This is the 561st most frequent Estonian word.
ajast
"Ajast" means "from the time" or "about the time" in English.
'Ajast' is utilized here to refer to a historical period, specifically the ancient era, from which the story derives its origin.
See lugu on pärit antiikajast.
This story originates from ancient times.
Here, 'ajast' is used to denote a specific point in time (morning) from which an action (waiting) has been continuing. It conveys the starting point of an ongoing action.
Olen oodanud siin juba hommikust ajast.
I have been waiting here since morning time.
In this sentence, 'ajast' is indicative of the point in time (when he left) marking the beginning of significant changes.