SkulduggeryPleasant:DarkDays

DerekLandy

ThisbookisdedicatedtoLaura.

I’mnotgoingtomakeanyjokeshere,becauseapparentlyyouaretheonepersononEarthwhodoesnotfindmeevenremotelyfunny.

IamHILARIOUS.Askanyone.Askyoursister.ShethinksI’mHYSTERICAL(youdo,don’tyouKatie…?)

Andyet,eventhoughyourefusetorecognisemycomedygenius,andyourefusetopublicallyadmithowimpressedyouarebyeverythingIdo,you’restillgettingabookdedicatedtoyou–becausewithoutyou,Skulduggerywouldn’thavehisValkyrie.

You’remybestfriendandmymuse,andIoweyoualot.

(A“lot”being,ofcourse,entirelyfigurative,andinnowayimpliesthatyou’regettingashareoftheroyalties.)

TableofContentsCoverPage

TitlePage

Dedication

1SCARAB

2HOMEINVASION

3THEPLAN,SUCHASITIS

4BRINGMETHEHEADOFSKULDUGGERYPLEASANT

5THEREVENGERS’CLUB

6INTOTHESANCTUARY

7BACKTOARANMORE

8CALLINGDIBS

9DEADNEWWORLD

10BLOODANDBULLETS

11THEFACELESSONES

12DOWNTHEBARREL

13NOTHANKS

14THEFACTOFTHEMATTER

15BACKONCEMETERYROAD

16THETEMPLE

17DEADMANTALKING

18DARQUESSE

19THENEWPET

20THEZOMBIEHORDE

21THERAID

22THEMANWHOKILLEDESRYNVANGUARD

23CRUX

24THEPLOTTHICKENS…

25LASTVAMPIRESTANDING

26KIDNAPPED

27WHENKENSPECKLEMETSCARAB

28THEMIDNIGHTHOTEL

29THESIT-DOWN

30MID-AFTRNOONOFTHEDEAD

31BILLY-RAY

32THINGSGETWORSE

33POSSESSED

34THEMEETING

35MYRONSTRAY

36PLAYTIME

37CHINA’SDARKSECRET

38THECASTLE

39HOLLOWMAN

40WITHGORDON

41THEEXORCISTS

42THENECROMANCERS

43THEROADTOCROKEPARK

44REVENGE

45SEARCHINGFORSCARAB

46ENDGAME

47CRAZY

48AQUIETMOMENT

49ESCORTINGTHEPRISONER

50BACKTOHAGGARD

51WHISPERS

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1SCARAB

WhenDreylanScarabhadbeenlockedawayinhislittlecell,he’dthoughtaboutnothingbutmurder.Helikedmurder.Murderandlongwalkshadbeentwoofhisfavouritethingswhenhewasyounger.He’dwalkalongwaytokillsomeone,he’doftensaid,andhe’dkillforalongwalk.Butaftercloseto200yearsinthatcell,he’dkindoflostinterestinwalks.Hispassionformurder,however,burnedbrighterthanever.

Theylethimoutofprisonafewdaysearly,andhesteppedintotheArizonasunshineanoldman.Theyhadkepthispowerfromhim,andwithouthispowerhisbodyhadwitheredandaged.Buthismindstayedsharp.Tryastheymight,theyearscouldnotdullhismind.Still,hedidn’tlikebeingold.Hecountedhowlongittookhimtocrosstheroadandwasn’tpleasedwiththeresult.

Hestoodtherefortwohours.Thedustkickedupandgotintohiseyes.Helookedaroundforsomethingtokill,thenquelledtheurge.Theentrancetotheundergroundprisonwaswithinspittingdistance,andkillingsomethingwhiletheguardswerestillwatchingwasprobablyabadidea.Besides,Scarab’smagichadn’treturnedtohimyet,soevenifthereweresomethinginthisdesertworthkilling,hemightnothavebeenabletomanageit.

Ashapecamethroughtheshimmeroftheheathaze,solidifyingintoablack,air-conditionedautomobile.Itpulledupandamangotoutslowly.IttookScarabamomenttorecognisehim.

“Whythehelldidn’tyoubreakmeout?”Scarabgrowled.Hisvoicedepressedhim.Intheopenair,awayfromtheconfinesoftheprison,evenhisgrowlsoundedoldandfrail.

Themanshrugged.“Iwaskindofhopin’you’ddieinthere,tobehonest.Yousureyoudidn’t?Youlookprettydead.Smelldead,too.”

“I’mstayingalivelongenoughtodowhathastobedone.”

Theothermannodded.“Ifiguredyou’dbewantin’revenge.EachanMeritoriousisdeadthough.NefarianSerpinekilledhim.Fewothers’vebeenkilledsinceyouwereputaway,too.”

Scarabnarrowedhiseyes.“SkulduggeryPleasant?”

“Missin’.CoupleofFacelessOnescamethroughtheirlittleportalten,maybeelevenmonthsago.Theywereforcedback,buttheydraggedtheskeletonwith‘em.”

“Imissallthefunthings,”Scarabsaidwithouthumour.

“Hisfriendshavebeenlookin’forhimeversince.Youwantmyopinion,he’sdead.

Forgood,thistime.Youmightgetluckythough.Theymightfindhim,bringhimback.Thenyoucankillhim.”

“WhataboutGuild?”

Abright,white-toothedsmile.“He’sthenewGrandMageinIreland.He’saprimetargetforyou.”

Scarabfeltatingle,aslightbuzzinhisbones,andhisheartquickened.Itwasthesensationofmagicreturningtohimafterallthistimeofbeingkeptlockedaway.Hekepttheelationoutofhisdry,croakyvoice.“No.It’snotjusthim.It’sallofthem.I’mgoingtomakethemallpay.Theirworldisgoingtocrumbleforwhattheydidtome.”

“Yougotaplan,Itakeit?”

“I’mgoingtodestroytheSanctuary.”

Themantookoffhissunglassesandcleanedthem.“Yougoin’toneedsomehelpwiththat?”

Scarablookedathimsuspiciously.“I’vegotnothingtopayyouwith,andthere’snoprofitinrevenge.”

“Thiswouldbeafreebie,oldman.AndIknowsomepeoplewhomightbeinterestedingettin’involved.We’veallgotscorestosettleinIreland.”Billy-RaySanguineputhissunglassesbackon,coveringuptheblackholeswherehiseyeshadoncebeen.“I’mthinkin’ofoneli’lladyinparticular.”

2HOMEINVASION

Shemissedhim.

Shemissedhisvoice,andhishumour,andhiswarmarrogance,andthosemomentsinhiscompanywhensherealisedthatthiswaswhenshecamealive—finallyliving,bythesideofadeadman.

ForelevenmonthshehadbeengoneandforalmostayearValkyriehadbeensearchingforhisoriginalskull,touseasatooltoreopentheportalandgethimback.Shesleptwhenshehadtoandatewhensheneededto.Sheletthesearchconsumeher.Timespentwithherparentsgrewlessandless.She’dbeentoGermany,andFrance,andRussia.Shehadkickeddownrottendoorsandrunthroughdarkenedstreets.Shehadfollowedtheclues,justlikehe’dtaughther,andnow,finally,shewasclose.

Skulduggeryhadoncetoldherthattheheadhenowworewasnothisactualhead—hehadwonitinapokergame.Hesaidhisrealheadhadbeenstolen,whileheslept,bylittlegoblinthingsthathadrunoffwithitinthenight.Atthetimehehadn’tgoneintoanyfurtherdetail,buthehadfilledintheblankslateron.

Twentyyearsago,asmallchurchinthemiddleoftheIrishcountrysidewasbeingplaguedbywhatappearedtobeapoltergeist.Theangryspiritwascausinghavoc,terrifyingthelocalsanddrivingawaythepolicewhentheycametoinvestigate.Skulduggerywascalledinbyanoldfriendandhearrived,wrappedinhisscarfwithhishatpulledlow.

Thefirstthinghelearnedwasthattheculpritwasn’tapoltergeist.Thesecondthinghediscoveredwasthatitwasmostlikelyatypeofgoblin,andtherewereprobablymorethanone.Thethirdthingheunearthedwasthatthechurch,assmallandasspartanasitwas,hadasolidgoldcrosssetupbehindthealtar,andiftherewasonethinggoblinsloved,itwasgold.

“Actually,ifthere’sonethingthatgoblinslove,”Skulduggeryhadsaid,“it’seatingbabies,butgoldcomesinaclosesecond.”

Thegoblinsweretryingtofrighteneveryoneawaylongenoughsothattheycouldprythecrosslooseandmakeoffwithit.Skulduggerysetupcampandwaited.Topassthetime,hesankintoameditativestate,toberousedwheneveranyonegottooclosetothechurch.

Thefirstnightthegoblinscameandheleapedout,screamingandthrowingfireballs,scaringthemwitless.Thesecondnighttheycreptup,whisperingamongthemselvestobolstertheircourage,andheappearedbehindthemandroaredcursewordsandtheyranoffonceagain,cryinginfear.Butthethirdnighttheysurprisedhim,andinsteadof

sneakinguptothechurch,theysneakeduponhimandgrabbedhisheadwhilehewasdeepinameditativetrance.Bythetimehehadfiguredoutwhatwasgoingon,theyhaddisappeared,andSkulduggeryhadnowheretoputhishat.

Nowwearingaheadthatwasnothisown,Skulduggery’sinvestigationshadrevealedthatthegoblinslaterranfoulofasorcerernamedLarks,whohadstolentheirpaltrypossessionsandsoldthemon.Theinvestigationendedthere,asothereventsbegantocallforSkulduggery’sattention.Hehadalwaysplannedtogetbacktoit,butneverdid,andsotherestwasuptoValkyrie.

Theskull,shehadlearned,wasboughtbyawomanasasurprise,andsomewhatunsettling,weddinggiftforthemanshewastomarry.Thewomanhadthenusedtheskulltobeatthatmantoabloodyandpulpydeathaftershefoundhimstealingfromher.Themurderinquirywasundertakenby“mortal”police—Valkyriehatedthatexpression—andsotheskullhadbeenloggedasevidence.NowknownastheMurderSkull,ithadfounditswayontotheblackmarket,andchangedhandsfourtimesbeforeasorcerernamedUmbrasensedthetracesofmagicwithin.UmbrahadacquireditandwithinayearitcameintothepossessionofThamesChabon,notoriouswheeler,unscrupulousdealer,andall-roundshadycharacter.Asfarasanyoneknew,Chabonstillhadtheskull.Ithadtakenconsiderableefforttoevengetintouchwithhim,andValkyriehadbeenforcedtousequiteunorthodoxmeanstodoso.

Theunorthodoxmeansstoodbythesideofthequietstreet,handsinpockets.HisnamewasCaelan.Hehadbeenmaybenineteen,twentyyearsoldwhenhe’ddied.Hewastall,hishairwasblack,andhischeekboneswerenarrowslashesagainsthisskin.HeglancedatValkyrieassheapproached,thenlookedawayquickly.Itwasclosetonightfall.Hewasprobablygettinghungry.Vampireshadatendencytodothat.

“Didyouarrangeit?”sheasked.

“Chabonwillmeetyouatteno’clock,”hemuttered,“tomorrowmorning.TheBailey,offGraftonStreet.”

“OK.”

“Makesureyou’reontime—hedoesn’twaitaround.”

“Andyou’resuretheheadisSkulduggery’s?”

“That’swhatChabonsaid.Hedidn’tknowwhyit’ssovaluabletoyouthough.”

Valkyrienodded,butdidn’trespond.Shedidn’ttellhimabouttheIsthmusAnchor,anobjectbelongingtoonerealitybutresidinginanother.Shedidn’ttellhimhowitkepttheportalsbetweentheserealitiesactiveasaresult,orthatallsheneededtoopenaportalnearSkulduggerywashisoriginalheadandawillingTeleporter.ShehadtheTeleporter.Nowsheneededtheskull.

Caelanlookedacrossatthesettingsun.“I’dbettergo.It’sgettinglate.”

“Whyareyoudoingthis?”Valkyrieaskedsuddenly.“I’mnotusedtopeoplehelpingmeoutfornoreason.”

Caelankepthiseyesoffher.“SometimeagoyouimprisonedamannamedDusk.Idon’tlikethisman.”

“I’mnottoofondofhimeither.”

“Youscarredhim,Ihear.”

“Hehaditcoming.”

“Yes,hedid.”

Hepaused,thenwalkedaway.Hismovementsremindedheroftheterrible,predatorygracefulnessofajunglecat.

Whenhewasgone,TanithLowemergedfromthealleyontheothersideofthestreet,allblondehairandbrownleather,hidingherswordunderherlongcoat.

Tanithtookherhome,andValkyriestoodbeneathherbedroomwindowandsweptherarmsupbyhersides,clutchingthesharpairandusingittolifthertothesill.Shetappedontheglassandasmalllightturnedon.Thewindowopenedandherownface—dark-eyedanddark-haired—peeredoutather.

“Ithoughtyouweren’tcominghometonight,”herreflectionsaid.

Valkyrieclimbedinwithoutanswering.Herreflectionwatchedherclosethewindowandtakeoffhercoat.Itwasascoldinsideasitwasout,andValkyrieshivered.Thereflectiondidthesame,approximatingahumanresponsetoaconditionithadneverexperienced.

“Wehadlasagnefordinner,”itsaid.“Dad’sbeentryingtogetticketsfortheAll-IrelandChampionshiponSunday,butsofarhehasn’tbeenableto.”

Valkyriewastired,soshejustgesturedatthefull-lengthmirrorinsidethewardrobedoor.Thereflection,havingnofeelingstohurt,steppedintotheglassthenturnedandwaited.Valkyrietouchedthemirrorandthereflection’smemoriesswamintohermind,settlingbesideherown.Sheclosedthewardrobeandrealisedshehadn’tbeenhomeineightdays.Shehadasuddenlongingtoseeherparentsandnotjustsettleforthememoriesviewedthroughtheeyesofanemotionlesssubstitute.ButherparentswereasleepdownthehallandValkyrieknewshewouldhavetowaituntilmorning.

Shetookablackringfromherfingerandputitonthebedsidetable.Ghastly,TanithandChinadidn’tlikethering—itwasaNecromancertoolafterall.ButforwhatValkyriehadhadtofaceoverthepastelevenmonthsshehadneededsomethingextra,andhernaturalaptitudeforNecromancyhadprovidedherwiththesheerstrengthshehadrequired.

Sheundressed,droppinghersleevelesstopandhertrousersontheflooroverherboots.NoclothesmadebyGhastlyBespokeevercreased,andforthatshewasquietlygrateful.ValkyriepulledonhershortsandthenewDublinfootballjerseyherdadhadgotherlastChristmasthenclimbedintobed.Shereachedoutandturnedoffthelightbeforequicklypullingherarmbackunderthecovers.

Tomorrow,shethought.Tomorrowtheywouldfindtheskullandtomorrowtheywoulduseittoopentheportal.WhereverSkulduggerywas,theportalwouldopencloseby.Valkyriethoughtaboutthisandwhatshewoulddowhenshesawhimagain.Shepicturedrunningtohimandhugginghim,feelingtheframeworkbeneathhisclothesthatgavehimmass,andshetriedtoimaginethefirstthinghewouldsay.Somethingdry,sheknew.Somethingunderstatedandfunny.Probablyaboast.

Whenshelookedatherbedsideclock,Valkyrierealisedthatshe’dbeenlyinginbedforoveranhour.Shesighed,flippedthepillowtothecoolsideandturnedover,banishingsuchthoughtsfromhermind,andeventuallysheexperiencedthewelcomeembraceofsleep.

Itwasafitfulsleepthough,uneasy,andsheawokeinthenighttofindsomeonestandingoverher.Herheartlurched,yeteventhroughtheshock,shewasgoingthroughalistofpossibilities—MumDadTanith—andthenthemanreacheddownandwrappedhiscoldhandsaroundherthroat.

Valkyriesquirmed,tryingtokickout,butthebedcoversweretrappingherlegs.Shefoughttobreakthechokehold,butherassailantwasfartoostrong.Hisfingersdugintoherthroatandbloodpoundedinhertemples.Shewasgoingtopassout.

Thecoverscamelooseandsheslammedherfootintohisthigh.Hislegmovedback,buthisgripdidn’tloosen.Shegotbothfeetagainsthisbellyandtriedtoshovehimoff.Thedarkshapestayedwhereitwas,loomingoverher.Shewasgoingtodie.Shetookonehandawayfromhiswristandpushedattheair,butthepushwastooweaktohaveanyeffect.ShereachedfortheNecromancerring,desperatelyslippingherfingerintoit,andimmediatelyshefeltthedarknesswithin,coldandcoiling.Shecurledherhandandthrustitathim.Afistofshadowslammedintohischestandsuddenlythechokingfingersweregoneandhewasstumblingaway.Valkyrieleapedoffthebed,snappedherpalmsagainsttheairandthemanshotbackwardsoffhisfeet.Hehitthewallandfell,crashingthroughherdesk.Sheclickedherfingers,conjuringfireintoherhand,illuminatingtheroom.

Foramomentshedidn’trecognisehim.Theclotheswereallwrong—layersoftornandfilthygarments,mud-cakedbootsandfingerlessgloves.Thehairwaslonger,untamed,andthefacewasdirty.Itwasthebeardthatgavehimawaythough.ThepointylittlebeardthatRemusCruxalwaysworetohidehisweakchin.

Sheheardherfathershouthernameandsheextinguishedthefire.Herparentswereabouttobargein.Shewhippedatrailofshadowaroundherbedanddraggeditsothatitjammedthedoorshut.

“Stephanie!”hermotherscreamedfromtheothersideasthedoorhandleturneduselessly.

ValkyrieturnedbacktoCruxjustashegrabbedherandhurledheragainstthewall.Shereboundedandjumpedintohim,usingherkneetodrivehimback.Shejumpedagain,extendingbothlegs,herfeetslammingintohischest.Hewheeledback,trippingoverherdiscardedclothesandfalling.Hisheadcrunchedoffherbedsidetable.

Herparentsweredoingtheirbesttobreakdownthedoor.

InanenclosedspaceValkyrie’sknowledgeofElementalmagicwasn’tgoingtogetthejobdone.TheNecromancerringwascoldonherfingerasshedrewinthedarkness.Shefocuseditintoapointandthenunleashedit.IthitCrux’sshoulderandhejerkedback.Shediditagain,hittinghisleftleg,anditcrumpledbeneathhim.

“Steph!”herfatherroared.“Openthedoor!Openthedoornow!”

Cruxcameatherbeforeshecouldstrikehimagain.Withonehandhegrabbedherwrist,holdingtheringawayfromhim,andwiththeotherhegrabbedherthroat.Hepinnedheragainstthewall,pressingagainsther,cuttingoffherweapons.Hiseyeswerenarrowedandthroughthemshecouldseehismadness.

Thewindowshatteredinontopofthem.ValkyriegaspedasCruxwaswrenchedawayfromher.Shadowsswirledandathousandarrowsofdarknessflewathimandhedived,barelyavoidingthebarrage.Hesnarled,flinginghimselfoutthroughthebrokenwindow.

SolomonWreathturnedtoher,checkingthatshewasOK,whileshadowswrappedthemselvesaroundthecaneinhishand.

Thedoorhitthebedanditmovedsharply.WreathfollowedCruxoutofthewindowandValkyrieshovedherbedaside.Herparentsbargedin,hermotherwrappingherinahugwhileherdadsearchedtheroomforanintruder.

“Whereishe?”heyelled.

Valkyrielookedathimfromoverhermother’sshoulder.“Where’swho?”sheasked,nothavingtoactawholelotinordertosoundshaken.

Herfatherspuntoher.“Whowashere?”

“Noone.”

Hermumgrippedhershouldersandtookastepbacksoastolookatherproperly.“Whathappened,Steph?”

Valkyriescannedtheroom.“Abat,”shedecided.

Herdadfroze.“What?”

“Abat.Itflewthroughthewindow.”

“A…bat?Itsoundedlikeyouwerebeingattackedinhere.”

“Wait,”hermumsaid.“No,weheardthewindowbreakaftereverythingelse.”

Damn.

Valkyrienodded.“Itwasalreadyinhere.Ithinkitwasinthecorner.Itmusthaveflowninafewdaysagoand,Idon’tknow,hibernatedorsomething.”

“Stephanie,”herdadsaid,“thisroomisawarzone.”

“Ipanicked.Dad,itwasabat.Amassiveone.Iwokeupanditwasflutteringaround

theroom,andIfellagainstmydesk.ItlandedonthefloorandItriedtopushthebedoverit.Thenitflewstraightthroughthewindow.”

Valkyriehopeditwouldn’tregisterwithherparentsthatallthebrokenglasswasontheinside.

Herfathersaggedasreliefspreadthroughhim.“Ithoughtsomethingawfulwashappening.”

Shefrowned.“Somethingawfulwashappening.Itcouldhavegotstuckinmyhair.”

Afterenduringanotherfewminutesofherparentsworryingabouther,andcheckingherfeettomakesureshehadn’tcutherself,hermotherhelpedhersetupthebedinthespareroomandfinallysaidgoodnight.

Valkyriewaiteduntilshewassuretheywerebackintheirownbedbeforeshesneakedoutofthewindow.Sheletherselfdrop,usingtheairtoslowherdescent.Herbarefeettouchedwetgrassandshehuggedherselfagainstthefreezingcold.

“He’sgone,”Wreathsaidfrombehindher.

Sheturned.Wreathstood,tallandhandsomeinapalekindofway,dressedinblack.HewasastallasSkulduggery,andascalm,buttheysharedothertraitstoo.Theywerebothexcellentteachers.SkulduggeryhadtaughtherElementalmagicandWreathwasteachingherNecromancy,buttheybothtreatedherasanequal.Noteverymageshemetdidthat.AnotheroneofSkulduggery’stalentsthatWreathsharedwastheknackofarrivinginthenickoftime,forwhichValkyriewasparticularlygrateful.“Whatareyoudoinghere?”sheasked.Shedidn’tthankhim.Wreathdidn’tbelieveinthanks.

Hiseyesgleamedwhenhelookedather.“IheardRemusCruxhadbeensightedinthearea,”hesaid.“Naturally,Iassumedhewascomingafteryou.ItseemsIwasright.”

“Andwhydidn’tyoutellmethis?”Valkyrieasked,herteethchattering.

“Baitdoesn’tneedstoknowit’sbait.Cruxmighthavesensedatrapandthatwouldhavesenthimscurryingbackintotheshadows.”

“Idon’tappreciatebeingbait,Solomon.Hecouldhavegoneaftermyfamily.”

“Hedoesn’twanttohurtyourfamily.Wedon’tknowwhyhe’safteryou,butatleastwenowknowthatheis.”

Wreathwasn’tofferingherhiscoat.Skulduggerywouldhavedonethatbynow.

“Idon’twantthishappeningagain,”shesaid.“Mytownisoff-limitstothisstuff.ChinaSorrowscanputupsymbolsandsigilstomakesurehecan’tgetintoHaggard.Tomorrowthat’swhatI’maskinghertodo.”

“Verywell.”

“Solomon,nexttimesomethinglikethiscomesup,I’mexpectingyoutotellmeaboutitbeforeI’mattacked.”

Hesmiled.“I’lltrytorememberthat.It’squitesafeforyoutoreturntoyourhouse.

I’llkeepwatchuntilmorning.”

Valkyrienoddedandpositionedherselfbeneaththespareroomwindow.

“Oh,andtheskull?”heasked.“Areyouclosetoretrievingit?”

“We’remeetingthesellertomorrow.”

“Andyou’resurehehastheoneyou’relookingfor?You’vebeendisappointedbefore…”

“Thistimeit’sdifferent.Ithastobe.”

Hebowedhisgoodbyethentappedhiscanetothegroundandinvitedtheshadowsinaroundhim.Bythetimetheyhadscattered,hewasgone.ItwasaNecromancertrick,similartoteleportationbutwithfarlessrange.Itusedtoimpressher.Itdidn’tanymore.

Shesweptherarmsupandagustofcoldwindliftedherupthesideofthehouse.Sheclimbedthroughthewindowandcloseditbehindherthenwipedherfeetonthecarpettodrythem.Shescrambledunderthebedclothesandlaythere,curledupinashiveringball.

Shedidn’tgetmuchsleep.

3THEPLAN,SUCHASITIS

ThenextmorningValkyriewentbacktoherownroom.Itwasfreezing.Therewasglassalloverthefloorandthedeskwasinpieces.ShecalledChinaSorrowsandtoldherwhatsheneeded.ForthepastsixmonthsChinahadbeeninstructingyoungsorcerersinthelanguageofmagic,andshesaidshewouldsendherstudentstoconstructawarningsystemaroundthetown.

Valkyriethankedherandhungup,thenopenedthewardrobeandtouchedthemirror.HerreflectionsteppedoutthencrawledunderthebedtohidewhileValkyriedressedinherschooluniformandwentdownstairs.Ithadbeenoveraweeksinceshe’djoinedherparentsforbreakfastandshewasanxioustoenjoytheircompany.Shewasalsodeterminedthattodaywasthedayshe’dgetSkulduggeryback.

Herparentstalkedaboutthebrokenwindow—herfatherwasconfidenthecouldreplacetheglasshimself,buthermotherwasn’tsosure—andthenherdadannouncedhisplans.

“I’mtakingahalf-day,”hesaid.“I’mofftomeetafewclients,takethemoutforaquicknine.”

Hermotherlookedathim.“Aquickninewhat?”

“I’mnotsure,”headmitted.“It’sagolfterm.Menmyagesayitallthetime.IwantedtotakethemtothefootballfinalonSunday,butgolfthisafternoonwillhavetodo.”

“Youdon’tplaygolf,”hiswifepointedout.

“ButI’veseenitontelevisionanditlooksprettystraightforward.Hittheballwiththething.”

“Club.”

“Whatcouldbeeasier?”

“Yourhand-eyeco-ordinationisn’tthebestthough,andyouhatelongwalksandcarryingthings.Andyoualsoregularlysaythatyouthinkgolfisstupid.”

“Golfisstupid,”heagreed.

“Thenwhywouldyouwanttotakeyourclientsgolfing?”

“Primarily,it’stheoutfit.TheV-neckjumperswiththediamondpatternsandthetrouserswiththesockspulledup.”

“Idon’tthinkpeoplewearthoseanymore.”

“Oh.”

Valkyrieoftenthoughtherparentswereideallysuitedtooneanother.Shedoubtedthatanyoneelsewouldbecapableofappreciatingjusthowoddtheyreallywere.

Shefinishedherbreakfastandwentbacktoherroomtochangeintoherblackclothes.Thereflectiontookeachitemofschooluniformasitwasremovedandputiton.

InatowncalledRoarhaven,almosttwoyearsearlier,Skulduggeryhadshotthereflectionandkilledit.ItsoriginalpurposehadbeentofillinforValkyriewhileshewaswithSkulduggery,butasaresultofitsoveruse,itbegandevelopingcertainquirksofbehaviour,aproblemcompoundedwhenit“died”.Theyhadreturnedthebodytothemirror,andthereflectioncamebacktoitsimitationoflife,butafterthatitbecameevenmoreerratic.Ithadbrokenfreeofsomeofitsownboundaries—thechangingofitsclothesbeingaprimaryexample—andeverynowandthentherewereshortgapsinitsmemory.

ButValkyriedidn’thavetimetoworryaboutanyofthatnow.SheneededtogetSkulduggery’shead.Besides,someonehadtogotoschooltodayanditsureashellwasn’tgoingtobeher.

Shebuttonedupherblacktrousersandpulledonherboots,lettingthetrouserturn-upsfalloverthem.Thetopwassleevelessbutwarm,andwhensheslippedintothecoat,itwaslikeshewassuddenlywearingthermals.Thematerialreactedtotheenvironmentandtoherbodytemperature,keepingherincomfortnomatterwhat.Thecoatwasblack,butitssleeveswerethedarkredofdriedblood.AGhastlyBespokecreation.

ThereflectionpickedupValkyrie’sschoolbagandleft,closingthedoorbehindit.

ValkyrierangFletcherRennandhesteppedoutofemptyspacebesideher.Thephonecrackledinherhandasthenetworkstruggledtocompensate,thengaveup.Hisblondhairwaspainstakinglyuntamed,andhisgrinwastheusualmixofcocksureandmocking.Heworeoldjeans,scuffedbootsandanarmyjacket,andtheonlyproblemwithhowhelookedwasthatFletcherknewhelookedgood.

“Whathappenedhere?”heasked,thegrinvanishingashenoticedthemess.

“Iwasattacked.”

Hiseyeswidenedandhegrabbedher,asifmakingsureshewasstillalive.“AreyouOK?Areyouhurt?Whodidit?”

“I’mfine,Fletcher.I’lltellyouaboutitwhenItelltheothers.”

“Itwasn’tthevampire,wasit?”

“What?”

FletcherletValkyriegoandsteppedback.“What’s-his-name,fromyesterday.Meanandmoodyvampireboy.”

“Hisname’sCaelan.Andno,ofcoursenot.”

Henoddedslowly.“OKthen.Andyou’resureyou’reallright?”

“I’mfine.”

“Whatdidhesayanyway?Thevamp.”

“Hesetupthemeeting,likehesaidhewould.”

“Nochit-chatthen?”

“He’snotthetype.”

“Strongandsilent,eh?”

“Isuppose.Alsothesunwasgoingdown.”

“Ah,OK.Heprobablydidn’twanttoturnintoahorriblemonsterandtearyouapartonyourfirstdate.”

“I’msensingthatyoudon’tlikehimverymuch.”

“Well,no,onaccountofthehorriblemonsterpart.Doyou?”

“Likehim?No.Idon’tevenknowhim.”

“Well,allrightthen.”Fletcherseemedsatisfied.“CanIaskyouaquestion?”

“Youalreadydid.”

“CanIaskyouanother?”

“Canyouaskmesomewheremyparentswon’thear?”

HetookherhandandinaneyeblinktheywerestandingontheroofofBespokeTailor’s.Thesedays,teleportationdidn’tevenmakeValkyriedizzy.

“Askaway,”shesaid.

Hehesitatedandthensaid,verycasually,“DoyouthinkthingswillreturntonormalforyouwhenwegetSkulduggeryback?Youandhim,outsolvingcrimesandhavingadventuresandstuff?”

“Iexpectso.Don’tseewhytheywouldn’t.”

“That’sgood,”henodded.“It’snicethatit’sfinallycomingtoanend,isn’tit?Aftereverythingwe’vealldoneandbeenthrough.”

“Thesepastfewmonthshavebeenterrible,”Valkyrieadmitted.

“Yeah,Iknow.Butatthesametime,like,I’veactuallybeen,youknow,enjoyingit.”

Valkyriesaidnothing.

“Notinabadway!”headded,laughing.“Ididn’tenjoythefactthathewaslost,orthatyou’vebeensoworriedabouthim.Ijustmeanthat,forme,beingpartofeverything,it’sbeengood.I’velikedbeingpartofateam.”

“Right.”

“So,Imean,Iwasthinking,Iwaswondering,doyouthinkhe’dletmetagalongonyourcases?”

Valkyrietookasuddenbreath.“I…Ireallydon’tknow.”

“I’dbeprettyuseful,youhavetoadmit.Nomoredrivingeverywhereinthatancientcarofhis.”

“HelovestheBentley.AndsodoI.”

“Iknow,Iknow,butstill,maybeyoucouldmentionittohim,whenhe’sback.”

“Iwill,”shesaid.“I’llmentionit.”

“Unlessyoudon’twantmearound.”

Valkyrieraisedaneyebrow.“DidIsaythat?”

“No,but…Actually,yes,youhavesaidthat,alot.”

Sheshrugged.“That’sonlywhenyouannoyme.”

“HaveIannoyedyoulately?”

“You’reannoyingmenow…”

FletchergrinnedandValkyrieheldoutherhand.“Downstairs.”

Hetookherhandandbowed.“Yes,m’lady.”

Instantly,theywereinthebackroomofBespokeTailor’s.

“Youcanletgoofmyhand,”saidValkyrie.

“IknowIcan,”Fletcherresponded.“Ijustchoosenotto.”

Sherotatedherwrist,forcinghimtoreleaseherinarelativelypainlessmanner.

Theysmelledcoffeeandheardconversation,andemergedintotheshoptofindTanithandGhastlyBespokesittingatthesmalltablebythewall.Ghastlywasshakinghisscarredheadindisgust.

“What’swrong?”Valkyrieasked.

“DreylanScarabgotoutofprisonyesterday,”Tanithtoldher.

“Who’sDreylanScarab?”askedFletcher.

“He’stheassassinwhokilledEsrynVanguard.”

“Who’sEsrynVanguard?”askedFletcher.

ValkyriewasthankfulFletcherwasaround.Finally,somebodywhoknewevenlessthanshedid.

“Vanguardwasanex-soldierwhobecameapacifist,”Ghastlysaid.Valkyrienoticedtheedgeofabandagepokingoutbeneathhisshirtcollar.Shedidn’tmentionit.“Thiswas,what,maybe200yearsago?HetalkedaboutapeacefulresolutiontothewarwithMevolent,onethatdidn’trequireonesidevanquishingtheother.”

“Commonsenseinotherwords,”saidTanith.“Thiswaswellbeforemytime,butIremembermyparentstalkingabouthim.”

Ghastlysaid,“Mevolentgrewtiredofhimconstantlychippingawayathistroops’moraleandconviction,sohesentScarabtoassassinatehim.”

“And200yearslater,”Tanithsaid,“Scarabcompleteshissentenceandisfreed.I’msurprisedhelastedthatlongactually.Afteracoupleofyearsinaboundcell,sorcerersstartageingagain.Ithinkeveryoneexpectedoldagetofinishhimoff.”

“Heshouldbedead,”Ghastlysaidquietly.“Hemurderedagreatman.”

“Doyouknowwhoelseshouldbedead?”Fletcheraskedbrightly.“Valkyrie.Someoneattackedherlastnight.”

TanithandGhastlystaredandValkyriesighed,thentoldthemaboutCrux.

Ghastlynarrowedhiseyes.“Wreathjusthappenedtobepassingwhileallthiswastakingplace?Forallweknowhecouldhaveorchestratedthewholethingjustsohecouldswoopinandsavetheday.”

“Hedidn’tsavetheday,”Valkyriesaidsomewhatdefensively.“I’dhavestoppedCrux.Somehow.”

“Ghastly’sright,”saidTanith.“Wedon’tknowwhatCruxhasbeenuptosinceAranmore.ThatglimpsehecaughtoftheFacelessOnessnappedhismind,Val.HecouldverywellhavefallenunderWreath’sinfluence.”

“SolomonWreath’sonourside,”Valkyriesaid,alreadytiredofthisargument.Itwasonethey’dhadadozentimesbefore.

“AndwhywouldhesendCruxafterme?Whatwouldhehavetogain?”

Tanithshrugged.“We’reclosetogettingSkulduggeryback,andhe’sclosetolosinghisprizedpupil.Hegainsyourtrust,andyourconfidence,andifhe’slucky,youchooseNecromancyoverElementalmagic.”

Valkyriefelttheringonherfinger.Shehadn’ttakenitoffallnight.“We’llworryaboutthatlater,”shesaid.

“Alunaticattacksyouinthemiddleofthenight,”Tanithsaidwitharaisedeyebrow,“alunaticwho,evenwhenhewassane,detestedyouandyouwantustoforgetaboutit?”

FletcherpeeredatGhastlyandthensaid,withhisusualtactfulness,“Hey,what’swiththebandage?”

Ghastlyadjustedhiscollar.“It’snothing,”hesaidgruffly.

“Didyoucutyourselfshaving?Didyoucutyourselfshavingalot?”

Ghastlysighed.“IaskedChinaifshecouldhelpmeblendintoacrowd.I’msickofdisguises.Soshecameupwithafaçadetattoo.That’sall.”

“What’safaçadetattoo?”Tanithasked.

“It’snotimportant.”

“Thentelluswhatitissowecangetontosomethingimportant.”

“It’safalseface,”hesaid,tryingtohidehisembarrassmentwithimpatience.“Shetattooedtwosymbolsonmycollarbonesandwhenthey’vehealed,intheory,they’llmakemelooklikeI’mnormalforashortperiodoftime.”

“Normal?”

“Noscars.”

“Wow.”

“LikeIsaid,it’snotimportant.”

“Whencanyoutryitout?”

“Anotherfewhours.Itmightn’twork,but…it’sworthatry.It’sbetterthanhavingtoawearascarfeverytimeIgoout.Ithinkweshouldgetbacktothematterathand.Chabon’splanelandsinanhour,right?”

“He’dbeherebynowifhe’dletmepickhimup,”Fletchersaid.

“Hedoesn’ttrustus,”Valkyrietoldhim.“Hebuysandsellsandthepeoplehedealswitharen’talwaysashonestandtrustworthyasweare.”

Fletchershrugged.“I’dhavejustnickedtheskulloffhimandteleportedbackhere.”

Valkyriesighed.“Dowehavethemoney?”

Tanithkickedaduffelbagonthefloorbesideher.“Abiteachfromourvariousbankaccounts.Goodthingmoneydoesn’tmeanawholelottopeoplelikeus.”

“Speakforyourself,”grumbledFletcher.

“Youdidn’tcontributeanything,”Tanithfrowned.

“Iscontributingtimenotenough?”Fletcherrepliedarchly.

“Notwhenyou’retryingtobuysomething,no.”

“Oh.”

TanithlookedbacktoValkyrie.“AndVal,relax,OK?We’vethoughtofeverything.”

“Skulduggerytoldmeoncethatonlyhecanthinkofeverything,buthedoesn’tdoitveryoftenbecauseitspoilsthesurprise.”

ThisraisedasmileonTanith’slips.“Thenwehavethoughtofeverythingthatwefourarecapableofthinkingof,andwecan’tthinkofanythingelse.Thereisabsolutelynoreasontothinkthatthiswon’tbeaseasyasmeetingup,handingoverthemoney,gettingtheskullandsayingthankyou.ThisafternoonwetakeatripuptoAranmoreFarmandFletcheropenstheportal.Thenwegoin,findSkulduggeryandbringhimback.Easyasproverbialpie.”

