In the predawn hours, the village of Khal finally surrendered the heat of the previous day. The two hours immediately before sunrise offered a brief respite, allowing the citizenry a chance to work free of sweat. Even though many of the merchants started their workday this early, Harqad usually began his day even earlier. His breakfast consisted of a bowl of cold porridge and a piece of flat bread. Harqad ate quickly and left for the harbor. Along the way, he could hear the activity of merchants and sailors preparing for their day from the houses and shops. "That someone being you?"