Chapter One

Unexpected visitor

‘A whole week to do whatever we like Breams, so please try and cheer up?’

Breams shrugged as a wave of misery washed over him. He had been hoping to go home but his father had been called away to sort out some sudden unexplained disturbances on the Northern Borders. As commander of the Guard his duty to Minuet always had to come first. Breams understood that and was proud of him but he so wanted to see him again. He had been sent to Loggerwood after accidentally burning down one of the classrooms in his school and with only his father to care for him after his mothers death it was felt that he would be better off at Loggerwood School. But he was the youngest student being only eleven summers and Loggerwood School was stuck in the Loggerwood Forest and a long way from home. Henry Fothrington had taken him under his wing but Henry was fifteen summers old and did not always understand.

‘I wanted to go home Henry,’ he sobbed as he buried his head in his pillow.

Henry swallowed hard, ‘I know you do mate, and I know I am older and almost a man but I miss home just as bad. I just try to tell myself that when I do get to go home it will be even better and more special.’

Breams turned his head in surprise, ‘I didn’t think you ever felt like that, you always seem too cheerful about everything.’

Henry smiled, ‘better to look on the bright side of things rather than being upset with things you can’t change, so what about it? How can we make this a brilliant week and the envy of everyone who had to go home?’

Breams sat up and grinned, ‘how about a boat trip with Hamish and Barley like last time?’

Henry grunted, ‘we could go and see what they are planning but I doubt Barley will be too keen to do anything with us.’

Breams laughed, ‘He likes you really Henry, he just doesn’t like to admit it.’

Henry looked more dubious as they went in search of the other two. The common room was empty so they set out towards the main school building but Hamish found them first. He came running over from the back of one of the fire towers.

‘Henry, Breams,’ he shouted, ‘quickly, we need you, down by the boat house, come on hurry up.’

Henry and Breams started to run and quickly caught up with Hamish whose face was bright red from running in the hot sun. He dashed off again with Henry and Breams in tow.

‘Hamish, what’s happened? Is Barley hurt, sparks tell us something,’ panted Henry.

She’s back again,’ he shouted between breaths as they headed towards the flow, ‘in broad daylight this time.’ He took another breath. ‘Sunning herself, said she was waiting for us, Barley is beside himself!’

Henry felt a surge of excitement but tried not to let the others see and raced after Hamish. He guessed their problem of what to do for the week had been solved.

Ribastra sat half in the water and half on the bank her large scaly wings stretched out in the sun. She swung her head around to see them as they ran up to Barley who was pacing up and down in agitation.

‘Henry, tell her she must go. If anyone sees, Gods, if anyone finds her here with us.’

Henry bowed to Ribastra, ‘Barley is right High Lord of the Sky, and we have paid our debt to you. What do you want from us?’

Ribastra chuckled to herself, ‘Very formal young Henry Fothrington but I see the spark of adventure in your eyes.’ and she swung her head to look at them all.

‘I need you my young Hatchlings. You have proved yourselves worthy as my Chosen and I need you to help me with such a little problem that you will thank me for asking you to join me.’

‘We can’t just leave,’ shouted Barley, ‘Gods Ribastra, we have to ask permission at the very least.’

Ribastra, nodded, ‘go and ask permission then, I will wait here. I think three nights will be sufficient.’

Barley looked like he might burst and strike her but Henry pulled him away. ‘I will go with Barley and get permission to leave the School Ribastra. Hamish and Breams can you start collecting your gear and camping equipment?’ And before anyone had a chance to argue he dragged Barley up the path back to the school.

Alistair Windmaster closed the book he had been writing in and put his pen down.

‘You wish to go camping together?’ he said as he repeated Barleys request.

‘I hope you don’t mind me saying so but I find that surprising Barley. It has come to my notice that you two haven’t been getting on together very well, yet you now want to go camping together?’

Barley blushed, ‘We thought it would help us sort things out sir.’

He grunted, ‘Is it wise to take Hamish and Breams with you then?’

Henry stepped forward, ‘They are homesick sir. It will do them good to get away. We will take good care of them.’

Alistair Windmaster stood up and walked over to the window staring out over the forest to the flow beyond, turning he studied the two boys. ‘Three nights then but I expect you back by midday after that. Make sure you take communication bubbles with you and if in trouble I expect you to call me, is that clearly understood?’