“Unlesssomethinggoeswrong,”Valkyriesaid.

“Well,yes.Unlesssomethinggoeshorribly,dreadfullywrong.Whichitusuallydoesofcourse.”

4BRINGMETHEHEADOFSKULDUGGERYPLEASANT

ChabonhadpickedacaféonDukeStreetfortheexchangetotakeplace.ValkyrieandTanithsatfacingthedoor.Fletcherwasbesidethewindow,readingacomicanddrinkingaCokeanddoinghisbesttolookinconspicuous—notaneasyfeatwiththathair.OnlyGhastlywasabsent.Hisscarsweretoodifficulttoconcealfromthepublicforanylengthoftime.

Alittleaftermidday,amanwithasuitcaseentered.Hespottedthemimmediatelyandapproached.Hewasn’twhatValkyriehadbeenexpecting.Hisclotheswerecasualandhedidn’thaveapencil-thinmoustacheforastart.

“Afternoon,ladies,”hesaid,smilingpolitely.“Doyouhavemypayment?”

“Showustheskull,”saidValkyrie.

Chabonputthesuitcaseonthetableandpattedit.“You’renotseeingthemerchandiseuntilIknowyouhavemypayment.That’showitworks.That’showthesethingshappen.”

Tanithliftedtheduffelbagandopenedit,allowingChabonapeekatthemoneywithin.Shecloseditandhelditonherlap.

Valkyriereachedforthecase,butChabongrabbedherwrist.

“You’reveryeager,”hesaid,hisvoicecold.Heturnedherwrist,eyesnarrowingwhenhegotacloserlookatthering.“You’reaNecromancer?Ithoughtyoupeopledidn’tevenleavetheTempleuntilyouweretwenty-five.”

Shetookherhandback.“Idabble,”shesaid.“Yourturn.”

Chabonflattenedhispalmonthecaseandthelockssprangopen.Heraisedthelid,enoughforValkyrieandTanithtoseewhatitcontained.

“That’stheMurderSkull?”Tanithasked.“You’resure?”

“Positive.”

“Ifyou’relyingtous…”Valkyriebegan.

Chabonshookhishead.“Don’tthreatenme,girl.I’vebeenthreatenedbyprofessionals.Ihadthisdiscussionwithyourvampirefriend,andallthefactsweestablishedthenarestilltruetoday.So,unlessyou’replanningondouble-crossingme,andusingthatfellawiththestupidhairbythewindow,whatdoyousayweconductour

businessandpartways?I’vegotaplanetocatch.”

ValkyrieglancedatTanith,whoputtheduffelbagonthetable.Chabonreachedinandtouchedthemoney.

“It’sallthere,”Tanithsaid.

Afteramoment,Chabonnodded.“Yes,itis.”Hewithdrewhishandandstood,takingthebagwithhimandleavingthecaseonthetable.“Beenapleasure,”hesaidandtheywatchedhimwalkout.

FletchercameoverandValkyrieraisedthelidslightly.Thecasewaslinedandcushioned,theskullsittingcomfortablywithin.AhugesmilesuddenlybrokeacrossValkyrie’sface.

Theyhadit.Theyhadit,andinafewhoursthey’dpassthroughtheportalandgetSkulduggeryback.Allherhardworkwouldpayoffand,bytheendoftheday,herlifewouldbeallowedtoresume.Sheclosedthecase.

“Ijustwanttomakesure,”shesaidandhurriedtothedoor.ShesteppedoutandsawChabonjustasheturnedthecornerontoGraftonStreet.

“Hey!”sheroared,afuriouslookonherface.

Chabonturned.IftheskullwastheMurderSkull,hewouldhavenoneedtopanic.Ifitwasn’t…Chabonpanickedandbrokeintoasprint.

“It’safake!”sheshoutedtotheothersandboltedafterChabon,withTanithandFletcherfollowing.

Valkyriebargedintothecrowd,fightingtokeepChaboninsight.Sheleapedoverabusker’scointrayanddodgedaroundamanpaintedsilver.Chabonturnedright,intoalong,brightlane,theduffelbagswingingwildly.

Ifthelanehadbeenempty,Valkyriewouldhavewrappedatendrilofshadowaroundhisanklesandpitchedhimforwardontohisface.Butthereweremaybeadozenpeoplewanderingbyshopwindows,andawomanbeggingforsparechangejustaheadofher.Outofthecornerofhereye,ValkyriesawTanithdartintoanalcoveandrunupthesideofthebuilding.ValkyriechasedChabontothenextstreet,whereheglancedupandsawTanithmovingoverrooftopstocuthimoff.HeknockedoveranoldmanandranintothePowerscourtCentre.Valkyrietookthestreetadjacent,movingparalleltohim.Throughthewindowsshesawhimcrashthroughthelunchcrowdattherestaurant,slowinghimdown.

ShereachedSouthWilliamStreetasChabonstaggeredoutofthePowerscourtCentre.Hesawher,cursedandkeptrunning,throughCastleMarketandstraightintotheoldVictorianbuildingthathousedtheGeorge’sStreetArcade.Sheknewshehadhim.Hedidn’thaveahopeofgettingawaynow.

Thestallsweresetupdownthemiddleofthearcade,funnellingtheshoppersdownpathsoneitherside.Therewereclothesstallsandjewellerystallsandafortune-tellerbehindaredcurtain.Chabonchosetheleftpath,knockingpeopleoutofhisway.HestumbledoveraboxofoldpaperbacksandValkyriepiledonthespeedandjumped,her

kneesslammingintohisback.Hesprawledtothegroundandsheignoredthestartledlooksfromthepeoplearoundher.Hereachedforthefallenbagandshestompedonhishand.Heshrieked,kicking,andherfeetsweptfrombeneathher.Shelandedjustashegotup,thebaginhisuninjuredhand,butshegrabbedoneofthestrapsandwouldn’tletgo,andChabonrememberedtoolatethatshewasn’talone.

TanithcameflyingoverValkyrieandherboot-heelconnectedwithChabon’ssternum.Therewasacrackandhewentdownandrolledafewtimesbeforecurlingup.ValkyriegottoherfeetasFletcherjoinedthem,puffingandpantinglikesomeonewhohadn’tneededtorunanywhereinquiteawhile.

“Hereyougo,”ValkyriesaidasshepressedtheduffelbagintoFletcher’sarms.Shesmiledatthecrowd.“Thispoorboygothisbagsnatchedbythatnastyman.”

Fletcherglaredatherasthecrowdapplauded,andTanithpickedupChabonandescortedhimaway.ValkyrieandFletcherfollowed.

“Thatwasunnecessary,”Fletcherseethed.

“Ifyou’dbeenfaster,”shesaidquietly,“maybeyoucouldhavebeenthehero–butyouweren’t,soyou’retheinnocentvictim.Getoverit.”

TanithtookChabonfarenoughawayfrompassingpedestrianssothattheycouldtalkwithoutbeingoverheard.Shepressedhimbackagainstthewall.Hewasholdinghishandagainsthischest,obviouslyinagreatdealofpain.

“Where’stherealMurderSkull?”Valkyrieasked,keepinghervoicelow.

“Igaveittoyou,”Chabontried.Sheproddedhishandsandhehissed.“OK!Stop!Ihadit,IswearIdid.WhenItalkedtoyouonthephone,Ihadit.”

“Sowhatdidyoudowithit?”

Chabonwaslookingquitepale.Hisinjurywasmakinghimsweat.“There’sa…Look,there’sarule,inwhatIdo.Ifyoufindsomethingthatonepersoniswillingtopayfor,oddsarethere’ssomeoneelsewho’swillingtopaymore.”

“Youadvertised?”

“Ididn’tknowanyonewouldbethatinterested,soyeah,Imentionedithereandthere,andsomeonecametomewithabetteroffer.”

“Who?”

“Idon’tknow.”

ValkyriemadeafistandcruncheditagainstChabon’shands.Tanithstruggledtokeephimstandingupright.

“Awoman,”hegasped.“Imetwithheranhourago.Shepaidmetriple.Ididn’tthinkyou’deverknow.It’stheMurderSkull.What’ssoimportantaboutit?”

“Whatdidthiswomanlooklike?”askedTanith.

“Darkhair.Prettyenough.Allbusiness.”

“Aname,”Valkyriesaid.“Anumber,address,anything.”

“Shecalledme.Kepthernumberprivate.Wemetinthearrivalsareaintheairport.ShehadthemoneysoIgavehertheskull.Ibroughtasecondoneforyoulot.”

“You’dbettergiveussomethingwecanusetofindher,”Fletchersaid,“orI’mteleportingyoutothemiddleoftheSaharaandI’mleavingyouthere.”

Chabonlookedathim,likehewasgaugingwhetherornotthethreatwasserious.Heobviouslydecideditwas.

“She’sAmerican–Bostonbytheaccent.Andshe’sgotthateyething–onegreeneye,oneblue.”

“Heterochromia,”Tanithsaid.“DavinaMarr.”

Valkyrie’sstomachdropped.DavinaMarrhadbeenbroughtinbytheIrishSanctuarytoassumetheroleofPrimeDetective.Valkyriehadhadafewrun-inswithheralready,andhadfoundhertobeambitious,patronisingandruthless.

“Ifsheboughttheskull,”Valkyriesaidgrimly,“thenThuridGuildhasitbynow,andhe’sgoingtolockitawaytomakesureSkulduggerynevergetsback.”

“Sowhatdowedo?”askedFletcher.

“Westealit,”saidValkyrie.

5THEREVENGERS’CLUB

Itwasraining.Again.Scarabdidn’tlikeIreland.Everygreatmisfortuneinhislifehadhappenedhere.

Everymajordefeat.EventhoughhehaddonehistimeinanAmericanprison,he’dbeenarrestedhereinIreland–andithadbeenrainingthentoo.

Thecastlewascoldandthereweredraughtseverywhere.Mostofthedoorshadrecentlybeenblockedoff,sealingawaythedungeonsandvariousunsavouryplaces.Theywerestillaccessiblethroughthemanysecretpassages,butitwasprovingquitedifficulttogetaround.Alsotheplumbingwasterrible.Thecellthathadbeenhishomefortwocenturieshadkepthimalive,kepthimnourished,kepthisbodycleanandhismusclesfromatrophying.For200yearshehadnotevenneededtovisitabathroom.Wheredidallthewastego?Wasthereanywastetobeginwith?Hedidn’tknowandnoonehadcomearoundtotellhim.

Andnow,suddenly,hehadtoeatandwashandvisitthebathroomatworryinglyfrequentintervals,andthetoiletwouldn’tflush.He’dsearchedforanotherbathroomandhadquicklygotlost.Hehadstumbledaroundinthedarkforhalfanhourbeforefindinghiswaybacktowherehestarted.

“Wherehaveyoubeen?”Billy-Rayasked,hurryingby.“They’rehere.”Hedisappearedintothenextroom.

ScarabshuffledtothedoorandheardBilly-Raywelcomingtheirguests.Scarab’sbladderwasstillfull,andhewonderedifhehadtimetofindapottedplantorsomething.Notthataplacelikethiswouldhaveapottedplant.

“You’rewonderin’whyIcalledyouhere,”heheardBilly-Raysay.“You’relookin’attheguysittin’nexttoyouandyou’regoin’,hey,don’tIhatethatguy?Didn’tthatguytrytokillmeonce?Thefactis,yeah,weallprobablytriedtokilleachotherafewtimesovertheyears,buty’knowwhat?Sodidplentyofotherpeople.

“Andthat,gentlemen,iswhywe’rehere.Thatisthebondweshare.Thisisourcommonafflictionandsoitprovidesuswithourcommongoal.IgotsomeoneIwanttointroduce.Youmayhaveheardofhim.He’sthemanwhokilledEsrynVanguard.Boys,I’dlikeyoutomeettheman,thelegend,DreylanScarab!”

Scarabstraightenedupandwalkedin,keepinghisstepspurposefulandstrong.

Fourmensatatatable,withBilly-Raytakingthefifthseat.Scarabstrodeforwardbutdidn’tsit.Hekneweachofthemen,thoughthey’dnevermet.Hisson’sdescriptionsweremorethanadequate.

RemusCruxwastheex-SanctuaryDetective,nowaravinglunaticwhodidn’tbotherwashing.HewasarecentconverttotheFacelessOnes,accordingtoBilly-Ray,andhe’ddevelopedamurderousfixationonthegirlcalledValkyrieCainaftershe’dkilledacoupleofhisDarkGodswiththeSceptreoftheAncients.ScarabhadalwaysbelievedtheSceptretobeafairytale,andhe’dneverhadmuchtimefortheFacelessOnes.He’dagreedtoCrux’sinclusion,however,becausewhilehavingamadmanonboardwasarisk,sometimesriskwasallyouhad.

Thedark-hairedmanbesideCruxwaspaleanddressedinblack.Cain,agirlwhowassoundingmoreandmorelikearealandviablethreat,hadcutaslashacrossDusk’sfacewithBilly-Ray’sstraightrazor,scarringhimforlife.Vampireswereknownfortheirgrudges.Duskwasanotherunpredictableentity,foravampirewasmorecreaturethanman.Butforsheerphysicalpowerhewasanassetthatcouldnotbediscounted.

SittingacrossfromDuskwastheself-proclaimedTerrorofLondon,SpringheeledJack.Hislankyframecurledintothechair,onekneedrawnuptohischest.Hissuitwasoldandragged,andhistophatwasperchedatanunsteadyangleonhishead.Hardenedfingernailsdrummedaslowrhythmonthetabletop.Scarabdidn’tknowwhatmannerofmonsterthiswas,butheknewthatJackhadbeendrivenoutofEnglandandwasbeinghuntedacrossEurope.Scarablikedpeoplethathadnowhereelsetoturn.Thosewerepeoplehecouldrelyon.

Thefourthmemberofthislittlesociety,thisRevengers’Club,wastheoneaboutwhomtheyknewtheleast.Billy-RayhadinformedScarabthatthismanclaimedtobeakillerbeyondcompare,whohadsufferedatthehandsoftheskeletondetectiveandhispartner,butthatwasalltheyknewaboutthemysteriousanddeadlyVaurienScapegrace.

Scarabstoodattheheadofthetableandsummonedallthedreadfulauthorityhecouldmuster.

“You’veheardofthethingsI’vedone,”hesaid.Theylookedathimwithoutspeaking.“You’veheardofthepeopleI’vekilled.Mostofthesestoriesaretrue.Ihavekilledandlaughedandkilledagain.Ashaveallofyou.

“Gentlemen,weareadyingbreed.Ahundredyearsfromnow,peoplelikeuswillbetakendownbeforewe’vedoneanythingwrong.Wewillbeputinprisonforthethoughtswethinkandthethingswefeel.Wearethelastofthetrulygreatandthetrulyfree.Andtheywanttotakethatawayfromus.

“Sanguinewastalkingtoyouaboutabondweshare,aburningdesirethatlightswithinusall.Wearefreemen,andtobefreewemustrejecttherulesandthelawsthatdonotdefineusanddonotapplytous.Wemuststrikeagainstourenemies,bringthemdownandgrindthembeneathourboots.”

“IamherebecauseIamcurious,”Dusksaid.Hespokecalmly,withouteffortoremotion.“WhyshouldIhelpyou?”

“Ibustedyououtofprisonforthis,”Billy-Raysaid.“Youoweme,vampire.”

“IowedBaronVengeous,”Dusksaid.“Buttoyou,Iowenothing.SoIaskagain–

whyshouldIhelpyou?WhyshouldIhelpanyofyou?Idon’tthinkeveryoneherecanbetrustedanyway.SeatedatthisverytableissomeonewhosavedthelifeofValkyrieCain,afterall.”

SpringheeledJacksmiled.Histeethwerenarrowandsharpandmany.“Istoppedyoufromkillin’hercosIdidn’tlikeyoulotlyin’tome,andIdidn’tlikeyourboss.Thechancetomessupyourplans,therefore,wastoosweettoresist.Tellme,youstillsorefromthathidin’Igaveyou?”

Duskmethiseyes.“Ifweweretomeetonequalground,I’dtearyoutobloody,quiveringpieces.Hereforinstance.”

“Itain’tevennightyet,”Jackgrinned.“Yousureyoucanbeletoffyourleashsoearly?”

DusklaunchedhimselfacrossthetableandJacklaughedandrosetomeethim.Theycrashedtotheground,knockingScapegraceoutofhischair.Theyflippedandrolledandwentateachotheragain,snarlingdeepintheirthroats.

“Quitit!”Scarabroaredandthescufflebroke.Hepressedonbeforetheyhadachancetoresume.“We’refightingourselves?That’showyouwantthistogo?Thisisanopportunitytoshaketheworldtoitsfoundations,andyouwanttokilleachother?Letmetellyou–andI’mspeakingfromexperiencehere–therearealwaysmoredeservingpeopleouttheretokill.

“Thisisouropportunitytostrikebackagainstourenemies.Wehaveachancetosucceedwhereeveryoneelsehasfailed.We’veseenthosefailures.We’veseenwherepeoplelikeMevolentandSerpinehavegonewrong,andwehavelearnedfromtheirmistakes.”

“InearlykilledValkyrieCainlastnight,”Cruxannounced.

Theyallstaredathim.

“Youwhat?”saidBilly-Ray.

“Myhands,”Cruxsaid,“aroundherthroat.Squeezing.Icouldseefearinhereyes.Realfear.Almosthadher.”

Duskturnedtohim.“Youknowwhereshelives?”

Cruxnodded.“Can’tgettherenowthough.Sawalotofmagesmarkingsymbolsaroundthetown.Gotaperimetertherenow.Can’tgetinwithoutalertingtheCleavers.Don’tliketheCleavers.”

“Whydidn’tyoutellus?”Billy-Raysnarled.“Wecould’vegonein,gother,tornhertopieces—”

“IkillCain,”Cruxsaid,pointingafingerbackathimself.“Me.Notyou,notthevampire,nottheidiot.”

Scapegracefrowned.“Who’stheidiot?”

“ShekilledtheDarkGods,”Cruxcontinued,“buttheywillriseagain.”

ScarabcouldseetheangergrowinginBilly-RayandDusk.Hecouldusehisownknowledgeofthelanguageofmagictobypassthismagicalperimeter,butindoingsohe’dlosemostofhisteambeforethey’devenstartedonhismission.Heneededthemtostaythirstyforrevenge.Hespokequicklytocalmthesituation.“MrCrux,ifyouwanttheFacelessOnestoreturn,you’vegottomakeithappen.Andthefirstthingwedoisgetridoftheopposition.Andwehaveaplantodojustthat.”

DusktookhiseyesoffCrux.“Youhaveaplan,”hesaid.

“Yes,itismyplan,”Scarabsaid,“butitbelongstoallofus.We’regoingtostealtheDesolationEngine.”

Threeofthemensmiled.Oneofthemlookedconfused.

“What’saDesolationEngine?”askedScapegrace.

“It’sabomb,”Billy-Raysaid.“There’snobigexplosionorloudbang,justtheinstantdisintegrationofeverysinglethinginitsradius.Itallturnstodust.Sowe’regoin’tostealitan’we’regoin’touseittodestroytheSanctuary.”

“TheotherSanctuariesaroundtheworldhavealwayslookedatIrelandwithenvy,”Scarabtookover.“They’dlikenothingbetterthantocomeinhereandtakeover,ransackeverythingmagicalfromthislittlepipsqueakofacountryandtakeitallbackhomewiththem.We’regoingtomakesuretheygettheirwish,andwe’regoingtokillafewofourmostannoyingenemiesrightalongwithit.”

“They’vedismissedusinthepast,”Billy-Raysaid.“Theydon’trateus–notcomparedtoVengeousortheDiablerie,anyofthoseguys.We’rethehiredhelp.Butwe’regoin’toshow‘em.We’regoingtoshow‘emthattheyshould’vebeenscaredofusallalong.”

“Theythinktheyknowwhat’scoming?”Scarabasked.“Theythinktheyknowwhattoexpect?Theyhavenoidea.”

6INTOTHESANCTUARY

SkulduggeryhadoncetoldValkyriethatthebestplansarethesimpleones.Herplanwasnotasimpleplan,butitwastheonlyonetheyhad,sotheywerestuckwithit.

“Here’swhatwedo,”ValkyriesaidasshepacedthefloorofGhastly’sshop.“WegototheSanctuaryandasktoseeGuild.Guildwillkeepuswaiting,ashealwaysdoes,becausehewon’twantanythingtoappeardifferentuntilheknowsforsurethatweknowhehastheskull.”

Tanith,GhastlyandFletcherlookedatherandnodded.

“However,”shecontinued,“he’llalsobeassumingthatwedoknow,sohe’llbewaitingforustomakeamove.Fletcherwon’tbewithus,whichwillmakeGuildsuspectthathe’salreadyteleportedin.”

“AndwherewillIbe?”Fletcheraskedexcitedly.

“Idon’tknow,fixingyourhairorsomething.Thepointishisattentionwillbeintwoplaces–whereweareandwheretheskullis.”

“Andhowdowefindoutwheretheskullis?”Tanithasked.

“ThereasonableplacetoputitwouldbetheRepository,”Ghastlysaid.“Putitwithalltheotherartefactsandmagicalobjectsandkeepitthere.Buthe’snotgoingtodothat.”

“It’stooobvious,”agreedValkyrie.“That’sthefirstplacewe’dlook.It’salsothefirstplacewe’regoingtolook.”

Fletcherfrowned.“Butit’snotgoingtobethere.”

“No,butthecloakingsphereis.”

“Theinvisibilityball?”saidFletcher.

“Cloakingsphere,”insistedValkyrie.

“Invisibilityballsoundsbetter.”

“Invisibilityballsoundsstupid.”Sheturnedtotheothers.“Oncewegetit,wecallFletcher.Hearrives,weletthemcloseinonusandthenweusethesphere.”

“Andtheythinkwe’veteleportedout,”Tanithfinished,smiling.

Valkyrienodded.“Andthen,hopefully,Guildsendssomeonetocheckontheskull.Wefollow,grabitandthenweteleportout.Ifitdoesn’tpanoutlikethat,wecanatleastsearchforitwithoutbeingseen.”

“Chinawillhavetobeready,”saidGhastly.“Oncetheyrealisewhat’shappened,

DavinaMarrandtheCleaverswillcomeafterallofus.”

“CanIjustpointsomethingout?”Fletcherasked.“Thatisanawfulplan.Onascaleofonetoten–theTrojanHorsebeingatenandGeneralCusterversusallthoseIndiansbeingaone–yourplanisazero.Idon’tthinkit’saplanatall.Ithinkit’sjustaseriesofhappeningsthatare,tobehonest,unlikelytofollowonfromeachotherinthewayinwhicheveryone’sprobablyhoping.”

“Doyouhaveabetterplan?”Valkyrieasked.

“Ofcoursenot.I’mamanofaction,notthought.”

Valkyrienodded.“You’redefinitelynotamanofthought.”

“Whyareyouinchargeanyway?Whatdoyouknowaboutorganisingsomethinglikethis?”

“Ihavefaith,”Tanithsaid.

“AsdoI,”saidGhastly.

Valkyriesmiledatthemgratefully.“Soyouthinktheplanwillwork?”

“God,no,”saidGhastly.

“Sorry,Val,”saidTanith.

ValkyriestoodwithTanithoutsidetheoldWaxworksMuseum,lettingtheraindrenchherhair.Thewindowswereboardedupandtherewasarustedgatepulledacrossthedoor.Evenbeforethemuseumhadcloseddown,ithadneverbeenimpressive.Sherememberedschoolvisits,trudgingthroughdarkcorridors,gazingblanklyatwaxstatuesofboringpoliticians.Sheoftenwonderedhowthingswouldbenowif,asalittlegirl,shehadwanderedawayfromthetourgroupandfoundthehiddendoor.

IfshehadenteredtheSanctuarythen,wouldshehavebeentakenunderSkulduggery’swingthatmuchearlier?OrwouldtheCleaversmerelyhavechoppedherheadoffthemomenttheysawher?Probablythelatter.

Atleast,backthen,EachanMeritorioushadbeenGrandMageoftheCouncilofElders.Thesedaystheydidn’tevenhaveaCouncil,onlytheGrandMage,ThuridGuild,whomSkulduggeryhadoncesuspectedoftreason.EvennowthatValkyrieknewhewasn’tguiltyofthatcharge,shestillviewedhimasadangerousindividualwithhisownagenda.

AndGuildhadtheskull.

NeedingareplacementforRemusCrux,GuildhadpoachedDavinaMarrandhersubordinate,Pennant,fromoneoftheAmericanSanctuaries,andprovidedthemwithwhatevertheyneededtodotheirjob.Guild’sfirstdecreehadbeenthattheportalneverbeopenedagain,lestmoreFacelessOnescomethrough.HehadknownValkyrieandtheotherswerehuntingfortheskull,anduntiltodaytheyhadmanagedtostayonestepaheadofhim.Butnow,itseemed,Guildhadovertakenthematthelasthurdle.

ThewindtooktheraininatanangleandValkyriepulledhercollartight.ShehadcalledChina,whohadlistenedtotheplan,suchasitwas,andassuredherthatifitdidinfactwork,thenshewouldbeavailabletohelp.ShealsosaidthatthereweretwoSanctuaryagentswatchingheratalltimes,andanothertwoatAranmoreFarm.ShehadbarelybeenabletosendoutherstudentstosetupthatperimeteraroundHaggardwithouttheagentsnoticing.Valkyriedidn’tcare.Onlyonethingmattered.

Abaldmaninanicecoatsmiledashepassedthem.Tanithignoredhim,butValkyriereturnedthesmilepolitely.Therewassomethingveryfamiliarabouthim.Hewalkedonandshelookedaround,waryofanyonetryingtosneakupbehindthem.

“Ladies.”

Shelookedback.Ghastlystoodwherethebaldmanhadbeenasecondago.Valkyriewasabouttoaskhimwhatwasgoingon,butTanithfigureditoutbeforeshespoke.“Thefaçadetattoo,”shesaid,astonished.“Itworks!”

Ghastlysmiled.“Nomorehatandscarfdisguisesforme,thankyouverymuch.Icanonlyuseitforhalfanhoureachday,butChina’sworkingonawaytoextendthat.”

“Showme!”Valkyriedemanded,unabletostopherownsmilefromspreading.

Ghastlypulledapartthecollarofhisshirtandshesawthesmalltattoos,freshlyburnedintoeithersideofhisneck.Hetouchedthemandunblemishedskinflowedupwards,ripplingoverhisscarsuntilitcoveredhiswholehead.

“OhmyGod,”shesaid.

Ghastlysmiled.“Whatdoyouthink?”

“OhmyGod,”shesaidagain.

Hisfeatureswerestrong,hisjawsquareandhisskin,thoughslightlywaxy,wasclearandunscarred.

“Chinawantedtogivemehair,butIthoughtthatwouldbejustalittletoomuch,youknow?”

“OhmyGod.”

“Youkeepsayingthat.Tanith,whatdoyouthink?”

“Ilikeit,”Tanithsaid.“ButIdigscarstoo.”

Hesmiled,andtouchedthetattoos,andtheperfectskinmeltedbackintothem,revealingthescarsonceagain.

“Areweready?”heasked,lookingattheWaxworksMuseum.

“Idon’tlikegoinganywherewithoutmysword,”Tanithgrumbled.“YoudorealisethatiftheCleaverscomeforus,theywon’tcarethatwe’reonthesameside.They’llcutusintoittybittypiecesjustbecausetheycan.”

“Ifthathappens,”Ghastlysaid,“you’llatleastdiecomfortedbythefactthatyouhadthemoralhighground.”

“Well,that’llbenice,”shemuttered.

TheywentaroundthebackoftheWaxworksMuseumandenteredthroughtheopendoor.Itwasdarkandthecorridortheywalkedalongwasnarrow.Theypassedthreewaxstatues.Valkyriewasn’tsurprisedthey’dbeenleftherewhenthemuseumcloseddown.Theyweren’tverygoodandonlyoneofthemhadahead.

Theyfinallycametoawaxstatuethatlookedlikethepersonitwassupposedtobe–PhilLynottfromthebandThinLizzy.Itturneditsheadastheyapproached.

“Hello,”itsaid.

“Hi,Phil,”repliedValkyrie.

Tanith,whohadactuallyknowntherealPhilLynottwhenhewasalive,foundthefiguretoounnerving,soshestayedatthebackanddidn’tlookatit.

“WerequestanaudiencewiththeGrandMage,”Ghastlysaid.

“Doyouhaveanappointment?”thefiguresaid,lookingdownatapageithadstucktothebackofitsguitar.“You’renotonthelist.”

“Wedon’thaveanappointment,butwerequesttobeseen.”

ThewaxheadofPhilLynottfrowned.Itdidn’tlikeitsnewrole.Itwasoriginallysupposedtoonlyopenandclosethedoor,butnowthattheSanctuarydidn’thaveanAdministrator,itsjobdescriptionhadexpanded.

“I’lltellhimyou’rehere,”itsaidandcloseditseyes.

Whiletheywaited,Valkyriebecameawareofhowfastherheartwasbeating.Ifthisdidn’twork,theycouldallbearrestedanditwouldbeherfault.Worse,theironeopportunitytogetSkulduggerybackwouldpass,andshe’dneverseehimagain.

Thewaxfigureopenedoneofitseyes.“Anyofyougoingtothefinal?”itasked.

Valkyrietookamoment.“I’msorry?”

“TheAll-Ireland,”thefiguresaid.“DublinversusKerry.Goingtobeagoodone.IaskedifIcouldgo.I’veneverbeentoCrokePark.TheGrandMagesaidno.HesaiditwouldraisesomequestionsifI’mrecognised.”

“He’sprobablyright,”saidValkyrieslowly.

Thefigureopenedbotheyes.“TheGrandMagehasbeeninformed,”itsaid.“HehasinstructedaguidetotakeyoutotheGreetingRoom,andhewillbewithyouassoonashisscheduleallows.”

“Thankyou,”Valkyriesaid,andthewallbesidethemrumbledandparted,andtheywentthrough.

Theygottothebottomofthestonestairsandasour-lookingmanbeckonedtothemimpatiently.ValkyrieglancedatthegreycladCleaversasshepassedthem,theirfaceshiddenbehindvisoredhelmets.Sheusedtofindthemthreatening,butcomparedtotheWhiteCleaverwhostoodwiththeNecromancers,theywerepositivelycuddly.

Theimpatientsorcererherdedthemquicklythroughthecorridors.

“Idon’thavetimetobedoingthis,”hegriped.“I’vegotworktodo,forGod’ssake.Don’ttheyknowIhaveworktodo?ShowingyoupeoplewheretogoisanAdministrator’sjob.DoIlooklikeanAdministratortoyou?”

“No,”Tanithsaid.“Youlooklikearemarkablygrumpyman.”

Heglaredatherandshenarrowedhereyes.Helookedaway.

“Inthere,”hesaid,pointingtoaroom.“TheGrandMagewillbewithyouwhenhe’swithyou.Ifyouwantanything,teaorcoffee,getityourselfanddon’tbothermeanymore.”

Hestalkedoffandtheylookedateachother.

“Guildwantsusleftalonesothatwe’llgoaftertheskull,”Ghastlysaidquietly.“Hewantsusarrestedandthrowninthecells.He’sjustwaitingforustomakeawrongmove.”

“Let’snotdisappointhimthen,”Tanithresponded.TheyignoredtheGreetingRoomandtookthefirstcorridortotheirright.Thepeopletheypasseddidn’tevenglanceatthem.

TheypassedtheGaol,wherethesickest,mostevilsorcerersinthecountrywerekeptincageshangingofftheground.Anaveragecriminalwouldbesenttooneofthemaximumsecurityprisons,buttheGaolwasreservedfortheworstoftheworst.

BeyondtheGaolwastheRepository.Makingsurenoonewaswatching,Tanithpushedopenthedoubledoorsandtheycreptinside.Ghastlyhelduphishandandreadtheair,feelinganydisturbances.

“We’realone,”heannouncedandallthreeofthemimmediatelystrodeamongthedimly-litshelves,lookingforawoodensphereabouttwicethesizeofatennisball.

Valkyriehurriedtotheplacewherethecloakingspherehadbeenkeptthelasttimeshewashere,butthespacewasempty.Shequicklycheckedtherestoftheshelf,hereyesskimmingoverthearcaneobjects.ThecollectionofmagicalartefactsinthisroomwasenoughtomakecollectorslikeChinaSorrowsenvious.

Theysearchedforfiveorsixminutesandcameupwithnothing.

“Thisisn’tgood,”GhastlymutteredwhenValkyriepassedhim.

Sheclickedherfingerstosummonaflameintoherhandandsearchedthedarkerrecessesoftheroom.Thiswasn’tgoodatall.

“DowehaveaPlanB?”Tanithcalledoutfrombehindastackofscrolls.

“WebarelyhaveaPlanA,”Valkyriemuttered.

Ghastlyhadhiseartothedoorandhesteppedaway.“They’recoming,”hesaid.

Furious,ValkyriewhippedoutherphoneandcalledFletcher.Herplanhadn’tworked.Theonlythingtheycoulddonowwasgetoutbeforetheywerecaught.

“TheRepository,”shesaidintothephoneandFletcherappearedbehindher.Symbolsflashedonthewallsandbluelightningdartedtowherehewasstanding.Hescreamedasthelightningdancedthroughhim.Whenthesymbolsfaded,hecollapsedwithamoan.

Itwasatrapand,rightoncue,thedoubledoorsswungopenandadark-hairedwomanwalkedin,asquadofCleaversbehindher.

GhastlyandTanithconvergedonValkyrieasshekneltbyFletcher.

“Getusoutofhere,”sheordered,buttremorscoursedthroughFletcher’sbody.

“Can’t,”hemumbled.

DavinaMarrlookedatthemandsmiled.“WelcometotheSanctuary.Youareallunderarrest.”

7BACKTOARANMORE

TheInterrogationRoomwasbound.Valkyriecouldfeelthelowebbofhermagic,justoutofreach.Shedidn’tlikethatfeeling.Itaddedtoheruneasiness.

ShesatacrossfromMarranddidherbesttoignorePennant,standingbesidethedoor.Havingthedoorinfrontofherwastheirmistake.AnytimeSkulduggeryhadusedthisinterviewroom,he’dpositionedthesuspectswiththeirbackstoit.Itmeanttheyhadtocranetheirneckstoseewhoeverwalkedin.ThewayMarrhadarrangedit,itwasalmostlikethiswasValkyrie’sofficeandshewassittingatherowndesk.

Valkyrieworkedatlookingcalmandhidingthepanicshewasfeeling.ThishadbeentheironechancetogetSkulduggeryback.IfGuildhidtheskullorworse,destroyedit,theironechancewoulddisappear.Shewentcoldinsidethinkingaboutit.

“Valkyrie,”Marrsaideventually,raisingherdifferentcolouredeyesfromwhateveritwasshewasreading.Valkyriedoubtedthefilehadanythingtodowithher.ItwasprobablyjustsomerandomcollectionofpagesMarrthoughtmightintimidateher.“You’reinquitealotoftrouble.”

Valkyriesaidnothingandrubbedthefingersofherrighthandagainsteachother.HerNecromancerringhadbeentaken.Shemissedit.

Marrhaddarkhair,cutshortattheneck.Shewaspretty,inanunremarkableway.“YouwerecaughttryingtostealSanctuaryproperty.Doyouknowhowseriousthatis?Doyouknowhowlongyoucouldbeputinprisonfor?”Marrsighedasifdisappointed.“Thisisn’tagame,Valkyrie.You’repartofsomethingthatisturningouttobeverydangerous.GhastlyBespokeandTanithLowarelookingattwentyyearsinprisonattheveryleast.Twentyyears,Valkyrie.Whatisityouweretryingtostealanyway?”

ValkyriefixedhereyesonaspeckoflintonMarr’scollaranddidn’tanswer.

“WehaveSkulduggeryPleasant’shead.Iknowyou’reheretostealit,andletmeassureyou,wedounderstand.Skulduggerywasafriendofyours.”

“Isafriend,”correctedValkyrie.

“WasIreferringtohiminthepasttense?”Marrasked,lookingashamed.“Ohdear,I’mverysorry.Yes,heisafriendofyoursandI’msureyouconsiderhimaverygoodfriend.Weallhavegoodfriendsandwewoulddoalotforthosefriends–withinreason,naturally.Butthiscrusadeofyours,toopenuptheportal,it’s…quitefrankly,itisnotwithinreason.”

“Idon’tknowwhatyoumean,”Valkyriesaid.

Marr’ssmilewasbecomingasirritatingashermanner.“Ofcourseyoudon’t,”shewhisperedconspiratorially.“Butlet’spretendyoudid.Let’spretend,andthisiswithoutincriminatingyourself–thatmeanstogetyourselfintotrouble–thatyoudidwanttoopentheportaltotryandbringyourfriendback.Itwouldmeanthatyou’dalsobeopeningtheportalfortheFacelessOnes.Doyouseethat?Doyouunderstand?”

ValkyriewasbecomingfixatedonMarr’slittlenose.Itwaslikeatarget,beggingtohaveachairsmashedintoit.

“Theonlyreasontheycamethroughthelasttimewasbecausetheyhadbeensignalled,”Valkyriesaid.“Hypotheticallyspeaking,ifweweretoopenthatportalnow,theywouldn’tbewaiting.ButSkulduggerywould.”

“TheGrandMagehasexpresslyforbiddenthatportaltoeverbeopenedagain.I’msorry.”

“Idon’tworkfortheGrandMage.”

“TheSanctuarypolicestheentiremagicalcommunityinIreland–notjustthepeoplewhoworkthere.Valkyrie,Ihatetobetheonetotellyouthis,butyourfriendismostlikelydead.”

