Gavor turned to him in surprise and gazed at him blearily. ‘What?’ he repeated sharply.
‘These mountain birds too much for you, Gavor?’ Isloman taunted.
Gavor c****d his head on one side then imperiously spread his wings and glided from his perch on Isloman’s chair to land lightly by Hawklan. He closed his eyes and bent closely over the sleeping figure’s head. ‘Yes, yes,’ he said after a moment. ‘He is, he is. You’re right. He’s coming nearer.’ He began to hop about excitedly. ‘What happened?’
A soft knocking interrupted him. Isloman opened the door and Yatsu entered. He was about to speak to Isloman when he saw the Queen. ‘Majesty,’ he said, momentarily disconcerted. ‘I’m sorry, I didn’t know you were here. I didn’t mean to intrude. I’ll...’
He made to leave, but Sylvriss signalled hi
