Klevon and I are making our way toward the ship when we encounter the Duran royalty returning from the port. The Duran King is not present. As per Klevon, it’s only the oldest prince—which is really old–who is on the parade. If I estimate the prince’s age, he’s over sixty years old which makes the Duran King, probably, close to ninety years old.

We are about to climb the ship when Klevon abruptly stops. He places his arms in front of me to impede my advance. He sniffs and scours the area.

“Something is wrong,” he says.

Without even asking for my permission, he wraps his arms around my waist...