Quavo

"Quavo the minstrel says she is very beautiful and kind to her people," said the girl.

Queen Zixi of Ix Baum, L. Frank 1971

And Quavo, judging that his news had brought him into rare favor, told more and more wonderful t ales of the magic cloak, some of which were true, while others were mere inventions of his own; for newsmongers, as everyone knows, were ever unable to stick to facts since the world began.

Queen Zixi of Ix Baum, L. Frank 1971

For this was the custom in the land of Ix. Quavo the harpist sat near the lower end; and when all had been comfortably fed, the queen called upon him for a song.

Queen Zixi of Ix Baum, L. Frank 1971

Quavo the minstrel had been playing his harp in the city of Nole, and his eyes were sharp, so he had seen many things to gossip and sing about, and therefore he never doubted he would be warmly welcomed by Queen Zixi.

Queen Zixi of Ix Baum, L. Frank 1971

"Quavo the minstrel said they were bent upon conquest and were resolved upon a battle."

Queen Zixi of Ix Baum, L. Frank 1971

Secretly glad that his news was received this eagerly, Quavo continued to twang the harp as he replied in verse:

Queen Zixi of Ix Baum, L. Frank 1971

Quavo the minstrel, who wandered constantly about, was on his way to Noland again, and while Queen Zixi's army was cutting a path through the forest and making a bridge to cross the river, he came speedily by a little-known path to the city of Nole, wher e he told Tullydub, the lord high counselor, what was threatening his king.

Queen Zixi of Ix Baum, L. Frank 1971

And all the courtiers and officers of Zixi bowed low, first before the King of Noland and then before his sweet little sister, and promised them the frie ndship of the entire kingdom of Ix. Quavo the wandering minstrel chanced to be present that evening, and he sang a complimentary song about King Bud, and a wonderful song about the "Flying Lady," meaning Aunt Rivette, and a beautiful song about the lovely Princess Fluff.

Queen Zixi of Ix Baum, L. Frank 1971

THE WITCH-QUEEN It is not very far from the kingdom of Noland to the kingdom of Ix. If you followed the steps of Quavo the minstrel, you would climb the sides of a steep mountain range and go down on the other side and cross a broad and swift river and pick your way thr ough a dark forest.

Queen Zixi of Ix Baum, L. Frank 1971

So if the magic cloak could grant any human wish as Quavo

Queen Zixi of Ix Baum, L. Frank 1971