Caspian was captivated as the meld dance played out in front of him. Limbs weaving effortlessly between ripples of silvery skin. He was a small boy skimming stones on the Loch once more.

Hobart observed him, a wry smile on his face.

‘You see how they inhabit one another’s body? As if two minds have become one?’

‘It’s mesmerising’ Caspian was snapped back to the present by the old man’s interjection, but still couldn’t tear his eyes away from the twisting luminescence.

‘It’s terrifying.’ Hobart was matter of fact. ‘The Scarl exhibit all the qualities of a hyper focused hive mind. If we give them a single reason to doubt our human intentions... well, then you really will have a reason to lament. Focus up