“I’m glad you’ve come back. Or are you still in Diaspar?”
Not for the first time Alvin felt a twinge of envy as he realized how much quicker Theon’s mind was than his own.
“No,” he said, wondering as he did so how clearly the robot echoed his voice. “I’m in Airlee, not very far away. But I’m staying here for the present.”
Theon laughed heartily.
“I think that’s just as well,” he said. “Mother’s forgiven you, but the Central Council hasn’t. There’s a conference going on indoors now: I have to keep out of the way.”
“What are they talking about?”
“I’m not supposed to know, but they asked me all sorts of questions about you. I had to tell them what happened in Shalmirane.”
“That doesn’t matter very much,” replied Alvin. “A good many other things have happened since then. I’d like to have a talk with this Central Council of yours.”
“Oh, the whole Council isn’t here, naturally. But three of its members have been making enquiries ever since you left.”
Alvin smiled. He could well believe it: wherever he went now he seemed to be leaving a trail of consternation behind him.