Bird-And-The-Worm

The candle at the edge of Lord Alleman's desk flickered, threatening to melt into an ungainly puddle of wax and finally extinguish. His entire evening had been spent sorting out taxes and other finances for the manor. All the stress and monotony had built up over four hours into stiff joints and an aching backside. He stretched his lithe arms above his head and tried to relax, but the wooden chair beneath him was much too hard for his liking. A servant entered the room and stood respectfully by the door. "It's midnight, my lord. Do you plan on working still?" Lord Alleman sighed. Better to get it done now than later. "Yes. Could you send th