‘Oh, we try. But it’s difficult. Ucho’s men keep finding small hauls, arresting small-time drug dealers, but we just haven’t been able to figure out who the big fish are in this whole thing, and how they’re bringing it past our guards into the valley. And, to complicate the matter further, many addicts turn to dealing. It’s one big vicious cycle.’

‘I see,’ Albert said. ‘Yes, it’s a terrible thing. I’ve heard of what it does.’

‘You have,’ replied Father, but it sounded more like a question than a statement.

‘Yes, of course,’ said Albert, feeling a little bemused. The old man had a strange expression on his face, and his eyes were far away, as if he were thinking about something else entirely. ‘Everyone’s heard about it, Father. It’s why they built the network.’

Father seemed to have come to a decision about whatever he had been thinking about. ‘Yes, yes. But here Albert, you will do more than hear about the addiction; you will see it, though I hope not too closely.’ He grimaced.

‘But if it’s that bad, Father, will Theo be safe here?’

‘I think Marcus will see to that. And we shall be watching her, never fear. Now, if you could just wait here for me for a few minutes, I shall speak to Castor and see about your accommodation as well.’

‘Thank you.’

‘I will be back shortly to take you to your tent. You might have to wait a few minutes for them to set it up, but then you can rest. Do so, if all the excitement has not been too much. Two hours’ rest is not much, especially after an ordeal such as you have gone through.’

He smiled and left. Albert watched him go around the corner, and stood there for several minutes, watching Theo boss around the other children. Was that why everyone seemed so concerned with her and her safety? Because she was being groomed for some leadership role? But that still didn’t explain why everyone seemed so … worried about her all the time—even here, in midst of their own people.

He stretched, feeling weariness spread through him. He realized that his legs were aching. He’d be glad when Father came back and he found a place to lie down for a while. Maybe he should go and meet him on the way, just to save time. He walked ahead, rounding the corner, and found himself on a path flanked by rows of tents. He walked along it, then stopped, realizing he had no idea where to go. The last thing he wanted was to miss the man. Perhaps he should wait here. He made his way to the right, towards a large, broad spire of rock, and leaned back against it, watching the path.