Interruption

"Y-y-your highness!?!" 

Ace stared blankly at Asher's horrified expression as he pulled down the handkerchief he tied around his nose to keep the dust out, not that there was much. 

"That is his highness?" 

"The one from last night?" 

"What is he doing?"

"Hello." Ace said, holding the broom out like a staff. "I have already repaired the stairs. I am just going to sweep here a little bit and then I will go to the top. 

"Wait for River and Vaha, they will bring water with them." 

"Your highness, that isn't-" Asher tried to speak but he could not bring himself to say a single word. 

"Why are you standing there like an idiot?" Ace asked, looking at the people behind him. "You brought some of the local people?" 

"Y-yeah. They asked if they could help." Asher answered, still completely out of his own mind. "I told them yes. So they are here."