[Volume 2: The Sun's Expedition]
The sun rose over the Oasis of Grain the same way it had every morning since Alistair was old enough to tell one sunrise from another. He noticed the color of this one, not because the color was different, but because he could see it again.
That was still new enough to feel like a trick someone was about to take back.
Due was already at the long table when Alistair walked in. The morning dispatch lay open in front of him, the seal broken cleanly, the corners weighted down with a cup on one side and a knife on the other. He did not look up.
"You are early," said Due.
"You are earlier," Alistair replied.
"I have not been sleeping well, and I doubt that will be changing anytime soon."
"Neither have I, so it seems like we are going to have a long career together."
Due slid the dispatch across the table without being asked.
