Prologue
"Is everything ready?"
"Yes, all set. Has Bella agreed to come?"
"Yeah, finally. Perspective is a great teacher, like I always say."
"Good, good. This is going to be perfect."
"Is everyone else coming?"
"Just the kids. All the kids, in fact."
"They've all agreed to come?"
"Yes. The Fates have brought the lives of each one of our kids at such a juncture that they feel the need for a change. They are ready for it, now. They are being pulled by each other – their blood is bringing them together."
"I know I have asked this before but are you absolutely sure it is safe to let the kids be on their own? Don't you think there ought to be at least one of us around?"
"I am quite sure, my dear. They would never learn to act freely without fear or favour if they knew we were close by. And that is the first thing they need to learn – to act."
"Still, I am worried."
"Don't be. There are six of them. And by the time this gets over, they would be ready to give their lives for each other."
"Or ready to tear each other's lives apart."
"Let's hope that doesn't happen, brother. Past mistakes cannot be repeated."
"Our children are better than us."
"And that's why I have high hopes of them."
By the time the conversation was over, Charlie Swan's face was a grim mask of worry. Things were going to be difficult from now on and they would all have to act cautiously. The time had come. Things were going to change. Forever.