We were almost back to our rooms, Sassafras still in my arms, his weight actually becoming a burden, when Pagomaris appeared with two guards beside her. She looked uncomfortable, as though she was about to do something she really didn't want to, but her smile smoothed out as we approached.

"I hope you had a wonderful tour," she said, tone bright as ever.

"Would be better if we knew why it was cut short," I said. No need to be careful what I said to her, at ...