In this futuristic tale set in a world of terrifying spiders, two children face an enigmatic creature, the Brogan. According to the clock in Central Hall, the date is Wednesday 4 years 81 days from Hostilities—marking another day in Saxon and Gilbert's ritualized existence. Saxon bakes, Gilbert brushes and together they leave their home in The Coffee Shop to collect provisions. Saxon and Gilbert are not, however, the only inhabitants of their world. For among the dust and crumbling pillars roam hordes of terrifying spiders and—even more disturbing—the Brogan. Winner of the 1989 Whitbread Children's Novel Award. Part of the 1995 Scottish Book Fortnight promotion.