Justin woke with a start. His alarm hadn't gone off, for some reason. He was going to be late for-

The toe of a boot spurred the vulnerable spot between his ribs and pelvis.

"Ow!" he yelped, sitting up.

"On your feet!" barked Zechariah. "Never have I met someone who spent so much time on the ground!" He reared back to kick Justin again, and Justin scrambled, fleeing from the boot.

"Hey, I'm up!" he shouted. "What's the rush?"

"They have stopped to rest," ...