‘It is sir,’ confirmed Barley.

‘And you Henry, do you understand what I am saying to you!’

Henry watched as Alistair Windmaster stared back out of the window as if he somehow knew Ribastra was out there.

‘It is sir,’ he replied nervously.

‘Then you had better go and help the other two pack and I would suggest you pack your walking boots and rain gear, you can never tell how the weather might change.’

Henry looked out the window, as the sun beat down on the dry grass. ‘I guess not sir.’ he said slightly confused.

‘Where are we going,’ asked Breams as he wrapped his arms around one of Ribastra’s spines and tucked his feet under her scales. She turned her head to look at him and stretched her wings.

‘Well, young Breams, we are going to the Northern Borders and then to a castle on Earth, so we are in for an adventure. Hold tight and we will get going.’

‘The Northern Borders,’ whooped Breams, ‘maybe I will get to see my dad after all.’

Ribastra snorted, ‘I would like to say you can but he must not know you or I are there, but I promise you we will be helping him. He just won’t know it.’

Breams didn’t know if he was disappointed or excited but Henry turned round and grinned at him. ‘Better than staying at school Breams, and you get to help your dad.’

Breams grinned back ‘Yeah, that’s true,’ and he felt the choking feeling of tears that had been with him since he woke up disappear.

They circled higher and higher. The sky was clear and they watched the forest below disappear. ‘Wouldn’t they see us take off,’ asked Barley anxiously but Ribastra shook her head, ‘No my boy, we are surrounded by magic, no one will see us, so stop worrying, your father won’t find out, well not yet anyway.’

Barley went rigid, ‘what do you mean not yet? If he finds out I’ve been meddling in the affairs of Minuet and in league with a Dragon he would disown me for ever.’

Ribastra swung her head round to look at him. ‘One day Barley Hollyhock he will be proud of his son. You will just have to be patient. Sometimes parents forget their children are not to be moulded in their own image but should be allowed to follow their own destiny. It will be a lesson for your father to learn.’

Henry could not see Barley’s face and for the first time he wondered whether he really knew Barley. Barley had always appeared the model student at school, keen to learn and quick to please. Henry had always assumed his home life was happy and he and his father got on well together but Ribastra’s words made him wonder. Now he thought about it he realised Barley never mentioned his family and never went home at holidays.

As they flew north, the weather changed and Ribastra landed so they could wrap themselves in their rain gear. Henry silently thanked Windmaster for suggesting they bring it. Alistair Windmaster was a weather wizard so Henry guessed he must have known bad weather was moving in towards them.

Back on Ribastra they tried to shelter behind her spines but rain started to seep through their coats and water dripped down their necks.

Finally, she began to circle lower and lower until she landed in a forest clearing. Waiting for them was a tall man dressed in wizard robes and a young boy in an old woollen cloak. The boy jumped up and down in excitement as Ribastra paced over to them.

‘Welcome back High Lord,’ called the man, ‘come boys please be quick we can’t be here for long.’ They slid off the dragons back, wet, cold and stiff but the wizard didn’t seem to notice as he hurried them along a narrow forest path until they came to a small stone circle.

‘Quickly’ he called back to them, ‘It’s a Gate so you can pass through the centre stone, just follow me. Once we are on the other side we can get you dry and rest.’

Hamish and Henry had lived on earth and had used Gates before but the other two had only lived in Minuet and looked anxious as they followed the strange wizard.

Ribastra, walked closely behind them, ‘Don’t be afraid my hatchlings, I am right behind you. It will be safer for everyone on the other side.’

Chapter Two

Merlin’s Meddling

The wizards led them to a small wooden hut hidden between tall fir trees. Smoke spiralled from a small chimney and once inside he added a few logs to the fire and hung a large pot of water over it to boil. The boys peeled off their wet clothes and started to warm themselves.

Ribastra stuck her head through the window, ‘I will be back first thing in the morning. Merlin, tell them what they need to know and take good care of them.’

The wizard raised his hand dismissively, ‘Would I do anything else? Now leave us alone to get acquainted.’

Ribastra snorted, ‘I would remind you this is your mess, meddling in magic you do not know how to control was foolhardy and typical of you arrogant wizards. You have a lot to learn young Merlin.’ Merlin pushed her head out of the window and closed the shutters.

