They came to the other edge of the forest, where a tiny stream flowed along, a wooden bridge over it. The bridge was connected to a stile, and the odd haze of the barrier shimmered halfway across the water. The moonlight gave the scene an eerie quality, like it was just a film set.

Smith hopped over the stile and wandered up to the barrier. ‘Yes, I’ve seen this before. It’s… dangerous. You say Tim brought you through?’

‘Yes, I was standing there on the opposite bank, just out of sight of a soldier who’s on guard a few hundred yards down there. They’d told me that there was something dangerous going on. Thing is, I heard an explosion, and then, not very long ago, the big one that was probably the school. I was afraid for my friend. I had to get inside. The barrier feels disturbing. I don’t know why, but I had a feeling of dread as I approached it, a terrible fear of dying. I was just plucking up the courage to take a run at it when I saw this youngster wandering down the path. He seemed quite surprised to see me, but when I called out to him, he walked up to this… barrier, well, whatever it is, took my hands, and pulled me through. It was like ducking through something very hot and there was a muddy taste. But here I am.’

‘Yes…’ Smith stretched out his umbrella until it connected with the barrier and then stepped back, as if he’d got an electric shock. ‘Very nasty.’ He turned back to Hadleman. ‘I need to find the boy. We have to talk.’

‘We certainly do.’ Timothy stepped from behind a tree on the other side of the river. He walked on to the bridge and halted halfway, one hand holding the Pod, the other playing with the air of the barrier like he was idly plucking a harp. ‘I had to do this, to put this between us. This way you can’t grab the Pod from me and give it to them.’

‘I wouldn’t just grab it,’ Smith said. ‘You know I wouldn’t.’

‘Do I? They have the person you hold most precious in the world.’

‘You know about that?’

‘I was told.’

‘Then why won’t you give me the Pod, let me give it to them in exchange for her?’

‘Because it doesn’t stop there. There’s more to it than that one deal. That’s why I brought you here. I sent him to find you.’ Tim indicated Hadleman.

‘Did you?’ Hadleman frowned.

‘Hmm. Rather manipulative of you,’ Smith muttered.

‘Perhaps. Come and join me, Dr Smith.’

Hadleman glanced between the two participants, feeling even more that he was in a play. ‘We can’t cross like you can. He’ll be⁠ —’