The solar powered road lights had replaced most of the old ones, but no one bothered now when the batteries died. It was just the bits of broken road you couldn't see easily that slowed you down at night. Life was taking on a natural rhythm.

Maria was surprised at how fast Kirk went in the dark. He seemed to be like a different person, sliding in and out of the shadows like an animal. She knew she was good and she could see well in the moonlight, but he could really travel.

Kirk stopped suddenly and gripped Maria's hand. She thought he must have seen someone, but he released her hand and stood still, listening. She could hear a steady, soft whooshing sound. He gripped her hand again and they both stood still as round the next building a large bird flew, its wings outstretched, just above them.

"Owl!" he said. "Probably going to hunt in the city. The night birds are coming back!"

Maria was amazed. From her expression, she could have been watching an archaeopteryx flying by.

"I saw one!" she said. "Do you think it stands a chance here?"

"Who knows?"

They were coming to the river. The embankment had been planted with apple trees, almond trees, cobnuts and sweet chestnut trees. Solar balloons, made of sections of solar fabric, waved in clusters on long delicate poles containing the wires for the electric current. It was a favourite place for Kirk. Now they were more in the open, they could hear the water mill wheels turning. Maria rested against a piece of stone wall.