‘She lectures me on meddling,’ he grumbled, ‘she can’t talk, she is always meddling?’

The hut shook, ‘But I do not make such stupid mistakes,’ Ribastra roared back and with a torrent of steam flew away.

Merlin ignored her and rubbed his hands together. ‘Right boys, now let me see, ah yes, name first - I am Merlin but you know that already, and my apprentice here is called Arthur.’ The young boy bowed, ‘He is an earthling by the way. What should I call you four?’ he asked as he swung his arms in the air making pots and pans fly in all directions.

Barley bowed and side stepped a flying jug, ‘I am Barley Hollyhock sir, I’m an elf.’

‘I can see that young man, those ears, bit of a give away I’m afraid to say, and I have had the misfortune of crossing your father, but I’m sure his son is far more reasonable. He’s got no understanding of creative thinking that man.’ Barley looked a little put out by his response so Henry jumped in quickly.

‘I am Henry Fothrington sir, my fathers the librarian here on Earth.’

‘I know him that I do. Good fellow, now he understands creative thinking, often lets me sleep with his books.’

‘This is Breams sir, his father is commander of the Guard.’

Merlin’s face dropped, ‘Gods, not another Breams, what is that Dragon thinking of? Ah well could be useful I guess.’

Breams shuffled uncomfortably. Do you know my father sir?’

‘O yes boy, you could say that, yes you could, yes you could but never mind.’ He looked past Breams to Hamish. ‘And who are you?’

I’m Hamish McDuggan; my father is a clans’ man and head of the wizards council in the highlands.’

‘Is he indeed? Well, well, I certainly have an interesting group of young recruits. Ribastra is a canny lady and no mistake.

‘Lets get some food inside us and then I will tell you what has happened and how you might be able to help. Arthur, can you build up the woodpile? I will finish the cooking. You boys make yourselves at home.’ He muttered to himself as he chopped food and stirred the large pot on the fire.

As they huddled by the fire, spooning hot stew into their mouths, Merlin settled himself in an old chair and stuffing some sort of grass into a strange stick proceeded to put it in his mouth and suck in the smoke then blow it out again. Henry watched in fascination and Merlin chuckled before blowing a perfect smoke ring.

‘Now we are more comfortable I think I had better tell you why you are here.’ as he puffed out a few more smoke rings. ‘You are in a hard land where the earthlings struggle to live. There is rain and more rain, then mist and fog, snow and winds but the people survive by coming together in wooden walled communities. They farm on the poor soil and care for their animals with very little reward. If they are lucky they are left alone to live in peace, protected by lords who live in great castles. The Lord around these parts is a good man. He has worked hard to train his men and looks after his people. Then a few weeks ago boats arrived, scores of them, all carrying invaders that would kill and destroy all they find. Our Lord struck them hard but they escaped in their boats and landed further along the coast in thick fog unknown to the Lord.’

Merlin sighed as he refilled his smoking stick, ‘I could not let them just continue to kill the villagers now could I?’ and he looked around the boys.

‘No sir,’ whispered Arthur.

‘What did you do?’ asked Barley already worried he had used magic, which was against the law on Earth.

Merlin looked at them, his face looking slightly guilty, ‘I sent them to Minuet,’ he said hastily as if to get it out of the way as quickly as possible.

‘You sent them into the Northern borders didn’t you,’ shouted Breams as it dawned on him who his father must be fighting.

‘Well yes that’s where they went. I’m sorry my boy but I thought the Guard would quickly deal with them and all would be well and I’m sure they will, but it’s got a little complicated. The forest people have equipped them with things they shouldn’t have and I made a small error in the magic that transported them to Minuet. I didn’t realise that for everyone that went through the Gate from Earth, a forest person in Minuet passed across to Earth, so now we have a problem here as well.’

‘You have hundreds of forest people here?’ asked Hamish in astonishment.

Merlin grimaced, ‘They are causing havoc in lord Uther’s castle. We must get them back to Minuet as quickly as possible.

Breams stood up straight, ‘and get those invaders back here.’ he added.

Merlin scowled at him, ‘yes and get the invaders back here and back in their boats to wherever they came from. So now are you with me in this.’

‘Just a small task,’ mumbled Henry as he remembered what Ribastra had said to them and compared that with what he had just heard. They were stuck on Earth with a wizard that didn’t seemed to have a clue what he was doing, Forest people causing Gods only know what chaos and invaders in Minuet equipped with magic. He looked at Barley who seemed as stunned as he was.

