He crosses to the sofa and sits, smoothing out his robes as he does so.

'The technical aspects of it are not easy to translate into standard speech -- but then, you know that well enough. The main point is that it appears that Bran Davies will be able to act as regent in his father's place, should he be required. It will not be a perfect replacement, but it can be done.'

It took several all-night sessions to get that far.