Marcelle bowed slightly to the Elder. "Esmeralda, may I introduce you to our guest. This is Kim Russell and her First Lieutenant Julie. The others are her personal staff."

Esmeralda held out her hand. I wasn't sure what I was supposed to do with it—kiss it, bite it, or shake it.

Marcelle smiled at me.

I took Esmeralda's hand and shook it. "It's a pleasure to meet you. I understand that I was summoned here."

"Yes," Esmeralda said. "You were summoned by ...