Oh, this time Father was really trying to outdo himself! Every year, for the celebration of Longest Night, his father insisted on having the most elaborate festivities in town. Last year, there was more food than one could eat and the musicians played until sunrise.

Sahar looked forward to the two dozen dancers Father had hired this year as well as the cooks from the northlands providing exotic foods no one had ever seen. But he could not be enthusiastic about the task his father had given him. One of these obstinate beasts was bad enough! Twenty-three oliphaunts were going to drive him mad before the party began!