“Ofcoursehe’sdead.He’saskeleton.”

“Foralmostayearhe’sbeentrappedonaworldwiththeFacelessOnes.Wecanonlyimaginethehorrorandtheagonyhemusthavebeenputthroughbeforetheyfinallydecidedtoendhisexistence.Wecanonlyimaginewhattheyreducedhimto–thescreaming,thecrying,thebegging.Sweetheart,inawayyou’reluckyhe’sgone.Ifheeverdidreturn,I’msureyou’dfindhimalittle…pathetic.”

“Don’tcallmesweetheart.”

Marrblinked,surprised.“Oh.OK.”

“Andnevercallhimpathetic.”

Marrleanedforward,restingherelbowsonthetablebetweenthem.“Icanhelpyou.Iwanttohelpyou.Tellmewhoplannedthisandyoucanwalkaway.We’lldropallchargesagainstyou.Helpuspunishthepeoplewhodeservetobepunished–Ghastly,TanithandChina.Oh,yes,weknowshe’sinvolved.She’smixedupineveryseedylittleoperationinthecountry.SanctuariesallovertheworldwantMissSorrowsbehindbarsforthethingsshe’sdoneinthepast.You’llbedoingeveryoneagreatservice.”

Whenshedidn’tgetaresponse,Marrshookherhead.“Thisisaone-timeoffer,Valkyrie.ThemomentIwalkoutthatdoor,you’llbetakenbacktoyourcelltoawaittransporttoaGaol.You’llgotoprison,sweetheart.Please,Idon’twanttoseethathappentoyou.Talktome,letmehelpyouandyoucanwalkaway.”

Valkyriemethereyes.“AndFletcher?”

Marrnodded.“MrRennisdoingfine.Weinstalledthatsecuritysystemtotemporarilydisruptcertainelectricalimpulsesinhismind.Hecan’tteleportifhedoesn’t

haveaclearhead,nowcanhe?ButIassureyou,he’sfinenow.”

“Areyougoingtoofferthesamedealtohim?”

“Doyouwantusto?Istheresomekindof…connectionbetweenthetwoofyou?I’llbehonest,Valkyrie,ifyouhelpus,IthinkIcanpersuadetheGrandMagetoreleasehim.IthinkIcandothat.”

“AndGuildwilllethimgo?Hewon’twanttohangontohim?FletcheristhelastTeleporteraliveafterall.”

“Ireally,reallydon’tknow,sweetheart,whattheGrandMagehasinmind.Ifyou’reaskingwouldhelikeFletchertoworkforthisSanctuary,thenyes,I’msurehewould.Fletcherhasauniqueandsought-afterability.Maybe,howaboutthis,maybeyoubothcouldsignup?Wouldyoulikethat?BecomeanofficialSanctuaryagent?Youmightmakeagoodteam.”

“Whydoesn’tGuildwantustogetSkulduggeryback?”

Marrshookherhead.“Youwouldn’tunderstand.TheGrandMagehastoweighupeverythingaboutthis.Hehastoevaluatetheriskagainstthereward.It’sabig,importantdecisionthathe’smadeandIthinkhe’smadetherightone.Skulduggerymadeasacrifice.Hediedsothatwecouldlive.TheGrandMageisrespectingthatandweshouldtoo.”

“GuildsaidBlissmadethesacrifice.HesaidBlisssavedusall.”

“MrBlissgavehislife,Valkyrie.”

“Iknowhedid.Iwasthere.Isawithappen.Youdidn’t,butIdid.IsawBlissdieandIsawwhathappenednext.IsawSkulduggerygetdraggedthroughthatportal.Hereachedouttome,butIcouldn’tsavehim.”

“That’sverysad,”Marrsaidgently.

“ButGuildignoredallthat.HegaveallthecredittoBlissbecausehedidn’twanttoadmitthathewaswrongaboutSkulduggery.”

“No,Valkyrie,that’snotwhathappened.”

“Guilddoesn’twantustoeventrytogetSkulduggerybackbecauseGuilddoesn’twantSkulduggeryback.Hehateshim.Healwayshas.”

Marrpinchedthebridgeofhernose.“ChinaSorrowshasbrainwashedyou,”shesaidsadly.“Ican’ttakeitanymore.I’llorderherarrestimmediately.”

“China’sdonenothingwrong,”saidValkyrieangrily.

“You’ddoanythingshetellsyouto,”Marrsighed,gatheringupherpapers.“DetectivePennantwilltakeyoubacktoyourcell.”

PennantopenedthedoorandMarrwalkedovertoit.

“You’llregretthis,”Valkyriesaid.

Marrturned.“Areyouthreateningme,child?”

“No.I’mjustsayingyou’llregretthis.AnyonewhostandsagainstSkulduggeryalwaysregretsit.TheDetectivebeforeyou,forexample.RemusCrux.Haveyouheardfromhimlately?”

Marr’sfacewenttautandshedidn’tanswer.

“HestoodagainstSkulduggery,”Valkyriecontinued,“andthenhismindwastorntopieces.Everyoneregretsit,MissMarr.Youwilltoo.”

Marrturnedtogo,thenturnedagain.

“I’vechangedmymind,”sheannounced.“I’llescortyoubacktoyourcellpersonally.DetectivePennant,youmayleaveus.”

Pennantsmiledandwalkedoutwithoutaword.Marrsweptherhandtothedoorasaninvitation.“Afteryou,Valkyrie.”

Valkyriegotupandwalkedover,expectingMarrtoshackleherwristsbeforeshelefttheroom,butshewalkedintothecorridorunboundandfelthermagicreturntoher.Sheledthewaydowntowardstheholdingcells,Marratherelbow,andtriedtofigureoutwhatwasgoingon.HadMarrsimplyforgottentheshackles?DidshenotthinkValkyriewasalegitimatethreat?Orwasitatrap?WasMarrwaitingforValkyrietoattemptanescape?Theclosertheygottothecells,thewilderhermindspun.

“Yousaidthosewhostandagainstyourskeletonfriendregretit,”Marrsaidastheyapproachedthecornertothecells.“Butwhataboutthosewhostandwithhim?WhataboutBliss,sinceyoubroughthimup?Howishedoingthesedays?”

Valkyriesaidnothingandturnedthecorner.Shefrowned.Therewasusuallysomeoneondutyatthedesk,buttodaythechairwasempty.

Marrspokerightintoherear.“Thatskeletongotpeoplekilled–friends,peopleheloved,hisownfamily.It’sawonderhedidn’tgetyoukilledbeforehewent.It’sadamnshame,ifyouaskme.”

ValkyrieturnedquicklyandMarrpushedherbackandlaughed.

“Don’tworry,sweetie.Iknowwhatitis.Allthosehormonesraging,youhavealltheseconflictingemotions…”

Valkyrieraisedherhandtopushattheair,butMarrwasfaster.TheairrushedaroundherandValkyriehitthewallanddroppedtothefloor.

Marrstrolledtowardsher.“Youhadacrushonhimbeforehewaspulledintohell,didn’tyou?Alittleone?Youcantellme.It’ssadandpatheticandhighlyamusing,butIpromiseIwon’tlaugh.”

ValkyrieclickedherfingersandMarrkickedherwrist.Thefirewentoutandshewashauledup.Sheswungapunchthatmissed,andMarrsentherface-firstintoacelldoor.

“Noonelikesanupstart,”Marrsaid.“Ifyoustartbehaving,maybeI’llevenletyouintosaygoodbyetohishead.ItmakesaveryniceornamentfortheGrandMage’soffice.”

MarrwascloseandValkyriereachedoutandgrabbedher.ShegotonefootbehindMarr’s,triedtothrowher,butMarrbentherkneesandmoved.ValkyrietumbledbackwardsoverMarr’ship.Allherweightcamedownonhershoulderandshecriedout.Marrtookholdofherarmandtwisteditasshekneeledonherribs.

“AssaultonaSanctuaryagent,”Marrsaidsadly.“Ifyouwereanadult,thatwouldmeanyearsinprisonforyou.Butseeingashowyou’reachild…Idon’tknow.Maybeallthat’llhappenisthatyou’llbebrandedwithafewbindingsymbols,topermanentlydisableyourmagic.Thatwouldn’tbesobad,wouldit,youinsolentlittlewretch?”

“Getoffme.”

“Orwhat?”Marrsmiled.“You’llstartcrying?Icanalreadyseethetearsinyoureyes.Lookatyou.Sohelpless.Soweak.Youdon’tevenhaveyourlittlering,doyou?”

Withherfreehand,Marrtooktheblackringfromherpocket.

“Nowwhat’sanicegirllikeyoudoingstudyinganastydisciplinelikeNecromancy?Wedon’tlikeNecromancersaroundhere,haven’tyourealisedthat?Nobodylikesthem.Theycan’tbetrusted.”

“Letmeup.”

MarrlettheringfalltothefloorandslappedValkyrieacrosstheface.“Youdonottellmewhattodo.”Sheslappedheragain.“Youdonottellyourelderswhattodo.Doyouunderstandme?”Anotherslap.“Sayyouunderstand.Sayyouunderstand.”

Throughgrittedteeth,Valkyriesaid,“I’mgoingtokillyou.”

MarrpressedherkneeinharderagainstValkyrie’sribsandValkyriecriedoutagain.

“Youwantmetobreakyourarm,youlittlebrat?Youwantmetobreakyourribs?Puncturealung?BecauseIcandoit.IcandoanythingIwantandnoonewillquestionme.Sogoahead.Liethereandthreatenmesomemore.Seewhereitgetsyou.”

Fightingbackthetears,Valkyrieglaredbutsaidnothing.

“Goodgirl,”Marrsaid,hereyesnarrow.“Nowapologise.”

Valkyrieclenchedherjaw.

“Isaid,apologise.There’snooneherebutus.You’vegotnoonetoimpress.ApologiseandI’llletyouupandputyouinyourcell.Ifyoudon’tapologise…”

Marrslappedheragainandraisedherhandforanotherstrike.

Valkyrieworkedtoignoreherprideandtheangerthathumiliationbrought.Sheswallowed.“I’msorry.”

Immediately,Marrsoftened.“OK.OK,Valkyrie,that’sallIneededtohear.”Thepressureonherribswasremoved.“Nowaskmetoletyouup.”

Valkyrietookamomentthen,“CanIgetup?”

“Sayplease.”

“Please…canIgetup?”

“Ofcourse.”

MarrsteppedbackandValkyrieturnedontoherhandsandknees,andstartedtorise.Suddenlytheairwaspushingdown,keepingherhunchedover.

“Saythankyou,”Marrsaid,controllingtheairwithherhand.Valkyrielookedupather.“Saythankyou,DetectiveMarr,forlettingmestandup.”

AndValkyriesaid,“Thankyou,DetectiveMarr,forgivingmebackmyring.”

Marr’seyesflickeredtothegroundwheretheringhadfallen,butitwasn’tthereanymore,andbeforeshecoulddoanythingaboutit,Valkyriesentafistofshadowsslammingintothedetective’schest.

MarrstumbledandValkyriestraightened,reachingoutthroughtheairforthedesk.ItshotforwardandslammedintoMarr’slegs,andsheflippedandfelloverit.

Valkyrieopenedthedesk,snatchedthekeysupandrantothecells.SheunlockedGhastly’sdoorandheemerged,tacklingMarrasshecameatValkyrie.

“Prisonersareescaping!”Marrroared.

ValkyrieunlockedtheseconddoorandTanithcameout,justasCleaversappearedaroundthecorner.

“GetFletcher,”TanithsaidinValkyrie’sear,“thengetSkulduggeryback,”andshelaunchedherselfattheCleavers.

ValkyrieunlockedthelastcellandhauledFletcherout.

“Stopthem!”Marrscreeched.AlreadytheCleavershadGhastlyandTanithontheground,armslockedbehindthem.

“Guild’soffice,”ValkyriesaidtoFletcher.Henoddedandclosedhiseyes,forcinghimselftocalmdownandpicturetheirdestination.

ThentheywereoutsideGuild’sdoor.Valkyriebargedthrough.Theofficewasempty.Theshelvesgroanedwithheavybooksandartefacts,andthedeskwasmadeoutofwhatappearedtobesolidgold.Besidethedeskwasacabinet.Skulduggery’sskulllayinside.

Shadowscurledaroundherfistandshepunchedthroughtheglassandgrabbedtheskull.ShefeltFletcher’shandonhershoulderandsheblinked.

TheywerenowstandinginthemazeofbookcasesinChina’slibrary.

Fletcherlookedather.“AreyouOK?”

“Don’tworryaboutme,”shesaid.ShecouldfeelthesideofherfaceburningfromwhereMarrhadrepeatedlyslappedher.“WehavetogettoAranmoreFarm.”

“We’reopeningtheportal?”Fletcherasked,concerned.

“Justyou,meandChina?Sowhogoesinwithyou?”

“Noone.Igoinalone.”

“No.”Heshookhishead.“It’swaytoodangerous.”

“Wedon’thavetimetowaste!”Valkyriesaid,suddenlyangry.“Wehavetodoitnowbeforetheyfindusagainandlockusaway!Thisismyonlychancetogethimback!”

“Ouronlychance,”hesaid.

“Yes.Yes,that’swhatI…Fletcher,listen,Chinahastostaywithyou,onthefarm.Shehastomakesurethatyou’reabletoreopentheportalforSkulduggeryandmetogetback.I’mgoinginaloneandthat’sallthereistoit.”

Fletcherlookedather,hisjawclenched.“Fine,”hesnappedandledthewaythroughthemaze.

Valkyriedidn’tknowanyofthesorcererstheypassedamongthestacks,andnoneofthemraisedtheireyesfromtheiropenbooks.Thelibrarywasconsideredtobeaneutralplace,whereprivacywasparamount.

ChinaSorrowswaswaitingforthem,dressedinblacktrousersandasimpleblueshirt.Asusual,herunnaturalbeautyelevatedheroutfittosomethingbeyondtheordinary.Adelicatechainhungaroundherleftwrist.Herhair,blackasdeepestsin,framedherfacewhilehereyes,aspaleablueasherbrother’shadbeen,watchedthemapproach.

Valkyriefoughtdownthefeelingsthatwerestirringwithinher.Fletcherwasn’tquitesosuccessful.

“Iloveyou,”hewhisperedandwasignored.

“Theplandidn’twork,”Valkyrietoldher.“Infact,itprobablymadethingsworse.GhastlyandTanithareunderarrest,andagentsarecomingheretotakeyouin.”

Chinasighed.“Andwe’regoingtorescueSkulduggerynow,Itakeit?WiththefullmightoftheSanctuarybearingdownonus?”

“Yes.Sorryaboutthat.”

Chinashrugged.“Youmakelifeinteresting,Valkyrie.Justgivemeamoment,Ihavetwoannoyingspiestodealwith.”

Valkyrielookedbehindherasamanandwomanadvanced,shacklesinhand.

Chinatappedherforearmsandglowingtattoosrosetothesurfaceofherskin.Sheflungherarmswideandawallofblueenergyslammedintotheagents,knockingthemback.Theywereunconsciousevenbeforetheystoppedtumblingacrossthefloor.

Anelderlysorcererpeeredroundabookcaseandscowled.

“Myapologiesforthedisturbance,”Chinasaidgracefully.“Theywouldn’tpaytheirlatefees.”

Theelderlywomanshruggedandwentbacktoherreading.

ChinaheldoutherhandsandbothValkyrieandFletchertookone.“Theseshoeswill

probablyberuined,”shesaid,“butI’msureoneofyouwillinformSkulduggeryofthesacrificesIhavemadegettinghimback.Takeustothefarm,MrRenn.”

Thelibraryvanishedandtheafternoonsunwaswithoutheat.AcoldwindblewinacrossthefieldsofAranmoreandhowledsoftlythroughtheruinedwallsofthefarmhouse.

“Thisboyishandytohavearound,”Chinasaid,butforonceFletcherdidn’tseemtobetakingnoticeofher.HiseyeswereonValkyrieastheywalked.

“Haveyousaidgoodbyetoyourparents?”heasked.

“Shutup,Fletcher.”

“Ijustthoughtyoumightliketo,that’sall.Onelastgoodbyebeforeyougetyourselfkilled.”

“Theonlywayitwouldbealastgoodbyeisifyoudon’thavethatportalopenformetogetback.”

Helaughedbitterly.“You’rewalkingintoaworldrunbyaraceofevilgods.Andforwhat?IfSkulduggeryisn’tdead,he’sinsane.OneglanceataFacelessOneisenoughtodriveyounuts.He’sbeenthereforalmostayear,Val.Howmanyglancesdoyouthinkhe’shad?”

“Youdon’tknowhim.He’saliveandhe’swaitingforme.”

“We’retakingabigriskhere,aren’twe?Like,amajorrisk?We’reopeningadoortoauniverseofunspeakableevilsandhopingtheydon’tnotice.IsSkulduggeryworthitifthisgoeswrong?”

“Ifyou’renotgoingtohelp,”Valkyriesaid,“Ican’tmakeyou.Butifyouare,thenshutup.Noneofuswouldbehereifitwasn’tforhim,andhewouldn’tleaveanyofusoverthere.Notevenyou.”

Theyreachedthefarmhouseandfroze.ASanctuaryagentambledbyinside,sippingamugoftea.Hefrowned,andturned,andseemedsurprisedtofindthreepeoplestaringinathimthroughthegapingholeinthewall.

“Um,”hesaid.

Valkyriesnappedherpalm.Theairrippledandthesorcererwentskiddingacrossthefloor.Shesteppedinside,usingherringtogathertheshadowsinthehouseandbringthemcrashingdownonhishead.Hedidn’tgetup.

ChinaandFletcherjoinedher,andtheymovedtotheholeintheoppositewall,theonethatopeneduptotheyardbeyond.Acrosstheyard,standingamidtherustedfarmmachinery,wasthesecondsorcerer.Hesawthemandhishanddugintohisjacketforhisphone.

Fletchervanishedandreappearedinstantlynexttothemage.Heputhishandontheman’sshoulderandthentheywerebothgone.AmomentlaterFletcherwasback,standingrightinfrontofValkyrie.ShewasabouttoaskwherehehadputtheSanctuaryagent

whensheheardaterrifiedyell,andtheagentdroppedfromtheskyandhitthegroundhard.Hemoaned,thenstoppedmoving.

FletcherpulledValkyrietowardshim,andbeforeshecouldprotesthekissedher.Shestiffenedinhisarms,butashisrightthumbbrushedhercheek,sherelaxedintohim.Herbellydidflips.Andthenthekisswasover.

“Ifwe’regoingtogothroughwiththis,”hesaidgruffly,“thenhurryitup.It’snoteverydayIsendsomeoneintohell.”

ChinamadeacircleonthegroundandFletcherkneltinit,holdingtheskullinbothhands.Shecarvedprotectivesymbolsaroundhim.Ifsomethingdidcomeoutoftheportaluninvited,sheexplained,thesesymbolswouldatleastgiveFletcherenoughtimetocloseitbeforehedied.Hedidn’tlookcomforted,buthedidn’tsayanything.

Sheactivatedthesymbolsandredsmokedriftedfromthem,swirlingwiththeblacksmokethatrosefromthecircle.Thesmokeformedacolumnthatgrewmoreviolentasittwistedintothesky.

Fletcherknewwhattodothistime.Elevenmonthsago,forcedtoopentheportal,hehadtolearnashewent.HehadtousetheIsthmusAnchor–backthenitwastheGrotesquery,todayitwastheskull–withoutsufficientpreparationandhesaiditwasliketearingopenhisinsides.Today,fromtheglimpsesValkyriecaughtthroughthesmoke,hehadeverythingundercontrol.Helookeddetermined.Angry,butdetermined.

Ayellowlightappeared,likeaflattenedsun,theedgesboilingwithflame.Itgrewwider.

ChinatookValkyrie’sarm,leaninginclosetobeheardovertheroarofthecolumnofsmoke.“Youhaveonehour,”sheshouted.“Inexactlyonehourthatgatewillopenagain.You’dbetterbeready–withorwithouthim.”

“I’mnotleavinghimthere,”Valkyrieshoutedback.“YoujustmakesureFletcher’sstillherewhenit’stimeforustocomehome.”

Chinalookedather,herblueeyesbright,andshehuggedValkyrie.“Thankyoufordoingthis,”ChinasaidintoValkyrie’sear.

ChinasteppedawayandValkyrieturnedtotheportal.Itwastallerthanshewasnow.Shelickedherlipsandwalkedforward.Thewindwhippedherhairandshecouldfeelthegravitationalpull,eagertowelcomeher.Valkyriehesitatedandthenran,straightintotheyellow.

8CALLINGDIBS

SpringheeledJackmissedLondon.Hemisseditsrooftopsanditstowersanditsparapets.Hemissedthewayhecoulddance,highaboveitall,watchingthepeoplepassbelowhim.HemissedthewayLondonerssoundedashekilledthem–liketheywereoffendedthatanyonewouldevendare.

Jackhadn’tbeenhomeinoverayear.Theywerehuntinghimthere.He’dtriedParis,he’dtriedBerlin,andhe’dlikedthemwellenough,butheknewhewashomesickwhenherealisedtheonlypeoplehewaskillingwereEnglishtourists.Thathadsenthimintoaspiralofdepressionthatlastedmonths.Finally,inanefforttoconfrontthisproblem,hehadmadealistofeveryoneheviewedasbeingresponsibleforhisexile,andhemarvelledatthewaythedepressionquicklyturnedtoanger.EverynameonthatlistworkedforvariousSanctuariesaroundtheworld,andsuddenlyJack’smissionwasclear.

DestroytheSanctuaries.

Andnowherehewas,serendipitybepraised,backinDublin,workingwithtwomenhehadneverexpectedtosharethesamespacewithagain,Billy-RaySanguineandDusk.ButsinceSanguinewasnolongerpallingaroundwiththoseFacelessOnesnutters,andsincehisfightwithDuskhadn’tbeenpersonaltobeginwith,Jackwaswillingtoforgiveandforget.Theywereallworkingtowardsthesamegoalafterall–revengeonthosewhohadwrongedthem.

“IwantTanithLow,”hesaidtothatotherbloke,Scapegrace,whiletheywereloungingaboutinthecastle.

Scapegracelookedup,startledthatanyonewastalkingtohim.“I’msorry?”

“TanithLow,”Jackrepeated.“Herofthebrownleatherandthesingingsword.Iwanttobetheonetogether.”

“Oh,”Scapegracesaid.

“Inaway,youknow,she’sresponsibleformebein’hunted.Shearrestedme–putmeinthatcellwhereSanguinefoundme.IfIhadn’tagreedtohelphiminreturnforfreedom,I’dneverhavebeenhuntedinthefirstplace.”

“Right,”Scapegracesaid.

“Whataboutyouthen?”

“Me?”

“Whodoyouwantrevengeon?”

“Oh,uh,ValkyrieCain.”

“She’sapopularonetogetrevengeon.Whatageisshe,fifteen?Fifteenyearsoldandalreadyfourpeoplewanttokillher.”

“Well,”Scapegracesaid,leaningforward,likehewasconfiding,“she’sresponsibleforfoilingmyplans,yousee.”

“Thatso?”

“Oh,yes.I’manartist.Imakemurderintoart.That’skindofwhatIdo–that’smywholething.Andshehasrepeatedlystoppedmefromdoingthat.Also,onetime,shebeatmeupwhenIwasalreadyreallybadlyinjured.”

“Afifteen-year-oldgirlbeatyouup?”

“WhenIwasbadlyinjured,yes.Andshewasfourteenatthetime.”

“Well,Isupposeintherightenvironment,Elementalmagicishardtodefendagainst.”

“Oh,shedidn’tuseanymagic.”

“Soshejust…beatyouupthen?”

“WhenIwasinjured,yes.”

“Howinjuredwereyou?”

“Very.”

“Youwereveryinjured?”

“Yes,Iwas.Haveyoueverbeenbeatenupbyafourteen-year-oldgirl?”

“Can’tsayIhave.”

“It’snotverynice.”

“Iwouldn’tsayitis.”

“Sothat’swhyIwantrevenge.”

“Listen,mate,Idon’tmeantopickafightornothin’,butyoucallyourselftheKillerSupreme,right?Haveyoueveractuallykilledanyone?”

Scapegraceeruptedintohorriblyforcedlaughter,desperateandpanicky,andJackcouldhaveswornhestartedtoblush.

Jackdidn’tmuchcareofcourse.Theywereheretomakeupthenumbers,tositherewhileScarabandSanguinecalledtheshots.Andthen,whenitwastime,theywouldstrike.

Jackwaslookingforwardtothatbit.

9DEADNEWWORLD

Theskywasred.

Thesun,directlyaboveher,wasaballoffire.Itwasbigandhot,andcloserthanthesunbackhome.

Oncethecitywouldhavebeenimpressive.Itsinhabitantswouldhavelivedinthetoweringcliff,usingthecavesashomes,carvingdoorsandwindowsfromtherock,beforeextendingoutwards.Thestonehousesthattheybuilt,ontopofeachother,juttedfromtheclifffaceandremindedValkyrieofpicturesshe’dseenofmountaintownsinBrazil.Sheimaginedthatithadbeenacityteemingwithlife,energyandnoise,withhundredsofthousandsofpeoplepackedintogetherandforcedtogetalong.

Itwasquietnowthough.Quietanddead.

TheportalclosedbehindherandValkyriewasinanarrowalleyofwhite,sun-bleachedstonethathurthereyes.Shefollowedthealleydown,herfootstepscrunchingonthecrackedground.Shepeeredintohalf-crumbledhousesasshepassed,buteveryroomwasempty,strippedbarebytheelementsandwhateverelsewasaroundhere.

Thealleyplateauedandopenedintoasquare,andshewalkedtothemiddleandturnedinaslowcircle,scanninghersurroundings.Shelookedupatthecliffface,thesheersizeofitfinallybecomingclear.Itwouldn’thavebeenhundredsofthousandsofpeoplelivinghere,sherealised–itwouldhavebeenmillions.Athoughtstruckher.Shewasstandingonanalienworld.

Despiteherself,Valkyriegrinned.

Sheshookherhead.Shehadajobtodoandalimitedamountoftimetodoitin.Shewalkedthroughastreetthatledtoherright.Thestreetcurvedandshewaswalkingonsandthathadblowninfromthevastexpansesofthedryvalleyaroundthecity.Thesandwasadeepgold.

Shewalkedforafewminutes,carefultomoveinarelativelystraightlinesoshecouldbesureoffindingherwayback.Ghastlyhadclaimedthatherclotheswouldregulatehertemperaturenomatterwhat,butsomethingwasn’tworking.Shewasperspiring.Atrickleofsweatrolleddownherface.Shetookoffhercoatandleftitatacornerasamarker,andfeltthesunonherbareshoulders.Sheopenedhertoptolettheairin,butwhateverbreezetheremayhavebeenwasbeingblockedbythelabyrinthofstreets.Thensheturnedanothercornerandsawthebody.

Itsatontheground,proppedupagainstthewall.Itschestwasagapinghole,theinsideslongsincedriedup.Theheadwassmoothandfeatureless.Thishadbeenthebody

ofthemancalledBatu,abodythathadbeencommandeeredbythelastFacelessOnetocomethroughtheportal.Therewasnosignoflifeinitnowthough.TotheFacelessOnes,humanbodiesweremerevesselstobeusedanddiscarded.Batu’sbodywasnothingmorethanaleakyoldboatorarustedcar.Somuchforhismasterplantobecomeagod.

Thebodywasholdingsomethinginitsrighthand,abone,mostofitcoveredbyrags.Valkyriedidn’twanttoimaginethatitmightbeoneofSkulduggery’s.Shewasdesperatetocallouthisname,buttheideaofbreakingthiseeriesilencerepelledher.Shedidn’tknowwhatelsetodothough.Shecouldspendmonthscheckingthiscitywithoutfindinghim.No.No,theportalwouldhaveopenedsomewhereinSkulduggery’svicinity.Hewasnearby.Hehadtobe.

Valkyrieheadedbackthewayshe’dcome,scoopinguphercoatandwalkingfast.Shegotbacktothealleywheretheportalhaddeliveredher.Shefolloweditasfarasshecould,untilthealleyledintoacave.Shedroppedhercoatagainandsummonedaflameintoherhand.Thenshesteppedoutofthesunintopitch-black.

Asshewalked,shesawshelvescarvedfromthewallsandatablethathadoncebeenaboulder.Therewerelargeareasofthecavewhereshedidn’tevenneedtheflame–thewindowshadbeenconstructedtodrinkinthesunlightandspreaditaround.Thecaveendedatawall.AsValkyrieturnedtogoback,shesawaboneinthedirtandbesideitstonesteps,leadingup.Sheclimbedthem.

ThesuncameinthroughthethreewindowsalongthefarwallandValkyrieletthefireinherhandgoout.Shestoodbesidethestepsanddidn’tmove.Inthecentreoftheroomaskeletonlay.Itsclotheswereshreddedandhungofftheframethathadbeenconstructedtogivetheillusionofmass.Fromwhatshecouldsee,thetrouser-legswereemptyandtheskeleton’srightarmwasmissing.Itlayonitsback,itsexposedribcagedirtyandcoveredindust,anditdidn’tmove.

SomethingclutchedatValkyrie’sheartandwouldn’tletgo.Shemadeasound,likeawhimper,butwhenshetriedtosayhisname,shecouldn’t.Herfirststepwasuncertainbecauseherlegsfeltweak.Shewalkedslowly,soveryslowly,tothemiddleoftheroom.

“Hello?”shewhispered.Theskeletonlayonthegroundanddidn’tmove.

“It’sme.I’vecometotakeyouback.Canyouhearme?Ifoundyou.”

Notevenabreezestirredtheraggedclothing.

Shekneltbytheskeleton.“Pleasesaysomething.Please.I’vemissedyousomuchandI’veworkedsohardtofindyou.Please.”

Shereachedouttotouchhim,andSkulduggeryPleasantwhippedhisheadtoherandroared,“Boo!”

Valkyrieshriekedandscrambledback,andSkulduggerylaughedhysterically,likeitwasthefunniestthinghehadeverseen.Hewasstilllaughingwhenshegottoherfeet,andwhensheglaredathim,helaughedevenharder.Eventually,withboutsoflaughterstillrattlinghisbones,Skulduggeryproppedhimselfupontheonlyelbowhehadleft.

“Oh,dear,”hesaid.“NowI’mderivingamusementfromscaringmyhallucinations.Thiscan’tbegoodforme,psychologicallyspeaking.”

“I’mnotahallucination.”

Helookedupather.“Yes,youare,mydear,butIwouldn’tworryaboutit.Beingahallucinationisastateofmind,Ialwayssay.”

“Skulduggery,I’mreal.”

“That’sthespirit.”

“No,ImeanI’mreallyreal,andI’vecometotakeyouhome.”

“You’reanoddone.Usuallymyhallucinationsdoalotmoresinginganddancing.”

“It’sme.It’sValkyrie.”

“You’dbesurprisedhowmanyfigmentsofmyimaginationsaythat.Youdon’thappentohaveanimaginarychessboardwithyou,doyou?I’vehadahankeringtoplayforawhilenow,andsinceyou’reanaspectofmypersonality,you’dprobablybeaworthyopponent.”

“HowdoIprovetoyouthatI’mreal?”

Thismadehimpause.“Intriguing.It’snotasifyoucantellmesomethingonlywewouldknowbecauseifIknowit,myhallucinationwouldknowit.But,inthetheoreticalextensionofthatapproach,ifyouweretotellmesomethingonlyyouwouldknow,thenthatwouldprovetomethatI’mnotconjuringyouupinmymind.”

“So…whatwillItellyou?Mydeepest,darkestsecret?Myearliestmemory?Myultimatefear?”

“Howaboutwhatyouhadforbreakfastthismorning?”

“HoneyLoops.”

“Well,thereyougo.”

“SonowyoubelieveI’mreal?”

“Notintheslightest.Imayhavejustmadethatup.”

“Ifoundyourskull–theonethegoblinstook.FletcheruseditasanIsthmusAnchortoopentheportalandIcamethroughtotakeyouback.”

“Myskull?”

“Itmakessense,doesn’tit?It’spossible,right?”

“It’s…verypossibleactually.”

“Didyouthinkofit?DidyouimagineyourskullcouldbeusedasanAnchor?”

“Ididn’t,butthenIhavebeenpreoccupiedbythetortureandthelackofgoodconversation.”

“Soifthisissomethingthatyouhadn’tthoughtofyet,howcouldIcomeupwithitif

Iwerejustafigmentofyourimagination?”

“Well,”Skulduggerysaidslowly,“youcouldbeafigmentofmysubconscious.”

“I’mnotyoursubconscious.I’mValkyrie.I’mreal.AndI’mheretorescueyou.”

“Ifyoucangetmemylimbsback,I’llbelieveyou.”

“Fine,”Valkyriesaid,lookingaroundthecave.

Hespoketoherasshesearched.“Tobehonest,I’vegivenuphopeofeverbeingrescued,sothisentirescenarioiskindofredundant.Nooffencemeant.Atfirst,Ithoughtsomeofthesurvivorsmightcomeforme,butI’vereconciledmyselftothefactthatthey’realldeadbynow.”

“Survivors?”Valkyrieechoed.Shepickedupaleg,fullyintact,andbrushedoffthedustbeforehandingittohim.

“ThereweresurvivorswhenIarrived,”hetoldher,fixingthefemurtohishipinthatconvenient,yetobviouslypainful,wayofhis.“ThiswasthelastworldtheFacelessOnesreachedandtheytooktheirtimewithit.IgottoknowacoupleofpeoplebeforetheywerekilledandIwascaptured.Ittookmeawhiletolearntheirlanguage,butfromwhattheytoldme,thiswasonceaworldfullofmagic.Then,300yearsago,theFacelessOnesappeared.”

“ButtheFacelessOneswereexpelledfromourrealitythousandsofyearsago.”Valkyriewentdownthestonestepstotheboneshe’dglimpsedearlier.Thiswashisotherleg,andshescoopedupahandfulofwhatappearedtobetoes.

“Ah,butthisisn’twheretheFacelessOneswereexiledto,”Skulduggerysaidasshecamebackup.“TheAncientsexpelledthemfromourworldandforcedthemintoabarrendimension.ButtheFacelessOnesescapedandtorethroughthewallsofrealitytoauniverseteemingwithlife.Overtime,theydecimatedthatuniverse,killingeveryone,destroyingsuns,layingwastetowholegalaxies.Andwhentheywerefinished,theymovedon.”

Shegavehimthepiecesofhisleg.“Toanotherreality?”

“Oneafteranother,snuffingeachoneoutastheysearchedfortheirwaybackhome.300yearsagotheyarrivedhere,andcouldgonofurther.They’vebeenlookingforawayoffeversince.”

“OhmyGod…”

“AndallthistimewethoughttheAncientshadexiledthemtowheretheycoulddonoharm.Countlesstrillionsofbeings,Valkyrie,killedbecauseofus.”

Shedidn’trespond.

“Ifyou’rereal,”hesaid,“Iknowwhatyou’refeeling.Guilt,yes?Atremendoussenseofawfulresponsibilityforsomethingyouhadnopartof.ThatwasmyreactionwhenIfirstheardthestory.Ididn’tknowwhattodo.Maybesendeachrealityacard,withalittleapology?Then,whentheFacelessOnesfoundusandkilledtheothersandtook

me,IfinallyrealisedthatnothinggoodcouldcomefrompointlessremorseandIgotoverit.Theconstanttortureprovedtobeagooddistraction.”

“Areyou…OK?”

“Notevenremotely.”Hepaused,halfwaythroughputtinghislegbacktogether.“Theyhaven’tkilledme,andtheyhaven’ttakenmymagicaway,becauseeverydaytheyhuntme.Theytaketurns,Ithink,ininhabitingBatu’sbody.Theytrackmedown,Ifightback,theywineasilyandtheytearmeapart.Yesterday,forinstance,theypulledoffmylegsandwanderedoffwithoneofmyarms.Theyleavemeovernighttoputmyselfbacktogether,sothattheycanhuntmedownagainwiththeirpetsthenextday.Itis,asyoucanimagine,oodlesoffun.”

“Well,allthat’sovernow.Wehavehalfanhourbeforetheportalopensagainandwe’regoingthrough.Comeon.”

Helookedupather.“I’mmissinganarm.”

“So?”

“Youwouldn’tsaythatifitwereyourarm.I’mnotgoinganywherewithoutmyarm.FetchmemylimbandI’llgothroughtheimaginaryportalwithyou.”

“Well,youcanhelpmelookforit,”Valkyriesaidandreachedforhim.Herhandhitaninvisiblewall.“Whatisthis?”

“SomethingI’vebeenworkingon,”herepliedsmugly.“I’vehadalotoftimewithnothingtoconcentrateonbutmagic.TheFacelessOneshavenoproblemsgettingthroughthislittlewallofair,butforfigmentsofmyimaginationlikeyourself,it’squitetough.I’vealsotaughtmyselfacoupleofothernewtricks.”

“Soyou’regoingtositherewhileIdoallthework?”

“IndeedIam.IfIwereyou,I’dfindthebodythatusedtobeBatu’s.Ifthearmisanywhere,it’sthere.”

“Yes,Isawit.It’soutside,downacoupleofstreets.Wecouldwalkthereandstillbebackinplentyoftimefortheportal.”

“Andifyourun,you’llgetittomesooner.”

Valkyriesighedandlefthimwhilehefinishedputtinghislegbacktogether,andamutteredrenditionof‘DryBones’followedherdownthesteps.Shehurriedouttotheredskyandretracedherpath,guidedbyherfootstepsinthesand.Shewishedshehadapairofsunglassestooffsettheglare.Herarmswererapidlyturningredunderthesun,andshewonderedhowshe’dexplainsunburninSeptembertoherparents.

