His eyes venomous and mouth open in the middle of saying something, he belted across the room and dived on Raven, grabbed his collar in both hands and shook him thoroughly. Tried to shake him; it was like a rawhide weasel trying to shake a tree. Raven fended him off and smoothed his coat. Without losing any dignity he left his throne and walked to the fireplace, to put some distance between him and Jant, who stood still, panting. ‘Jant!’ I said. ‘What are you doing?’ He yelled, ‘Where is she?’ Raven paled. ‘Who? Dellin?’ ‘Of course, Dellin! What have you done to her, you bastard? At least . . . at least let me see her body.’ Raven reeled, placed his hand on the table. ‘Another disaster. I can’t . . . Is she not in the cage?’ ‘Don’t feign ignorance! You know where she is! Have I time to save her?’ ‘Jant,’ I said calmly. ‘Did you just check on the cage?’ ‘Yes! She’s gone!’ Raven breathed out. Suddenly like an old man, he buckled, managed to grasp his chair and sank onto it.
