Malcolm’s vision was now almost totally occupied by the shimmering dazzle of the scotoma.

Those who moved into organisational roles sometimes did it unwittingly, even unwillingly, as they were ‘dobbed’ in for tasks, succeeded and so it went on.

If, now and then, during their travels, they had fallen slightly out of step, harmony had been restored by their return to the conditions she was used to.

Some sound of dismay must have escaped my lips, for Jo narrowed his eyes on me. 'Doogheno or dabheno?' he asked in a low voice, unable to diagnose it for himself.