The sun had already disappeared behind the treetops on the far side of the beach, yet some dark red remained in the heavens that graded to black toward the ocean to the east. If Arishat had anything she would miss about life back in Carthage, it was being able to see the sunset from her balcony, watching the golden orb of Shapash sink behind the hills and scattered trees west of the city. It was not without good reason that the African continent was famous for its sunsets.

Still, she was thankful t...