Thebodysatwhereshehadleftit,headdownandlifeless.Sheranhertongueoverherlowerlipwhileshedebatedthebestwaytogoaboutthis,andthenshekickeditinthehead.Whenitdidn’ttryandgrabher,shebentdown,pulledSkulduggery’sarmfromitsclutchesandthenherearspopped.Shestaggered,feelingthegoosebumpsripple.Theinsideofhermouthwastight,dryskinandherbeatingheartwasthedrumitwasstretched

across.Shestumbledoverthebodyandfell,andnowshewascrawling.Herheadwasfilledwithdeafeningwhispers.

TheFacelessOneswerecoming.

10BLOODANDBULLETS

Chinaknewwhensomeonewasstaringather.Itwasasenseshe’dhonedoverthelastfewhundredyears,aspreciseasitwasuseless.Peoplewerealwaysstaringather,afterall.

SheglancedaroundandFletcherlookedaway,embarrassed.

“Howlongdoyouthinkshe’llbe?”heasked.

Chinadidn’tanswer.Shedidn’tdosmalltalk.Heshruggedandnoddedthenstuffedhishandsinhispockets.Heallbutstartedtowhistle.

Ifshebotheredwithidleconversation,shewouldhavetoldthepoorboythatthisthingwithValkyriewasnevergoingtogoanywhere,notwhenSkulduggerygotback.Valkyrie’sliferevolvedaroundSkulduggerynow–shewascaughtinhisorbit,andsomeonelikeFletcherdidn’tstandachance.

SkulduggeryandValkyrieweremeantforeachother.Chinacouldseethatnow.Theyweremeanttofindeachother,toformthisbondandtoaffecteachother’slives.Thebesttheboycouldhopefor,thebestanyonecouldhopefor,wouldbetostandinthewingsandlookon.

AcrescenttattoofadeduponChina’swristandbegantoburn,signallingtoherthatsomeonehadbreachedtheperimeteralarmsshe’dinstalled.

“Stayhere,”sheorderedandstrodeoffacrosstheyard.

Theycamearoundthecornerofthefarmhouse–aSanctuaryagentsherecognisedasPennantandfourCleavers.Atanod,theCleaversranatherandChinatappedthesymbolsonherforearmsandflungherarmswide.AwaveofblueenergystruckoneoftheCleaverswithfullforceandknockedhimback.Theotherthreewerereadythough,andtheytwistedintothewave,themagicrollingovertheiruniforms.

Thiswasnomerearrest,sherealisedasshedodgedthescythes.Fromthewaytheywereattacking,theCleavershadpermissiontouselethalforceandtheyweren’tbeingshyaboutit.Sheknockedherfiststogetherandtheredtattoosonherknucklesbecamevisible.Sheduckedaswipeandpunched.Onimpact,theCleaver’sheadsnappedaroundandhecrumpledanddidn’tgetup.Shecaughtthenextoneinthegutandhedoubledover.

ThelastCleavercrackedhisscythe’sstaffagainstherknee.Chinagaspedinpainandbarelymanagedtoavoidthebladethatfollowedit.Hisuniformwastoowellprotectedforthistobeanykindofafairfight.

Shecollidedwithhim,grabbedhisarmandyankeduphissleeve.Herrighthandclenched,herfingertipspressingtightlyintoherpalm,activatingthesymbolshehad

carvedtheresolongago.Sheclosedherfingersaroundhisbarewrist.Hestiffenedandshecouldhaveswornsheheardhimscreambeneathhishelmet,andashecollapsedsheturnedtoPennantandheshother.

ThebulletcaughtChinainthechestandshefoundherselfwalkingbackwardsquickly,tryingtoregainherbalance.Shebroughtherhandstothewound,thedarkbloodgushingoutbetweenherfingers.Herlegsbuckledandshefellawkwardly.Herheadhitthegroundandshelaythere,lookingupattheclouds.

“Oh,”wasallshesaid.

11THEFACELESSONES

Batu’soldbodystoodupslowly.Itsbackwashunchedanditsthinarmswerecurled.Fromherhidingplace,Valkyriewatcheditshuffledeeperintothedarkness,wonderingwhytheFacelessOnewasbotheringwithsuchadamagedvessel.

Thepressureinherearswasbacktonormal,andwhileherheartwasbeatingfast,itwasnolongerthreateningtobreakfreeofherchest.Whenshewassureshewasn’tgoingtothrowup,shefollowedatasafedistance.Therewasn’tawholelotshecoulddoagainstaFacelessOne,exceptmaybedistractitbydyingloudly.IfitstartedtotortureSkulduggeryagain,she’djusthavetowatch.Shedidn’tmuchlikethatidea.

ShewasstillclutchingSkulduggery’srightarm.Itwasinonepiece,fingersandall,anditclackedslightlyasshemoved.

TheFacelessOnedraggeditselfupthestepsandValkyriecrouchedincaseithappenedtoglanceback.Itdidn’tofcourse.FacelessOneswerenotthetypeto“glance”.Forastart,theydidn’tevenhaveeyes.Valkyriewaiteduntilitwasgonefromsightandcreptforward.ShehadanigglingsuspicionwhyBatu’sbodywasstillbeingused–maybetorturewasmoresatisfyingwhenconductedinhumanform.Sheclimbedthestairsslowly,peekinguptoseeSkulduggerybackingawayfromtheFacelessOneasitneared.

“Iknewshewasn’treal,”Skulduggerywassaying.“It’sallpartofsomenewtrick,isn’tit?”

Hegruntedandroseintotheair,andsuddenlyhisbodylockedoutstraight.Valkyriewatchedinhorrorasanunseenforcebeganseparatinghisbonesfromeachother,centimetrebycentimetre.Thesoundsofhispainstartedlow,thentwisted,andhethrewhisheadbackandscreamedinabjectagonyashisjawwasslowlypulledfromhisskull.

Valkyrieboltedintothecircle,herNecromancerringgrabbingtheshadowsandcurlingthemaroundtheFacelessOne’sleftankle.Shekeptrunningandyankedtheshadowswithallherstrength,buttheshadowswenttautandherlegsflewfromunderherandshecrashedtotheground.TheFacelessOnehadn’tbudged.Itsblankheadturned,anditletSkulduggerydroptoagroaningheap.Valkyriethrewhisremainingarmtohimasshegotup.

TheFacelessOneobservedherwithoutmoving.She’dexperiencedthisreactionbefore,elevenmonthsago.ItwasChina’stheorythattheFacelessOnescoulddetectthebloodinherveins,thebloodoftheLastoftheAncients.Valkyriedidn’tknowifthatwasthegenuinereason,butshetookeveryadvantageshecouldfind.Shesnappedherpalmsandtheairrippledandslammedintotheruinedbodybeforeher.Theragsitworeflutteredintheviolentgust,butthebodystayedstill.

Theringwascoldonherfingeranditdrankinthedeaththiscityhadseen.Shefocusedtheshadowsandhurledthematherenemy.Aspearofdarknessflewintothetorsocavityandtoreoutthroughtheback.TheFacelessOnestaggeredandlookeddownatitself.

Skulduggerysatthere,flexingthefingersonbothofhishands,andValkyriegrabbedhimandhauledhimup.Hewassurprisinglyheavy.Theygottothesteps,jumpeddown,andranontowardsthemouthofthecave.

“Faster!”shedemanded.

“Why?”heasked.“I’mstillnotentirelysureyou’rereal.”

“Ijustpickedyouupbackthere!”

“Thatcouldhavebeenadraught.”

TheyleftthecaveandValkyriegrabbedhercoatoffthegroundandlookedback.TheFacelessOnehadn’tevenreachedthestepsyet.

ShelookedatSkulduggery.“I’mnotadraught!”

“Youlooklikeadraught…”

“Thatdoesn’tevenmakeanysense.”

“Myverbalsparringhasbeenatadone-sidedoflate.Ishouldkeepmoving.You’rewelcometocomealong.”

“Butthisiswheretheportalopens.”

“IftheIsthmusAnchorislinkedtome,theportalwillopenneartowhereverIam.Comealongnow,wedon’thavemuchtime.”

“Howdidithuntyou?”Valkyrieaskedastheyranthroughthenarrowalleyway.“Itcanbarelymovefasterthanawalk.”

“Ithaspets,”Skulduggerysaid.“Anditspetshavepets.”Hepointedtotheredsky.“Andheretheycomenow.”

Shesawthem,blackagainstthered,beatingtheirmassivewings.Theirbodieswerethesizeofbusesandtheirjaggedtailsweretwiceaslongagain.Shesawwhatappearedtobestraps,criss-crossingtheirunderbellies,andsherealisedthesebeastshadadozenridersormoresaddledontop.

“You’llknowthey’vespotteduswhentheyscreech,”Skulduggerytoldher.

Thecreaturesscreeched.

SkulduggeryandValkyriejumpedalowwallandduckedthroughadoorway,movingthroughtheruinedhouseandoutofthewindowontheotherside.Thewingedbeastsswoopedlowoverthestreetsandtheridersdroppedfromthem.

Tworiderslandedcloseby.Theywereskinnythings,withprimitivetattooscoveringtheiryellowskin,dressedinleathersandfursandwieldingthin,wickedblades.Their

teethweresharpandtheireyesweredark,andtheirhairwasspikedlikeporcupineneedles.

Skulduggerywenttomeetthem,blockingthefirstswipeofadaggerandsnappingthearmattheelbow.Hepulledthescreamingriderintothepathofhiscompanion,usingthemomentaryconfusiontokickouttheotherrider’sknee.HeleftthemandtookValkyrie’shandagain,steeringthembetweentwohouses.

Ariderdroppedfromtheroof,butSkulduggerypushedattheairandheflewbackwards.Valkyriespunasanotherriderdroppedbehindher.Theswordheswungwashuge,toobigforsuchanarrowspace.Sheflunghercoatintohisfacethenpushedhisswordhanddown,grabbedhisshoulderandkickedhisankle.Hefell,smashinghisheadagainstthewall.

Shesnatchedbackhercoatandtheyranon,dartingintoanotherhouseasatrioofridersappearedaheadofthem.Theytookthestairsup,rantothewindowandjumpedthroughitliketheywerehurdlers,landingontheroofoftheneighbouringhouse.Theyjumpedfromrooftoptorooftop,sprintingtothesheeredgeofthecity,asallaroundthem,ridersclambereduptocontinuethehunt.

“Doyouhaveaplan?”shecalled.

“Onlyrarely,”heansweredthenscoopedherintohisarmsandjumped.Therewasnothingbeneaththembutatwo-miledroptothevalleyfloor,andValkyriescreamed.

“Whyareyouscreaming?”Skulduggeryaskedinherearastheytumbledthroughtheair,andsheturnedherheadtohimandcontinuedthescreamrightintohiseyesocket.Hesighed.“Dotrytohangon.”

Theiranglechangedabruptlyandnowtheyweremovingsideways,outofrangeoftheknivesthatwerebeinghurledatthemfromthecity.

Theywereflying.

12DOWNTHEBARREL

AsChina’slifeblooddrainedaway,Pennantwalkedovertowhereshelayandaimedhisgunatheragain.ThenFletcherRennsteppedoutofnothingandswungabaseballbatdownonPennant’sarm.PennantscreamedanddroppedhisweaponandFletchercaughthimtwicemorebeforehedisappeared.Amomentlaterhewasbackandswungaweightlifter’sdumb-bellintoPennant’sjaw.Pennantpirouettedlikeaballerinaandfelltohisknees.Fletcherletthedumb-bellfallandvanished,thenreappearedwithatasergun.HejabbeditintoPennant’sback,electricitycrackledandPennantjerkedandfellforward.TheairclosedinaroundFletcherandhewasgone,takingPennantwithhim.

Chinatouchedthemarkingsatthehingesofherjaw,andtheheatstartedalmostimmediately,travellingthelengthofherbodyandthenbackagain.Itfocusedaroundthewoundandshegrittedherteeth.Shefeltthebulletmoveandtwist,andtearscametohereyes.Itworkeditselfbackthroughthetunnelithadcarved,andshecriedoutasitrosetothesurface,nowamisshapenlumpoflead.

Fletcherreappearedbesideher,butshewavedhimawaywithahandslickwithblood.Theheatintensifiedandburnedawaythebacteriathathadfollowedthebulletin.Slowly,fartooslowlyforherliking,themeatinsideherbeganrepairingitself.

13NOTHANKS

ValkyrieclungontoSkulduggeryandshewasn’tscreaminganymore.Shewaslaughing.Hewasinastandingpositionandhemovedthemquicklythroughtheairwithanunnervingcasualness.Thiswaswhathemusthavemeantbythenewtrickshe’dtaughthimself.Shelookeddown.Allthatemptyspacebeneaththem,addedtotherealityofwhattheyweredoing,tookherbreathaway.Thenshelookedup,attheredsky,andsawthewingedbeastsswoopingdown.

Skulduggeryalteredcourse,avoidingtheclawsofthenearestbeast.Theyspuninplacethenshiftedleftandasecondbeastmissedthem,screechingitsdispleasure.Itwasdangerousuphere,evenmoresothaninthecity,andtheyflewbackoverthestreets.Theydodgedanotherflyingcreatureandpassedovertheriders,untilSkulduggeryfoundasuitableplacetotouchdown.Theylandedandhurriedthroughadoor,intothequietgloom.

“Youcanfly,”shewhispered.

“Igotboredwalkingeverywhere,”hesaid.

“Canyouteachmetofly?”

“You’llneedtomastereverythingelseaboutElementalmagicfirst,butyes.Ifwelivethroughthis,andifyoucontinueyourtraining,andifyou’rereal,thenyes,I’llteachyoutofly.I’llteacheveryElementaltofly.It’sfun.”

“Whatelsecanyoudo?”

Helookedatherandcockedhishead.“Lots.”

AshapeloomedinthedoorwayandValkyrie’ssmilevanished.TheybackedawayastheFacelessOnecamethrough.Skulduggeryclickedthefingersofbothhandsthenthrustthemoutstraight.TwinstreamsofflamehittheFacelessOne,envelopingitcompletely.Valkyriestaredinamazement.Theflamestreamswerecontinuous,liketwoflame-throwers.She’dneverseenElementalmagicusedlikethatbefore–shehadn’tevenknownitcouldbe.Butitwasn’tenoughtostoptheFacelessOneorevenslowitdown.

Skulduggerycutoffthefireandretreated.“Itneverworks,”hemuttered.“NothingIdoeverworks.”

SomethingbrightcaughtValkyrie’seyeandshelookedpasttheshamblingformthathadoncebeenBatu,throughthedoorithadcomethrough,andsawtheyellowportal.

“Thegateway!”shesaid.“It’sopen!”

“Youbettergetgoingthen,”Skulduggerysaiddully.Hishandshaddroppedbyhis

sidesandhe’dstoppedwalkingbackwards.

“Comeon!”sheyelled.

“Themindplayssuchcrueltricks,”hemurmured.

ValkyrieduckedpasttheFacelessOne.ItturneditsheadtoherthenrefocusedonSkulduggery.Shehadaclearruntotheportal.“Skulduggery!”

“You’renotreal.”

“Please!”

TheFacelessOneheldupitshandandSkulduggerymoanedalittle.Hislegsbuckledandhedroppedtohisknees,hisbonesshaking.

“Ihavedoneterriblethings,”hemanagedtosay.

Theriderswererunningthroughthestreetstowardsthem.Theonesoutinfronthadalmostreachedtheportal.Shecouldn’tletthemgothrough.Fletcherwouldshutitalldowniftheystartedcomingthrough.

Valkyrieputonhercoatandranintothesun.Shepushedattheair,throwingtworidersofftheirfeet.Athirdslashedatherwithhisdagger,butsheblockedwithhersleeveandfedhimafacefuloffire.Shekickedhimbackandwhippedtheshadowsatanother,catchinghimacrossthechestandsendinghimtotheground.Ariderfellonherfrombehindandgotherinaheadlock.Shekneedthemuscleofhisthighandbroughtherfistscrashingagainsthiskidneyandgroin,thenflippedhimoverherlegandstoodonhisthroat.

Sheturnedandafistsmashedintohercheek.Shestaggered,overbalancedandfell.Theridercameintokickher,butshejammedherleftfootagainsthisshinandswungherrightfootoverandbacksothatherheelconnectedwiththebackofhisknee.Shetwistedandheyelpedashefellforward,hislegcaughtinalock.Sherolledoverhimandheardhislegcrack.Hescreamed.

Shethrewafireballthatignitedthefursofariderwhowasabouttotouchtheportal.Heshriekedanddancedaway,butnowtherewereriderseverywhere,cominginfromallsides,andValkyrieturnedandturnedagain,fistsraised.

“Skulduggery!”sheshouted.“Help!”

AndthenChinaSorrowsappearedthroughtheportal.

Tattoosglowedassheflungawaveofblueenergyintotheridersbeforetheyhadachancetoevenreact.Shehurleddaggersofredlightanddodgedariderwhocameatherwithasword.Sheslammedherforeheadintohisfaceandthenwenttoworkonhisfriends.

ValkyrielaunchedherselfattheriderwhotriedtosneakuponChinafrombehind.Shesnatchedtheknifefromhishandandpushedattheairtoshootitstraightintothelegofanother.

“Skulduggery?”Chinademanded,breakingarider’swristandjabbingherfingersintohiseyes.

ArideryankedValkyrie’shairandshesteppedbackandrammedherelbowintohisnose.“Inthere,”shepanted.“WithaFacelessOne.”

“SkulduggeryPleasant!”Chinaroared.“Getouthereatonce!”

Valkyriecoveredherheadastworidersleapedather,butwhentheydidn’tlandshelookedup.Theyhungintheair,quizzicalexpressionsontheirfaces,andthenhurtledbackasSkulduggerystumbledfromthedoorway,hisarmoutstretched.

“Twoofyou,”hesaid,soundingsurprised.“Butmyhallucinationsnevertravelinpairs…”

ValkyriegrabbedhishandandpulledhimfromthedoorastheFacelessOnereachedouttodraghimback.ChinakepttheridersawaythenshetookholdofSkulduggery’sotherhandandallthreeofthemjumpedintotheportal.

Yellowflashedbrightandwasgone,andsomethingtangledwithValkyrie’slegsandshefell.Insteadoffallingontohardgroundandsandthough,shefellontograss,stillwetfromhours-oldrain.

Sheblinkedhersightback,realisingshehadtrippedoverSkulduggery’sfeetandthattheyhadbothfallen.Chinahadstayeduprightofcourse,andshewascommandingFletchertoclosethegateway.Valkyriewatchedtheportalshrinkdownalmostinstantly,thenvanish.

TheystoodupandFletchersteppedoutofthecircle.TheyallwatchedSkulduggeryashelookedaroundatAranmoreFarm.

“GoodGod,”hesaidsoftly.“I’mhome.”

“Howareyou?”Chinaasked.ForthefirsttimeValkyrienoticedthebloodonChina’sclothesandhowpaleshewas.

Skulduggery’sheadtiltedandhepausedawhilebeforeanswering.“I’mfine,”hesaid.“You’vebeenshot.”

“I’mOKnow.”

FletcherwalkedupandhandedovertheMurderSkull.“Ithinkthisisyours.”

Skulduggerytooktheskullinonehandandlookedatit.“Handsomedevil,”hemurmured.Andthen,“Whyarethereunconsciouspeoplelyingaroundtheplace?”

“Guildsentsomeofhisagentstostopus,”Chinasaid.“Thereareprobablymoreontheway.”

“Thenlet’snotbeherewhentheyarrive.”HelookedatValkyrieandtookamoment.“Yousavedme,”hesaid.

“Idid,”shesaid.

Shewasexpectingahug.Shedidn’tgetone.

“Goodjob,”saidSkulduggeryandstartedwalking.

14THEFACTOFTHEMATTER

AtthebackofSanguine’smindtherelayaquestionthatwouldsquirm,nowandthen,intohisthoughts.Howmanyofthesemenwouldhehavetokilltogetwhathewanted?

Hewasconfidenthewouldn’thavetokillScarab.Scarabwasfocusedonthebiggerpicture–vengeanceonagrandscale.SpringheeledJackwasn’tlikelytogetinhiswayeither.Jacksimplywantedtopaybackeveryonewho’deverwrongedhim.Sanguinecouldappreciatethat.

Buttheothers…Theyallwantedthesamething.Theirprimemotivationwasrevengeonthesameperson.

ValkyrieCain.

Sanguinehimselfhadhisownreasonforwantingtokillthegirl,apainthathadplaguedhimeversincethedaytheFacelessOneshadcomethroughtheportal.HefullyintendedtobackScarab’splanasfarashecouldandsofar,he’ddonehispart.He’dstolenwhathe’dhadtosteal,andhe’dbrokenDuskoutofprisonbyburrowinginandfightinghiswayout.Duskwasnowbuildinguponearmyandhewasbuildingupanother.Hewasco-ordinatingandfacilitatingtheplan.Anditwas,admittedly,agoodplan.Ifeverythingcametogether,itwasaplanthatwoulddestroytheirenemies,satisfytheirbloodlustandchangeeverything.

Itwasn’twithoutitsflawsofcourse–amongthemVaurienScapegracewho,asfarasSanguinecouldtell,wasnottheKillerSupremehe’dsaidhewas.This,however,wasSanguine’sfault–he’drecruitedhimafterall–andsoitwashisresponsibilitytotakecareofit.

Buttheplanwas,essentially,agoodplanandasolidone.However,themomenthesawhischance,hewastakingit.Hedidn’tcareifitruinedtheplan,orgoteveryoneelsearrestedorkilled.

Onewayoranother,Sanguinehaddecided,ValkyrieCainwasgoingtodie–andhewasdeterminedtobetheonetokillher.

15BACKONCEMETERYROAD

Skulduggery’shousewascoldandtheairwasstale.ValkyriecheckedthemessagesonherphonewhileSkulduggerytooktheheadthatFletcherhadgivenhimandwenttothelargeroomwherehekeptallhisbestclothes.FletchertriedtoturnontheTV,butthepowerhadbeencutoff.Suddenlytheyheardasharphowlofpain,andValkyriespuninalarm.

“Skulduggery?”shecalledassheranfromtheroom.“AreyouOK?Skulduggery?”

Shehurriedthroughthehouse,flingingopendoorsasshepassedthem.Shereachedthelastroomandjustasshewasabouttobargein–“Thathurt,”Skulduggerysaidfrominside.

Valkyriefrownedatthecloseddoor.“Whathappened?”

“Iwaschangingmyhead.Itfeelsgoodtohavetheoldonebackon.AndnowIhaveaspare,whichisnice.”

ValkyriesteppedbackasthedooropenedandSkulduggeryemerged.Hissuitandtiewerenavyblueandhisshirtwascrispandwhite.Hetiltedhischin.“Whatdoyouthinkofthehead?”

“Uh,it’s…it’sreallynice.Looksalotliketheotherone.”

“Whatareyoutalkingabout?It’scompletelydifferent.Thecheekbonesarehigher.”

“Arethey?”

“Aren’tthey?”

“Isupposethey…mightbe.Isitcomfortable?”

“Very.”Hewalkedpastherintotheroomwherehekepthishats.“Where’sGhastly?HaveyoutoldhimI’mback?”

“Uh,no…”

“Hemightn’tbelieveyou.HemightthinkI’mstillhallucinating.You’dbettertellhimI’mnot.Ithinkhe’dwanttoknowthathe’snotafigmentofmyimagination.IknowI’dwantto.”Skulduggeryputonahatthatmatchedhissuit,cockeditlowoverhiseyesocketsandadmiredhimselfinthemirror.“Ihavemissedthis,”hemurmured.

“Ghastlywasarrested,”Valkyriesaid,tryingtogethimtofocus.“HimandTanith.They’rebeingheldattheSanctuary.”

“Whatfor?”

“Forhelpingmegetyouback.Guildmadeitclearthatwewerenottoopenthatportalagain.Hesaidwecouldn’trisksomethingescapingthrough.”

“Hmm.Thatwasverywiseofhim.”

Sheglowered.“That’snothelpingmeintheslightest.”

“Now,Valkyrie,openingthatportalwasverydangerous.Sometimesyou’vegottoadmititwhenyou’rewrong.”

“Youneveradmititwhenyou’rewrong.”

“ButI’mrarelywrong,yousee.You,ontheotherhand,arewrongabizarrelylargeamountofthetime.Statistically,it’squiteamazing.”

Heopenedawoodenboxandslowlyreachedhisglovedhandin.Hisrevolvergleamedwhenhewithdrewit.“Smith&Wesson,”hesaidlovingly.“Youhaditcleaned?”

“Lastweek,”shesaidandfoundherselfsmiling.“Thoughtyoumightwantit.”

Heopenedthecylinder,tooksixbulletsfromtheboxandslidthemintothechambersthenclickeditshutandthumbedonthesafety.Hetuckedthegunintotheholsterunderhisjacket.

“There,”hesaid.“Ifeelcompleteagain.”

Fletcherwalkedin.“Hey,”hesaid.

“Fletcher,”Skulduggerynodded.“DidIthankyouforopeningtheportalandgettingmehome?”

“Youdidn’t,”Fletchersaid.“Butyou’rewelcome.”

“Youcouldhavebeenresponsiblefortheendofthehumanrace,”Skulduggerycontinuedhappily,“butIforoneamnotgoingtoholditagainstyou.Youmayleaveusnow.”

“Imaywhat?”

Skulduggeryhesitatedforjustamoment.“Yourhair.It’sdistracting.I’msorry,Ithoughtsomeoneoughttotellyou.”

“Youwantmetogobecauseofmyhair?”

“There’sjustsomuchofit,totellyouthetruth.”

“Areyoubeingserious?”

“Can’tyoutell?”

“Notreally.”

“Well,forfuturereference,thisismyseriousface.”

FletcherlookedatValkyrieandsheshrugged.“We’llcallyouwhensomeofusarefeelingalittlemore…sensible,”shesaid.

“OK,”hesaid.“ThenI’ll…I’llgothen.”

HevanishedandSkulduggeryturnedtoher.“Now,”hesaid.“Whereisshe?”

TheywentoutsideandValkyrieopenedthegarage.Shegrabbedthetarpandpulleditoffthecar,a1954BentleyR-TypeContinental,oneofonly208evermade,retrofittedwithmodernluxuriesandtheappleofSkulduggery’seye.Ifhe’dhadaneye.Skulduggeryranhishandoverthebodywork.

“Doyouevenneedacarthesedays?”askedValkyrie.“Aren’tyougoingtojustflyeverywherefromnowon?”

“Flyingtakesalotoutofyou,”hesaid,“andit’snotthemostinconspicuousmodeoftransport.”

“ButtheBentleyis?”

Sheheardasoundthatmayhavebeenalaughandtheygotin.TheBentleytoreoutofthegarageandracedtothetopoftheroad,takingtheturnataspeedthatwouldhaveterrifiedValkyriewereitnotSkulduggerybehindthewheel.

“Intriguing,”SkulduggerymurmuredandtheBentleyabruptlyslowed.

“What’swrong?”sheasked.

“We’rebeingfollowed,”hesaid.“Andnotverywell.”

Hetookalazyleftontoanemptysidestreetthengunnedtheengine.Valkyriewaspressedbackintoherseat.Heturnedintothenextleftandstoppedinthemiddleoftheroad.Hemadesurehisscarfwassecurelywrappedaroundhisfaceandgotout,guninhishand.

AblueVolvoroaredaroundthecornerandbrakessquealedasitswervedtoavoidtheBentley.Ithitthewallandtheenginecutout.Skulduggerycrossedtoitandsmashedthewindowwiththebuttofhisrevolver,thendraggedthered-headeddriveroutanddumpedhimontheroad.

“Idon’tappreciatebeingfollowed,”Skulduggerysaid,anedgetohisvoice.

“Don’tshootme!”thedriveryelled.

“I’vehadenoughofbeingfollowed,”Skulduggerycontinued,likehehadn’theardhim.“I’mnotinthemoodforitanymore.”

Valkyrierecognisedthecoweringyoungmanontheground.HisnamewasStavenWeeper.She’dseenhimintheSanctuaryafewtimes.HiseyeswerefixedonthegunatSkulduggery’sside.

“Iusuallykillpeoplewhofollowme,”Skulduggerymurmured,almosttohimself.

Valkyriefrowned.“Skulduggery?”

“That’swhathappens,”hecontinuedsoftly.“Theyhuntme,theydie.Simple.Iliketokeepitsimple.Keepitclean.”

HeraisedthegunandValkyriedartedforward.Shegrabbedhiswrist.“Whatareyoudoing?”

Helookedatherandcockedhishead.“Valkyrie.Whatareyoudoinghere?”

Hedidn’tmoveforamomentthenshookhisheadandputthegunbackinitsholster.HewalkedovertotheBentleyandstoodbesideit,lookingupatthesky.WeeperwasstaringathiminterrifiedbewildermentandValkyriesteppeduptoblockhisview.

“Whatdoyouwant?”shedemanded.

Heraisedhiseyestoher.“I’mheretoarrestyou.”

“Whatfor?”

“YouassaultedDetectiveMarrandyouhaveobviouslyopenedtheportal,againsttheGrandMage’sexplicitorders.”

“I’msorry,butI’mfindingithardtobelievethattheysentyoutoarrestus.”

“Well,originally,IwasjustsupposedtowatchSkulduggeryPleasant’shouse,”Weeperadmitted.“TheotherDetectivesarebusy.”

“Withwhat?”

“Theywouldn’ttellme.IheardoneoftheSensitiveshadavisionthattheyweregettingworriedabout…TheDetectivesdon’treallytellmethisstuff.I’mnotexactlyhighonthe,youknow,thetotempole.”

Skulduggerywanderedover,handsinhispockets,seeminglybacktohisoldself.“You’renotheretoarrestme,areyou?”

Weepershrankaway.“I…Idon’tknow.”

“Becausetechnically,Ihavebrokennolawsrecently.Ididn’trescuemyself,nowdidI?”

“Isupposenot…”

“Soit’sValkyrieyou’reafter,isthatright?”

“Uh,yes.”

“Excellent.”

“Although…”saidWeeperhesitantly.

“Although?”

“Technically,you’vejustassaultedmeandI’maSanctuaryagent.”

“Well,yes,”Skulduggerysaid,“butyou’renotaverygoodone,areyou?Imean,theytoldyoutowatchmyhouse.That’snotexactlyahigh-profilecaseyou’rerunning.Howlonghaveyoubeenwatchingmyhouse?”

“Uh,three…threemonths.”

“Threemonths.Andwhatistheresultofyourinvestigation?Hasmyhousebeeninvolvedinanyillegalactivities?Hasitrobbedabank?Hasitmuggedanyone?”

“No…”

“Hasitmoved,evenalittle?”

“Idon’t…thinkso…”

“Madeaprankphonecall?”

“No.”

“Isee.Andjustnow,didIrunyouofftheroad?Ordidyoucrash,allbyyourself?”

“IsupposeI,uh,crashed.”

“AndIpulledyoufromthewreckage,didInot?Thatcarcouldhaveexplodedforallyouknow.Isavedyourlifeandnowyouwanttoarrestmeforit?”

“Well,notanymore…”

“I’mgladtohearit.Doyouwanttostandup?”

“Yes,please.”

“Stand.”

Weeperstood.

“Myfriendshavebeentakenintocustody,”Skulduggerysaid.“GhastlyBespokeandTanithLow.Whatdoyouknowaboutit?”

“JustwhatIheardontheupdates.TheybrokeintotheSanctuaryandoneofthemassaultedDetectiveMarr.”

“Marr,”Skulduggerymurmured.“DavinaMarr?American?”

“That’sher,”Valkyriesaid.

“Oh,shehatesme,”saidSkulduggery.“Fornoreason,Imightadd.AtleastnoreasonthatIcareabout.Snivellingboy,willyoutelltheGrandMagethatIhavereturned,andfromwhatyouhaveseen,Ihavebeenslightlyunhingedbymydreadfulexperiencesinanalternatedimension?CouldyoualsotellhimthatIwouldappreciateitifhereleasedmyfriendsathisearliestconvenience?”

“Yes.OK.Sure.”

“Andthenthreatentoshoothim.”

“Uh…Idon’tknowifthat’swise…”

“Nonsense,”Skulduggerysaid,pattinghimontheshoulder.“TheGrandMagehatesgettingshot.It’squitefunny.You’llbefine.Runalongnow.”

“CanI…canIgetbackinmycar?”

Skulduggeryponderedthequestionandshookhishead.“No.”

Weepersagged.

16THETEMPLE

“You’requiet,”Skulduggerysaidwhentheywerebackontheroad.

“Iam,”Valkyrieagreed.

“Areyouinaweofme?”

“Somethinglikethat.”

Skulduggerynodded.“You’reinaweofme.”

“Howareyoufeeling?”

“Splendid,”hereplied.

“Yousurefrightenedhim,”Valkyriesaid.

“Who,theboy?DidI?”

“Foramomentitlookedlikeyouweregoingtokillhim.”

“Itdid?”

“Itdid.”

“Fancythat,”hesaid.

“Yousaidyouwereunhinged.”

“Hmm?Oh,yes,Idid.Quiteclever,yes?Yousee,iftheythinkIhavebeendrivenmad,theywillstruggletopredictmyactions.Ibecomevery,verydangeroustothem,andhopefully,thatwillmakeGuilddowhatwewant.”

“Andyou’renot,right?”Valkyriesaidcautiously.“You’renotunhinged?”

“Oh,God,no,”helaughed.“No,I’mperfectlysane.Nowthen,doyouwanttotellmeaboutthatringyou’rewearing?”

“Oh,”shesaid.“That.”

“SolomonWreathisteachingyouNecromancy,isn’the?”

“Ineededtheextrastrengthtogetyouback,”sheexplained.“I’monlyatraineeElemental–IneedallthehelpIcanget,youknow?”

“AndnowthatI’mback?”

“Sorry?”

“Yousaidyouneededthatringtogetmeback.SonowthatI’mhere,isthatit?Areyougoingtothrowitaway?”

Valkyriefeltthecoldmetalaroundherfingerandhowcomfortingithadbecomelately.“Ifyouwantmeto,”shesaidslowly.

“Whatdoyouwanttodo?”

“Idon’tknow.”Skulduggerydidn’tsayanythingsoshehadtocontinue.“Isupposethrowingawayanothersetofpowers,Imean,itdoesn’treallymakesense.It’saweaponIneedtogetthejobdone.”

“AndbeinganElementalisn’tenoughtodothat?”

“WhenI’mpowerfulenough,sure,andespeciallywithallthosenewthingsyoucando,butI’mstilllearning.AndI’vegotanotherfewyearsbeforemymagicsettles,right?”

“That’strue,”Skulduggerynodded.“You’llprobablybetwenty,maybetwenty-one,beforeyouhavetochooseonestyleoveralltherest.”

“Andafterthat,Ican’tswitch?”

Hehesitated.“It’snotimpossible.Butitisrare.”

“ButIcankeepusingtheringuntilI’mabouttosettle,can’tI,andthengiveitback?”

“Aseasyasthat?”

“Whywouldn’titbe?”

“Strengthisaddictive.”

“Icanhandleit.”

“SolomonWreathisnottobetrusted.”

“Hesavedmylifelastnight.”

Skulduggerysnappedhisheadtoher.“Whathappened?”

“Uh,Cruxgotintomyhouseandtriedtokillme.Icouldhavehandledit.Idon’tmeanWreathsavedmylife,buthe,youknow,hehelped.China’speoplesetupaperimeteraroundHaggardthough,sonobodymagicalcangetinwithoutbeingnoticed.Exceptmeofcourse.”

“Right,”Skulduggerysaid,yankingthewheelsharply.“IneedtohaveawordwithWreath.”

ValkyriehadbeentotheNecromancerTempleonlyoncebefore,toseeherringbeingforgedintheshadowfurnace.Shehadimagined,whentoldoftheTemple,avastbuildingwithspiresandlongnarrowwindows,ofhugedoorsandpossiblysomedarkandterribletowers.HerexpectationsweredashedwhenSolomonWreathhadledherthroughanoldgraveyard,toacryptwithrustedirongates,overgrownwithweedsandivy.Beneaththatcrypt,however,theTemplelay–acoldandforbiddinglabyrinth,drenchedindarkness.

Itwasatthisrustedgateshefoundherselfagain,standingatSkulduggery’sside.Her

heartbeatfast.Notfromnerves,orexcitement,butsimplybecauseshewasinagraveyard.Shecouldfeelthetendrilsofdeathbeingdrawnintotheringonherfingerandsoakingthroughintoherbody.Thethoughtofitmadeherqueasy,butthesensationwas…electric.

ThecryptdooropenedheavilyandSolomonWreathsmiledatthem,andsaid,“Suddenlytherecameatapping,asofsomeonegentlyrapping,rappingatmychamberdoor.”

“Howunique,”Skulduggerysaidwithoutenthusiasm,“aNecromancerquotingPoe.”

Wreath’ssmilegrewwider.“Bytheprickingofmythumbs,somethingwickedthiswaycomes.”

“Shakespeareisthehappyhuntinggroundofallmindsthathavelosttheirbalance,”Skulduggeryresponded.“Arewegoingtoboastabouthowwell-readwearealldayorarewegoingtotalk?”

“About?”

“Valkyrie.”

“Isee.Inthatcase,pleasecomein.”Thegatecreakedopenforhimandtheypassedthrough.“Howareyoubytheway?Ihopethatalternatedimensionwasn’ttoouncomfortableforyou.”

“Itwasn’tallbad,”Skulduggeryresponded.“Itgavemetimetocatchuponsomescreaming.”

TheyfollowedWreathdownthestonesteps,intothedarkness.

“IbelieveIhaveyoutothankforsuggestingmyownskullasanIsthmusAnchor,”Skulduggerycontinued.“Ifitwasn’tforyou,I’dstillbeoverthere.”

“Thinknothingofit.”

“Verywell.”

Wreathlaughed.

Nowtheywereinthedarklabyrinth,passingthechambersthatwerecarvedintothewalls.Insomeoftheseroomspeopleinblackrobesraisedtheirheads,lamplightcatchingflashesofskinagainstshadow.Inothersthedark-robedfiguresweretoobusywithwhatevertheyweredoingtobotherlookingup.Upahead,peoplemovedquickly.

