Unexpectedly, Dar-volci peered out from Andawyr’s robe. He gazed around for a moment, twitching his nose, then, grunting gruffly to himself, slithered down from the horse and lolloped off across the snow. ‘See you later,’ he shouted back over his shoulder, and suddenly, with a joyous whistle, he was gone.
Andawyr shook his head and smiled, but said nothing.
As they drew nearer to the village, Hawklan saw that the streets were empty but, quite suddenly, without any bell or other alarm apparently being sounded, people, hastily pulling on cloaks and capes, began to emerge from the houses and gather in the main street.
Andawyr dismounted as they reached the first houses and was immediately surrounded by the villagers. He shook the hands of some, embraced others, and generally talked to seve
