They had emerged into some sort of natural cavern. The reverberations of their footsteps made her think the cave was large although the ceiling hung only an arm-reach overhead. And it was alive with light! Storm stared up, mesmerised. Everywhere she looked she saw dots and chains of glowing blue-green lights.

“What are they?” she gasped.

“Glow-worms,” said the Earth-witch. “Small creatures that live only here, far under the earth.”

“It’s beautiful.” Her tiredness was forgotten for a moment. There was something truly magical about the carpet of glowing lights overhead. Like a constellation of blue-green stars that had never seen the sky.

“Yes. One of Bellum Island’s most precious treasures, but one that cannot be traded or bartered. Come now. The boat is this way.”

“Boat?” Storm stumbled after the Earth-witch, trying to look up at the glow-worms and walk at the same time. Scoundrel took her hand and pulled her after him with a wheeze of irritation. She had to smile: she would miss the creature’s nagging. Her eyes grew hot. Where was she going? Wherever it was, it would be alone.

The ground began to slope downwards. The scent of ancient water increased, and at last Storm saw a pebbled shoreline and an expanse of black water that stretched out into the invisible distance. Its surface was as still as polished marble, and the reflections of the glow-worms shone in the water like drowned stars. Green as the Snake Star – guiding star of all sailors. Storm’s thoughts were stilled by wonder.

The lake lay before them, its surface unbroken by the slightest breath of wind. It seemed ensorcelled. A small canoe floated a few paces from shore, its mooring line tied to a large stone. The Earth-witch reached down, untied the line and drew the boat towards them. It glided soundlessly to shore, its wake carving ripples in the water.

He turned, handed the line to her. “This is your path, Storm. Let the Dolphin take you through the caves – it is a labyrinth, but the Water spirit will guide you. The boy will be waiting for you, when you come out from under the earth.”

“Who?” She was exhausted; getting confused. The glow-worm light was hypnotic. She simply wanted to stare up at it and forget everything. “Who will be waiting?”

“The boy, Cloud. The glow-worm caves will take you to the outside. Outside Bellum Island itself. The labyrinth extends under the seabed to one of the small satellite islands outside the lava wall. The islands are too small for habitation. Only a few fisher-folk ever visit and never at night.

“The underwater river will take you there. It rises and flows out of the earth into a small cove on the out-island. With the help of the other witches, I have arranged for Cloud to be waiting for you with a seaworthy canoe. Big enough for the two of you to leave this place and find your uncle’s ship.”