Klaus

Strange words, I treat as unheard. That too is part of guarding.

• MartaI take it I shouldn't ask what those 'strange words' were?
  KlausNo.
• Sir RoidenThat's not a guard's business. It's yours.
  Klaus...Yes.

There's nothing else in the room, so one letter keeps catching my eye. A letter you'll never send isn't a burden. It's a wall.

• MartaWould it be rude to ask who it's for?
  KlausThere's no one to receive it, so there's nothing to be rude to.
• Sir RoidenIf it can't be sent, burn it.
  Klaus...I couldn't burn it.

The footprints sink a hand's width deeper than last week. It's not the sword that's grown heavier. It must be me.

• Sir RoidenYour sword's been half a beat slow lately. A slow sword usually means the mind's elsewhere.
  KlausI'll have that half beat found by next dawn.
• MartaSo that's why the kitchen fire's always lit first every dawn. I'll leave a bowl of soup out for you.
  KlausI never meant to trouble you.

I replaced the grip cord with a new one. I meant to throw out the old one, but put it in a drawer instead. Don't ask me why.

• MartaSir Knight, that drawer's going to run out of room soon.
  KlausI have no plans to widen it.
• Head Butler HydenEvery unthrown thing in this house ends up in my storeroom eventually. It seems only the knight's things are the exception.
• Chancellor OrfevreA loyal man keeps his things a long while. I imagine he keeps his people the same way.
  KlausMy drawer is hardly something Your Excellency need concern yourself with.

From here you can see every window in the manor. Lately I've fallen into the habit of counting which one goes dark last.

• Sir RoidenWatchtower duty wasn't your turn, if I recall.
  KlausIn a strong wind, useless thoughts blow away.
• MartaThat window's owner doesn't blow out her candle till three in the morning these days. While you're counting, do a little worrying too.