Darion woke early, the castle still quiet around him. The first pale light of dawn was just beginning to filter through the window, casting long shadows across the walls.
He lay in bed for a moment, staring at the ceiling, listening to the silence. The workers wouldn't be up for another hour or so. The knights were still asleep. The castle was his.
He swung his legs out of bed and stood. The floor was cool beneath his feet. He dressed quickly, pulling on a simple tunic and trousers, then reached for the sword and the manual.
They sat on the table where he had left them the night before. He picked them up and walked out of his room, his footsteps echoing in the empty corridor.
He made his way to the courtyard, moving carefully to avoid making too much noise. The workers' tents were set up at a side of the compound, close to the castle but far enough to give them some privacy.