“Thereseemstobeadisturbance,”Skulduggerynoted.

“Nothingtoconcernyou,”Wreathsaid.“Oneofourtrinketshasgonemissing.We’retryingtofindit.ButenoughoftheeverydayhumdrumofTemplelife.Youareheretotalk,areyounot?”

“Valkyrietellsmeshe’sbeentakinglessonswithyou,”Skulduggerysaid,hisvoiceloudinthecoldsilence.

“Indeedshehas,”Wreathresponded.“Wouldthisbeaproblemforyou?”

“Necromancyisadangerousdiscipline.Noteveryoneissuitedtoit.”

“Well,now,”Wreathsaid,smiling,“coulditbethatIhavemorefaithinValkyrie’sabilitiesthanyoudo?”

“Thisisn’taboutability,”Skulduggerysaidcurtly.“Thisisaboutaptitude.”

“Whatdoyoumean?”Valkyrieasked.

“Inorderforyoutomakeaninformeddecision,canIassumeSolomonherehastoldyouabouttheNecromancerbeliefs?”

SuddenlyWreathdidnotlookhappy.“Ourbeliefsareprivate.Theyarenotdiscussedwith…”

“With?”Skulduggeryprompted.

“Non-believers,”Wreathsaid.

“Youcanmakeanexceptionforme,can’tyou?”Skulduggerypressed.Somehow,hewasnowintheleadandValkyrierealisedtheywereheadingforthesourceofthequietcommotion.“AndasforValkyrie,don’therlessonswithyouentitlehertohearthis?”

“Valkyrie,”Wreathsaid,“youcouldbeconsideredoneofourindoctrinates,oneofourtrainees,andassuchyoucouldexpecttobetaughtthesethingsgradually,overthecomingyears.”

“Butyou’llskiptheformalities,”Skulduggerysaid.“Yes?”

Wreathsighedandspoketoher.“Deathisapartoflife.You’veundoubtedlyheardthatbefore.It’smeantasaplatitude,tocomfortthebereavedandthescared.Butthetruthis,lifeflowsintodeathanddeathflowsbackintolife.

“Thedarknessweuseinourmagicisalivingenergy.You’vefeltit,haven’tyou?Italmosthasalifeofitsown.Itislifeanddeath.They’rethesamething–aconstant,recyclingstreamthatpermeatesalluniverses.”

“TellherabouttheDeathBringer,”Skulduggerysaid,lookingaround.

“TheDeathBringerisnotrelevantto—”

“Well,youcan’thideitfromhernow,canyou?Soyoumayaswell.”

Wreathtookabreathtokeephistemperincheck.“We’rewaitingforaNecromancerstrongenoughtobreakdownthewallsbetweenlifeanddeath.SomepeoplecallthispersontheDeathBringer.Wehaveconductedtests;we’veresearched;we’vetakenaveryclinicalapproachtoallofthis.Thisisn’taprophecy.Propheciesmeannothing,they’remerelyinterpretationsofpossibilities.Thisisaninevitability.Wewillfindsomeonepowerfulenoughtobreakdownthewall,andtheenergyofthedeadwilllivealongsideus,andwewillevolvetomeetit.”

“TheycallthisthePassage,”Skulduggerysaid.“WhatSolomonhereisneglectingtotellyouofcoursearethenamesofafewpeoplewhomtheNecromancershaveproclaimedtobetheDeathBringerinthepast.”

“Shedoesn’tneedtoknowthis,”Wreathsaid,angerinhiseyes.

“Ithinkshedoes.”

“Tellme,”Valkyriesaidtothemboth.

Wreathhesitated.“ThelastpersonwethoughtwaspowerfulenoughtopossiblybecometheDeathBringercametousduringthewar.WithintwoyearsofstartinghisNecromancytraining,LordVilewastheequaltoanyofourmasters.”

“Vile?”Valkyriesaid.“LordVilewasyoursaviour?”

“Wethoughthecouldbe,”Wreathrepliedquickly.“Hisascensionthroughtherankswasunheardof.Itwasimpossible.Hewasaprodigy.Thedarknesswas…itwasn’tjustinhim.Itwashim.”

Theyturnedacornerandfollowedapassagewaytoitsend,Skulduggeryleadingthewaywithoutappearingto.

“Andthenheleft,”Skulduggerysaid.“AndjoinedMevolent’sarmy.Ibetthatstillrankles.”

“Soyou’vebeenwithoutaDeathBringereversince?”Valkyrieasked.

“Yes,”Wreathsaid.HelookedatSkulduggery.“Isthatwhyyouareherethen?Soyoucouldmakethisclumsyattempttoembarrassme?”

“Atfirst,”Skulduggerysaid.“ButnowI’mcuriousastowhattrinketyou’vemisplaced.Oh,lookwhereweare.Whatanicecoincidence.”

Theyhadarrivedatasmallchamberwithwoodenshelvesatoddangles.ThetwoNecromancerswithinfellsilentimmediately.Skulduggerywenttostepinside,butWreathtookholdofhisarm.

“Wedidn’taskforyourhelp,”hesaidfirmly.“ThisisaNecromanceraffair.”

“Itwasherethough?”Skulduggeryasked.“Yourtrinket?Whydon’tyoutelluswhathasgonemissingandI’lltellyouwhotookit.”

Wreathsmiledthinly.“You’veworkeditoutalready?”

“Iamadetective.”

WreathtookamomentthennoddedtothetwoNecromancersandtheyleft.HesteppedbackasValkyriejoinedSkulduggeryinexaminingtheroom.“Themissingobjectisasphere,aboutthesizeofyourfist,setinsideacradleofobsidian.”

“ASoulCatcher,”Skulduggerysaid.

“Oneofthelastinexistence,”Wreathnodded.

Valkyriefrowned.“Doesthatdowhatitsoundslikeitdoes?Whywouldyouneedtocatchsouls?”

“TheSoulCatcherwasusedtotrapandcontainanindividualenergy,”Wreathtoldher,“tostopitfromrejoiningthestream.Itwasabarbaricpunishmentthatwehavelong

sinceoutlawed.

“Thelasttimeaninventorywascarriedoutwasamonthago.Ifitwasindeedstolen,itcouldhavebeenstolenamonthagooritcouldhavebeenstolenyesterday.Thesimplefactis,however,Ican’tseehowanythiefcouldhavegotthisfarintotheTemplewithoutbeingseen.”

“Oh,itwasdefinitelystolen,”Skulduggerysaid.“Butthethiefdidn’tusethedoor.”

Valkyrielookedathim.“Sowhostoleit?”Skulduggerypointedup.Sheclickedherfingersandraisedherhand,theflamesflickeringacrossthepatchofcrackedandcrumbledceiling,largeenoughtofitamanthrough.

“Sanguine,”Valkyriesaid.

Wreathfrowned.“Billy-RaySanguine?WhatwouldhewantwithaSoulCatcher?”

“Thisisjustaguess,”Skulduggerysaid,“butmaybehewantstouseittocatchasoul.”

17DEADMANTALKING

VaurienScapegracewasdeadandBilly-RaySanguinehadkilledhim.

Scapegracewasprettysurethat’swhathappenedanyway.Hecouldn’trememberallofit.

HerememberedSanguinetakinghimtooneside,andtellinghimthathe’dmadeafewcallsandaskedafewpeople,andnobodycouldvouchforScapegraceasaremorselesskillerofunparalleledskill,likehe’dclaimed.Scapegracehadtriedtoexplainthenthat,fairenough,hehadn’tactuallykilledanyoneyet,butitwasonlyamatteroftime,andifSanguineandScarabcouldjustgivehimachance,he’dprovehimselfworthytobeincludedintheirplans.

Atleast,that’swhathe’dplannedtosay.Hedimlyrememberedgettingasfaras“Fairenough”andthen…nothing.

Sanguinehadkilledhim.

Heopenedhiseyes,inadarkanddankdungeon,andlookeduptoseehisMaster’sface.

“Finally,”ScarabsaidanditwasthegreatestwordScapegracehadeverhearduttered.Finally.Hereismyloyalcompanion,nevertoleavemyside.Scapegracesmiledashelaythere.

“Stopgrinning,”Scarabordered.“Youlookdeformed.”

“Sorry,Master,”Scapegracesaid,sittingup.WhywashecallingScarabMaster?Hedidn’tknow,butitseemedsoright,sohejustcontinued.“Master,what’shappenedtome?”

“You’redead,”MasterScarabsaid.“Youliedtous,Scapegrace.You’renotakiller.KnewitfromthemomentIsawyou.”

“WasitbecauseIfelloffthechair?”

“Itdoesn’tmatterwhatitwas.Butbecauseyouliedtous,wastedourtime,madeusrethinksomeofourplans,wedecidedtoputyourdeathtogooduse.Wekilledyouandbroughtyouback.Doyouknowwhatyouare?”

“Verylucky?”

“You’reazombie.”

Scapegracelaughed.“No,Master.Notme.”

ScarabtookaknifefromhispocketandstabbeditthroughScapegrace’sarm.

Scapegracestared.

“Youfeelnopain,”Scarabcontinued.

“Oh.”

“Yourcorpseisbeingsustainedbymagic.”

“I’ma…I’mazombie.”

“Yes.”

“Am…amIlikethatWhiteCleaverperson?”

“I’vebeeninprisonfor200years.Ihavenoideawhatyou’retalkingabout.Youare,tobeblunt,afairlybasiczombie.You’renotoneofthosefullyreanimated,self-healingzombies.You’realowerclass.BestIcoulddowiththestuffIknow.”

“Oh,Idoappreciateit,Master.”

“Shutup.Doyouknowanythingaboutzombies?”

“Notreally…”

“Youhavenomagic.Themagicyoudidhaveisbeingusedtokeepyourbodymovingandyourbrainthinking–Iwouldn’timaginemuchmagicisrequiredforthatparticularfeat.”

“Iwouldn’tsayso,sir.”

“Theadvantageofbeingsuchabasiczombie,however,isthatyoucanpassonyourconditionwithsimplyabite.See,Iwantyoutogooutthereandrecruit.”

“Recruit?”

“Onebite’lldoit.Thesepeopleyourecruitdonotneedtobesorcerers–infact,itwouldbebestiftheyweren’t.Thethingis,you’retheonlyonewhocanbite,yougetme?Noneoftheothers,andImeannone,caneventastehumanflesh.”

“Whycan’tthey?”

“BecauseI’mtellingyoutheycan’t.Youaretheonlyonewho’llbeimmunetoitseffects.They’llbesustainedbytraceamountsofmagic,thoughthey’lldecomposefasterthanyouwill.Thethingisthey’llwanthumanflesh.They’llneedhumanflesh.You’vegottomakesuretheydon’tgetany.”

“Youcancountonme,Master!”

Scarabsighedthenlookedathim.“You’regoingtobekillingfolk,MrScapegrace.You’refinallygoingtobethekilleryoualwaysdreamedofbeing.Donotmessthisup.”

18DARQUESSE

Theydroveawayfromthegraveyard.

“HaveyouheardanythingaboutSanguine?”

Skulduggeryasked.“HashebeenspottedatallsinceI’vebeenaway?”

“Hevanished,”Valkyriesaid.“Wedidn’tknowifhewasdeadoralive.IgothimprettygoodwithTanith’ssword,rightacrossthebelly.IsupposeabitofmeactuallythoughtI’dkilledhim.”

“Well,youdidn’t.”

“Idon’tknowwhethertobedisappointedorglad.”

“Pickglad.You’vegotplentyoftimetoregretthethingsyouhaven’tdoneyet.”

“I’m…notsurewhatthatmeans.”

“Takeithomewithyouandthinkaboutit.”

“Iwill,thanks.So,anyway,wehavenowayofknowingwhenSanguinestoletheSoulCatcher.”

“Thatisannoying,”Skulduggerymurmured.“Still,it’snotourconcern.”

Shefrowned.“What?”

“It’snotourcase.WhyshouldweworryaboutwhatsomeonelikeSanguinedoes?I’mboredwithallofthem.Ineedsomethingnew.Ineedanewmystery,withnewpeople.”

“Andsowherearewegoing?”

“ThatsnivellingboysaidtheSanctuaryDetectivesareworriedaboutavisiononeoftheirSensitiveshad.Thatsoundsintriguing,doesn’tit?”

“Doesit?”

“Itdoes.Itsoundsnewandexciting.Iwonderifthey’veseentheendoftheworld.Iloveend-of-the-worldvisions.They’realwayssographic.”

“Idon’tlikevisionsatall.”

“Really?”

“Idon’tlikethingsbeinginevitable.”

“Ah,butvisionsofthefuturearenotinevitable.Theveryfactthatsomeoneseesavisionofwhatwillhappenautomaticallychangeswhatwillhappen.Granted,sometimes

thesechangesaretooinfinitesimaltonotice,buttheyarestillchanges.Ifindthewholethingquitefascinatingtobehonest.Afterall,you’reworkingagainstthenaturalcourseofevents.Youareworkingagainstyourowndestinyeverytime.”

“That’sonewayoflookingatit.”

“That’smywayoflookingatit,”Skulduggerysaidhappily.“Givemeafewminutesandthatwaywillchange.”

Evenatthistimeinthemorningthetattooparlourwasopen.Thelowbuzzofthetattooist’sneedlegreetedthemthemomenttheysteppedthroughthedoor.Theyclimbedthenarrowsteps,passingallthephotosoftattooedbodyparts.

Theparlour’sonlycustomerwasafatmanlyingfacedownonatiltedtable.TheskinnytattooistwiththeshavedheadandtheDublinfootballjerseylookedupfromhisworkandagrinbrokeacrosshisface.

“Skul-man!”heexclaimedasherushedforwardtoshakehishand.“Howisthispossible?LastIheardyouweretrappedonadeadworldoverrunbyeviltrans-dimensionalsuperfiends!”

Skulduggerynodded.“Justgotback.”

“That’sawesome,man.That’sreallygreat.Sodidyougetmeanything?”

“Like…asouvenir?”Skulduggeryaskeddoubtfully.

“Doesn’thavetobeanythingbig.Arock,maybe,oratwig.Justsomethingfromanalternateuniverse,youknow?It’dbesomethingtoshowthekidwhenhe’solder,tellhimitwasanearlybirthdaypresentfromhisUncleSkulduggery.”

“I’msorry,Finbar,Idon’thaveanything.”

“That’sOK,that’sOK.IsupposeIcouldjustgivehimanyoldrock,couldn’tI?He’dneverknowthatitwasn’tfromanalternateuniverse.He’dbesohappy.Icanjustseehim,bringingtherockintoschool,showinghislittlefriends,carryingitaroundwithhimeverywhere.IusedtohaveapetrockwhenIwasakid,butitranaway.Atleast,mymothersaiditranaway,butIthinkmydadjustpickedituponeafternoonandthrewitoutthewindow.Iwentlookingforit,but…”Finbar’svoicecracked.“Theyalllookedthesame,youknow?Theyalllookedthesame…”Henarrowedhiseyes.“Hey,Skul-man–youwearinganewhead?”

“Yes,actually,”Skulduggerysaid,soundingverypleased.“Whatdoyouthink?”

“Oh,man,Ilikeit.Don’tgetmewrong,Ilikedtheotherone,butthisisjust…betterlooking,y’know?Thecheekbonesarehigher.”

SkulduggerylookedatValkyrie,hisbetter-lookingheadtiltedatquiteasmugangle.Shesighedthengesturedtothefatmanonthetable.“IsitOKtobetalkingabout,um,businessstuffwith…?”

“Oh,don’tworryabouthim,”Finbarsaid.“Hecameinassoonasweopened,asked

foragrowlingpantheronhisshoulderblade.HefaintedthemomentIstarted.”

“Agrowlingpanther?”

“Yep.”

“Thenwhyareyougivinghimatattooofakitten?”

Finbarshrugged.“I’mjustinakittenkindofmood,y’know?Soifyou’renotheretogivemeapresent,whyareyouhere?”

“Haveyouhadanyparticularlyweirdorunsettlingvisionslately?”Skulduggeryasked.“We’vebeenhearingabout—”

“Darquesse,”Finbarsaidimmediately.

Valkyriefrowned.“Darkness?”

“Darquesse,withaqandaupronouncedlikeak.It’scausingastirintheSensitivecommunity,letmetellyou.Andifthatmanypsychicsarehavingthesamedream,youknowit’sgottobetrouble.I’vebeenhavingthesereallyfreaked-outvisions.Theycometomedayandnight,andthey’reso…disturbing.It’slikewatchingahorrormoviewithouteyelids.Can’tevenblink.”

“WhoorwhatisDarquesse?”Skulduggeryasked.

“Darquesseisthesorcererwhodestroystheworld,”Finbarsaid.“AndImeanshelevelsit.I’veseencitiesflattened,likeanukehadgoneoff.Everything’sburning.Iseelittlesnippetsasithappens.Thiswomaninblack…Mevolentwasnothingcomparedtothiskindofevil.”

“Doyouknowwhenthiswillhappen?”Valkyrieasked.

“Idon’t,butIthinkCassandraPharosmayhavesomeidea.Thevisionsarecomingtoherprettyvividlyforsomereason.Icantakeyouthereifyou’dlike.Sharonandmykidareathercultmeeting,soI’mnotdoinganythingforthenextfewhours.”

“Sharon’sinacult?”

“Yeah,it’soneofthosefunnyonesthattrytogetthewomenmemberstosacrificetheirhusbandsateveryfullmoonorsomething.Idon’tknowifthat’sanappropriateatmospheretobringakidinto,buteveryoneneedsahobby,amIright?”

Valkyriedidn’tquiteknowwhattosaytothat,soshenoddedtotheunconsciousfatman.“Andit’sOKtoleavehimhere?”

“He’llbefine,”Finbarsaid,grabbinghisjacket.“Willwetakeyourcarormine?”

Skulduggerytiltedhishead.“Doyouhaveacar?”

“Nope.”

“Thenwe’lltakemine.”

“Probablywise.IthinkI’veforgotenhowtodrive.”

TheyleftthecityandformostofthejourneyFinbarlamentedthefactthathispsychicpowerscouldnotascertainwhowouldwintheAll-IrelandChampionship.Whatgoodwerepsychicpowers,heasked,iftheycouldn’ttellyouwhowasgoingtowintheGaelicfootball?

Theydroveonuntiltheycametoacottage,surroundedbynothingbutfieldsandmeadowsandhills,rollingbackasfarastheycouldsee.AlightheadachepressedagainstValkyrie’stemples,butshedidherbesttoignoreit.

“Cassandra’soneofthebestSensitivesaround,”FinbarsaidastheygotoutoftheBentley.“Skul-manknowsher,amIright?”

“Youare,”Skulduggeryconfirmed.

“Cassandra’saniceoldbird,”Finbarcontinued,leadingthemtothecottage,“andshehasallthesefancylittledoodadsthathelpherwithherpsychicmojostuff.Waittillyouseethedreamwhisperers,Val.They’relikesomethingoutofBlairWitch.”

Valkyriedidn’tknowwhataBlairWitchwas,butbeforeshecouldaskthecottagedooropenedandawomanappeared.Shelookedtobeinherfifties,andherlonghairwasgreyandhunglooselyaroundhershoulders.Sheworeafadeddressandalightcardigan.

“Cassandra,”Skulduggerysaid,asmileinhisvoice.“You’relookingwell.”

“You’realiar,”CassandraPharossaid,“butIdon’tcare.It’sgoodtoseeyouagain.”

“Cassie,”Finbarsaid,“thisisValkyrieCain.”

“I’veseenyouinmydreams,Valkyrie,”Cassandrasaid.“Butinmydreamsyou’reolderthanyouarenow.That’sagoodthing.”

“Oh,”Valkyriesaid.“Right.”

Cassandrausheredthemintothecottageandclosedthedoorbehindthem.Itwasanalmostperfectlyordinarycottage.Ithadrugs,ithadasofa,aTV,abookshelf,aguitarinthecorneranddoorsleadingoffintotheotherrooms.ButwhatsetitapartfromanyothercottageValkyriehadbeeninwerethedozensoflittlewoodenfigureshangingfromtherafters.

Eachonewasaboutthesizeofheroutstretchedhandandwasmadeupofbundlesoftwigs,boundwithstripsofblackribbon.Twoarms,twolegs,atorsoandahead.Cassandrasawherlooking.

“Myabilitiesdon’tworkthesameasFinbar’s,”shesaid.“Minerequirealotmoreeffortforsignificantlylesserresults.Forme,glimpsesofthefuturecancomeduringmeditation,theycanflashintomyheadwithoutwarningortheycancomeindreams.Ihaveallsortsoftoolsofthetradetohelpme,fromeverycultureandcountry.”Shetookatwigfigureoffashelf.“Thisisadreamwhisperer.Dreamsthatyouforget,thatdriftfromyourmindwhenyouwake,theycollect.Theykeepthemaslongastheyhaveto,andwhenit’stime,theytellyouaboutthem.Youhavetobereallyquiettoheartheirwhispersthough,whichiswhyIliveallthewayouthere.”

Valkyriedidherbesttolookinterestedandnotcreepedout.Cassandrawasmakingitsoundlikethelittlefigurewasalive.

Cassandrasmiledandhelditout.“Takeit,”shesaid.“Youlooklikeyouhaveinterestingdreams.”

Valkyriehesitatedthentookit.“Thankyou.It’s…lovely.”

Itdidn’thaveanyfeatures,nomouthoreyes,butshecouldstillfeelitwatchingher.Shesmiledtentativelyandputitcarefullyinhercoatpocket.

Cassandraledthemtoanarrowdoorandtheyfollowedherdownintothecellar.Instarkandunpleasantcontrasttothecosinessofthecottage,thecellarwasanuglyroomofcementbrickwallsandharshlightingthatmadeValkyrie’sheadachejabather.Thefloorwasalargemetalgrilleandbeneaththegrille,coals.Rustedoldpipesranfromaredwheel,upthewallandacrosstheceiling.Sprinklersprotrudedfromthepipesandhungdownhalfametrebelowtheprotectedlights.Inthemiddleofthefloorwasasinglestraight-backedchair.Ayellowumbrellalaybesideit.

“ThisistheSteamChamber,”Cassandrasaidasshesatinthechair.“ThisiswhereIcanprojectwhatI’veseenintoimages.Sometimesit’shazy;sometimesit’sclear.Sometimesthereissound,sometimesnot.Attheveryleast,youcangetanideaofwhat’sinmyhead.Beforewebegin,however,youhavetounderstandsomething.Thisfutureyou’reabouttoseeisnotset.Youcanstillchangeit.Allofyoucan.”

EventhoughCassandrawasspeakingtoallthreeofthem,Valkyriehadthedistinctimpressionthatthecommentwasdirectedsolelyather.Suddenlyshewasn’taltogethercertainshewantedtoseewhatCassandrahadtoshowher.

“Whyhaven’tyougonetotheSanctuarywiththis?”sheasked.“YouandFinbarmustbebetterthananypsychicstheyhaveonthestaff.Theycouldprobablyusethehelp.”

“Idon’ttalktoTheMan,”Finbarscowled.“TheMankeepsmedown.”

“Inwhatway?”askedValkyrie,genuinelypuzzled.

Finbarhesitated.“Generalways,”hesaidatlast.“Just…generalways,keepingmedown,oppressingme.”

“We’renottoofondoftheSanctuary,”Cassandratoldhergently.“Anyestablishmentasbigandaspowerfulasthatisrifewithcorruption.Isupposewe’restillactivistsatheart,evenafteralltheseyears.”

“DamnTheMan,”Finbarsaidproudly.

“Nowthen,”Cassandrasaid,“tobusiness.Skulduggery,ifyouwouldn’tmind…?”

SkulduggerylookedatValkyrie.“Thismaygetalittlewarm.”

Heclickedhisfingers,summoningflameintobothofhishands,andthenhetossedthefireballsattheground.Theyfellthroughthegrilleandhegestured,andtheflamesspreadoutandstartedtoburnwiththecoals.

Cassandraclosedhereyesandstayedlikethatforaminuteortwo.ValkyriewantedtoaskifshecouldopenthedooratthetopofthestairstoletsomeairinbecauseSkulduggeryhadn’tbeenlying.Itwasgettinguncomfortablywarmdownhere.

Withoutopeninghereyes,Cassandrareacheddown,pickeduptheumbrellaandopenedit.Sheresteditagainsthershoulder,openaboveherhead,andshenodded.

“I’mready.”

FinbarturnedthelittleredwheelonthewallandValkyrieheardthewatergurglingthroughthepipes.Shesteppedbackasafewdropsstartedtofallfromthesprinklers,andSkulduggerymovedherbackthreemorestepsjustasthefullspraycameon.Valkyriestoodwithherbacktothewall,thesprayjusthittingherboots.Thewaterpassedthroughthegrille,hissingasithittheburningcoals,andsteambegantobillow.

Cassandrasatinthemiddleoftheroom,heryellowumbrelladoingitsbesttokeepherdry,andthenshewaslostfromsight.Thesteamwasthicklikemist,likefog,gettingdenserwitheachpassingmoment.Valkyrie’sheadwaspoundingbynow.

SheheardFinbarturnthewheelagain,thoughshecouldn’tseehim,andthesprinklersturnedoff.Thesteam,however,stayed.

SomeonemovedinfrontofherandValkyriereachedoutthenpulledherhandbacksharply.Therewasanotherfigurebehinditandtherewasmovementtoherright.Theyweren’taloneinhere.

Someonesteppedupbesideherandshewhirled,lashingout,andSkulduggerycaughtherfistinhisglovedhand.

“You’renotinanydanger,”hesaid.

“Therearepeopleinherewithus,”shewhispered.

“Watch,”herespondedandledherawayfromthewall,towardsthemiddleoftheroom.

Sheturnedherheadasafigureranthroughthesteamtowardsher.Shedodgedback,butthewaterhadmadethemetalgrilleslipperyandherbootslid.ShestumbledandGhastlyBespokeranather,hisbodyscatteringinthesteamrightbeforehehither.

Valkyriespun,awareofSkulduggerystandingbesideher,completelycalm.

“Thinkofitasahologram,”hesaid,“projectedontothesteam.Noneofthisisreal.”

Therewerebuildingsnow,oneithersideofthem,andaroadattheirfeet.Theroadwascrackedandthebuildingswereruined.Itwasadeadcity,deadordying,andsheheardmutedshoutsinthedistance.Afigureapproached,stridingthroughthestreetofsteam,aguninhishand.Skulduggery.Hisblacksuitwastorn.

TherealSkulduggerynodded.“AtleastI’mstilllookingwell…”

TheimageofSkulduggerydisappeared.Andthenasound.Someonescreaminginthedistanceandagunshot.SomewherenearthebackoftheChambertherewasaflare,likea

fireballbeingthrown.Thesoundwascomingfromeverywhere,frombesideandbelowandbehindandabove,anditwasthesoundofabattlebeingfought.

Darkfigureswerevisiblenow,aroundtheedgeoftheroom,andtheywerestruggling,runningandleaping.SomeofthemcarriedweaponsandValkyrierecognisedthesilhouettesofCleavers.

Therewasashadowinthesteaminfrontofthem,throwingCleaversbackliketheywerelittlemorethananannoyance.

ValkyriebackedupuntilshewasbesideSkulduggery.“Whatareweseeing?”

“Thefuture,”hesaidslowly.

Theimagesclearedandanewfiguredriftedintobeing.Valkyriesawherself,afewyearsolderthanshewasnow.

TheValkyrieinthesteamwastaller,andherbarearmswereleanandmuscled,likeTanith’s.Atattooswirledfromherleftshouldertoherelbowandsheworeablackmetalgauntletonherrighthand.Herlegswerestrong,theblacktrousersclingingtothem.Herbootswerescuffed,splatteredwithblood.

“I’veseenthis,”theValkyrieinthesteamsaid,herdarkhairwhippingacrossherface.“Iwaswatchingfrom…”SheturnedherheadandlookedstraightatwhereValkyriewasstanding.“…there.”

Valkyriecouldn’tmove.

“Thisiswhereithappens,”herolderselfcontinued,sadnessinhervoice.

“Stephanie!”

Twopeople,inthedistance,sprintingthisway.TheolderValkyrieshookherheadslowly.“Pleasedon’tmakemewatchitagain.”

Asifherprayerwasanswered,theolderValkyriedisappeared,thetwopeoplecamecloserandValkyrie’sheartplummeted.DesmondandMelissaEdgleyranthroughthesteam.

Skulduggeryheldherbackagainstthewall.“Thishasn’thappenedyet,”heremindedherquietly.

Herparentsstoppedrunningandlookedaround,andthedarkfigureValkyriehadglimpsedearliersteppedoutbehindthem.

“No!”ValkyriescreamedandSkulduggeryheldhertighterastheywatchedherparentsturn.

“Darquesse,”Finbarwhispered.

TheshadowcalledDarquesseraisedherarmandblackflameengulfedthesteamimagesofValkyrie’sparents,turningthemtoashbeforetheycouldevenscreamtheiragony.

Valkyriewentcoldasafreshbillowofsteamtookawaytheimage.Thesoundfaded

andthesteambecameclouds.Valkyrielookeddownandsawacitybelowher.

Awaveofvertigohitandshestaggered,standingonnothingbutair,milesabovetheground,butbeneaththecitysheglimpsedthemetalgrilleoftheChamber.Shetookabreathandwilledherselfnottothrowup.Theywereinthesameroom.Theyhadn’tmoved.Theywerenotstandinginmid-air.

Therewasablacknessspreadingacrossthecityandengulfingthesurroundingcountryside,asifthegrassandthetreesweresuddenlydying,asifalllifewasbeingsnuffedoutinawavethatspreadoutandjustkeptonspreading.Withinsecondsthelandbeneaththemwasdead.

ThenthecitywentawayandtheywereintheChamber,andthesteamwasquicklydispersing.Valkyrierealisedforthefirsttimethatherfacewaswetwithsweatandherhairclungtoherscalp.

Cassandrawalkedforward,shakingthewaterofftheyellowumbrella.“ThisisthefutureasIhaveseenit,”shesaid.“Butthefuturecanbechanged.Come.Youlooklikeyoucoulddowithaglassofwater.”

TheyfollowedherupthestairsandFinbar,whohadn’tsaidanythingforthepastfewminutes,wanderedintotheotherroom.WhileCassandrawenttothekitchen,ValkyrielookedatSkulduggery.Herheadachepounded.Ithurttoevenmovehereyes.

“Myparentswerethere,”shesaidquietly.

“Wecanchangeit.”

Hervoiceshook.“Myparents,Skulduggery.”

Helaidahandonhershoulderandhisvoicewassoft.“You’llsavethem.”

“YousawwhatIdid.Iletthemdie.”

“No.Sheletthemdie.Notyou.”

“Sheisme.”

“Notyet.”

“There’snouse.Shesawwhatwesaw,sheknewitwascomingandshestilljuststoodthereandletDarquessekillthem.That’swhat’sgoingtohappen.”

“No,Valkyrie.You’llfindawaytosavethem.Ihavefaith.”

“Myheadhurts.”

Cassandracameback,handedheraglassofwaterthatsheonlytookasipfrom,andafoldedleaf,thekindKenspecklehad,tonumbthepainoftheheadache.

“Icanonlyimaginehowhardthatwastowatch,”Cassandrasaid.“Butthisisaboutmorethanyou,andmorethanyourparents.Thisisabouteverything.”

“Theendoftheworld,”Finbarsaid,rejoiningthem.Helookedtired.“That’sthebitIsawinmyvision–thedarknessspreadingacrosstheplanet.Ididn’tseetheotherstuff.”

HelookedatValkyrie.“Ididn’tseeyouandyourfolks.I’msorry.”

“We’renotdeadyet,”Skulduggeryinterjected.“Well,Iam,buttherestofyouhaveabittogo.”

“Youknowaswellasanyone,”Cassandrasaid,“thatvisionsofthefuturearesubjecttochangeandtointerpretation.”

SkulduggeryturnedtoCassandra.“Doyouhaveanyideaofatimeframe?Whenisallthisgoingtohappen?”

“Idon’tknow.Valkyrielookedthreeorfouryearsolderthansheisnow,butwecan’tbesure.TheonlythingweknowforcertainisthatDarquesseiscoming,andshe’scomingtokillusall.”

Skulduggeryputonhishat,dippingitoverhiseyesockets.“Notifwekillherfirst.”

19THENEWPET

Valkyriehadtogohome.ThemomenttheyleftCassandra’scottage,sheknewshehadtogohome,toseeherparents,tomakesuretheywereOK.ShewastryingsohardnottoletSkulduggeryseehowbadlyshewashurting,orhowmuchshewantedtocry.ShebarelysaidanythingonthedrivebacktoHaggard.

Shecalledthereflection’sphoneandarrangedtopickitupasitmadeitswayhomefromschool.Itgotinthebackseatanddidn’taskanyquestions.TheypulledinafewmileslaterandSkulduggerygotoutofthecarwhileValkyrieandherreflectionswitchedclothes.TenminuteslatertheyarrivedinHaggard.ThereflectionsneakedaroundbacktohideinthebusheswhileValkyriewalkedinthefrontdoor.Itwasanunusualsensationsherealised,nottobecominginthroughherbedroomwindow.

“Mum,”shecalled,dumpingherschoolbaginthehall,“I’mhome.”

Forthreelongsecondstherewasnothingbutadreadful,heavysilence,andthenhermotherappearedinthedoorwaytothekitchen.Smiling.Safe.Alive.

“Howwasschool?”sheaskedandValkyrieboundedforwardandhuggedher.Hermumlaughed.“Thatbad,huh?”

Valkyrielaughedinreturnandhopeditwasconvincing.Shehuggedtightandthenforcedherselftobreakitoff,movingimmediatelytothefridgetohidethetearsthatthreatenedtospillontohercheeks.“Schoolwasfine,”shesaid,asbrashlyasshecould.“Schoolisalwaysfine.Nothinginterestingeverhappensthere.”

Sheopenedthefridge,tookabreath,andwhenshewascomposed,sheshutthefridgedoorandturned.“Howwasyourday?”

“Fullofadventureanddrama,”hermumsaid.“Ijustgotbackmyself.I’mexpectingyourfatherhomeanyminute.”

“He’sfinishingworkearly?Heneverfinishesearly.”

Hermumshruggedandtheyheardthefrontdooropen.

“Isshebackyet?”Valkyrie’sdadaskedfromthehall,ashestumbledoversomething,probablyherschoolbag.“Yes,she’shome,”sheheardhimmutter.HewalkedintothekitchenandValkyriehuggedhim.

“Youtoldher?”heasked.

“Nope,”hermumsaid.“She’sjustinahuggingmood.”

Valkyriesteppedback.“Toldmewhat?”

Herfatherlookeddownather.“Yougrowtallereveryday,youknowthat?”

Shemadeherselfkeepthesmile.Suddenlyshedidn’twanttogetanytaller.Shedidn’twanttogrowanyolder.BeingtallerandolderandstrongermeantbeingclosertothetimewhenDarquessewouldcomeforthem.Shewantedtostaythesameheightandageforever.

“Wehavenews,”hermothersaid,wrappingherarmaroundherhusband’swaist.

Valkyriefrowned.“What?”

“We’vedecidedtogetapet,”herdadannounced.

Valkyrielaughed,anditwasarealandgenuinelaugh.Aftereverythingthatshe’dhadtodealwithoverthepastfewmonths,havingsomethingsogloriouslynormalandfunasanewpettookonunimaginablelevelsofcomfort.Plus,she’dalwayswantedapet.

“Canwehaveadog?”sheasked.“Andnotoneofthoseannoyingyappydogs.HannahFoleyhasaChineseCresteddogthatdoesn’thaveanyhair,anditlookslikethelittleguywhohangsoutofJabbatheHutt’sceiling.Idon’twantoneofthose.Iwouldn’tbeabletotakeitforwalkswithoutbeingembarrassedforit.”

Herdadfrowned.“You’veseenStarWars?WhendidyouseeStarWars?I’vebeentryingtogetyoutowatchitforyears.”

Valkyriehesitated.Tanithhadmadehersitdownandwatchthemoviesoverthecourseofoneweekend.Ithadbeenaneducationalexperience.

“Ilikethelightsabres,”shesaid.

“We’renotgettingadog,”hermothertoldher,bringingtheconversationbacktowhereitstarted.

“Wecan’tgetacat,”Valkyrieargued.“Theydon’tdoanythingexceptplotagainstyouandmultiplylikeGremlins.”

“We’renotgettingacateither.”

“Canwegetasnake?”

“No.”

“Please?IcankeepitinmyroomandI’llfeeditmiceandthingsandIwon’tkillit.”

“Nosnakes,nohamsters,norats,noguineapigs.”

Valkyriesmiledhopefully.“Ahorse?”

“Howaboutsomethingalittlesmaller?”herdadsaid.“Like,Idon’tknow,abrotherorasister?”

Valkyrielookedatthem.“What?”

Hermother’ssmilewidened.“I’mpregnant,sweetheart.”

Ittookamoment,andwhenthatmomentwasover,Valkyriefoundherselfleaping

acrosstheroomandhugginghermotherandscreaming“OhmyGod!”overandover.Thenshethoughtthatshemightdamagethebaby,soshejumpedbackandleapedforherfatherandhuggedhim,andhelaughed.

Andlater,inherroom,tearscametohereyeswhenshethoughtofwhatkindofdangerthischildwouldbeborninto.

20THEZOMBIEHORDE

Thereisaveryparticularprocessonegoesthroughtobecomeazombie.Scapegracedidn’tgothroughitbecausehewasraisedfromthedeadbymagic,butafteralittlebitoftrialanderrorhefinallyfiguredoutwhattheprocessentailed.Thepersonhewasrecruitingneededtobebittenwhilestillalive,sothattheinfectionhadtimetospreadthroughthesystem.Scapegracewashesitanttobiteatfirst,ashewasworriedhowitmightlook.Hehadinitiallyplannedtojustgoafterattractivefemales,butquicklyrealisedthatthiswouldn’tbetootime-efficient.