‘I don’t suppose you have a plan do you?’ he asked praying this wizard had considered how to straighten things out.

Merlin brightened up. ‘Of course I do but now you are here young Fothrington we can have a quick visit to your father’s library just to check on a few tiny details and then tomorrow we can get started.’

‘He can’t see me here,’ gulped Henry even though he wished with all his heart he could visit him.

‘I know that my boy, what do you take me for? No, I have a wizard window set so I can go straight in and you can help me find the right books. Now the rest of you get to sleep. Henry and I won’t be long.’

Chapter Three

The Wizards Library

Henry stepped through the window created by Merlin, straight into the small study at the back of the great Library. He recognised his fathers old oak table even in the gloom of the dark room. Walking over to the far wall, he picked up his favourite light globe and lit it.

‘I bet papa doesn’t know anything about this window, does he? '

Merlin closed the window, ‘Maybe not,’ he shrugged, ‘but I am sure he would understand.’

'I am quite sure he would not Merlin, no one comes and goes from this library without his knowledge.’

‘Well you are here and he doesn’t know that, now does he or maybe he has set a web and is on his way here right now, what do you think?’

Henry had no idea and cursed silently to himself for being mixed up with this ridiculous man. ‘Let just find these books and go,’ he said in irritation.

‘Fine idea young man, now I need the book on Excalibur and anything on the forest people. We need to find a way of tricking them back to Minuet.’

Henry felt his heart racing. The sword of the lake, Gods, he had read that so many times he could almost recite it word for word.

‘I know the book sir; it is in the circular reading room. What species are the forest people?

Merlin grinned, ‘Sprites my boy, of the wood variety.’

‘Gods sir, heaven help your friends castle, there are loads of books on them, listed under pests.’

‘Lead the way my fellow, the quicker we work out how to get rid of them the better for everyone.’

Henry ran his hands along the bookshelves as he walked. He loved this place, the smell of the books and wood polish brought back such good memories for him. His thought of his sister and the games they used to play when growing up. He remembered how they played hide and seek, raced up and down the isles, and put on plays from stories in the books. Their mother and father would help by narrating or taking on characters. Afterwards they would sit around the great log fire and his mother would read them stories until they fell asleep.

He quickly found the book on the fabled sword and was leading Merlin up one of the many small aisles with shelves either side when he heard the unmistakable sound of his father’s voice.

‘Gods Merlin, my father must have been at the back of the library,’ he whispered, ‘in here,’ and he dragged Merlin into a storeroom normally used to hold manuscripts as they were being restored. Fortunately, the small room was empty.

His father was talking to someone and as they got closer he began to pick out parts of the conversation.

‘Well they must have come from somewhere on Earth. I have no references to any such people hidden in Minuet. Breams says they are warlike and on horse back. They are killing without mercy all across the Northern Borders.’

‘They don’t sound like any I know in the highlands Fothrington, and I know all the warring clans. I’m going across to join Breams in the morning so I can see for myself.’

‘I’m sure you are right McDuggan, we both know there is much we don’t know about Earth but I can’t understand how they could have crossed through a Gate. No one would allow something like that to happen, not even Merlin.'

Henry turned to scowl at Merlin but he was sat cross-legged on the floor his head in a book muttering to himself. Henry was tempted to call his father and tell him everything but bit his lip and strained to hear more as they walked towards the door.

‘Isn’t Breams’ son at Loggerwood School now?’

'He is poor fellow, rather young to be there, Henry has been looking out for him. I would imagine he will be disappointed at not going home for the holiday.’

‘I expect my son Hamish is as well but its better they stay safe at school rather than being mixed up in this mess. I believe he shares with Councillor Hollyhock’s son. He never seems to go home poor laddie.’

‘Well McDuggan, I will have the delights of Councillor Hollyhock tomorrow at the Elven Council. I’m not sure what’s worse, the Northern Borders and killer horsemen or Councillor Hollyhock and the Elven Council!’ and he heard his father and Hamish’s dad chuckle.

Henry strained to hear more but they were gone. Looking round he found Merlin still muttering to himself, his head in one of the books.

‘Lets get out of here,’ he said his voice trembling in frustration.

