‘I left them in as much chaos as I could. There are a few hundred Xentib living in the city who fled from us four sun-years ago. I spent time fostering discord with Yaloh refugees, so with luck that will have broken into outright hostility if they connect the deaths with my absence. Which shouldn’t be too difficult. And there is a cave, High Feather, high above the city. Tokob believe it is the womb of their goddess. It is not. It is songstone; the whole thing is veined with songstone. More than I’ve ever seen.’

The space flashed with intense colour then, green interest as bright as new leaves, before Pilos re-established his control. ‘Your work is exemplary, Flight,’ he told her and she knew she flushed pink with pleasure; couldn’t prevent it. ‘Your efforts, and Dakto’s, will be remembered and rewarded. For now, bask in the song so that it might cleanse you and finish your report as I instructed.’

‘As the High Feather commands.’

‘I will inform the Singer of your revelations. I expect we will be ordered to Yalotlan immediately. Wait at the Neck for me and rest. Acting Flight Sarn and some of your Whispers are in Xentiban; the eagles will know exactly where. Take back your command and make sure your authority is unquestioned by the time I arrive. Stay out of any fighting until I’ve spoken to you face to face.’

‘Of course, High Feather.’ Ilandeh hesitated, unsure, and he read it.

‘Speak. Quickly,’ he added, and she became aware of the strain in the Listener. Connecting the two of them through himself and through the song was draining.

‘My face is known among the Tokob, High Feather; when the fighting starts up again, I’ll be a target. We can … use that, probably. Their anger will draw them to me and we can set ambushes. But … as far as Dakto’s concerned, I’m still back in the Sky City. News is going to reach the war party he’s with eventually about what I did. He’s learning all he can of their plans and he intends to slip away with it, but if they find out before he can …’

‘I know, Flight,’ Pilos said, and he was now – deliberately – warmly soft brown with gentleness. ‘And yet you both accepted the risks. You’ve made it out, and you’ve brought far more knowledge than I ever expected, and I know it’s been just the two of you against them all for so long, but if Dakto is taken … well, his sacrifice will be remembered and his glory will be great.’

‘Yes, High Feather,’ Ilandeh said and did her best to keep her tone transparent, though that in itself would tell him much.

‘Rest now,’ he repeated.