"Ahh," Kalem said in a calm, casual voice. "Jarek, you are here."
Jarek's beating heart started to slow gradually. "Yes, Alpha."
"How are the stables?"
Jarek's posture relaxed slightly, relieved that the question was about something so mundane. "The stables are in excellent condition, Alpha. I have overseen the repairs to the eastern stall doors that were damaged last week. The new timber arrived yesterday, and we have reinforced all the weak points."
Kalem nodded, his expression betraying nothing as he studied Jarek's face. The stable master continued, clearly eager to prove his value.
"We have also separated the pregnant mares into the larger stalls and begun training the yearlings for basic commands." Jarek's voice grew more confident with each word. "The blacksmith crafted new shoes for your stallion, Alpha. I supervised the work myself."