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 narrative is primarily told from the viewpoint of Costis, a young soldier in the Queen's Guard. When the king mocks Teleus, Captain of the Guard, Costis reasserts his authority and strikes down the king.