The model of Solitude had a tiny porch and an even tinier chair.
Above both stood a perch intended for Barnaby.
He examined the cart while the procession’s organizers argued over the angle of a banner. Their permit allowed a peaceful public route outside the controlled residential zone. Their speeches concerned supply restrictions and local cooperation.
The effort was sincere.
Then he read his place in the program.
The hero’s faithful mechanism.
The organizer saw his attention settle on the line.
“We can put your name larger.”
