In the story, the narrator mentions that they typically would rely on their sister Sadie or fellow initiates from Brooklyn House to accompany them. However, at this time, they are all engaged in a training session at the First Nome in Egypt. This training focuses on the unique and challenging task of controlling cheese demons, a bizarre concept that highlights the quirky nature of the world they inhabit.
The absence of Sadie and the initiates indicates the importance of teamwork and support in the narrator's adventures, as they usually rely on one another for assistance. The training in Egypt emphasizes the need for specialized skills when dealing with unusual supernatural creatures like cheese demons, which underscores the ongoing challenges faced by the characters in their magical journey.