14
AFTER THE FAMILIES WERE SENT on their way, the night took a dramatic change. Prince Bashir had arranged for entertainment and more dancing. Hired performers did tricks and played games on one end of the large ballroom. The guests found drinks and snacks along each wall. The other end of the ballroom was cleared for those who wanted to dance. A juggler with a painted face tossed balls into the air, then plates, then knives. There was a fire swallower as well as two women with the flexibility and stamina to make almost any pose and stay that way long enough for people to appreciate it. A mime walked around, putting couples together and making strange faces. He'd matched Jak with the mermaid. There were some oohs and ahhs. Chiza's hand was placed in Omi's and everyone laughed at that.
Ra
