Casina awoke with a start, shocked to find herself alone in the passageway. The secret panel was wide open, and light from the royal chamber was shining brightly into the vacant tunnel. At least it gave an indication of where everyone had gone.

A pang of fear tore through her chilled form when she realized she had been completely abandoned. Why had no one wakened her? she wondered in a panic. Were her leadership skills so questionable that no one even desired her counsel before running off on their own? Why, even the Tompkinses had deserted her. Where on earth were their loyalties?

Rising unsteadily to her feet, she found...