Merlin looked up, ‘Good idea my boy, to the window then.’ Back in the hut the others were asleep. Henry put the light globe in his robe pocket and curled up by the fire too tired to think about anything anymore.

Chapter Four

Uther’s Castle

Breams peered out of the hut window. ‘It’s raining,’ he reported.

‘Normally is,’ muttered Merlin, as he cleared up the breakfast bowls with a flip of his hand. ‘Now boys gather round and I will tell you the master plan that can’t fail … well shouldn’t anyway.' he said after a slight pause that worried Henry who suspected that Merlin had just spotted a flaw in his great plan.

‘We are going to divide into two groups. Henry, you will go with Barley and Arthur to the castle of Uther and lead the sprites back to the Gate while I will go with Breams and Hamish back to the Northern Borders and lead the invaders back,’ and he went on to explain his plans.

Ribastra looked in mid-morning as they were preparing to leave. ‘Young Barley, Henry and Arthur, I will fly you to the castle and show you where you must lead the sprites. Merlin just please stay out of trouble until I get back to you.’

She landed on the edge of a wood and the three boys slipped off. Padding over to a clump of Blackthorn, she shed three scales. ‘We will make our trap here,' she explained. 'Cut the branches and weave a fence. Once inside the sprites will not be able to leave. The three boys started to work using the scales to cut strong staves and planted them into the ground. They then wove Hawthorn twigs between the staves using wiry Dragon hair to hold them in place.

When Ribastra was satisfied, they stood back and admired their work. The fence formed a large open letter D.

‘Good work young Hatchlings, all we have to do now is lead those sprites here and that will be for you to do alone. I must go and find Merlin. Gods knows what damage he could be doing in my absence. Arthur, lead Henry and Barley to the castle and I will see you all back here tomorrow night. Good luck.’ she called as she flew away.

‘Arthur we are in your hands, which way?’ joked Henry cheerfully seeing that the young boy looked rather bewildered to be left alone with them.

‘It’s not far Henry sir, the castle is just on the other side of the wood, on the edge of the moor, and looking out over the cliffs. Lord Uther should be there.’

Henry draped his arm around his shoulders, ‘I’m just Henry and the three of us are a team now. You are the expert on castles and Barley and I will sort the sprites out.’

‘They call them spriggins sir, I mean Henry.’

‘Spriggins they are then, so lets be off.’

Barley had said very little since they set out and when they set eyes on the castle Henry watched the colour drain from his face. Barley had never been on Earth before and looked terrified, whereas Arthur cheered up as he watched a group of riders on horseback come towards them.

‘Uther is the one in the middle,’ he explained, ‘it looks as if we will have a ride home.’

Barley gripped tight hold of Henry, ‘Gods Henry, I can’t do this. Look at them and they are supposed to be the good earthlings.'

Henry pulled Barleys hat tight over his ears, ‘we will be fine, just think of this as a fact finding visit which will help you understand earthlings for future dealings with them. Your father will be very impressed to discover you know so much about them.’

‘My father would skin me alive if he knew I was out here.’

‘He will never find out now will he, so keep calm and take Arthur’s lead.’

‘Young Arthur, what brings you out here unprotected and who are your friends,’ called Uther with a slight edge in his voice as if angry or anxious.

‘We are on our way to you. Merlin sent us and I’m not unprotected, Henry and Barley come from the same place as Merlin.’

Uther snorted, ‘That man had no right leaving you youngsters on your own, now come on let’s get you inside safe and warm.’ and he hoisted Arthur up onto his horse. Barley was pulled up next much to his distress followed by Henry who sat high on a large warhorse. They quickly grabbed the rider in front as the horses turned and galloped for home.

Back in the castle grounds, they clambered down. Uther studied Henry and Barley, ‘The way you bounced up and down on those horses I would think you had never ridden before but that is difficult to believe. Come we will talk inside. Arthur go get changed and come find us in my chamber.’

Arthur bowed and disappeared, while Barley and Henry followed Uther into the castle. Barley kept stopping to look around but Uther took no notice as he spoke to several people and gave instructions to others. Finally they entered an upstairs room covered in large tapestries and woven rugs. The room was lit with fire sticks on the walls and by a large roaring fire.

‘Come here so I can see you,’ he called as someone poured him a drink and then disappeared. ‘I’ve already got pests in this castle thanks to Merlin. I do not need anymore.’