HisfirstsuccessfulrecruitmenthadbeeninPhoenixPark.Therecruitwasamiddle-agedmanoutforastroll.Scapegracehadwaiteduntiltherewasnooneelsearoundandthenslippedoutfromhishidingplace.Heleapedonthemananddraggedhimintothebushes,wherehebithim.Themantriedstruggling,buttheinfectionwassurprisinglyfastacting,andwithinsixtyseconds,themanwasdead.Afterafewmoments,however,hiseyesopenedagainandhewaslookingupatScapegrace.

“AmIinheaven?”hehadasked.

“Don’tbestupid,”Scapegracesnapped.

“Sorry,”themansaidandgotup.

Scapegracehadlookedathisfirstrecruit.Ashabbyspecimenifevertherewasone,whoseemedtowearapermanentlydazedexpressiononhisface.

“What’syourname?”Scapegraceasked.

“Gerald,”saidtheman.

Scapegracepondered.Geraldthezombiejustdidn’thavethatfear-inducingringtoit.“I’mgoingtocallyouThrasher,”hesaid.

Thrasherblinked.“Allright,”hesaiduncertainly.

Scapegracenodded.Thrasherwasagoodname.Thrasherwouldbehisright-handmaninthenewzombiearmyhewasbuildingforhisMaster.

“Comewithme,Thrasher,”Scapegracesaid,leadingthewayandlikingthesoundofit.

Hehaddonealotmorerecruitingthatafternoon.InPhoenixParkaloneherecruitedSlasher,Crasher,DasherandBasher,thentheyalltookCrasher’svanandherecruitedSlicer,Dicer,WreckerandBoiler.BoilersignifiedtheendofScapegrace’snewnamestrategy,andfromthenonhejustcalledthemZombieOneandZombieTwo,thingslikethat.Hehadmoreonhismindthanthinkingupstupidnamesforhiszombies.

HehadbroughtthembacktohisMaster’scastle,andthefirstproblemtoarisewasthatnoneoftheotherzombiesseemedtorespectThrasher’sauthority.Itwastoolatetodemotehimnowthough.Suchanactwouldbeseenasweakleadership.TherecruitsneededtoseeScapegraceasinfallible,muchlikeapopeorapolitician.Scapegracecouldn’tadmitthatappointingThrasherashissecond-in-commandhadbeenamistake,andinsteadhopedthatThrasher’sheadwouldfallofforsomething.

ThesecondproblemwasthatScapegracewasstartingtosmell,buthewasconfidentthatnewplanshehadsetinmotionwouldtakecareofit.Theremightevenbeacreamouttherethatwouldhelp.Hehadtakentowearingcarfreshenersaroundhisneck,tuckedbeneathhisshirt.

Scapegracewalkedthestonecorridors,headingfortheroomwhichhousedhisnewzombiearmy.Heputonafierceexpression,openedthedoorandwalkedin.

Theywerechattingamongthemselves,tellingjokesandlaughing.Thrasherwasstandingattheedge,tryingtolaughalongwiththem,butseemedunsettlinglyhappytoseeScapegracewhenhewalkedin.Hewentuptohimandstoodtoattention.

“Goodevening,sir!”hesaid.Idiot.“We’reallhere,sir!”

“Ofcourseyou’reallhere,”Scapegraceresponded,annoyed.

“Sir,oneofthemenwasaskingaboutfood,sir.”

Scapegracemadeamentalnotenottorefertothezombiesasanarmyagain.Thrasherwaslettingitgotohisheadanditwasn’tveryscaryatall.Hordewouldbebetter.Hiszombiehorde.Muchbetter.

“Whataboutfood?”Scapegracegrumbled.

“Hewaswonderingwhatitisweeat,sir.”

“Wedon’teatanything,”Scapegraceanswered.“We’resustainedbymagic.Wedon’tneedfood.”

“Ishallinformthemen,sir!”Thrasherturnedonhisheelandfacedthezombies.“MayIhaveyourattention!”heshouted.

Azombiefromthebacksaid,“Gotohell,Gerald.”

Thrasherlookedlikehewasabouttocry.Scapegracewasnowseriouslyregrettinghisrecruitmentprocess.

“Wedon’teatanything,”Thrashersaid,tryingtokeepabravefacewhilehislowerlipquivered.ThezombiehordestoppedtalkingamongthemselvesandlookedatScapegrace.

“Wedon’teat?”Slicerasked.“What,nothing?”

“Notevenbrains?”ZombieElevenasked.

“Nothing!”Scapegracetoldthem.“Undernocircumstancesareyoutoeat!Notevenonetinylittlebite!Isthatunderstood?”

TheynoddedsullenlyandScapegraceturnedtothedoor.Beforehe’devenreachedit,theystartedbickeringamongthemselvesaboutwhatwouldtastebetter,brainsorflesh.Thesewerenottheslavering,mindlesscreaturesoftheundeadhehadhopedfor.Thesewerenotfearsomeintheslightest.Hiszombiesbickered.Scapegracelefttheroomquickly,closingthedoorlestthesoundofbickeringdrifttohisMaster’sears.Hehurriedbackthewayhehadcome,tryinghisbestnottopanic.

Hedidn’twanttodisappointhisMaster.Hehadbeensolookingforwardtopresentinghiszombiehordeandgettingtherecognitionhesought,thepraisehelongedfor.Maybeevenahug.Butitwasn’tgoingtohappen.HisMasterwouldtakeonelookatthehordeandrecogniseinstantlywhatapettybunchoffailurestheywere,andwhatagrotesquedisappointmentScapegracehimselfwas.

Scapegracereachedthesmallroomthatservedashispersonalquarters,hearingthelowgentlehum.Heopenedtherottendoorandquicklysteppedin,closingitbehindhim.Oneadvantageofthenewrecruitswasthattheircreditcardscouldstillbeused,andScapegracehadorderedThrashertobuyhimaplacetorest.

“Likeacoffin?”Thrasherhadasked,wide-eyedandstupid-looking.Scapegracehadhithim,toldhimnottoaskinsolentquestions,tojustdowhathewastold,andThrasherhadscurriedoff,nearlycryingyetagain.ButnowthatScapegracethoughtofit,hequitelikedtheideaofhavingacoffinofsorts.Hereckoneditwasactuallyprettynifty.Hehadn’ttoldhisMasteraboutit,andhedidfeelterribleaboutthat,butheneededthis.Hedidn’twanthisbodytofallapart,anduntilhefiguredoutawaytostopanydecomposition,thegiantfreezerwouldjusthavetodo.

Scapegraceopenedthelidandclimbedin.Hehadtocurluptofit,butapartfromthatitwasprettycomfortable.Heclosedthelidanddarknessconsumedhim.Comfortedbythedarknessandthehumofpower,helaythereandthoughtaboutallthewayshecouldkillthegirl.

21THERAID

“I’vealwaysthought,”Skulduggerysaidashedrove,“thatSkulduggerywouldbeanexcellentnametogiveababy.”

“Well,”Valkyriesaid,noddingslowly,“I’llbesuretopassonthesuggestion.Butwhatifit’sagirl?”

“Skulduggery,”Skulduggerysaid.

“Boyorgirl,thesamename?”

“Yes.”

“Idon’tthinkmyparentswouldgoforthenameSkulduggery,ifI’mbeinghonest.Ifit’sagirl,theymightdecideonStephanieNumberTwobecausethey’llprobablyneverseemeagain.”

“You’resuchapessimist.”

“We’reabouttowalkintotheSanctuary,wheretheyallwanttoarrestme.”

“Youdidbreakthelaw.”

“Iwasrescuingyou.”

Heshrugged.“IwashappywhereIwas.”

“Don’ttalktomeanymore.”

“Istillhaven’tthankedyouproperlyforrescuingme,haveI?”

“Nope.”

“Iwill,”hesaidandnodded.

TheyparkedattherearoftheWaxworksMuseumandgotout.

“They’renotgoingtoarrestyou,”Skulduggerysaidastheywalkedthroughthedoor.“Theymightglareatyouandsayangrywords,buttheywon’tarrestyou.Well,theymightarrestyou.There’sagoodchancetheywill.ButtheimportantthingisthatI’vedonenothingwrong.”

“Foronce.”

SkulduggeryledthewaythroughthedarknessandValkyriefrowned.HerNecromancerringwascold.Skulduggerymurmuredsomethingandtookouthisgun.TheSanctuarydoorwasopenandthePhilLynottfigurewaslyingmotionlessontheground.Itdidn’tlookupastheycreptby.Skulduggeryheadeddownthestairsfirst,Valkyrieright

behindhim.Therewasbloodsmearedonthewall.

TheysteppedoutintotheFoyer.Cleaverslaydead.Valkyriecouldn’ttellhowmanytherewere.They’dbeentorntopieces.

Skulduggerymotionedtotheopendooraheadandtheymovedtoitquietly.Asorcererwascrumpledinthecorridorbeyond,agapingholeinhischest.Theywentthrough,stickingtothewalls,notmakingasound.TheSanctuarywaseerily,unnaturallyquiet.

Therewasadeadvampirearoundthenextcorner.Itsbone-whitebodyhadalmostbeencutinhalfbyaCleaver’sscythe.Valkyriehadneverhadtheopportunitytostudyoneoftheseanimalscloseupbefore–notwithoutfightingforherlifeatthesametime.Itwasmale,andbald,anditswidemouthwasopen,aredpointedtonguelollingoutoveritsjaggedteeth.Itsblackeyesstaredsightlesslyattheceiling.

Theymovedonandsawanothervampire,itsheadcutoff.BesideitlayasorcererValkyriehadoncechattedwith.Hisfacehadbeenrippedapartbyaswipeofthevampire’sclaw.Hewasdeadtoo.

Skulduggerymotionedtoherthenpointeddownanadjoiningcorridor,towardstheholdingcells.Shenoddedandtheychangedcourse.Hermouthwasdry.Sherealisedshewasterrified.Everynewcorridorheldmoredeadbodies.Anarmyofvampireshadcomethroughhere–foralltheyknew,anarmyofvampireswasstilldownhere.

TheyturnedacornerandDavinaMarrspuntowardsthem,hereyeswild.Skulduggerywavedandhergunflewfromherhand.Hepushedandsheshotbackoffherfeetandhitthewall.Hekepthishandsplayed,holdingherthere.

“Whathappened?”hewhispered.

MarropenedhermouthtoshoutandSkulduggerywhippedhishandtotheside.Marrhittheoppositewallandfelltotheground,unconscious.

Valkyrieresistedtheurgetokickherastheypassed,andtheycontinuedontotheholdingcells.SkulduggerystoodguardwhileValkyriereleasedGhastlyandTanith.Movingquietly,TanithhuggedSkulduggeryandGhastlyshookhishand.

“Welcomeback,”Ghastlysaid,speakingsoftly.“Nowwhatisgoingon?”

“Vampires.”

“What?”

“Wedon’tknowhowmanyarestillhere,somoveoutandkeepitquiet.”

Theymovedquicklybackthewaytheyhadcomethenbrokeright.TanithpickedupaCleaver’sfallenscythe.TheypassedtheopendoorsintotheRepository,thecloseddoorintotheGaolandturnedleft.Inthecorridoraheadofthem,ThuridGuildwasproppedupagainstthewall.Hewasclutchinghisarm,whichwasobviouslybroken.Bloodranfromacutabovehiseye.

Hesawthemandshookhisheadsharply.Theyfroze.Hiseyestwitchedleft.

Avampirepaddedintoview,itsmouthsmearedwiththebloodofothers.ItapproachedGuildandheshrankback.Itsniffedhimandgrowled.Guildraisedhishandtopushtheairandthevampireswiped,almostlazily,andtheGrandMage’sfingersfelltothefloor.Guildscreamedandthevampiremovedin.Skulduggerywhistledthroughhisteeth.

Thevampireswivelleditshead,itsblackeyeswideningwhenitsawallthefreshmeatonoffer.ItforgotaboutGuildandboundedtowardsthem.

Valkyrie,SkulduggeryandGhastlypressedagainsttheairandthevampirehitaninvisiblewall.Itsnappedandclawedandroared,buttherewerenogapstogetthrough.SkulduggeryheldouthisotherhandandValkyriefelttheairshift,asanotherinvisiblewallclosedinonthevampirefrombehind.Skulduggeryclosedhishandgently,trappingthecreature.Thevampireliftedofftheground,squirmingandflailing,butunabletofreeitself.

“Stayhere,”Skulduggerymuttered,tossinghisrevolvertoGhastlybeforemovingbacktotheholdingcells,takingthevampirewithhim.

TheycrossedtoGuildandTanithhelpedhimtohisfeet.Hewassweatingandhisteethwerechattering.Valkyrieknewwellthesignsofsomeonegoingintoshock.

“Gethisfingers,”TanithtoldherasshehelpedGuildhobbledownthecorridor,Ghastlyleadingtheway.

Valkyrieblanched.Doingherbestnottogag,shepickedupthethreepalefingersandheldthemawayfromherasshefollowedtheothers.Shedroppedoneandsteppedonit.

“Damn,”shesaid.

“Whyisshesayingdamn?”Guildmuttered,tooweaktolookaround.“Whatisshedoing?”

TanithglancedbacktoseeValkyriehoppingononefoot,tryingtoworkthefingeroutfromthegroovesonthebottomofherboot.

“Nothing,”Tanithsaid,shootingheraglarebeforeturningback.

Onceagainholdingallthreefingers,Valkyriehurriedafterthem.

TheCleaverswereontheirthirdsweepoftheSanctuarybythetimeGuild’sfingerswerereattached.Thefinaltallywasfourteendeadvampires,plusonelivevampireinaholdingcell,andseventeendeadsorcerers.NineCleavershaddied.TheinjuredwerebroughtinandquarantinedastheSanctuarydoctorsworkedtoridtheirsystemsoftheinfectionsbroughtonbyvampirebites.ThreemorediedontheoperatingtableswhileValkyriewasstandingthere.

Againstthedoctor’sorders,GuildlefttheMedicalBayassoonashewasable.Hisbrokenarmwasinaslingandhisdamagedhandwaswrappedinaglovedesignedtospeedupthehealingprocess.

“ItwasDusk,”hetoldthemastheywalkedtheblood-splatteredcorridors.“WethoughthewasstillimprisonedinRussia.Theydidn’tbothertotellushe’descapedtwoweeksago.Billy-RaySanguineburrowedintohiscellapparently,andtheyfoughttheirwayout.TheRussiansdidn’tbothertotellusthateither.”

“SoSanguineandDuskareworkingtogetheragain,”Skulduggerysaid.“Butwhy?Whathappenedhere?”

“Duskplantedexplosivesonthedoorandledthewayin.I’veneverseensomanyvampires.Theycamelikeawave,swarmedovereveryoneandjustkeptcoming.”

“Duskhadn’tshedhisskin?”Skulduggeryasked.

Guildshookhishead.“Hewasstillhuman.Heletthevampirescomeatus,buthebrokeofftothenorthwing,totheRepository.Ihavepeopledowntherenow,tryingtoascertainwhathewasafter.”

TherewasacurseandtheyturnedtoseeDavinaMarrpointinghergunatthem,furyinhereyes.“StepawayfromtheGrandMage,”shedemanded.

Guildshookhishead.“Putdownthegun,Detective.”

“Sir,thesepeoplearefugitives!PleasantandCainwereworkingwiththevampires!Theyassaultedme!”

“Theywerenotworkingwiththevampires,”Guildsaid,“andasmuchasitpainsmetoadmitit,theysavedmylife.They’refreetogo,DetectiveMarr.Putdownthegun.Thatisanorder.”

Marrblinkedandloweredtheweapon.“TheDesolationEngine,”shesaiddully.

“What?”

“DusktooktheDesolationEngine.We’redoingavisualsearchnow,butitappearstobetheonlyitemthat’smissing.”

“What’stheDesolationEngine?”Valkyrieasked.

“Essentially,it’sabomb,”Ghastlysaid.“Itobliterateseverythingwithinitsradius,wipesitallout.ThesedaysitwouldbecalledaWeaponofMassDestruction.”

“Itwasonlyeverusedonce,”Tanithsaid.“Backin,whenwasit,1498?AtownoutsideofNaples.Everylivingthing,everybuilding,treeandstone,wasobliterated.”

Valkyriefrowned.“WhyisthereabombintheRepository?”

“That’saverygoodquestion.”

“It’sbeenmadesafe,”Guildsaid.“Itcan’tbeactivated.Itwaskeptherebecauseit’stheonlyoneofitskind.TheEngineisuselesstowhoeverhasit.”

“You’resureaboutthat?”Skulduggeryasked.

“Positive.It’sapaperweightnow.”

“Thatmaybeso,butthere’sareasonDuskwentafterit.”

“Thengetitback,”Guildsaid.“Dowhatyouneedtodotofindthemandstopthem.Youwillhaveaccesstoeveryresourcewehaveforthedurationoftheinvestigation.”Hesighed.“Pleasant,Idon’tlikeyouandtheideathatyouweregoingtospendtherestofyourexistenceonaworldofFacelessOnesreallywarmedmyheartthesepastfewmonths.Mywifewassayingtomejusttheotherdayhowshe’snoticedaspringinmysteplately.ThatwasbecauseIthoughtyouweregoneforever.”

“Imissedyoutoo,Thurid.”

“Butit’stimetosetmypersonalloathingofyoutooneside.We’vejustwitnessedamassacre,andweneedtocatchthoseresponsibleandmakethempay.”

“Youseekrevenge,”saidSkulduggery.

“Iseekretribution.”

Skulduggerylookedathimandnodded.Valkyrieandtheothersfollowedhimashewalkedaway.Marrglaredatthemwithfuryinhereyesandtheylefthertowhateverargumentshewasabouttohavewithherboss.

“I’monlygoingtobetellingyoutheabsoluteminimumaboutwhatI’vebeendoingthesepastelevenmonths,”SkulduggerysaidtoGhastlyandTanithastheyreachedtheFoyerandclimbedthestairs,“sodon’tbotherprying.”

“Finewithme,”Ghastlysaid.

“Alittlepryingwouldhavebeennice,”Skulduggerymumbled.TheypassedthroughtheWaxworksMuseumandemergedintothechillnightairtofindFletcherstandingbesidetheBentley.Hisarmswerefolded.

“Youabandoningme?”heaskedcrosslyastheyneared.“Isthatwhat’shappening?Idowhatyouneedmetodoandthenyoudiscardme,yeah?”

“Thisreallyisn’tthetimetobepetty,”Valkyriesaid,frowningathim.

“Onthecontrary,”Skulduggerysaid,“thisisanexcellenttimetobepetty.Fletcher,wedidn’tbringyouwithusbecausewedidn’twanttoriskyou.”

Fletchernarrowedhiseyes.“So…I’mstillontheteam?”

“Ofcourseyouare,”Skulduggerysaidhappily.“Apartfromanythingelse,you’retheonlyonewhocanguaranteethatweescapeanymorevampiresthatwecomeacross.You’regoingtoprolongallourlives,myboy.”

“Iam?”

“Youare.You,FletcherRenn,aregoodforourhealth.”

Fletcherbeamed.

“You’relikeourownlittlevegetable,”SkulduggerycontinuedandFletcher’ssmiledisappeared.

“Ineedmysword,”saidTanith.

“I’lltakeyoutoit,”Skulduggerysaid.“Valkyrie,takeFletcherandgoandseeChina.”

Fletcherfrowned.“I’mnotabus.”

Skulduggeryignoredhim.“IfanyonehasheardrumoursabutSanguineorDusk,shehas.ThefactofthematteristhatSanguinedoesn’tdoanythingforfree,soifthereissomeonepayinghisbills,weneedtofindoutwhothatis,andwhathewantswithboththeDesolationEngineandtheSoulCatcher.”

“Orwhatshewants,”Valkyrieadded.

“That’sagoodpoint,”Skulduggerysaid.“ThismightbethefirstmoveDarquessemakesonherroadtodestruction.Ifitis,thenwe’reinalotoftrouble.”

“Andifitisn’t?”

“Let’sfaceit,”headmitted,“we’reprobablystillinalotoftrouble.”

22THEMANWHOKILLEDESRYNVANGUARD

ValkyrieandFletcherappearedinChina’slibrary.Itwaslateatnightandtherewasnobodyaround.Fletcherdidn’tsayanythingastheywalkedandsheknewhewasthinkingaboutSkulduggery’sdismissiveattitudetowardshim.Fletcherdidn’ttalkmuchabouthisparents.Sheknewhismotherwasdead,butherarelymentionedhisfather.WasthatwhyhecouldbesoinsecureandintimidatedbySkulduggery?WasFletcherharbouringasecretneedforafatherfigure’sapproval?

Sheledthewayacrossthehallandknockedontheapartmentdoor.Chinabidthementer.ValkyrieturnedtoFletcher.

“Youstayouthere,”shesaid.

Hefrowned.“Why?”

“BecauseChina’sprobablystillweakafterbeingshotandshedoesn’tneedthebothofusinthere.Alsoeverytimeyou’rearoundheryoumakeafoolofyourself.”

“Noteverytime.”

“You’restayingouthere.”

“Ithinkyou’reconfusingmewithadog.”

“Stay.”

Helookedannoyedsoshelefthimtoitandsteppedin,closingthedoorbehindher.

ChinawalkedinfromthebedroomandValkyriestared.Chinalookedawful.Shewastoopaleandhereyeslookedbruised.Shemovedstifflyandworeasilkrobetiedwithasash.Stillbeautiful,unnaturallyso,butsick.ForthefirsttimeValkyriesawChinainamomentofweaknessandshedidn’tknowwhattosay.

“Yoursilencesaysitall,”Chinasaid,afaintsmileonherbloodlesslips.

“I’msorry.”

“Nonsense.”Shesankintoachairwithanaudiblesigh.“Takeaseat,Valkyrie.Youreactionisrefreshing.Mostpeopledotheirbestnottocatchmyeyeandprattleonlikenothingisdifferent.Nowthen,youwereattheSanctuary?”

Valkyriesat.“Yes.”

“ItwasraidedIhear.Byvampires.”

“Newstravelsfast.ItwasDuskwholedthem.”

“Himagain.”

“HestoletheDesolationEngine.”

“Ithoughtthathadbeenmadesafe.”

“Ithasbeen,sowedon’tknowwhyhetookit.”

Chinashiftedinherseatandgrimaced.

Valkyriehesitated.“Areyou…OK?”

“I’llsurvive.Thisiswhathappenswhenyouinvestallyourmagicintohealingabulletwound.It’snotpretty.TomorrowIshouldbebacktonormal.”

“Should?”

Chinawavedadelicatehand.“Youworrytoomuchaboutpeoplewhomeannothingtoyou.”

Valkyrie’seyeswidenedafraction,butChinastillnoticed.

“Oh,I’msorry,”shecontinued.“Ididn’tmeantosoundsocold.WhatImeantwasthereareotherswhowoulddeserveyoursympathymuchmorethanI.Fletcher,forinstance.Thatboyisalwaysgettinghimselfintotrouble.Howishe?”

“He’sfineIsuppose.He’soutinthehall.”

“My,youhavehimwelltrained.”

“China,doyouthinkIdon’tlikeyou?”

China’ssmilewasgentle.“No,mydear,I’msureyoudo.Youshouldn’t,butI’msureyoudo.You’vegotabigheart.That’snotacomplimentbytheway.That’saflawinyourcharacter.”

“I’llworkonit.”

“That’sallIask.”

“Sanguineisback.HestoleaSoulCatcherfromtheNecromancerTempleandhe’sworkingwithDusk.”

“Thatisinteresting,butI’mafraidIcan’thelpyouwithDusk.MyongoinginquiriesaboutSanguine,ontheotherhand,havefinallybornefruit.WhatdoyouknowoftheassassinationofEsrynVanguardduringthewar?”

“Justthathewasapacifistandtheguywhokilledhimgotoutofprisonafewdaysago.”

“AtthetimeofhisdeathsupportforVanguardandhisideaswascomingfromsoldiersonbothsidesofthewar.I’dalwaysdespisedtheman–thiswaswhenIwasasupporterofMevolent’s,youunderstand,andIknowthatMevolentdidnotappreciateVanguard’sattemptstobrokerpeace.

“HesuspectedthatVanguardwasworkingforEachanMeritorious,inanefforttorobMevolent’stroopsofthewilltodieforhim.Areasonablesuspicion,Ithinkyouwouldagree.”

“SohesentDreylanScarabtokillVanguard.”

“IhadturnedmybackontheFacelessOnesbythisstage,butyes,fromwhatIcangather,Scarabwasdispatchedtoeliminatetheproblem.Anarrow,dippedinpoison,whileVanguardwasaddressingahallfullofsupporters.Ithappenedsofastnobodyhadtimetodoanything.Vanguardwasdeadwithinseconds.Thecrowd,andbearinmindthesewereallsorcerers,swarmedthearea,huntingforthekiller,butScarabwasgone.Skulduggeryfoundhimafewdayslater,andwithGuild’shelp,hearrestedhim.”

Valkyriefrowned.“Guild?”

“GuildwasoneofMeritorious’smosttrustedmen.HeoversawcertaindepartmentswithintheSanctuaryandhisdutiesincludeddirectinteractionwiththeinvestigators.”

“Ididn’tthinkSkulduggeryandGuildwereeverfriends.”

“Oh,theyweren’t,”Chinasmiled.“Theyhatedeachotherfromtheverystart,forreasonsIwon’tgointohere.Buttheyworkedtogetheronoccasion.”

“SotheyarrestedScarabandhewassenttoanAmericanprison.WheredoesSanguinecomeintothis?”

“Ittookalongtimeformetocomeacrossthislittlepieceofinformation,soIhopeyouunderstandhowmuchofasacrificeitistopartwithitforfree.”

“Itwouldn’tbeforfree,”Valkyriesaid.“You’dhavemyundyinggratitude.”

“Freethen,”Chinasighed.“Scarabhadason,Valkyrie.YouaretryingtofindoutwhoispullingSanguine’sstrings?I’dlooknofurtherthanhisfather.”

“ScarabisSanguine’sdad?”Valkyriestood.“Thisis…Thisishuge.”

“Quite.”

“China,I’mreallysorry,Ihavetogo.IfIhavesomesparetime,maybeIcanstopbylatertoseehowyouare.”

“BythistimetomorrowI’llbebacktomyusualself.Butyourconcern–whilepointless–isnoted.Ofcourse,ifourpositionswerereversed…”

“Iknow,”Valkyriesmiled.“You’ddothesameforme.”

Chinaarchedaneyebrow.“I’msorry?DoIlooklikeImakehousecalls?Youmayleavemenow.”

“Thankyou,China,”Valkyriesaidandturnedtogo.“Oh,onemorething.Ghastly’sfaçade.It’sgreat.”

Chinasmiled.“Heseemstolikeit,doesn’the?Ittookmelongenoughtodevise,butIthinkit’sworthit.”

“Metoo,”smiledValkyriethenhurriedouttothecorridor.

“Well?”Fletcheraskedgrumpily.

“Wehavetheconnection,”shetoldhim,andimmediatelyhisgrumpinessvanishedandhetookherhand.

TheyappearedinGhastly’sshop.Itwasdark,sotheyturnedonthelightsandwaitedforSkulduggeryandtheotherstogetthere.ValkyriecrossedherarmsandlookedatFletcher.

“What?”heaskedinnocently.

“You’redyingtosayit.”

“Don’tknowwhatyoumean.”

“They’restillontheirwaybackfromtheSanctuary.We’vebeentoChina’s,foundaverylargepieceofthepuzzleandwe’reherebeforethem.Sayit.”

“I’msorry,Valkyrie,Ireallydon’tknowwhatyouwantmetosay.”

Shewaited.

“Although,”hebegan.

“Hereitcomes.”

“TeleportationisclearlythebestpowertohaveandyoushouldallbereallygratefulthatI’monyourside.Whyanyonewouldstillbeusingcars,Ihavenoidea.Isitpride?IsitbecauseSkulduggerydoesn’twanttoadmithowusefulIam?Idon’tthinkI’mappreciatedasmuchasIshouldbe,that’sall.”

“Right.”

“Weweregettingonfinewithouthim,youknow.”

“Wereallyweren’t.”

“WeweredoingOK.Itwasn’tadisaster.Noonegotkilled.”

“Afewpeoplegotkilled.”

“Butnotanyofus,”hesaid,exasperated.

“Anythingelseyouwanttocomplainaboutbeforehegetshere?”

Fletcherlaughed.“What,doyoureallythinkI’mscaredofhim?I’mnotscaredofhim.Butsinceyoubroughtitup,yes,thereisonething.I’molderthanyou.Ishouldbetheonegivingyouorders.”

“Yeah,no.That’snotgoingtohappen.”

“Ihavemoreworldexperience.”

“Atdoingyourhair.”

“Whatiseveryone’sproblemwithmyhair?Myhair’scool.”

HekepttalkingabouthishairuntilValkyrietoldhimtoshutup.AfewminuteslaterSkulduggeryandtheothersgotbackandValkyrietoldthemwhatshe’dlearned.

“It’stooneattobeacoincidence,”Skulduggeryagreed.“Well,allrightthen.Thatmeanswehaveourbigboss.Scarabisreleased,hehasanemotionalfather-sonreunionwithhispsychopathicoffspringandtheyrecruitDusk,maybeRemusCrux,andwhoeverelsehappenstobearoundandholdingagrudgeagainstsociety.”

“SowhatdoesScarabwant?”Tanithaskedasshelovinglycleanedhersword.

“Myguessishewantsrevenge,”Skulduggerysaid.

“Forwhat?Hecommittedacrimeandhewaspunishedforit.Ifhewasgoingtotakethesethingspersonally,heshouldn’thavekilledVanguardinthefirstplace.”

“Ah,”Skulduggerysaid,“that’sthething.Yousee,Idon’tthinkhedidkillVanguard.It’ssomethingI’vesuspectedforawhilenow.”

Ghastlystared.“But…youarrestedhim.”

“Becausealltheevidencepointedhisway,”Skulduggerynodded.“ItwasonlylaterthanIbegantosuspectthattheevidencewasrathertooeasytocomeby.”

“Scarabwasframed?”askedValkyrie.“He’sinnocent?”

“Notentirelyinnocent.Orevenremotelyinnocent.HewasMevolent’stopassassin,remember.But,asregardsthisparticularcrime,yes,Ibelievehewasinnocent.”

“Youhaveatheorythen?”

“Naturally.”

“SowhoframedScarab?WhokilledVanguard?”

Skulduggeryhesitated.“Iactuallyhaveahorriblefeelingthatwedid.”

23CRUX

RemusCruxdreamedofgodswithoutfacesandgirlswithoutheads.Hedreamedofavastforestofdeadtrees,ofscreamingthingshuntinghim.Hesawthingsinhisdreamthatherecognisedaspiecesfromhisoldlife.Theypassedhimbyandhewatchedthemgoanddidn’tmissthem.

Hewoke.

HehadtoldDuskhowtobreachtheSanctuary’sdefences,andwheretogotogetwhattheywereafter,andnowthevampirewasback,missionaccomplished,andCruxfeltnotoneshredofremorse.Peoplethathadoncebeenhiscolleagueshadjustbeenkilledandhedidn’tcare.Theywereheathens,unbelievers,enemiesoftheFacelessOnes.

DreylanScarabwasaheathentoo,buthewasausefulheathen.Heservedapurpose.CruxviewedScarabandhislittleRevengers’Clubasaconduittogethimwhereheneededtobe.Oncetheyhadfulfilledtheirusefulness,Cruxwouldeitherabandonthemorkillthem,whicheverwaseasier.Butfornow,theywantedtheSanctuarytofallalmostasmuchashedid,andsohewascontenttogoalongwiththeirplan.

Hecouldbepatient.Hecouldwait.He’dgethischance.ThegirlhadkilledtwoofhisDarkGodsafterall.Thegirlhadtopayforthatandshehadtopayforthelegacyshehadinherited.

Cruxknewthelegendwell.TheFacelessOneshadruledthisworlduntilthefirstsorcerers,theAncients,constructedtheSceptretokillthemanddrivethemout.OncetheFacelessOneshadbeenbanished,theAncientsfoughtamongthemselveslikethepettyinsectstheywere,untilonlyoneofthemwasleftalive.ValkyrieCainwasdescendedfromthelastofthem.

Itwasnowtimeforhertopayforthecrimesofherancestors.

24THEPLOTTHICKENS…

“Vanguardhadnobleintentions,”Skulduggerysaid,hisvoicefillingthespacebetweenthemall.“Hisdreamofpeacewasadreamthatinspiredagreatmanypeoplewhoweresickofthewar,peopleonbothsides.Someoneoncesaidabouthimthathehadseenwhathewascapableof,whatweallwerecapableof,anditfrightenedhim.Sohetriedtosaveus.

“HebelievedtheanswerwastoallowMevolentandhislottoworshiptheFacelessOnesopenly,asareligion.Hewascertainthat,giventime,theywouldlearntocurbtheirruthlessnessandtobehavewith…civility.

“Meritoriousdidn’tagree.Hedidn’ttrustMevolentoranywhostoodwithhim.AndwhileVanguardhadstartedoutasalonevoice,preachingunderstandingandacceptance,itwasavoicethatechoedandcarried.Soonitwasaroar.

“Thedreamofpeace,youunderstand,isadreamthatcomfortseveryoneexceptthesoldieronthebattlefield.Hecan’tthinkaboutpeace.Hecan’thesitate.Thesoldierlivesinthewar.Incombat,warishismother,hisfriendandhisgod.Tobelieveinanythingelseissuicide.

“IthinkMeritoriouscametotheconclusionthatthevoicethatstarteditallhadtobesilenced.Itwasgettingtoodangerous.Toomanypeoplewerestartingtobelievethattherewasaneasywayout.Toomanysoldierswerestartingtohavedoubts.MeritoriousneededthemfightingMevolent,notdreamingofpeace.”

“Butthisisallguesswork,”Ghastlysaid.“Skulduggery,IhadmyissueswithMeritorious,buthewasagoodman.Whatyou’resuggestinghereiscold-bloodedmurder.”

“Iknow,”Skulduggerysaid.“Andsomethinglikethat,ifitgotout,wouldteartheSanctuaryapart.WhichiswhyhewouldhaveassignedthejobtoThuridGuild.”

Ghastlytookaseat–heavily.“Ofcourse.GuildheadedtheExigencyProgramme.”

“What’sthat?”Fletcherasked.

“ExigencyMagesarehighlytrainedindividualsusedforcovertstrikesagainsttheenemy,”Skulduggerysaid.“Assassination.Sabotage.Dirtytricks.It’snotpretty,whattheydo,butitisnecessary.”

“Theytriedtorecruitus,”Ghastlysaid.“Skulduggery,me,afewothers.Wewereanindependentunitinthewar.Guildtriedtorecruitus,butwedidn’tlikewhathewasaskingustodo.”Helookedup.“SoyouthinkGuildassignedthejobtooneofhisguys?”

Skulduggerynodded.“Itmakessense.MeritoriousneededanassassinwhocouldcompletelydisappearafterwardsandGuildwouldhavevolunteeredhispeople.He’salwaysbeenbravelikethat.”

“Doyouknowwhoitwas?”Valkyrieasked.

“No.EverysingleshredofevidencepointedtoMevolent’smenandScarabinparticular.Bythetimeitregisteredthatthiswasalltooneat,tooeasy,we’dalreadycapturedScarabandthrownhiminprison.”

“Youcouldhavesaidsomething.”

Skulduggerydidn’tanswer.

“Let’ssayyou’reright,”Tanithsaid.“Let’ssayMeritoriousandGuildorchestratedVanguard’sassassinationandframedScarab.For200yearsScarab’sbeensittinginhiscell.Afterbeingcutofffromhismagicforsolong,hewouldhavestartedtoageagain,right?Sohe’sanoldman,he’soutandhe’sangry.Hehashispsychosonandtheirnutballgang,andthey’relookingforrevenge.SotheystealaDesolationEnginethatwon’tgooffandaSoulCatcher.Howdoesthishelpthemgettheirrevenge?”

“Andwhoaretheygoingtogetrevengeon?”Fletcheradded.“Meritoriousisdead.”

“They’llbegoingafterGuild,”saidSkulduggery,“soweshouldwarnhim.They’llprobablybeaftermetoo,butyoudon’thavetowarnme.Ialreadyknow.Asforwhattheywantwiththethingsthey’vestolen,Ihaven’tworkedthatoutyet.ButIwill.

“Ontheplusside,themorepeopleScarabhas,thegreaterourchancesareoffindingoneofthem.CruxwaslastseeninHaggard–maybehe’sstillthere,tryingtofindawaythroughChina’sperimeter.”

“Iknowthearea,”Tanithsaid.“I’lltakemybike,havealookaround.”

“AndIknowofacoupleofbarsSanguineusedtofrequentwhenhewasherelast,”Ghastlysaid.“They’llstillbeopen,eventhislate.Icanaskifhe’sbeeninrecently.”

Skulduggerynodded.“TakeFletcherwithyou–you’llgetthroughitfaster.Unfortunately,weknownexttonothingaboutDusk.ThevampireItooktotheholdingcellisn’tco-operating,whichisn’tmuchofasurprise,andhiskindareimpervioustomostkindsofpsychicreading.”

“ThenjustgetValkyrietoaskhervampiremate,”Fletchersaid.

Skulduggeryturnedsharply.“Herwhat?”

ValkyrieglaredatFletcherandheblushed.

“Uh,didn’tshe…Shedidn’ttellyou?”

“Ididn’ttellhim,”Valkyriesaid,herjawtight.

Skulduggerylookedather.“Youhaveavampirefriend?”

“HesetupthemeetingwithChabon,”sheexplained.“Iwasneveralonewithhim.TanithorGhastlywerealways—”

Skulduggerywhirledonthem.“Youknewaboutthis?Youknewshewasmeetingwithavampireandyouallowedit?”

