Lucien was dozing against the trunk of a palm tree when Abel returned. He sat up when he heard a sound. “Anything?”
“Nothing,” said Abel.
“You were gone a long time.”
Abel sat on a patch of grass. “I went right around the northern tip, past the volcano to the other side. I wasn’t going to rest unless I knew for sure they’d gone.” He ran his fingers through his ginger hair. “You find anything?”
Lucien shook his head. “No. I didn’t go right to the southern end. I figured they wouldn’t have either. What would be the point? But I’m as sure as I can be they’ve gone.” He stood. “There’s one more thing.” He nodded towards the smouldering remains on the beach. “We’ll have to bury what’s left of the body. I can do it if you like. If it’s going to be difficult for you.”
Abel drew his knees up a
