The story is told largely from the point of view of Costis, a young soldier in the Queen's Guard. When the king insults Teleus, Captain of the Guard, Costis loses control and knocks the king down.
The story is mainly told through the eyes of Costis, a young soldier in the Queen's Guard. Nevertheless, when the king ridicules Teleus, Captain of the Guard, Costis asserts himself and knocks the king to the ground.