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‘Then we must make it possible,’ said Josefia Genarro. She sat at Juno’s side, her hand resting on his leg. They were a good couple, Trin thought, resilient and clever and not easily defeated. It didn’t matter that they were cousins, not now that their numbers were so few.

‘We could hide the openings with boulders,’ suggested Cass Mulravey. ‘Make it look as though there’s been a rockfall. We’ll need to stop treading the same route outside, though. Our feet are flattening the ground and making a path.’

‘It would be cumbersome, but we could make a rope entry from the rocks above,’ suggested Juno.

‘Not all of us would be able to negotiate such a thing.’ This came from Jilda Pellegrini. Trin’s mother had spoken little at group gatherings so far, her energies spent on keeping up with the others and watching her son. It seemed hardly believable that his fragile madre had survived the Saqr invasion when his powerful vigorous padre had not. It was true that her servant Tina Galiotto had cared for her, yet even so Jilda had showed an ability to endure.

Trin had always thought of her as weak, in mind and in deed. Perhaps he’d been wrong. Or perhaps her suffering had made her stronger in some way. It had done that to many of them.

‘The principessa is right,’ said Djeserit. ‘Not all of us could do that. It would be better if we scatter small rocks around the boulders to hide the entrance, and simply climb over them.’

‘We need weapons,’ said Kristo from behind them. ‘Hidin’ won’t be enough. And what if there’re other things on the island – like them giant lig? We got to be able to protect ourselves.’

A murmur of agreement went up from most.

The enormous ligs that had attacked them down on the flat of the island had been chasing the nectar of the night flowers. They had not ventured further up the mountain. But Kristo was right – hiding wasn’t enough. They had stopped running, and now they must secure their position.

‘Juno, pick a group to find the strongest branches, to sharpen and make into spears. Joe Scali will take the rest and begin placing the rocks around the entrance to hide our footprints. Those that aren’t strong enough for either will see to the food.’ Trin turned to where Djes sat, near the korm. ‘Tivi and the korm will carry your catch from the beach to the caves. Make sure some fish is dried, for storage.’

‘Anything else?’ said Cass Mulravey.

‘Collect more roots. And we need more receptacles. Some for drinking water and others to store the energy pods. They are more potent when they are kept wet.’

‘That means more trips back to the spring,’ said Juno.

Trin nodded. ‘It’s the only place we’ve seen fresh water. Once you’ve made some spears or clubs, take two others down there with you. Bring as much water as you can carry.’

‘There’s a rock hollow in the back of our cave,’ said Cass. ‘We can store water there while we’re making more containers.’

‘Buono,’ said Trin. Semantic had risen, casting more light on the faces watching him. ‘I will look for another spring, closer. Now, let’s eat and work.’

Trin ate his share of the remaining xoc and chewed a small piece of seaweed. Although salty and unpalatable, Djes assured him it was high in nutrients. When his hunger had eased enough for him to move, he got up and left the circle, walking to the large flat rock that served as the group’s evening table.

Juno hastened after him.

‘Principe, is it wise to go searching for water alone?’ he said quietly. ‘In the dark you might trip and fall.’

Trin put a reassuring hand on his lieutenant’s arm. ‘As we all might, Juno. Everyone is needed for a task. I will walk around the summit at approximately this level, returning from the west side. I would estimate only a few hours. If I am not back by early light, do not attempt to come for me until the next night. I’ll take pods and roots.’ He reached across the slab and took a collection of edibles, including several pods, slipping them into the pockets of his ragged fellalo. He filled the robe’s water-sleeve and checked the