She grinned, partly out of relief and partly because it was difficult not to when Glitch was preening. He looked happier than any prisoner should, but Taxon wasn't a normal prison and, besides, her friend's cheerfulness was often infectious.

"I bet you spent more time getting ready for tonight than I did," she replied, before adding: "I didn't want to miss it. I can't spend all my time hiding in the Northern Island."