"Knock knock knock! Knock knock knock!"
The dense rain was heavy with a grass-like odor, and the urgent knocking on the door seemed eager to shatter it together with the house.
"Who is it?" Horn groggily lifted his head from the straw bed.
"Open the door quickly, it's me, your dearest and most handsome cousin, Palakufli."
Cousin Palak? What is he doing looking for me this early in the morning? Propping himself up with a musty wool blanket, Horn got out of bed.
Ever since he bought the Holy War Bonds last time, Cousin Palak hadn't talked to him for nearly a week.
"Open the door quickly!"
"Stop knocking, I'll open it." Rubbing his eyes, Horn yawned, dragging himself heavily toward the door.
There was a heavy rainstorm last night, and he feared the fish pond would overflow, letting the fish fry escape into the stream. He had been digging mud all night and had only slept at dawn, so naturally, he was exhausted.
