Old Hazram

On the third drop, the patrol's footsteps slipped a beat. Sixty years I've counted, and that gap wasn't there yesterday, nor the day before.

• IsmaThe patrol walked on schedule. Those footsteps were mine.
  Old HazramThat's exactly why it's strange, Captain.
• Grand Vizier KaisAn old man's ear doesn't count as a record.
  Old HazramAnd what isn't recorded never gets corrected.

This water always stops at the same place. Sixty years watching it, you'd think I'd be used to it by now. Lately it just frightens me.

• DanilOld man, may I write that down?
  Old HazramWrite it. You needn't write down that your hand's shaking.
• SelmaIf it frightens you, take a lamp and come this way.