‘Right, well, finish off your breakfasts and then get yourselves gone. It’s very important that we start brewing these potions tonight.’ Lily tried her best to be authoritative and found herself awkwardly fitting into the role of guardian for these children, as Jem had. It was a huge responsibility on top of the already heavy burden of finding and rescuing Alice, but she was growing accustomed to the routine of the lighthouse children. ‘Maeve, Brenna, can you come over here please?’

The two girls climbed down off their chairs and skipped over to her, pleased to have a purpose. Lily knelt down so she was at their height and placed one hand on each of their backs, a gesture she hoped would seem comforting and trusting. ‘You two have the most important job of all.’ Maeve and Brenna exchanged excited glances. ‘I need you to collect a big bucket of sand, along with some of that water from the stream that runs orange. Do you know the one I mean?’ They nodded. ‘And some black paint. I think Jem might know where you can find that last one?’

They all turned to look up at Jem who had been gazing at them all with an expression of proud wonder on his face. Their attention brought him out of his reverie and he spluttered, ‘Yes, yes of course, yes. Um … yes, I painted over the lines on the lighthouse just last month. I think I still have some.’

Lily mouthed an appreciative ‘Thank you’ to him, and turned back to the girls. ‘This is a very, very important job and I wouldn’t trust anyone else to do it. So, promise me you’ll be very careful?’ Maeve and Brenna both nodded enthusiastically. ‘Good, go and finish eating then. Go on.’ She gently pushed them back towards the table and stood. She turned to Jem.

‘Do you think you’ll be okay going out with Glenn today, or do you think he’s best staying in where its warm?’ she asked under her breath.

‘I think we’ll stay in today. He’s still feeling really tender and I don’t want him to exert himself too much.’

‘You’re right, of course,’ she whispered, before turning and going over to Glenn and seating herself beside him. ‘How are you feeling today?’

‘Tired… Sore…’ He looked up at her through teary eyes. Huge black rings circled them, a tell-tale sign that he hadn’t slept much the previous night.

‘Are you all right to stay inside? You can get some more rest and you’ll be feeling much better tonight, I promise. Then you can join in and help us all with the potion-making this evening.’ He smiled and pushed away from the table, wincing with pain. ‘Do you need any more medication?’

‘I think I just need some more sleep,’ he croaked.

‘Of course. Look after yourself, love.’ Lily squeezed his hand affectionately, and then he left the room, dragging his feet.

The room was filled with the sound of spoons scraping bowls as the children tried to finish up as quickly as they could so they could head out. They seemed excited to have a purpose and a task that was actually going to be useful. The air was filled with excitement and anticipation. All at once, it seemed, everyone got up and, chattering amongst themselves, left the kitchen. Only Lily and Jem remained.