zeitgeber The news came to me as I rode in toward my father's house, my silk and reed armor still crunching with an enemy's dried blood.
The messenger came and spoke to my brother, not even looking at me. This was just how it was since I had made my decision. I was invisible.
"Your father has been given a gift by Joseph." The messenger, a youth still tasked with menial work, gave my brother a meaningful look.
I looked at him more closely. He seemed distressed. My brother was slow to speak, thinking carefully. "What kind of gift?"
"An exotic one." the boy's eyes wide. I sat aloof while my brother's interest sparked. No gift was meant for me, surely.
"Joseph is a sudden friend." my brother was saying. Expressions full of meaning and curiosity.
My brother wanted to hurry, but the messenger's horse was exhausted. Brother was not cruel to leave the man in the snow. Our pace crawled.
I eyed the messenger sideways, not wanting him to see my glance. Disinterest was my responsibility, but I found myself being curious anyway.
It was my brother who caught the look, and his brow furrowed. I looked away, not wanting to endanger my position in his army.
