After hearing Emekah's answer, the atmosphere in the hall became tense. Every scout present was anxious to hear what the chief's deputy would say next. Most expected the answer to be yes. After all, they had witnessed enough of Tobi's abilities to believe he might be capable of something extraordinary. Others weren't so certain.

The vice-captain, however, was more disturbed than anyone else. A strange tension had begun building inside him, and he couldn't help but dread what the deputy's conclusion might be. His personal feelings toward Tobi made the situation more complicated than he cared to admit.

“I can't say for certain,” the deputy finally said. “But what are...