“I must leave,” Kraven demanded. “I have personal matters to attend to.”
“Now is not a good time, Kraven,” Demetrius said without lifting his eyes from his book. “The hour is at hand, and your—
“I must leave. Now.”
Demetrius closed the book and studied the pupil standing before him.
“What’s wrong?”
“It concerns my family. I must go to them. I will return before the awakening.”
Demetrius pondered Kraven’s request, or demand, but his thoughts kept drifting. He shook his head. “Do you need assistance?”
“No. It is a personal matter,” Kraven’s jaw tightened.
“You are fortunate to have family. I would not prevent you from seeing them. Go quickly.”
“Thank you.” With a twirl of his cape, Kraven spun on his heels and left.
“Should I follow?” Alexander asked, once the apprentice was gone.
“I foresee his aid when we battle Artemisios,” Demetrius shrugged. “Allow him his privacy. Besides, you have much to do here. We can’t afford to have both of you away when the hour is nigh.”