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too. It is also written that when his time comes he will be
reunited with the Creator and with everything that lives and dies. We offer you
your son, Arthur, who has come again.’
    As Hector spoke, the clouds
parted, and the full glory of the shimmering silver planet was unveiled in the
eastern sky. ‘We offer you your son, Arthur, who has come again. We shall teach
him, as far as we are able, to know the planets and the stars and the galaxies,
and all the heavenly bodies. We shall teach him, as far as we are able, to know
himself, and to love his fellow men and all creatures. We shall teach him, as
far as we are able, to fear nothing, neither life nor death. We offer you your
son, Arthur, who has come again.’
    Then the sky blazed with a
light so dazzling that they were forced to turn away their faces. Gurgling with
joy, the baby reached up his tiny arms as if to greet the heavens, kicking his
legs and wriggling so hard that Elizabeth feared she might drop him.
    Filled with wonder, they
brought him back into the kitchen. Despite the biting cold outside, his little
naked body was as warm as toast. Still Elizabeth was taking no chances;
wrapping Arthur in a shawl, she sat in front of the fire and held him until he
fell asleep. She was about to return him to his own crib, when on an impulse
she laid him next to his adoptive brother.
    Immediately, Keir began to cry.
    Hector picked up Keir, put him
across his shoulder and patted him gently on the back. When he stopped crying,
he laid him next to Arthur again. For a few moments the two babies lay quietly
side by side. But then, to Hector’s surprise, Keir began to shriek louder than
ever, fists clenched, face bright red, feet drumming the mattress. ‘Poor baba’s
got wind,’ said Hector soothingly.
    Elizabeth shook her head.
‘That’s not wind,’ she said, ‘that’s rage.’ And the instant she put Arthur back
in his own cot, Keir stopped crying.

Five
     
     
2001
    Having served ten years as Deputy Director of
the Weapons and Communications Research and Development Unit, Merlin handed in
his resignation. It was a disappointment, if not entirely a surprise to Colonel
James Armstrong, Merlin’s boss, and a major setback for the Ministry of
Defence. Whilst Merlin was unknown to the general public, amongst researchers
and scientists his name was magic. Britain now led the world in several
important fields – robots, nano-technology, communications and weapons
technology amongst others –
    and the explanation was simple: Merlin Thomas.
    The Defence Minister was on
the phone the next day. ‘This is extremely bad news, James. The PM is seriously
upset. It’s no exaggeration to say that the United Kingdom owes its pre-
eminent position in the world to Merlin, not to mention our economic
prosperity. He has boosted our sales of weapons and technology several hundred
percent. We simply cannot afford to lose him.’
    No one knew that better than
James Armstrong. ‘I understand, sir, but I’m afraid he has made up his mind.’
    ‘Then make him change it.’
‘How?’
    ‘Give him what he wants. Double his salary if
necessary.’
    James Armstrong sighed. In his
experience politicians were invariably hardened cynics, judging others by their
own dubious standards. ‘It isn’t a question of money.’
    ‘Do I need to remind you that
everyone has his price,’ said the minister wearily. ‘Discover what that is, and
we have him,
    James. It could be money, it could be a country
house, it could be a generous douceur , it could be a title. For all we
know he might settle for an Aston Martin. Whatever it takes. I mean what I say,
James: whatever it takes. Am I making myself clear?’
    He would have to be as big an
idiot as the minister not to understand him. ‘Yes, sir. Crystal clear.’
    James Armstrong conveyed the
minister’s message as tactfully as possible, but as he expected, nothing could
tempt Merlin.
    ‘At least tell me why you’re
leaving. For my own