Henry bowed, ‘Merlin has asked us to deal with your pests sir, I am Henry and my friend is called Barley. We will be no trouble and hopefully have your pests gone from your castle by tomorrow night.’

‘So what great magic do you hold to accomplish this task that has so far defeated us?’

‘We will not need much magic sir, just a little bit of trickery. We only ask you help us by opening a way out as the sun goes down and allow us to stay under your roof until that time.’

Uther studied them. ‘Show me you are what Arthur thinks you are. Put out my fire and relight it. Merlin always boasts it is a simple thing for someone like him.’

Henry sighed but raised his hands and plunged the room into darkness.

‘Your turn,’ he minded to Barley. Barley quickly lit the fire, then the fire sticks, and then bowed to Uther.

Uther looked slightly shaken as he stared at them and then bowed ever so slightly, ‘The Castle is your home until tomorrow night and at dusk the lower south gate will be left open. I don’t know where you have come from and I do not wish to know. Please make sure Arthur is kept safe at all times and do no more magic in the place unless to protect yourself or others is that quite clear. If you are successful, I will reward you but understand people are fearful of the likes of you.’

That evening they ate in the great kitchens. Barley and Henry watched in fascination as cooks and servants carried out food to the great hall and then back again. When the entertainment began, Arthur showed them where to sneak in to watch. There were jugglers and singers and then a storyteller. Barley leaned against a leg of a table, ‘This is brilliant, my father said they were all barbarians and heathens but they aren’t are they?’

Henry smiled to himself, ‘In some ways they are. They work and fight hard but then they play hard and they love and protect their own. Sometimes the only way to understand people Barley is to live with them for a time. Maybe we forget that in Minuet and too easily judge.’

Uther roared with laughter as Arthur tried to juggle and then gave him a great hug. ‘I think it is time our youngsters were in bed,’ he called and the children reluctantly left, ushered out of the hall by the servants. Henry and Barley followed and joined the younger kitchen servants, sleeping in the great kitchen in the warmth of the bread ovens. The next day they were up early as the Kitchen sprung into action. Everyone scurried in and out while others shouted and grumbled as things were burnt, or not done to perfection. One small boy caught Henrys attention. He struggled in and out with water for the great water butts, then wood for the fire. He had just started to wash pans when someone started shouting for more wood and then someone else for more water.

‘Come on Barley let’s go and help him,’ whispered Henry.

Barley looked shocked, ‘It’s not our place Henry, he is a servant.’

‘Barleys right,’ chipped in Arthur, ‘It isn’t right for us to do such chores.’

Henry tried not to look cross. ‘Look at him, he needs us and we aren’t doing anything. Think how you would feel if you were him and how you would feel if someone came to help. It will be fun, come on, we won’t tell anyone.’ Reluctantly the other two followed.

‘I will do the wood and Barley you collect the water.’ They watched as the young boy wiped away a tear and scraped the pans. Outside Arthur showed Henry the woodpile and Barley the well. Henry checked no one was looking and channelled a small amount of energy. Finding the weak spots on the logs, he split them and piled them high. Arthur laughed and joined in. Once they had a large pile Henry hovered some of them just above his arms and took them up to the kitchen leaving them just outside for the boy. Barley had already filled every large water butt. ‘

‘Now Breakfast,’ laughed Arthur, ‘and then I will show you around. You were right Henry I enjoyed helping that boy. I hope it cheered him up a bit.’

‘I’m sure it did Arthur. If you think of everyone as being equal but given different jobs in life then helping each other out isn’t a problem, now what’s next.’

As they walked around Henry and Barley saw the damage caused by the sprites. Much of the food stores and furniture had been damaged and although they could not see them anywhere, they knew they were there and they set the trap as instructed by Merlin.

‘God curse those spriggins,’ cursed the cook when she discovered her pans bent and several sacks of flour spread across the storeroom floor.

‘Let us clean it up,’ offered Barley now enjoying his time in the castle and when on their own the two boys sent spirals of energy to gather up the flour and return it to the sacks. Henry straightened the pans as he minded to Barley.

‘Clever of us to get in this castle but the next one will be better.’

‘Quiet, we don’t want these sprites spoiling our fun.’

‘They are well settled here, they won’t want to follow us tomorrow night. No, we will have it all to ourselves.’ Both knew they were being listened into.