Hapir

Forty years measuring water, and all I've got left is two teeth and more ways to smile. The water never ages. Just me.

• NakhtiElder, what was last year's water mark, in cubits? Ah, right, I memorized it myself.
  HapirFourteen and a half. Forget that half a cubit and a boat capsizes.
• AdishaGrandfather's smile is the cheapest one in the whole palace. Which is exactly why it's the most precious.
  HapirThe songbird sure knows how to stick a pretty knife in.

I meant to press this into my son's hand and send him off with it. It's still hanging at my waist. Trouble with copper is, it never even rusts.

• IwiWear it around your neck. Not your waist.
  HapirToo heavy.
• KennaSir, is that gauge a registered item of the crown?
  HapirCaptain, just let it go today.