Father shook his head again, violently. ‘No, Castor. We can never have dealings with them. Not after what they have done. This you know. So—’

‘But it makes sense, Father! They can give us what we need—infrastructure, resources. We need never worry again.’

‘And why would they give us all this? They do not seek to help us, they seek to destroy us. Every single day they work a little harder towards that goal. Why would they even talk to us? There is no basis for negotiation here. We have nothing to offer them, or even to bargain with.’

Castor’s eyes narrowed, even from around the rock Albert could see the slyness coming into them. ‘That is not true, Father, We have the greatest bargaining chip of all. And if you would only consider it, you would find that we indeed have something to offer them, and it is something they dearly want. We have—’

‘You go too far, Castor!’ said Father, and Albert could never have imagined his clear voice could sound so stern, so harsh and unforgiving.

Castor started and stood there, looking taken aback. There was a short silence, while Father breathed heavily once or twice. When he spoke, his voice was soft again. ‘We shall not speak of this again. Never ever again. Is that clear?’

Castor nodded vigorously, still a little wide-eyed.

‘Now, I want you to try and step up production on the tent cloth as much as you can. Give the Praetor what he needs. I will try and accommodate Albert elsewhere, at least for the moment.’

‘As you say, Father.’

‘I shall not keep you any longer. It must be nearing time for you to go see Vail.’

‘Yes, Father. I was just about to leave. I shall come to your tent right after and report to you.’

Father nodded. ‘Very well, then. Go to Vail. I shall go speak with the Praetor and ask him about things right after I talk to Albert.’

Albert turned, grabbed Theo by the hand and ran as quickly as he could, back down the path and round the corner till they were in front of the tent again. There they stood, trying to look nonchalant.

Presently, Father walked round and came up to them. ‘Ah, Albert,’ he said. Then he paused, looking faintly embarrassed. ‘I’m sorry, Albert, but we’re having a few … um … logistical difficulties. I am afraid that we are unable to provide you with a tent, at least for the moment.’

Albert set his features in what he hoped was a puzzled expression. ‘But then—’

‘We will, of course, make arrangements for you,’ said Father quickly. ‘Perhaps you—’

‘You can stay with me, Mac!’ said Theo excitedly. ‘Yer can be my first guest! It’ll be cool!’

‘Theo—’ began Father.