“Wehaditundercontrol,”Tanithsaid.

“Youneverhaveavampireundercontrol!”Skulduggeryroared.“Itcouldhavekilledher!Forwhat?Forachancetogetmeback?Youshouldhaveleftmethere!”

TanithlookedawayandValkyrieloweredhereyes,herfaceburning.OnlyGhastlykepthisgazelevel.

“Itwasarisk,”Ghastlysaid,ascalmasever,“butitwasariskwedecidedtotake.Andnowthatshehasmadecontactwiththisvampire,weshouldconsiderusinghimtotryandfindDusk.It’sonlylogical.”

Skulduggerydidn’tmoveforamoment.

“Agreed,”hesaidatlast,allangergonefromhisvoice.“Valkyrie,wouldyoubeabletoarrangethat?”

Shenoddedslowly.Theseabruptchangesofmoodwerebecomingunsettling.

“Excellent.Ifwe’relucky,oneofthosethreepossibilitieswillleadtoScarab.Callifyoufindanythingout.Valkyrie?”

Sheledthewayoutoftheshop.Thenightwascold,butatleastithadn’tstartedtorainyet.TheywalkedtotheBentley.

“Icouldhavesaidsomething,”Skulduggerytoldher.

“What?”

“YousaidIcouldhavesaidsomething,onceIrealisedScarabhadbeenframed.Iwasagreeingwithyou.”

“Sowhydidn’tyou?”

Theyreachedthecar.Heunlockedit,buttheydidn’tgetin.

“Whenthewarstarted,”hesaid,“Iwasfleshandblood.Iwasafatherandahusbandfirst,andasoldiersecond.WhenSerpinekilledmyfamily,killedme,thatchanged.Icamebackasoldier.ThewarwasallIhad.

“Ididn’tlikeEsrynVanguardandIdidn’tagreewithhim.Isawhimasaweakeninginfluencethatwecouldn’taffordtotolerate.Ifhecontinuedtomakehisspeeches,totrytonegotiatewithMevolent,Itrulyfeltwewouldhavelostthewar.

“Ifoundout,afewyearslater,thatMeritorious’ssuspicionshadbeencorrect.MevolentplannedtoacceptthepeacethatVanguardwaspreachingthenmovehispeopleintopositionandstrikeagainsthisenemiesinonebloodynight.Ihappentotakesomecomfortfromthat–theknowledgethatwhatMeritoriousdidwas,essentially,therightthingtodo.”

“Soyouapprovedofhimorderingthemurderofaninnocentman?”

“Wewerefightingawar,”Skulduggerysaid.“Harshdecisionshadtobemadeeveryday.Thiswasoneofthem.”

Thefirstraindropsofthenightfell.Valkyriedidn’tmove.

“Ihavedoneterriblethingsinmylife,Valkyrie.Thingsthathauntme.SomeofthosethingsIhadtodo.Some…Ididn’t.ButIdidthemanyway.FormysinsIshouldhavestayedontheothersideofthatportal,whereIbelonged.Ishouldhavebeenhuntedandtortureduntilmybonesturnedtodust.Butyoucameintohellandyoubroughtmeback.Imaydisappointyou,butyouhaveneverdisappointedme.Andyouneverwill.”

Hegotinthecar.Afewsecondslatershedidtoo.Theydrove.

ShesleptintheBentley,seatbackandusinghercoatasablanket.Whenshewoke,justafterdawn,herdreamslippedawayfromherandshesatup.

“Baddream?”Skulduggeryasked.

“Wasit?Ican’tremember.”

“Soundedlikeanightmarefromallthatmuttering.Notthatyoucouldbeblamedforhavingnightmares.”

Valkyriefrowned,thedreamtoofargonenow,dispersingevenasshegraspedforit.“Don’tknow,”shesaid.“Itwasanoddonethough,Icanrememberthatmuch.DidIsayanythingembarrassing?”

“Nothingthatcouldbeusedagainstyou.”

Shesmiledthinlyandlookedacrossthestreettothestoragefacility.“Anymovement?”

“Notyet,butittakesafewminutesforavampire’shumanskinandhairtogrowback.Heshouldbeoutsoon,ifhe’seveninthereatall.”

Valkyriereadjustedherseat.“Thisiswherehe’sgothiscagesetup.”

“Whydidhehelpyou?Vampiresaren’tknownforbeingnice.”

“HehatesDusk.Hewon’ttellmewhy,buthehateshim.HehelpedusbecauseweputDuskinprison.Dusk’sstaydidn’tlasttoolong,butCaelanstillappreciatedit.”

ThedoorofthefacilityopenedandCaelansteppedout.ForamomentValkyriedidn’tmakeasound.Shehadn’trealisedhewassogood-looking.Hisnewskinwassofreshitpracticallyglowedwithhealthandhisblackhairshone.Shewatchedhimwalktoacarparkednearby,thenstop.Heturnedhisheadandlookeddirectlyather.Skulduggerygotoutandshefollowed.

“Benice,”shemutteredastheywalkedover.

“I’malwaysnice,”Skulduggeryresponded.

“Don’tpointyourgunathishead.”

“Oh,”hesaid,“thatkindofnice.”

Caelangreetedthemwithanod.Hedidn’twastetimementioningtheobvious–thatshehadgotSkulduggeryback.Neitherdidhewastetimelookingforanintroduction.Hejuststoodthereandwaitedforthemtostartspeaking.

“Idon’tlikeyou,”Skulduggerysaid.

“OK,”Caelansaidwithasinglenod.

“Idon’tlikevampiresasarule,”Skulduggerycontinued.“Idon’ttrustthem.Idon’ttrustyou.”

Valkyriesighed.“Itoldyoutobenice.”

“Well,Ihaven’tshothimyet.”

SherolledhereyesandsaidtoCaelan,“WeneedyourhelpfindingDusk.”

“I’msorry.Iwouldn’tknowwheretofindhimevenifIwantedto.”

“Butyou’dknowpeoplewhowouldknow,yes?”Skulduggeryasked.“Othervampires,liketheoneswhostormedtheSanctuarylastnightandslaughteredtwenty-ninepeople.Iwonder,wereyoulockedupinyourcagetheentirenight,Caelan?Ordidyouslipoutforasnack?”

Caelanlookedathimslowly.“Mycageistime-locked,programmedtoopenonlyatdawn.”

“You’reavampirewithaconscience,isthatit?”

“No,sir,”Caelansaid.“I’mamonster,justlikeyousayIam.IlockmyselfupatnightbecauseifIdon’t,someonelikeyouwillcomeandhuntmedown.Andsomeonelikeyouwilleventuallyfindawaytokillme.”

ValkyriesteppedbetweenthemandCaelan’seyescamebacktoher.Theywereasdarkasherown.Maybedarker.“Caelan,IknowyouhelpedmeoutwithGhabon,andIknowyoudon’towemeanything,butweneedtofindDuskandstophim.”

“Ikeeptomyself.”

“Iknow.”

Hiseyesflickeredaway,tohershoulder.“IcanaskMoloch.ButIcan’tgoalone.”

“We’llcomewithyou.”

Henodded.“Ican’tpromisethathe’llhaveanythingusefulforyou,oreventhathe’llagreetoseeus.Butreally,he’stheonlyonewhomighttalktome.”

“Theothervampiresdon’tlikeyou?”Skulduggeryasked.“Whyisthat?”

Caelanhesitated.“Inourcultureit’sforbiddenforonevampiretokillanother.”

“Youkilledanothervampire?”

“Yes,sir.Idid.”

“Why?

Caelanshrugged.“Hehaditcoming.”

25LASTVAMPIRESTANDING

Thetowerblocksrosefromthecementlikedrearycanyonwalls,oppressiveinstatureanddepressinginstructure.Builtinthe1960s,mostofthetowershadbeendemolisheddecadeslaterinanattempttogetridofthedrugsandcrimethathadseepedthrough,permeatingeverything.SixofthesevenBallymunFlatshadbeenflattened,theSheriffStreetFlatshadbeentorndown,theFlatsatFatimaMansionsredevelopedandreplaced.BythetimeDublinCityCouncilgotroundtotheFaircourtFlats,however,theyhadrunoutofmoney.

Towers,thirteenstorieshigh,oftinyapartmentsstackedsidebyside.Nograss.Notrees.Onelittleshop,defacedbygraffiti.Rustedshoppingtrolleysandoldmattresses.

ThegleamingBentleyparkedbesideaburnt-outhuskofacarandSkulduggery,ValkyrieandCaelangotout.SkulduggeryclickedonthecaralarmandtheyfollowedCaelanthrougharubbish-strewntunnel,asgreyastheskyitwasblocking.Theyemergedontheothersideandwalkedacrossaconcretesquaretoastairwellthatstankofhumanwaste.Theypassednoone.

TheelevatorwasbrokenandtheclimbtothetopburnedthemusclesofValkyrie’slegs.SkulduggeryandCaelandidn’tevennoticeit.

Stilltheypassednoone.

Theyreachedthetop,whereeveryseconddoorwaspaint-fleckedsteel,withthelocksandtheboltsontheoutside.Heavybarscriss-crossedthewindows.

Caelanhammeredhisfistagainstoneofthesteeldoorsandtheywaited.Therewastheclickofalockbeingundoneontheothersideandthedoorcrackedopen.Ayoungwomanlookedout.Shewaspaleandsweating,hereyesred-rimmedandjittery.

“We’reheretoseeMoloch,”Caelansaidandthewomanlickedherlips,glancedbehindherandslippedout.Valkyriewatchedherhurryaway,armswrappedaroundherself.

Valkyriefollowedtheothersintotheapartment.Itwasunfurnished.Thereweregroovesinthewalls,longanddeep,andmorescratchesonthebackofthesteeldoor.Thiswaswhereavampirelived–whereavampireragedandfoughttoleave.Therewasanothersteeldoorinthelivingroom,leadingintothenextapartment.InmuchthesamewayasChinahadknockeddownthewallsinherbuildingtoaccommodateherlibrary,thevampireMolochhadexpandedhislivingspacetoaccommodatebothsidesofhisnature.

InthisfurnishedapartmenttheyfoundMoloch.Hemayhavebeenhandsomeonce,buttheyearshadturnedhissharpfeaturescruel.Hishairwasthinningandhiseyesburned

withintelligence.HeworetracksuitbottomsandawhiteT-shirt,despitethecold,andhesatonthecouch,handslacedbehindhishead,masterofhisdomain.

“Youscaredawaymybreakfast,”hesaidinathickDublinaccent.HiseyesdrankinValkyrie.“Butitlookslikeyou’vecomewithahealthieroption.There’sasyringeonthetablebesideyou,love.OnepintofyourbloodisallI’llbeneeding.”

“It’saninterestingset-upyou’vegothere,”Skulduggerysaid,ignoringhiscomment.“Letmeguess.Theothertenantsprovideyouandyourbrethrenwithnourishment,whileyouprotectthemfromthedrugdealersandpettycriminals.AmIaboutright?”

“Yousoundlikeyoudisapprove,”Molochsaid.“Butisn’titbetterthanvampiresgoingaroundkillingmortals?Thiswaywedon’thavetobethehuntersandtheydon’thavetobeafraid.”

“Someoneshouldhaveprobablytoldthattothegirlwhoranoutofhere.”

“Thefirsttimeisdaunting,”Molochshrugged.“Butenoughaboutoursituation.I’dheardyouweregone.ThestoryIheard,youwerepulledintohellandyouweregoneforgood.”

“Iwas,”Skulduggerysaid.“I’mnotanymore.”

Molochcrackedasmile.“Theskeletondetective,standinghereinmyownhome.Imaginethat.Allthistimewe’vemanagedtokeepanon-existentprofile.Youdidn’tevenknowwewerehere,didyou?Sowhat’snextIwonder?YousendtheCleaversin?”

“They’relookingforDusk,”Caelansaid.

MolochblurredfromthecouchandthenCaelanwasgonefromValkyrie’sside.Therewasacrashandshewhirled.MolochhadCaelanbythethroat,pressinghimupagainstthefarwall.

“Youledthemhere,”Molochsnarled.“Youledthemtomyhome,youignorantpup.Ishouldripyourheadoffrightnow.”

Skulduggeryhadhishandsinhispockets,seeminglyunperturbedbythepossibility.

“Weforcedhimtobringushere,”Valkyrietried.

MolochtightenedhisgripandCaelankickeduselessly,butthenhereleasedhim.Molochturned.

“ValkyrieCain,”hesaid,wipingthespittlefromhislips.“TwoyearsagoyoukilledmyInfectedbrothers.Youledthemintothesea,soIhear.”

“Ijumpedintothesea,”Valkyrieresponded.“It’snotmyfaulttheyjumpedinafterme.”

“Youmisunderstand,youngone.I’mthankingyou.Ifthey’dbeenallowedtoturn,oneofthemwouldprobablyhavegoneonarampagethroughthecity,orbeencaughtoncamera,orbeenseendoingsomething.Itwouldhavebeendisastrousforus.

“Creatingnewvampiresisanartform.TheInfectedhavetobecontained,trained,

taughthowtobehave.They’renotzombies,forGod’ssake.ButDuskviewsthemasanarmy,notfamily.”

“HesentfourteenfreshvampiresintotheSanctuarylastnight,”Skulduggerysaid.

“Isthatso?”

“Youdidn’thear?”

“Isleeplate.WhatmakesyouthinkI’llhelpyouanyway?We’renotalltorturedsoulslikeCaelanherepretendstobe.Idon’tworkwithsorcerers.AndIsuredon’tworkwithSanctuaryagents.”

“You’vebeenwonderinghowtosolveaproblemlikeDuskforalongtime.Everymorningyou’vebeenwaitingforanopportunitytocomeknockingonyourdoor.Well,weknocked.”

Molochconsidered.Behindhim,Caelanstayedflatagainstthewall,staringatthebackofMoloch’sheadlikehewasboringaholethroughit.

Molochpulledbacktherug,revealingasteeltrapdoor.Itwasbigandround,andlookedheavy,butMolochopeneditwithoutdifficulty.ValkyrieandSkulduggerysteppedtotheedgeandpeeredintothegloom.

“It’swherewekeepthem,”Molochsaid.“You’dbesurprisedhowmanypeoplelivinginthesebuildingswanttobelikeus.Strength,speed,longlifeandnomagicrequired.Justabite.Ormaybeyouwouldn’tbesurprised.Poverty,unemployment,noprospects,noself-respect–whatelseistheretoaimfor?Thepointis,beingavampireisjustlikeanyotherattractiveemploymentopportunity–therearealotofpeopleapplyingforasmallnumberofplaces.

“Sowheneverweneedmore,wegathertheapplicantstogether,takealittlebiteanddumpthemdownthishole.Fortwodaystheyfightamongthemselves.Whoeverisleftattheend,oncetheinfectioniscomplete,joinsthefamily.”

“Andtherestareslaughteredalongtheway,”Skulduggerysaid.

“Darwinianinitssimplicity,don’tyouthink?”

“HowdoesthishelpusfindDusk?”Valkyrieasked.

“Oneofmypotentialbrothersdowntherewasnotinfectedbyus–hewasinfectedbyoneofDusk’svampires.Hesawtheirlairbeforehemanagedtoescapeandcomehere.”

Shefrowned.“Howdoweaskhim?”

“You’regoingtohavetodothatinperson,”Molochsaid,andmoved.HecrashedintoSkulduggery,sendinghimhurtlingoffhisfeet.CaelancameforwardandMolochthrewhimacrosstheroom,thenhegrabbedValkyrie.

“BykillingthoseInfected,”hesnarled,“youdidusafavour.Thanksforthat.ButIcan’tletthatcrimegounpunished.”

Sheraisedherarm,buthewasalreadypushingherandshecriedoutasshefellintothehole.Shetwistedasshefell,handsoutagainstthedarkness,droppingthroughanotherholeinthenextapartment.Shefeltpressureonherpalmsasthefloorrushedtomeetherandshepushedagainsttheair.Herdescentslowedandshegotherfeetunderher,landinginacrouch.

Dimlightdriftedfromlow-wattagebulbs,illuminatingfadedwallpaper,rattycarpetandnotmuchelse.She’dfallenfromthethirteenthfloor,throughthetwelfth,andnowshewasintheeleventh.Molochhadalreadyclosedthetrapdooraboveher,sealingherin.Valkyriefocusedandtestedtheair,feelingmovementaroundher.Shewasnotalone.

Shesteppedbackagainstthewall,sawagapthathadbeenknockedoutofitandslippedthrough.Therewasanothergapahead,andthroughthemurkshesawyetanotherbeyondthat.Everyapartmentonthisfloorwasclumsilylinkedtogether,andbythelooksofit,everydoorandwindowwasbrickedover.

No,shetoldherself,noteverydoor.Therewouldbeonedoor,undoubtedlysteelandlockedfromtheotherside,thatallowedthelastvampirestandingtogetoutofhere.

Shejusthadtofindit.

Therewasasnarl,somewheretoherleft.Aflurryofmovementandamandartedintothelight,andshepushedattheairandcaughthimjustashejumpedather.Shespun,grippingtheshadowsandpunchingthemintothechestofthewomancomingupbehindher.Thensheran.

Shejumpedthroughaholeinthenextwall,straightintothearmsofanotherInfected.Hismouthwasopen,sharpenedteethdivingforherthroat.Sheslammedherforeheadintohisfaceandhehowledinpainanddroppedher.Shestaggered,dazed,knockingagainstasmalltable.Herhandfoundalampandsheswungitintohishead.Thelightexplodedanddarknessswarmedaroundthem,butshewasalreadypushingbyhim.

TherewerethreeInfectedwaitingforher.Sheclickedherfingersandsetfiretoasofa,thensentithurtlingtowardsthem.TheInfecteddodgedoutofthewayandsheranby,throughadoorintoadarkkitchen,outthroughthewall,trippingoverherselfandstumblingintothenextapartment’sbedroom.

Somethingrushedherandforamomentsheflewthroughemptyspace.Thewallsmackedintoherandasshefell,shesawthemanlungingatheragain.Shetriedtopushattheair,buthegrabbedherwrist.Hesqueezedandthepainbroughthertoherknees.Hisotherhandliftedherandhewhirled,sendingherthroughintothelivingroom.Shelandedonatable,scatteringwhateverjunkhadbeenpiledontopofit,androlledoff.

Anotheronegrabbedher.Valkyriejammedherforearmintohismouthashetriedtobiteher,forcinghisheadback,andwithherfreehandshesentahalf-fistintohisthroat.Hegaggedandfellaway,andaweightlandedonher.Shewentdownandafistcrackedagainsthercheekandtheworldspun.ShecoveredupastheInfectedsentpunchesrainingdownontopofher,hercoatsleevesabsorbingmuchofthepunishment.Theotherswouldbecoming.Ifshestayeddownforanylengthoftime,they’dbealloverher.

SheclickedherfingersandthrustahandfulofflameintotheInfected’sface.Hescreechedandrecoiled.Shepushedattheairandhewasflungback,crashinghisheadintothewall.Shegotup.Throughthegloomshesawmoreofthemrunningin.Thiswasn’tgoingtowork.Skulduggerycouldhavebattledhiswaytothedoor,butshewasn’tSkulduggery.Sheneededanewplan.

“Stop!”sheshouted.

Amazingly,theInfectedstopped.

“I’mnotheretofightyou,”Valkyriesaidloudlyandclearly.“I’mnotheretohurtyouorcompetewithyou.Molochsentmedownheretotalk.Hewantsoneofyoutohelpme.Doyouunderstand?”

Theylookedatherlikeshewasfood,buttheystayedwheretheywere.SomewhereinthedarknessanInfectedgrowled.

“IneedtofindDusk.Oneofhisvampiresinfectedoneofyou.Youwerebroughttohislair.Ineedtoknowwherethatis.”

Somewheretoherright,therewasanothergrowl.

“Ifyoudon’thelpme,”shecontinued,glaringatthem,“you’reallgoingtoburn.Doyouhearme?Molochhasnotimeforvampireswhodisobeyhim.”

Shefiguredabouthalfofthemweregrowlingnowandshewasseriouslyregrettingthisplan.Herbackwastothewallandtheyweregatheredinfrontofher,readytoripherapartthemomentshesaidthewrongthing.

“MynameisValkyrieCain,”sheshoutedoverthenoise.“Youmayhaveheardofme.IkilledtwentyofyoutwoyearsagoandI’llkilltwentymoretodayandIwon’tthinkittoomany.”

Thegrowlingstopped.

“I’mnotdownhereforthegoodofmyhealth,soI’mgoingtoaskjustonemoretime–whichoneofyouknowswhereDuskis?”

Shesawthemglanceateachother,andthenoneofthem,agirlwithashavedhead,steppedforward.ShepointedattheunconsciousInfectedonthefloor,theoneValkyriehadburned.

“Hedoes,”shesaid.

Valkyrie’sshoulderssagged.“You’rekiddingme.”

“Hewastalkingaboutitearlier,beforewewerethrowndownhere.”

“Didhehappentomentionwherehewasbrought?”

“NotthatIheard.”

“Anyone?Didhementionittoanyone?”

Nooneanswered.Oneofthemstartedtogrowlagain.

“Where’sthedoor?”sheaskedquickly,beforeshelostthemcompletely.“Thesteeldooroutofhere,Molochtoldmetofindit.Whereisit?”

Theskinhead’seyeswereonceagainlockedontoher,butshemanagedtonodherheadtothenextapartmentover.

“OK,”Valkyriesaid,preparingherself.“OK.”

ThefirstInfectedcameatherlikeabullet,andshesidesteppedandslappedherfistintohisback,sendinghimintothewallbehindher.TheskinheadgirlchargedandValkyriekickedherkneethenkneedherface.ShewhippedtheshadowsatthenextInfectedwhocamecloseandsentawaveofdarknessintoanother.Sheclickedherfingersandthrewfireballsandmanoeuvredovertotheunconsciousman.

Themomenttherewasabreakintheattacks,shesquatteddownandliftedhimbyhiscollar.Shesnappedherpalms,sendinghisragdollbodyacrosstheroom,knockingdowntheInfectedlikebowlingpins.

Handsreachedforherassheranafterhim.Theairshimmeredandsheclearedapath,reachinghimanddragginghimthroughtheholeinthewall.Sheglancedoverhershoulderandsawtheoutlineofadoorinthedarkness.NowallshehadtodowasholdthemoffuntilSkulduggerydidwhathetendedtodo–arriveinthenickoftime.

TheunconsciousInfectedmurmured.

“Hey,”shesaidintohisear.“MolochwantstoknowwhereDuskis.”

Hegroaned.Sheslappedhimacrosstheface,hard.

“WhereisDusk?Wherewereyoutaken?”

“Acastle,”hemuttered,asadarkshapecamethroughtheholeandcollidedwithher.

Theywentsprawlinginthemessonthefloor.Shegrabbedachunkofdebrisandsmackeditintothefaceofherattacker.Sherolled,nowshewasontop,andpunchedhimwithherleft,anditfeltlikeherhandhadbroken.Shegotupandhekickedherlegsfromunderher.

Lightfloodedtheroomasthedooropenedbehindherandhandsgrabbedher.Suddenlyshewasbeinghauledout.

“No!”shecried.“Thatoneknowswheretheyare!”

Shewasoutsidenow,pressedagainsttheconcreterailing,lookingoutattheothertowerblocksandthegreyskyandtheeleven-storeydropbeneathher.ShespunroundtotellSkulduggerytogettheInfectedmanshe’dburned.Butitwasn’tSkulduggery.

Duskliftedherandthrewherovertherailing.

26KIDNAPPED

Thetowertiltedawayfromher,andthentherewasnothingbutthegreyskyandthesoundofwindrushinginherears.

Theothertowersveeredintoviewthenthegroundsweptinandoutagain,andValkyriewasturningoverasshefell.Therewastheskyandheavycloudsandherhair,andashape,Skulduggery,droppingtowardsher.Sheturnedagainandsawthegroundandhisarmswrappedaroundher.

Theirplummetslowedandnowtheyweremerelydrifting.ThentheystoppedandSkulduggeryletherputherfeetontheground.

“AreyouOK?”heasked.

Shecouldn’tanswer.Shecouldbarelybreathe.Shejustgrippedhisshouldertomakesureshedidn’tfallover.

Therewerepeoplelookingatthem.Theordinarytenantsofthebuildinghadsteppedoutoftheirapartmentsandtheywerelookingdownatthemsilently.

“Dusk,”shemanagedtosay.“He’supthere.”

Theonlyfloorsthatdidn’thavealineofpeopleatthebalconiesweretheeleventhandthethirteenth,butnowshecouldseemovementontheuppermostfloor.Peoplewereclimbingovertherailing.Eightofthem.

Theyletthemselvesgo.

Theyfellgracefully,threestoriesatatime,balconytobalcony,pausingonlymomentarilybeforeallowingthemselvestocontinuedown.Thenhalfofthemsprang,propellingthemselvesawayfromthebuilding,andtheotherswaitedaheartbeatandthendived.AlleightvampiresflippedandlandedinaperfectcirclesurroundingSkulduggeryandValkyrie.

Thevampiressmiledatthem,notevenoutofbreath.

Molochcamedownlast,carryingsomethingbigoverhisshoulder.Hegottothefourth-floorbalconyandletitdrop.Ittumbledandspunasitfell,andshesawthatitwasCaelan.Hehitthegroundhardandlaythere,unconsciousandbleeding.

Molochlanded.Theringofvampirespartedandhewalkedthrough.

“GiveDusktous,”Skulduggerysaid.

“He’salreadygone,”Molochresponded.

Skulduggerynodded,consideringwhathewasgoingtosaynext,andthenhisgun

flashedfromhisjacketandMolochbatteditfromhishand.Anothervampirecaughtit.Oneofthemlaughed.

“Youwon’tkillus,”SkulduggerytoldMoloch.

“Really?”Molochsaid.“Whynot?”

“Becauseyouwon’tbeableto.AndthenwewillcomebackwithanarmyofCleaversandtearthesetowersdownaroundyou.WewantDusk.”

“I’vehelpedyouallIcan,”Molochshrugged.

“Helpedus?YoutriedtokillValkyrie.”

“No,Ididn’t.Iputherinasituationwhereshemightdie,yeah,butIdidn’ttrytokillher.Didyougetwhatyouneeded,youngone?”

Valkyriemethiseyes.“Hejustsaidacastle.”

“Thereyougothen.Hewasbroughttoacastle.That’saclue,isn’tit?Imean,howmanycastlesaretherearoundhere?Notthatmany,I’dwager.”

“WhenwetakedownDusk,”Skulduggerysaid,“we’regoingtotakedowneveryonewhostandswithhim.”

TheamusementleftMoloch’sface.“Wedon’tstandwithhim,skeleton.Hemadeusanofferandifcertainthingsgocertainways,we’llbeconsideringit.Ifyouhappentotakehimdownbeforethat,sobeit.”

“Thenwhatwashedoinghere?”

“RequestingsomeoftheInfectedtobringhome,toreplacetheladslostintheSanctuaryraid.Apparently,hecan’taffordtobewaitingthetwonightsittakestoturnvampiresonhisown.”

“AnddidyougivehimyourInfected?”

“Ofcoursenot.Hewasn’texactlyhappyaboutit,butthereyougo.”

Skulduggeryheldouthishandtothevampirewithhisgun.Molochnoddedassentandthegunwasreturned.Skulduggerysliditintohisholster.

“We’regoingtobewatchingyou,”hesaid.

“Ofcourseyouare,”Molochreplied,bitternessinhisvoice.Atanunseensignal,theeightvampiresleftthem,walkingsilentlyfromthesquare.“TakeCaelanwithyouwhenyouleave,”Molochcontinued.“He’susedupanygoodgraceIhaveleft.Tellhimnevertocomebackhere.”

Skulduggerynoddedandtheywatchedhimgo.

They’dleftCaelanatthestoragefacility,andhehadlimpedfromthecarwithoutlookingback.Valkyriefeltbad–he’dbeenhurtbecauseofthemafterall.Buttheycouldn’tbringhimwiththemtoseeKenspeckleGrouse,notwiththeProfessor’svampirephobiaatanall-timehighlately.

TheyparkedatthebackoftheoldHibernianCinemaandwalkedin.Nowthattheadrenalinehadwornoff,thepainfromthehandValkyriehadbrokenwhilepunchingwasshootingthroughher.ShecradledherarmasshefollowedSkulduggeryupontothestageandthroughthedoorprojectedontothescreen.

Theytookthefirstcorridortotheirright,almostbumpingintoClarabelle.Sheheldtwolongtesttubes,oneineachhand,bothfilledwithaclearliquid.

“Hi,Clarabelle,”Valkyriesaid.“IstheProfessorin?”

Clarabelle’seyesweremovingbetweenthetesttubes.“Safe,unsafe.Safe,unsafe.Leftonesafe,rightoneunsafe.Leftsafe,rightunsafe.”Shelookedupandsmiledbrightly.“Hello,Valkyrie!Hello,Skulduggery!Ihaven’tseenyouinages!”

“Well,”Skulduggerysaid,“I’vebeen—”

“It’sbeenweeks,hasn’tit?”Clarabellecontinuedandlaughed.“It’sprobablyonlybeenafewdays,butitfeelslikeit’sbeenweeks!I’dtakethatasacomplimentifIwereyou!”

“I’lltry,”Skulduggerymurmured.

Clarabellelookedbackatthetubes.“Leftsafe,rightunsafe.Safe,unsafe.”

“What’sthatyou’reholding?”Valkyrieaskedbecauseshehadto–therewasreallynowayaroundit.

“Oh,these?”beamedClarabelle.“They’renothing.”

“Oh.”

“They’renotreallynothingthough.It’sjustanotheroftheProfessor’sexperiments–youknowhowheis.Buttheimportantthingtorememberisnottodrinkeitherofthem.That’swhathetoldme.Hesaidaboveallelse,donotdrink.SoIaskedhim,ifIdiddrink,whichonewouldbeworseforme?AndtheProfessorsaiddon’tdrink.AndIsaidyes,butifIdid,andhesaidwhywouldI,sincehe’sjusttoldmenotto?ButIsaidyes,Iknowthat,butjustsayIdiddrinkoneofthem,whichonewouldbeworseforme?Andhesaidtheoneinmylefthand.”

“Butthat’sthesafeone,”Valkyriesaid.

“Sorry?”

“Youweresayingleftsafe,rightunsafe,justamomentago.”

“Areyousure?Areyousureitwasn’ttheotherwayaround?”

“Theleftoneisthesafeone,”Skulduggerysaid.“That’swhatyouwerechanting.”

Clarabellefrowned.“Idon’treallyknowmyrighthandfrommylefthandthough.”

Skulduggerypointed.“That’syourlefthand.”

“Butthisistheunsafeone.”

“Areyousure?”

“Practically.I’llcheck.”

Beforetheycouldstopher,Clarabellesippedfromthetubeinherrighthand.Sheslosheditaroundinhermouth,swallowedandnodded.“Yes,”shesaidhappily.

“Wasthatthesafeone?”Valkyrieasked.

“Noidea,”Clarabellesaidandwalkedon.

KenspeckleGrousehurriedintotheEmergencyRoomaheadofthem.Theywalkedinafterhim.Hewasbrushinghiswhitehair,hisbacktothem.Hesawthementerinthemirrorhewasusing.

“Idon’tknowwhyIbother,”hegrumbled.“Ineverneatenmyhair.Ijustmoveitaroundonmyhead.”

“Hello,Professor,”Skulduggerysaid.

“Iheardyouwereback.”Kenspeckleturned.Hewaswearingslacks,ablazerandayellowbowtie.“Isaidtomyself,it’sonlyamatteroftimebeforehearrivesinhere,Valkyriebesidehim,withanotherinjuryformetofix.Whatisitthistime,Valkyrie?Brokenarm?”

“Justthehand.”

“Oh,that’smuchbetter,”hesaidscornfully.Hepickedaleaffromabowlonthetableandfoldedit.“Open,”heordered.Sheopenedhermouthandhepoppeditin.Heexaminedherhandwhileshechewedandimmediatelythepainlessened.Pleasingly,italsoblockedoffanotherheadachethatwasthreateningtoemerge.

“WepassedClarabelle,”Skulduggerysaid.“Shedrankfromoneofthetesttubesshewasholding.”

Kenspeckle’sheaddrooped.“Thatgirl,”hesaid.“Oneofthesedaysshe’lllearn.Idon’tknowwhatshe’lllearn,butshe’lllearnanditwillbeagoodday.”

“Issheinanydanger?”

Hestartedsearchingdrawers.“Notreally.Bothtubescontainmineralwater.You’dbeastonishedhowmanytimesI’vegivenherwaterandtoldheritwassomethingelseandnottodrinkit.Shealwaysdrinksitthough.Always.It’sacompulsion.”Heshowedthemahugeunevenbowlthatlookedlikeitwasmadeinanidiot’spotteryclass.“Shemadethisforme,asatokenofherappreciationforemployingherwhennobodyelsewould.”

“It’snice,”Valkyrielied.“Colourful.”

“Itwasmeanttobeamug,”Kenspeckletoldher.“Howbigdoesshethinkmymouthis?Icouldfitmywholeheadinthere,forGod’ssake.Itdoesn’tevenhaveahandle.Andlookatthis.”Heputthebowlonthetableandittilteddrastically.“It’ssooffbalanceit’sindangeroffallingoffaflatsurface.”

Hepouredvariousliquidsandpowdersintothebowlandcheckedhiswatch.

Valkyriefrowned.“Areyougoingout?”sheasked.

Kenspecklestartedstirring.Thebowlrockedrhythmically.“Iam.”

“You’realldressedup.Younevergetdressedup.Areyou…?Doyouhaveadate?”

“Whydoyousoundsosurprised?BecauseI’mold,isthatit?BecauseI’manoldmanandoldpeopleshouldn’tgooutondates?Becausewedon’tneedloveorcompanionship,andwedon’tgetlonely?Isthatit?Isthatwhyyou’resosurprisedIhaveadate?”

“No,”shesaid.“It’sbecauseyou’rereallygrumpy.”

“Ah.Yes.Iamrathergrumpy.ButwhatcanIsay?Somewomenlikethat.”

“Whatwomen?”

“Womenwithlowexpectations.”

“Soyouhaveadatenow?It’snotevenlunchtime.Whereareyougoing?”

“Bingo.”

“Bingo?”

“Bingo.Everyone’splayingitapparently.”HemotionedValkyrieoverandnoddedtothebowl,whichwasnowfullofbrownsludge.“Putyourhandin,”hesaid.

Shedidso.Itwascoldandgrittysludge.

“Keepitthereforthreeorfourminutes,untilthetinglingstops.Donotflexyourfingers,doyouhearme?Onceyou’redone,washyourhandinthesink.Andwashitwell–Idon’twantyouruiningthetowel.Therewillbesomemildbruising,butbythisafternoonyouwon’tevenknowitwasbroken.”

“You’regoing?”

“Ihaveadate,Valkyrie.”

“Right.Yes.Sorry.Yougoon,I’llbefine.”

“Yourmedicalopinionmeanssomuchtome,youhavenoidea.DetectivePleasant,pleasemakesureshedoesn’tbreakanythingelsewhileshe’sstandingthere.”

“I’lldomybest.”

“That’sallIcanask.”

Hebowedtothembothandsweptfromtheroom.

“He’sinagoodmood,”shesaid.

“Heis,”Skulduggeryagreed.“It’sdisconcerting.”

“Andalittlegross.”

“Thattoo.”

Herphonerangandsheansweredwithherfreehand.ItwasFletcher.ShetoldhimwheretheywereandFletchersaidhewasgoingtogetTanith.AminutelaterFletcherand

Tanithappearedbesidethem.

TanitharchedaneyebrowatValkyrie’ssludge-coveredhandthatshewaswashinginthesink.“Whathappened?”

“Vampires,”Valkyriesaid.“WelearnedthatDusk’slairisacastle.”

“Howdidyoudo?”Skulduggeryasked.

“Icouldn’tfindRemusCruxanywherenearHaggard,”Tanithtoldthem,“andnoneofthesealshadbeenbroken,sohehasn’tbeentryingtobreakthrough.”

“MyselfandGhastlywentlookingforfriendsofSanguine,”saidFletcher.“Turnsouthedoesn’thaveany.Can’tsayI’msurprised.”

“Soouronlyleadisacastle,”Skulduggerysaid.“Well,atleastitisalead.”

ThentheyheardClarabelleshoutingforhelp.Sheranin.

“They’vetakentheProfessor!”shecried.

ValkyrieandTanithgrippedFletcher’sarmsandSkulduggeryputahandonhisshoulder.

“Outside,Fletcher,”hesaidandthentheywerestandingintherainbesidetheBentleyasBilly-RaySanguinethrewKenspeckleintothebackofhiscar.

SomethingmovedoverheadandSkulduggerygruntedandwentflyingoverthebonnetoftheBentley.Amanlandedinfrontofthemandimmediatelyflipped,catchingTanithwithakickthatsenthercrashingbackintoFletcher.

SpringheeledJackwhirledtoValkyrie,smiling.Hedoffedhishatandleapedbackwardswhenshepushedattheair.HedroppedontothetopofSanguine’scarandslidinthroughtheopenwindow,andthecarspedoutofsight.

TheBentleybeepedasthealarmdeactivatedandthelockssprangopen.FletcherandTanithgotinthebackseatandValkyrieclickedherseatbeltintoplace.Skulduggeryturnedthekeyandstompedontheaccelerator.TheBentleyroaredoutontotheroad.

TheyfollowedSanguine’scarroundthecorner,swervingtoavoidanoncomingvan.TheroadswereslickwithrainandthebackoftheBentleyswungwildly,butSkulduggerykeptitundercontrol.Theyovertookacarontheinsideandthenovertookanotherbycrossingtotheoppositelane.HalfadozendriversblastedtheirhornsasSkulduggerynudgedtheBentleybackintotheirownlane,andnowtherewasnothingbetweenthemandSanguineexceptawholelotofroad.

