He continued, "We have therefore long awaited the arrival of our kinsman
redeemer, who will change the past and prevent the cause of our current
woes from happening, for without its roots, what evil can grow and
flourish? Our redeemer was to come on the Kootch Patah, when our
adversaries the Zards are not watchful, being drunk with celebrations at
the turning of the year. Myself, Taurus and Bernibus went to the shores
of Lake Umquam Renatusum, as is our custom, to watch for the coming of
the promised one, and this time we were not disappointed, for he came to
us, even as the prophecy says, as we sat hidden in the living tower.
Seen by the Zards, we were almost discovered, until the promise of the
hidden fortress drew them away, even as the prophecy says. And now we
are here, delegates of the Canitaurian people, safely within our
fortress with our kinsman redeemer, so what shall be done? Let us
decide."

At this point he cast a glance towards me, as if desiring me to speak
before the council, but I was in the last throes of wakefulness, where
sleep has crept so far upon you that arrival in the land of dreams is
only a matter of moments, and wakefulness is not desired, nor is
anything else. I looked at him with my eyes glazed with that sweet,
savory taste of sleep, and though I was conscious, I was not in control,
only an audience to actions of my subconscious whims, and even that
passed beyond my reach as my eyes fell shut, isolating me in the realm
where worldly concerns mean nothing. And so I was when my exhaustion
overtook me, leaving me sound asleep on the sofa behind the podium.