One of the commanders walked along the line, scrutinizing them carefully and pinching their skin for signs of dehydration. A number of the recruits were a sorry-looking sight, their cheeks and stomachs hollowed with hunger, hair dirty and matted. Their instructor pulled them out of the ranks. ‘You need to be restored.’ ‘What about the food we were promised,’ the plump youth said, though he didn’t seem quite as good-tempered as he’d been on the boat. His group was made up of three lads smaller than himself, all of whom were in the group of the underfed. They all had a variety of bruises. ‘Like I said when you stepped ashore, Desii, the island is self-sufficient. It’s obvious you can fend for yourself, though your companions look as though a good meal wouldn’t go astray.’ ‘They were lazy and didn’t find enough food for all of us.’ ‘I see.’ The instructor grunted as he moved on to Laek’s group. ‘You look as though you’re doing well.’ ‘Aye, sir. We have everything we need, and more.
