rotation with other Mazoi. Although it wasn’t the most exciting task, he nodded his acknowledgement. He always took to his assignments like a duck to water, plus he did not mind the thought of protecting Makono.

Yes, sir, he found himself saying.