The feast had already stretched long into the evening. Cups were being filled again, laughter rolled across the hall, and music from the court's players lingered under the chatter of nobles and the harsh, booming voices of the Rus men. The king had smiled, spoken politely, and kept his dignity, but he had been weighing carefully when to bring the night's formalities to an end. At last he rose from his seat, lifting his hand slightly so that attention shifted toward him.
"My lord emperor," he said, his tone steady yet respectful, "this night has been generous. The wine has been poured without end, and the tables have carried weight enough to feed a hundred more. I believe it is a good moment to allow you to take your rest after such a long and grueling journey. Tomorrow, when you are refreshed, we shall speak of matters that carry the weight of kingdoms."
