Will he travel tomorrow?'They both gazed, united in fascination, at the insensible and manhandled person of the sacrosanct Voevoda Bolshoia. 'I doubt it,' said Ludovic d'Harcourt.But he did. He stirred some time after that conversation, and if his awakening took rather less time than was obvious, the effect was to cheat Danny Hislop's expectant ears of whatever uncouth revelations he was hoping for. Without warning, his eyes closed, Lymond said, 'Hislop?''Yes sir?' said Danny, jumping. Then he said sympathetically, 'How are you, sir?''Well enough to guess which vulture would be present,' said Lymond pleasantly.
In this excerpt from "The Ringed Castle" by Dorothy Dunnett, Ludovic d'Harcourt and another character observe the unconscious Voevoda Bolshoia, with Ludovic doubting he will travel soon. Despite his doubts, the Voevoda awakens unexpectedly, which prevents Danny Hislop from hearing the anticipated revelations. The moment reveals a tense atmosphere with underlying curiosity and caution among the characters.
Following his awakening, the Voevoda quickly recovers, and Lymond subtly gauges the situation. He addresses Hislop with a mix of suspicion and insight, hinting at hidden motives and unspoken threats. The scene highlights the complex interactions, the tension of uncertain loyalties, and the characters' cautious navigation of a dangerous political landscape.
