“I will explain everything in detail as we walk.” Hashana pointed toward the road lined on both sides with soldiers. The moment she gestured, the soldiers all bowed their heads deeply in salute. Then, with a flourish, they swept back their ceremonial cloaks and extended their right arms. As the heavy cloaks—white cloth densely embroidered with gold thread—flared out, a few members of the delegation let out low, unguarded exclamations of awe. Standing side by side with Iskandel, Hashana stepped forward between the soldiers’ arms, which were extended at a perfectly measured angle. The soldiers’ eyes, gleaming as they watched for any chance to cut his throat, clung savagely to Iskandel’s neck. Irritated by their stares, Iskandel deliberately closed the