‘If any of you have any interest at all in rescuing our friends, Grace and Alice, then we need to concoct some remedies, tinctures, and salves, both for the journey that Jem and I will be embarking on, for any possible wounds that the girls may have, and, most importantly, I want to test out some new experiments I’ve been working on: offensive rather than defensive potions.’

This seemed to capture Morven’s attention, who elbowed Cass in the ribs and gestured for him to pay attention. Brenna and Maeve both sat, arms linked, staring intently at her. Even bruised, sorry-looking Glenn gazed at her with watery eyes from the corner of the room. Jem stood and walked over to join her. ‘We’re listening,’ he said, looking around the room to make sure everyone really was paying attention. Lily didn’t need Jem to help her persuade the children, but his quiet support by her side gave her an extra dose of strength and confidence.

‘By offensive potions, I mean things that Jem and I can arm ourselves with when we infiltrate their hiding place. I need ingredients for three different potions, and enough for two or three bottles of each. My plan is to send you out in small groups to gather enough supplies for the different potions, and then I will teach you how to make them. This is invaluable knowledge for you all, especially when you choose to leave here and go your own way. Knowing how to make these potions could save your life.

‘Right. Morven, Cass, you’re first up. My uncle Alf’s great-grandmother collected this from a lost tribe that existed on an unknown uncharted island thousands of miles from here. When she returned, she adapted the recipe so that she could use local ingredients to create the same effect.’ Morven’s eyes lit up with fascination. Lily made a mental note to take more time to talk to Morven in the near future. Tales of adventure always made Morven’s eyes glow and Lily was curious about the girl’s beginnings, and where she wanted to head next.

Cass’s chest was puffed out, a sign that Lily took to mean that he was feeling proud and protective. He was clearly honoured to be entrusted with this task. ‘I need you to go out along the coastal path, the one that follows the shore and curves around the island cliffs. Collect seaweed, any type, some dry driftwood, and I’m going to need as much Common Scurvygrass as you can.’

‘Common Scurvygrass?’

‘It’s the one with the kidney-shaped leaves and white flowers; you’ll find it if you’re looking near the rocky shoreline. It might not be blooming now though, this late in the season, so look out for its reddish-brown seedpods instead. I need you to bring me as much of that as you can carry. Understood?’

‘Yes, ma’am,’ Cass said, with a glint in his eye and a smirk tugging at his lips. Lily rolled her eyes and smiled at him, glad to find herself on the receiving end of his cheek. It felt like a very good omen.