The walk back to my quarters was quiet, Sassafras trotting along at my feet. I expected my grandfather to appear and try to bully me, but he remained absent, much to my happiness. Not that I was left alone, though. When I entered my appointed suite, I immediately went to Bakari who waited for me by the large, square window looking out over the city.

"They are here," he said without preamble.

His pronouncement brought me to a halt as I tried to fathom what he was ...