The wind struck Zan’s face like a hammer as they plunged into the night. The rain pelted against his skin, and the hood of his cloak was sodden as water trickled down his neck. It was even worse than before as he'd only just managed to warm his skin.

Eden led the way as he trudged out of the south gate of the city. Ahead lay the cobbled together huts of the overspill region, and the rain had turned the pathway to filth that squished and bubbled.

Even in the storm, the sweet smell of the forest drifted towards them, and Zan's nose caught enough of a scent every so often that he looked forward to more with each inhale, despite his drenched state.

"Just over this hill," Eden shouted back towards them. They walked up the face of it, the wet grass causing them to slip in their muddy shoes. Zami lost her footing several times, with Zan nearly toppling over her as he clasped her hand tightly.

They scrambled to the top, and could just about make out the outline of a small stone building. Every lightning flash made it momentarily visible as they continued towards it. Slowly slinking downward across the waterlogged field, they eventually reached the door. Eden had already got there and was waiting inside.

"This is it," Eden said, with his arms outstretched at either side. There was just one room, though it was surprisingly warm inside. "It's still a little dirty from the coals that were stored here," he said. "The good news, Zan, is that it was necessary to build it well to ensure the coals remained dry. So it's well sheltered from the elements."

Zan looked around as he held the lantern aloft. It was dusty, and the pungent smell of charcoal still lingered. "It's a wonder that no squatters have come to claim it already," Zan said.

"They'd do well to find it Zan," Eden said, wiping the window free of dust with his sleeve. "It’s well hidden. I had to remove some turf sods from the walls and roof which were used to cover it up when it closed. It appears that it did the job. You must help me put them back tomorrow morning."

Zan nodded and he squeezed Zami's hand. "Look Zami, we have a new home."

She smiled and jumped up and down.

"Come Eli, we need to go. We'll be back in the morning Zan. Just roll out your blankets and try and get some sleep if you can," Eden said.

Elisa handed a pannier to Zan. "Here, there's a little bread and a couple of flasks for you." Zan received them with a grateful nod.

Eden and Elisa left, closing the door behind them. Zan peered out of the window, watching the lantern make its way up the side of the hill until it reached the summit before vanishing from sight.

He rolled the blankets out as zami roamed, exploring her new surroundings. "Zami, come and lay here, it's time for some rest," he said. She came and sat on the blanket, and grimaced as she thudded against the hard surface. "I know it's not perfect, but it will have to do for now. It's better than where we were."

Zan lay down with his hands behind his head. The wind still rattled the window, though it sounded like the rain had eased, and it had been some time since the last flash of light. He wondered if the next morning it would be Elisa and Eden that would wake him, or if it would be the sound of the heavy footsteps of city guardsmen coming to cleanse the hut of disease. He'd taken a huge risk, but he felt in his heart that it was the right thing to do, and he always remembered his mother saying to him that it was something he should always follow. Besides, he had little choice. And he hoped that he could trust them. He'd forgotten what it was like to open up. What if they were the informants? He thought it unlikely; he'd known them since he could remember. But what you see on the surface doesn't always show the true colours – he'd learnt that from watching people in the market.

The thought that it could have been his last night on Sykana ran through his mind continually and, along with the rattle of the trees, prevented any kind of meaningful sleep that night. Meanwhile, Zami snored away.

Rays of light poked through the clean spots on the window, and Zan squinted as he adjusted to the brightness. Zami was lying still but with her eyes open, fiddling with her hair, and the pure white strands were beginning to fade beneath the dust and the dirt.

He suddenly sat up straight as the sound of footsteps outside alerted him. The handle turned and the door blew open. Standing in the doorway was Elisa, and Zan let out a huge sigh. She was most welcome.

"Morning," she said perkily. "I've brought you some breakfast." She walked in and sat an arm's length in front of him and placed her pannier down beside the empty one already sat on the floor. "Father will be along shortly as he has some work to do first." She began taking what looked like potato cakes out of a tub, which had condensation running along the inside of it. "Get them while they're warm," she said, handing them out. Her smile was heart-warming, and her face was just like it was years ago; graceful.

"What work is that?" Zan asked, biting down on his warm potato. "I couldn't help notice his coughing last night," he added, mumbling through his mouthful of food.

"He gave up his job down the quarry pit not long after you disappeared," Elisa said. "His health was suffering too much due to the conditions. But he doesn't like to have idle hands, and he managed to acquire a radio transmitter and applied for a licence to broadcast. When his application was approved, he became the official government news portal. He transmits the news data streams released by them every day or two to every home in Vlindra."

Zan stopped chewing momentarily. "He works for the government?" He said with half a mouthful and his tone lowering.

"In a manner of speaking," Elisa said. "He's just a messenger Zan, nothing more."

Zan continued eating, placing another chunk in his mouth. Zami had put her cake on the blanket and was mashing it with her clenched fist. "No Zami, eat it or you'll go hungry. Watch," he said as he put some more in his mouth, and let out a contented sound while rubbing his stomach. Zami followed his lead and began to take some small bites.

Elisa gazed across for a few seconds. "You never do take your hood down," she said. "No wonder the hair about your face is still as white as the last time I saw you. Why do you keep it up?"

"I get cold," Zan said abruptly.

"You never used to be bothered by the cold," Elisa said, smiling.

"That was then," Zan said harshly, unintentionally wiping the smile away from her face.

The door opened once more, and Eden walked in. "Morning lad," he said. "Was it ok?"

Zan nodded, taking a swig of Ska and wincing at the aftertaste.

"Good," Eden said. "It's a bit big for you but it's the only option."

"No it's fine, really," Zan said. "Elisa, can you bring her food every day and take her out for a few minutes when the light has faded to let her lungs fill with fresh air?"

Elisa glanced at her father before fixing her eyes on Zan. "I will do my best, as long as I can remain unseen," she said. "Just make sure you come back this time."

"I promise," Zan said.

He turned towards Zami and patted her hand. "I have to go away for a short while Zami. Elisa is going to look after you while I'm gone. Be good for her." His eyes began to sting as he planted a kiss on her forehead.

"Elisa," Zami said, holding out her arms.

Zan stood and walked towards the door. "I'll see you soon," he said.

"Bye lad," Eden said. "We'll keep her out of harm's way as best we can. You do what you have to do, and make sure it's worth it."

Zan nodded before taking one last look at Zami, sat in Elisa's arms on the floor while she waved goodbye.