“Fletcher,”Skulduggerysaid,“canyouteleportover?GrabtheProfessor?”

Fletcherstaredatthecarinfront,grippingtheheadrestofValkyrie’sseat.

“It’smovingtoofast,”hesaid.“Amovingtarget’stoohard.”

Thespeedpiledon.ValkyrieneverhadanyideathattheBentleycouldgothisfast.Theyweregainingandtheyweregainingeasily.

Thecarinfronttookarightandtookithard.Thetyressquealedasthecardriftedsideways,butSanguinewasgoodandwithasuddenburstofspeeditleapedonward.

Skulduggeryturnedthewheelandtappedthebrake,hishandworkingthegearstick,andtheBentleygrowledinappreciation.HestraightenedthecaroutandbroughtittoaroaragainandValkyriefeltherselfbeingpressedbackintoherseat.Thestreetswhippedby.ShesawSpringheeledJackopenthepassengerdoorofthecarinfrontandmoveoutslightly.Helookeddownattheroadpassingbeneathhim,likehewasjudgingtheirspeed.

Fletcherleanedforward.“Whatthehell’shedoing?He’snotgoingtojump,ishe?”

Buthedidn’tjump.Defyingalllawsofinertiaandvelocity,Jackplantedhisfootonthegroundandsimplysteppedout,andnowhewasstandingontheroadastheyhurtledtowardshim.

“Thisisnotgood,”Skulduggerymurmured.

JackleapedbeforetheBentleyhithim,landingonthebonnetwithoutevenswaying.Helookeddownatthem,hisraggedcoatflappinginthewindandhishatstayingon.

“IfthereisonethingIcannotabide,”Skulduggerysaid,pointinghisgunoutofthewindow,“it’shoodornaments.”

Beforehecouldfire,Jacksteppedupontotheroof.

“I’vegothim,”Tanithsaid,handingherswordtoFletcherandopeningthewindow.Movingwithunerringgrace,sheslidoutofthecar.

“Wecan’tdothis,”Valkyriesaid,glimpsingtheastonishedfacesofpeopletheypassed.“We’reinpublic,forGod’ssake!Peoplecanseeus!”

ButSkulduggery’sattentionhadreturnedtoclosingthegaponthecarinfront.TheyswervedontoasidestreetandtheBentleyroared.Theyweregainingagain.

JackcrashedontothebonnetandSkulduggerymutteredacurse,craninghisnecktoseearoundhim.ValkyriewatchedTanithstepofftheroof.ShekickedJackandherolledoffthesideofthecar,butashefell,hisfingersfoundpurchase,andforamomentheclungontothedoor,hismalformedfacepressedagainstValkyrie’swindow.

AndthenhehauledhimselfupoutofsightandTanithjoinedhim,theirfeetheavyontheroof.

“Pleasestopstandingonmycar,”Skulduggerysaidsoftly.

TherewasamomentofsuddensilenceandthenTanith’sbootspassedoverthewindscreen,kicking.Jackfollowed.Hesteppedfromtherooftothebonnet,hisrighthandclosedaroundTanith’sthroat,liftingherupandholdingheroutbeforehim.

ValkyriewatchedinhorrorasJackheldTanithoverthesideofthecar,thegroundrushingbeneathher.HelookeddownatValkyrieandashedidso,heletgo.

ValkyriescreamedTanith’snameasTanithdropped,buttheBentleyspedonandshedidn’tseeTanithhittheroad.

Skulduggeryputhishandoutofthewindow,hisfingersmoving,andaheadofthemtheairstartedtoripple.Jackturned,realisedwhatwashappening,butwasunabletopreventit.TheBentleypassedthroughthewallofair,butJackslammedintoitanditknockedhimback.

Valkyriespuninherseat,andmanagedtoseehimlandonbothfeetinthemiddleoftheroad,buttheBentleywasalreadyroundinganothercorner.

“She’llbeallright,”Skulduggerysaid,notevenwaitingforValkyrietoask.“TanithLowhasfallenoffmorecarsthanyou’veriddenin.”

HewrenchedthewheeltotherightandtheBentleyfishtailedalittle,thenthetyresfoundtheirgripagain.

Thecarinfrontwasn’tdoingsowell.Itveeredofftheroadandpedestriansjumpedfromitspathasitmountedthekerbandcrashedthroughanirongate.Thecarjoltedandspun,andthegatepinwheeledoveritandhittheground.Skulduggeryslammedonthebrakes.

Thecaraheadhadstopped,itsbonnetcrumpledandthickgreysmokebillowedfromitsengine.Valkyriesawmovement.

“He’sgettingout,”shesaid,unbucklingherseatbeltandkickingopenthedoor.Instantlysheheardthesiren.

Sheranbyateenageboy,hiseyeswideandhismouthopen,raisinghisphonetotakeapicture,andshesnatchedthephonefromhishandandleapedoverthemangledgate.Sherantotheruinedcar,pushingattheairtoclearthesmokefromhersight,butthecarwasempty.SheglimpsedSanguine,draggingKenspecklearoundthecornerofabuilding.

ShegrabbedFletcher’shandandpointed.“There!”

AndthenaGardasquadcarbrakedsharplybehindthem.

Theyfroze.ShecouldtellthatFletcherwasfightinghisnaturalinstincttoteleport.HereyesflickeredtoSkulduggery.TheyallhadtheirbackstotheGardaí,butSkulduggeryhadlosthisscarf.Ifheturned,they’dseewhathewas.

“Getdownontheground!”oneofthecopsshouted.Shewatchedthemoutofthecornerofhereyeastheyadvancedcautiously.Theyweren’tarmed.

“Putdownanyweaponsyouarecarryingandgetdownontheground!”thesecondcopordered.

Valkyriedidn’tmove.Skulduggeryraisedhishandsabovehishead.Sheheardtheclinkofhandcuffs.ShesawthefirstcopreachforSkulduggeryandSkulduggeryspun,grabbingthecop’shandandtwistingit.TheonebehindValkyriesuddenlyhadabatoninhishand,butshewhirled,kickinghisfeetfromunderhimashewenttohelphiscolleague.

SkulduggerywrappedanarmaroundthefirstGarda’sthroatandappliedthechoke.ValkyriepushedtheairandthesecondGardawentskiddingalongtheground.Hehit

Sanguine’scarandgroaned.

Thereweremoresirens,gettinglouder.

Skulduggerylaidtheunconsciouscoponthegroundandallthreeofthemwalkedquicklytothecar.Valkyrietookthebatteryfromtheteenageboy’sphoneandtossedthephonebacktohim.Theygotinthecarandspedaway–pullinginsharplytothesideoftheroadasthreesquadcarspassed.TheygotbacktowheretheyhadlastseenTanithandslowed.Thestreetwasempty.

ValkyriepulledherphonefromherpocketandcalledTanith’snumber.Afterafewrings,thecallwasanswered.

“‘Ello,mylovely,”SpringheeledJacksaid,asmileinhisvoice.“Tanithcan’tcometothephonerightnow,onaccountofherbein’sounconscious.Ifyou’dliketoleaveamessage—”

“Lethergo,”Valkyriesnapped.

“—I’llmakesureshegetsit.‘Aveaniceday.”

Thephonewentdead.

27WHENKENSPECKLEMETSCARAB

ScarablaidtheDesolationEngineontheworktableinfrontofKenspeckleGrouse.Itwasrelativelysmallforsuchadestructiveweapon,resemblingastonehourglassaboutthelengthofScarab’shand.Thereweretwoglassvialswithinthestoneframe,bothofthemhalf-fullofacalmgreenliquid.

ProfessorGrouse’svoicewasstrainedwhenhespoke.“Andwhatdoyouexpectmetodowiththis?”

“Iwantyoutofixit,”Scarabsaid.

“Soyoucanuseittokillthousandsofinnocentpeople?No.”

“Professor,I’mnotgoingtowasteourtime.I’mnotgoingtotellyouthatIwasframedandimprisonedforacrimeIdidn’tcommit.I’mnotgoingtotellyouhowIwatchedmyyouthslipawayfrommewhileIwasinthatcell.I’mnotgoingtotellyouabouttheangerortheneedtoseemyenemiessuffer.I’mnotgoingtotellyouanyofthat.”

“Really?”Grouseasked.“Becauseitsoundslikeyoujustdid.”

“You’ddiebeforeyou’dhelpme,Professor.Iknowthatfullwell.Butyouhavetheskills,thetalentandtheknowledgeIneed,andtheonlythingthat’sstoppingyoufromdoingwhatIask…isyou.”

“Andsoyourplanis…?”

“It’squitesimple.Ifyouwon’tchangeyoumind,I’mgoingtochangeitforyou.”

28THEMIDNIGHTHOTEL

Guildnarrowedhiseyesattheirapproach.“I’m

startingtoregretmydecision,”hesaid.“Acarchase?Inbroaddaylight?MaybeMarrwasright.Maybeyoushouldallbelockedup.”

“MaybeyoushouldgiveDetectiveMarrsomethingworthwhiletodo,”Skulduggerysaid.“RightnowGhastlyischeckingouteverycastlewithinatwo-hourdriveofhere.I’msurehe’dappreciatethehelp.”

“Oh,yes,becauseasourceyouwillnotdivulgetoldyouthatScarab’sbaseisprobablyacastle.That’sallyouhavetogoon?”

“Weworkwithwhatwehave,Thurid.”

“Well,doyouhaveanythingelse?”

“Wehavemotive,”Valkyriesaid.“Scarabwantsrevengeonthepeoplewhoframedhim.”

Guildlookedather.“Whatareyoutalkingabout?”hesaidatlast.

“YouguyskilledthisEsrynVanguardbloke,”Fletchertoldhim.“Youdidn’twanthimweakeningyoursideorstoppingthewarorwhateveritwasyouwerescaredhewasgoingtodo.”

“That’sridiculous.”

Valkyrieheldhisgaze.“YouhadoneofyourExigencyMagesassassinateVanguard,andthenyouframedScarabforitandlockedhimawaywithoutapropertrial.”

GuildsnarledatSkulduggery.“You’resupposedtobeinvestigatingScarab,notme.You’rewastingvaluable—”

“IfwewanttoanticipateScarab’smoves,”Skulduggeryinterrupted,“weneedtoknowthetruth.Ishecomingafteryou,orbothofus,oreveryone?IfhedidkillVanguard,thenallwehavetodoisputyouinprotectivecustodyforayearorso.He’llgetbored,ordie,andit’llallbeover.

“Butifhedidn’tkillVanguard,wehavebiggerproblems.Andweneedtoknowwhattheyarenow.”

“Well,whydon’tyouworkontheassumptionthatwehavebiggerproblemsandtakeitfromthere?”saidGuild.

“DidScarabkillVanguard?”

“Thisisnot—”

“DidScarabkillVanguard?”

“No,”Guildsnapped.

“Meritoriousorderedtheassassination,”Valkyriepressed.

“Itwasanecessarymovetomake,”Guildsaid.

“Vanguardwasonyourownside.”

“Vanguardwasonnoone’ssidebuthisown.”

“Thatdidn’tmakehimanenemy.”

“I’mnotgoingtostandhereandexplainouractionstoyou.Wedidwhathadtobedoneandifthereareramifications,I’lldealwiththemwhenthisparticularcrisisisover.Areweagreed?Excellent.SonowthatyouknowallofScarab’sgrievances,you’regoingtocatchhim,yes?”

“Itbringsusastepcloser,”Skulduggerysaid.“ButourmainconcernisthatDesolationEngine.”

“It’sdeactivated,”Guildsaid.“Useless.Whywouldthatbeofconcerntous?”

“Becausethere’sonlyonemanalivewhocouldpossiblyfixitandScarab’sjustkidnappedhim.”

Guildpaled.“GrousecouldrepairtheEngine?”

“Theman’sascientificgenius.Hecoulddoanything.Thequestionbecomes,ofcourse,willherepairit?AndIreallydon’tthinkhewill.Ithinkhe’dratherdiethanberesponsibleforhurtingpeople.”

“Youhadbetterberight.”

“Butwedon’twanthimtodie,”Valkyriesaidangrily.“Ifanyonedies,itshouldbe…”

Guildlookedatherandsheshutup.

“Willhebetortured?”Fletcherasked,hisvoicequiet.“Iknowyoupeopledoalotofthatkindofstuff…ButtheProfessor’sanoldman.Hewon’tbeabletotakeit.Itwasbadenoughhewasinacarcrash.”

Valkyriefrowned,thethoughtsuddenlystrikingher.“Whywasheinacarcrash?Whyweretheyinacaratall?Sanguinecouldhavejustgrabbedhimandtunnelledawaywithhim.Whydidtheytakeacar?”

“Iwaswonderingthatmyself,”Skulduggerysaid.“TheonlyexplanationIcanthinkofisthatmaybehewastryingtoleadussomewhere.”

“Atrap?”

“That’stheonlythingthatmakessense.”

“Thenit’sagoodthinghecrashed.”

“Ithasbeenreportedonthenews,”Guildsnapped.“Itisinnowayagoodthinganyofthishappened.Iftheworstcomestopass,ifGrousedoesrepairthatEngine,whatwillScarabuseitfor?Tokillme?”

“Ifhejustwantedtojustkillyou,hecouldhavedoneitwhenDuskcameinwithhisvampires.HemightseetheSanctuary,asawhole,asbeingresponsibleforhisimprisonment.”

“ThenthatiswhyhewantstheEngine.Hewantstodestroythisplace.”

“Maybe,”Skulduggerysaid,thenlookedupsuddenly.“IknowwhytheystoletheSoulCatcher.”

“Youdo?”

“Iknowhowthey’llmakeProfessorGrousehelpthem.Ievenknowwhereatleastoneofthemwillbetonight.”

“Andyoufiguredallthatoutwhilewewerestandingheretalking?”

“Iamadetective.”

“SowhatdotheywantwiththeDesolationEngine?”

“It’sprobablywhatwethink–theywanttodestroythisplace.ButIdon’tknowthatforsure.”

“Whenyoudoknowsomethingforsure,”Guildsighed,“wouldyoubekindenoughtotellme?I’mquitelookingforwardtothedaywhenyoubecomeuseful.”

TheywalkedtotheBentley.

“Fletcher,”Skulduggerysaid,“IwantyoutohelpGhastlyfindthecastlewe’relookingfor.”

“Whatareyoutwogoingtodo?”

“Nevermindthat,”Valkyriesaid.“WhydidSanguinestealtheSoulCatcher?”

Skulduggeryunlockedthecar.“HaveyoueverheardofRemnants?”

“Aretheyaband?”Fletcherasked.

“Remnantsaredarkspirits,beingsinfusedwithabsoluteevil.Theylosttheirbodieslongago,sowhenthey’reable,theypossesstheliving–sharingtheirmemories,absorbingtheirpersonalitiesandhijackingtheirbodies.Theyareaplague.Thelasttimetheystruck,in1892,theytookoveranentiretowninKerryandburnedittotheground.TheSanctuaryaskedtheNecromancersforhelpinconstructingwhatwouldbasicallybeagiantSoulCatcherinsideamountainintheMacGillycuddy’sReeks.TheNecromancersdidn’twanttohelpsotheSanctuarydidthebesttheycould.Thetownspeoplewereledthere,thegiantSoulCatchersomehow,miraculously,workedandtheRemnantsweretornoutofthem.”

“WherearetheRemnantsnow?”

“Trapped.Hundredsofthem,it’simpossibletosayexactlyhowmany,werethentransferredtoaroomtheycan’tescapefrom.Iftheyevergotout,theywouldravagethisworld,movingfromhostbodytohostbody,buildinguptheirstrength,buildinguptheirarmy.”

“IfSanguinetrapsoneofthemintheSoulCatcher,”Valkyriesaid,“couldheputitinKenspeckle,useittotakeoverhismind?”

“Ithinkthat’shisplan,”Skulduggerysaid.“TheRemnantwillhavealltheProfessor’smemoriesandskills,butitwouldn’tbehim–notreally.Itcertainlywouldn’thavehisconscience.”

“Where’sthisroomthen?”Fletcherasked.“Icanprobablygetyoutherefaster.”

“Notthistime,Fletcher.Youcanonlyteleporttoplacesyou’vealreadybeen,andthisroominparticularhasatendencytomovearoundalot.”

Valkyriefrowned.“Whatdoesthatmean?”

FletcherwentofftohelpGhastly,andSkulduggeryandValkyriedroveoutofthecity.Astheydrove,hetoldherallabouttheMidnightHotel.

ItwasrunbyasorcerernamedAntonShudder,anoldfriendofSkulduggery’swhofoughtalongsidehimduringthewarwithMevolent.DissatisfiedwiththevariousSanctuariesaroundtheworld,whichhefelthadgrowntoopowerfulandbureaucratic,hehadbuiltthehotelasarefugeforthosewhooperatedoutsideofofficialboundaries.Hisguestswereoftenoutcastsoroutlawsorsometimesevenout-and-outcriminals,butaslongastheyobeyedtheprimaryruleofthehotel,allwerewelcome.

Theprimaryrule,Skulduggerysaid,wassimple:noviolenceagainstanyguest.Ifafightdidbreakout,Shudderhimselfwouldfightonbehalfofthevictim,whoeverithappenedtobe.Andnoone,apparently,wantedtogoupagainstShudder.

“Hemustbeprettygood,”Valkyriesaid,“ifeveryone’safraidofhim.IsheElementalorAdept?”

“Adept,”Skulduggerysaid.“Ifyou’relucky,you’llneverhavetoseewhathecando.”

TheydroveonandValkyrietriedtopindownsomethingthathadbeenbuggingherforthepastfewhours–anaggingfeelinginthebackofhermindthatwouldn’tgoaway.Theyarrivedataclearinginwoodland,butshestillhadnoideawhatthisstraythoughtmightbe.Skulduggeryparkedthecarandtheygotout.

“Youhadbetterholdontome,”Skulduggerysaid.

Sheclungtohimandtheyroseupofftheground,awayfromtheroadandintotheair.Theypassedoverthetopsofthetrees,herfeetrustlingthebrancheslightly.Skulduggerykeptthemoncourse,andeverysooftenshethoughtsheheardhimtalkingto

himself,wordsthatthewindwhippedfromhisliplessmouthbeforetheyreachedherears.

Theydrifteddowntoaclearing,landinggently.

“Whatarewedoing?”Valkyrieasked.“Where’sthehotel?”

“Anysecondnow,”heanswered,checkinghispocketwatch.Heputitaway.

Amomentlaterthegroundintheclearingrumbledandabuildinggrew.

Woodenbeamssprangfromtheearthandconcreteseepedfromthegrassandhardened.Thewallsblossomedaroundthefoundations,andinsideValkyriesawroomsbeingbornandtablesflowering.Asecondstoreygrewandthenathird,andthewallssproutedaroofthatjoinedinthemiddle.Glassdrippedfromthetopsofwindowsandformedpanes,anddoorwaysgrewdoors.ThelastthingtogrowwasasignthatsaidTheMidnightHotel.

“Everytwelvehoursitgrowsinanotherlocationaroundtheworld,”Skulduggerysaid,“andeveryoneinsideistransportedwithit.HecouldhavecalledittheMiddayHotel,Isuppose,butMidnightsoundssomuchbetter,don’tyouthink?”

“Ido,”Valkyriesaid,alittlestunned.Shefollowedhiminside.

Therewasareceptiondeskandmaybetwodozenhooksonaboardbehinditfortheroomkeystohangfrom.Besidetheboardtherewasanopendoorthatledtoabackroom.Therewasalampandaledgeronthedesk,andasinglepen.

Theywalkedthroughintothecommonroom.Acoupleofoldchairs,asofaandalowtablewerearrangedaroundthefireplace,forgueststocomedowntointheeveningandrelax.Therewasabookshelfalongonewallandadoorthatledsomewhere,possiblythekitchenorthediningarea.Awomancamedownthestairs,ignoredthemandwalkedout.Theywentbacktothereceptiondesk.Amanstoodtherenow–tall,withlongblackhair,dressedlikeafuneraldirector.Hesmiledgently.

“Hello,myfriend,”hesaidtoSkulduggery.“Providingyouarenotheretobothermyguests,itisgoodtoseeyou.”

“Likewise.ValkyrieCain,thisisAntonShudder,theownerandmanageroftheMidnightHotel.”

Shudderbowedhisheadtoher.“Itpleasesmetomeetyou,Valkyrie.I’veheardstories.”

“Goodstoriesorbadstories?”

“Allstoriesaregoodstories,”hesmiled,“eventhebadones.WhatcanIdoforyou?”

“We’reheretocheckontheRemnants,”Skulduggerysaid.

Shuddertookamomenttoreact.“Isee,”hesaideventually.“Areyouheretocountthem?”

“Wejustwanttomakesurethey’restillwherethey’resupposedtobe.”

“Youhavereasontobelievetheywouldn’tbe?”Shudderasked,steppingoutfrom

behindthedesk.

“DreylanScarabisoutofprison,”Skulduggerysaidastheyfollowedhimupthestairs.“He’sgothimselfalittlegangoflike-mindedkillersandwethinktheywanttosetaRemnantfree.”

“Andyouthinktheyhavemanagedthiswithoutmyknowing?”

“Idon’tunderestimatemyenemies.”

“Andyetyouseemtounderestimateyourfriends.”ShudderlookedbackatValkyrie.“Twenty-fourrooms,thewalls,doorsandwindowsreinforcedphysicallyandmagically.Therearesealsaroundtheperimeter,guardingagainstcertaintypesofundesirables.Imakeitapointofofferingthebestprotectiontomyguests.Thereisoneroom,however,thatisdifferentfromalltheothers.”

Theystoppedoutsideadooronthesecondfloor,marked24.

“ThisiswhereIkeeptheRemnants,”Shuddersaid.“They’vebeenhereforoverahundredyearsandthey’venevermanagedtoescape.Thisdoorhasn’tbeenopenedinacenturyanditwon’tbeopenedforacenturymore.They’renotgoinganywhere.”

Skulduggerytookoffhishatandbrushedimaginarylintfromthebrim.“Thesearesomeveryresourcefulpeoplewe’retalkingabout,Anton.”

“Inthatcasetheywilltryandtheywillfail.Iwouldofferyoutheroomacrossthehall,tomakesurenobodygetsin,butIamfullybookedandexpectinganotherguestatanytime.”

“Ifit’sallthesametoyouthough,we’llstickaroundforafewhours.”

“Byallmeans.”

Shudderledthembackdownandintothereceptionarea,wheretheyfoundBilly-RaySanguinestandingatthedesk.

Skulduggery’sgunleapedintohishand,andSanguinelaughedandbackedaway,handsup.

“Don’tshoot!”hecriedinmockhorror.“I’munarmed!”

Skulduggerydidn’tsayanything.Thegundidn’twaver.

Sanguinelostthelaugh.“Hey,I’mseriousnow.Don’tyoushootme.”

“You’reunderarrest,”Skulduggerysaid.

“SanctuaryagentshavenojurisdictionintheMidnightHotel,”Sanguinesaid.“Ain’tthatright?IcheckedtherulesbeforeIcame.”

“Thatiscorrect,”saidShudder.

“Makesnodifferencetome,”Skulduggerysaidcoldly.“Icanthrowyououtofhereandarrestyouthenjustaseasily.”

“Youcan’tlayafingeronme,”Sanguinesmiled.“You’reShudder,right?Mr

Shudder,IbelieveIhaveareservationatthisfineestablishmentforonewholenight.Thename’sWilliam-RaymondSanguine.Billy-Raytomyfriends.”

Shudderwenttohisdeskandlookedinthebook,thenraisedhiseyestoValkyrieandSkulduggery.“Heisaguest,”heconfirmed.

“Notyetheisn’t,”Skulduggerysaid,movingtoSanguine.Shuddersteppedbetweenthem.

“Skulduggery,thismanisaguestoftheMidnightHotel.Assuchheisundermyprotection.Pleaseputawayyourgun.”

Skulduggerydidn’tmoveforamomentthen,slowly,hisgunslidbackintoitsholster.

ShudderturnedtoSanguine.“Doyouhaveanybags,MrSanguine?”

“Justthisone,”theTexananswered,nudgingasmallcaseathisfeet.

“Isthatwhereyou’rekeepingtheSoulCatcher?”Valkyrieasked.

“Valkyrie,I’msureIdon’tknowwhatyoumean.AllI’vegotinmycaseisachangeofunderwearandagoodbooktoread.”HeturnedtoShudder.“Nowthen,let’smakethisofficial.WheredoIsignin?”

29THESIT-DOWN

ThecommonroomwasemptyexceptforValkyrieandSkulduggery,whoweresittingattheroundtable.Mostofthehotel’sguestsweregonefortheday,leavingtheplacequiet.ThatchangedwhenSanguinecamedownstairs,whistlingatune.Hesawthem,wavedandcameover.

“MayI?”heasked,indicatingoneoftheemptychairs.Whentheydidn’tobject,hesat.Valkyriesawherdarkenedreflectioninhissunglasses.

“Well,nowthatwe’resittin’here,”hesaidwithaflashofwhiteteeth,“Ican’tthinkofanythin’interestin’tosay.”

“Howaboutyoutelluswhereyou’rekeepingKenspeckleGrouseandTanithLow?”Skulduggerysuggested.“AndthenwhereexactlyyouplantodetonatetheDesolationEngine,assumingyoumanagetogetitrepaired?Afterthat,wecangowherevertheconversationtakesus.”

“AndifIdon’t?Willyoubeatitoutofme?”

“Withpleasure.”

“Theproprietorwillnotstandforviolenceinhishotel,”Sanguineremindedthemhappily.“Icheckedwithhimandheisastickleraboutthis.Ifyougoafterme,he’llgoafteryou.Ain’tthatgreat?Ain’tthatjustthegreatestruleyoueverheard?”

“I’msuremyfriendwillmakeanexceptioninthiscase,”Skulduggerysaid.

“Maybe.Maybenot.”

“Where’sTanith?”Valkyrieasked.

“She’ssafe,”Sanguineanswered.“Relativelyunharmed–thoughIfeelImuststatefortherecord,Ivotedtohaveherkilledimmediately.GoodthingforherourlittleRevengers’Clubisademocracy.Bythepeople,forthepeople.”

“That’swhatyou’recallingyourselves?”Skulduggeryasked.“TheRevengers’Club?”

“Ithasaringtoit,don’tyouthink?It’snotassinisterastheDiablerie,butheck,wedon’twanttobringbackgodsordestroytheworld.Wejustwantalittlepayback.”

Valkyriesatforward.“Whatdoyouwant?Scarabisdoingthisbecausehethinkshewasframed.Cruxisdoingthisbecausehe’sinsane.Duskisholdingagrudgeagainstmebecauseofhisscar.Whyareyoudoingthis?”

Sanguineinspectedhisfingernails.“Igotmyreasons.”

“Oh,”Skulduggerymurmured.“Ofcourse.”

Valkyrielookedathim,buthisattentionwasfocusedonSanguine.

“Afewweeksago,youburrowedinandoutoftheNecromancerTemple,”hesaid,“butlater,whenyoubrokeDuskoutofprison,youonlyburrowedin.Youhadtofightyourwayout.YoucouldhavesnatchedProfessorGrousewithoutafuss,butyoudidn’t.Youbundledhimintoacarandyoudrove.What’swrongwithyou,Billy-Ray?”

Sanguinegrinned.“Youcan’texpectmetorevealallmysecretsbeforethe—”

“You’rehurt,”SkulduggeryinterruptedandSanguine’sjawclenched.“MyguessisthewoundValkyrieinflictedonyouatAranmoreFarmlastyeariscausingyoumoretroublethanyou’danticipated.YouhurtyourselfwhenyoustoletheSoulCatcher,didn’tyou?Maybeyoutoresomethingupinside.Isthatwhathappened?YoutriedbreakingDuskoutquietly,butyoujustcouldn’tfaceusingyourpowerforthereturnjourney.That’swhyyou’relookingforrevenge–becauseValkyriestoleyourmagicfromyou.”

SanguinelungedatValkyrie,butSkulduggerycaughthiswristandkickedthechairfromunderhim.SanguinewentsprawlingandShudderwalkedintotheroom.

“Iseverythingallrighthere?”heaskedinhisquietvoice.

“Billy-Rayfelloffhischair,”Skulduggerysaid.“Billy-Ray,areyouOKdownthere?”

Sanguinestood,hisfacetight.Hebroughthischairbacktothetable.“I’mgood,”hesaid.“Justclumsy,isall.”

Shudderlookedatthemallforamomentthencameforwardandsat.“Youmaycontinueyourconversation,”hesaid.

Sanguineturnedsidewaysinhischair,restingoneelbowonthetable.“Istherearuleagainstthreats?”heasked.

“No,”saidShudder.

“Therearuleagainstthepromiseofaviolentdeath?”

“Thereisnot.”

“Well,OKthen.”Sanguine’seyelessgazefelluponValkyrie.“I’mgoin’tokillyou.Youcutmerightacrossthebellywiththatdamnedsword,an’Icouldn’tgotonobig-shotprofessortogetstitchedup.Ihadtogotosomeback-alleymoronwhotalkedthetalk,butwhenitcametowalkin’thewalk,hebarelygotfasterthanashuffle.I’mfairlycertainhemadethingsworse.HesaidgiveitafewweekstohealandIgaveitamonth,butwhenIwentburrowin’,itwaslikemygutswereonfireandthesmokewascollectin’inmylungs.Now,Ican’tgobackanddemandhefixmeuponaccountofthefactthathe’salreadydead,an’sotheonlypersonIhavelefttoblameisthelittlebratwhocutmeinthefirstplace.”

“Itwasself-defence,”Valkyriesaid.

“Thatain’tnoexcuse.Factisthatmakesitworse.Ifyou’djustletmekillyouwhenIwantedtokillyou,wewouldn’tbeinthissituation.Thiswholethingisyourfault.”

“Yourlogicisimpeccable,”Skulduggerysaid.“ThenwhataboutSpringheeledJack?Whatishismotivationforrevenge?”

Sanguinegaveashrug.“Jackisdoin’whatJackdoes–causin’mischief.Hejustwantstocausemoreofit,onawiderscale,andhewantstogetridofanyonewho’dtryan’stophim.”

“ButwhytheEngine?Whygotothetroubleofworkingtorepairabombofthatmagnitudeifallyouwantisrevengeonafewselectindividuals?”

“Nowthat,”Sanguinesaid,hissmilereturning,“isthesecretpartofoursecretplan.”

“Whyareyouhere,MrSanguine?”interruptedShudder.“Imakeitapointnottopryintomyguest’sprivatelives,butSkulduggeryhasindicatedthatyou’rehereforaRemnant.Ifthat’strue,wemayhaveaproblem.”

“Well,”Sanguinesaid,“itistrue,sowhatkindofaproblemdowehave?”

Shuddersighed.“Ihavetwenty-threeroomsinthishotelthatpeoplearefreetouse.Thetwenty-fourthroom,however,isoff-limitstoeverybody.”

“Ihadheardthis,yeah.”

“Evenifyouwereabletouseyourpowers,”Shuddercontinued,“youwouldn’tbeabletoenter.Thetwenty-fourthroomismoresecurethananyprisoncell.It’swhyIwasaskedtokeeptheRemnantshereinthefirstplace.”

“I’msurethatistrue,”Sanguinenodded.

“Thereisnowindowandonlyonedoorintothetwenty-fourthroomandthereisonlyonekeyforthatdoor.”

“Igetit,yeah.”

“AndIkeepitonmeatalltimes.”

“Iguessedyouwould.”

“AndyetyoustillplantotakeaRemnantwithyouwhenyouleave.”

“Ihavetobehonesthere–yeah,Ido.It’sanicesubtlelittleplan.You’lllikeit.Withoutgoin’intospecifics,whenthetimecomes,I’mfullyexpectin’toeitherbegiventhekeyortotakeitfromyourcold,deadhandandjustletmyselfin.”

“Isee,”Shuddermurmured.“Youshouldknowthat’sveryunlikely.”

“It’sunlikelynow.Whenthetimecomes,it’llbeprettylikely,believeme.”Heglancedathiswatch.“An’thetime’sapproachin’…”

Valkyriedetectedmovementoutsidethewindow.Shewenttoitandlookedout.“Therearepeopleoutthere,”shesaid.

SkulduggeryandShudderjoinedher.Peoplewereapproachingfromalldirections–

dozensofthem.Valkyriesawdriedbloodontheirclothes.Theygotcloserandsherealisedhowpaletheywere,howdishevelled.Someofthemstumbledastheywalked.Theirfaceswereexpressionless.

“Zombies,”Skulduggerysaid.“Zombiesatthedoor.Thisisyourversionofsubtle,isit?”

Sanguinestoodupfromthetableandgrinned.

“Thedeadcan’tpassthrough,”Shuddersaid.“Theycanstayoutthereuntiltheyrotandthishotelwillmoveonatmidnight.IfailtoseehowanyofthiswouldmakemeopenthedoortotheRemnants.”

“Well,”saidSanguine,“that’sbecauseyoudon’thaveallthefacts.Yougotyoursecuritymojoworkin’,keepin’outundesirableslikethewalkin’dead,andallthat’sgreat.Butsee,theproblemwithsecuritysymbolsisthatthere’salwaysawayroundthem.Andthatwholemagicalalphabetthinghasalwaysbeenabitofahobbyformydaddy.He’snoexpert,butheknowswhichsymbolcancelsoutwhatsymbol,y’know?Allthosezombiesoutthere?They’reallgotthissymbolcarvedintotheirsmelly,rottin’skin.”HehandedacrumpledpieceofpapertoShudder.“Whatd’youthink?Thinkit’lldothejob?”

Shudderexaminedthepaperandhiseyesnarrowed.Hedidn’trespond.

“Youknowit’senoughforthosepeskycritterstocomestormin’inhere,don’tyou?”Sanguinecontinued.“Sohere’smyoffer,Anton.Youopenthatdoorforme,youletmegetwhatIcameheretogetandI’llcalloffthezombiehorde.”

Shudderlookedathimthenoutofthewindow.Heshookhishead.“No.”

Sanguinesighed.“That’sthewrongmove,buddy.It’llbeabloodbathoncetheygetstarted.”

“Wecanholdthemoff,”Shuddersaid.“Whatdoyouthink,Skulduggery?”

“Shouldbefun,”Skulduggeryresponded.“Valkyrieherehasneverheldoffahordeofzombiesbefore.It’llbegoodexperienceforher.”

“Oh,joy,”shemuttered.

“Youpeople,”Sanguinesaid.“Alwayssoeagertodieheroicdeaths.Idon’twantanybloodonthissuit,soifyoudon’tmind,I’llbeheadin’outsidenow.Wouldn’twanttobecaughtinherewhenthecarnagestarts.”

HeturnedtogoandShudderpunchedhim.Sanguinespunandfellback,nearlytumblingoverachair.

“Whataboutyournoviolencerule?”hesaid,rubbinghisjaw.

“Noviolencetowardsguests,”Shudderclarified.“Youarenolongerconsideredaguest.”

SkulduggerywalkedtowardshimandSanguinestraightenedup.

“Youcanpunchmeallyoulike,”hebeganandSkulduggerysaid,“Oh,good,”and

hithim.Sanguinetrippedoverthecoffeetableandfellbackwardstotheground.

“Itwon’tdonogood!”hebarked.“Themzombiesarecomin’inan’there’snothin’youcandotostopit!”

“Callthemoff,”Skulduggerysaid.

Sanguinespatbloodandgrinnedupathim.“Shan’t.”

“CallthemofforI’llhurtyou.”

“Howmuchhurtcanyoudeliverinthirtyseconds?Becausethat’showlongyouhave.They’regoin’tocomeinhereandyou’regoin’tofight‘emoff,andcanyouguesswhichoneofyou’sgoin’tofallfirst?Mymoney’sonthegirl.They’regoin’totearherapart.They’regoin’toeatheraliveandI’mgoin’towatchandit’llbeashowIain’tnevergoin’toforget.”

Atunefilledtheair–aterrible,shrillversionofPatsyCline’s‘Crazy’.

“That’llbethemnow,”Sanguinesaid,takingouthisphone.Hemovedslowly,likeheexpectedSkulduggerytostartkickinghim.Instead,SkulduggerygesturedandthephoneflewfromSanguine’shandtowardsValkyrie.Shecaughtit,pressedtheanswerbuttonandheldittoherear.

“Uh,hi,”saidaman.Sheknewthevoicefromsomewhere.“Uh,wemayhaveaslightproblem.”ItwasVaurienScapegrace.Ofcourse.Itstoodtoreasonhe’dbeinvolvedinthis.“Theotherskindof,theyatesomeone.AndIknowyousaidnotto,buttheydiditwithoutmeknowingso…Basically,they’reactingkindofweirdandI’mwonderingwhatIshoulddo.”

ValkyriecoveredthemouthpieceandlookedatSkulduggery.“It’sScapegrace,”shesaid.“He’soutsidewiththezombiesandhesaysthey’reactingstrangely.Hesaystheyatesomeone.”

Sanguinesatup,allcolourgonefromhisface.“Theywhat?”

Skulduggerytiltedhishead.“Eatingpeopleiswhatzombiestendtodo.”

“Nottheseguys,”Sanguinesaid.“Letmetalktohim.”

“Notachance,”Valkyriesaid.

Sanguinegottohisknees.“Youhavetoletmetalktohim.IsweartoGod,youhaveto.IfItell‘emtoattack,youcanshootme,OK?ButIneedtotalktohim.”

Therewaspanicinhisvoice,arealfear,andSkulduggeryhesitatedthengaveanod.ValkyrietossedSanguinehisphone.

“Whatdoyoumeantheyatesomeone?”hesaidintoit.“Who’dtheyeat?No,Idon’twanttoknowhisdamnname.Ijustwanttoknowifitwassomeonelivin’.Oh,youidiot.Oh,youmoron.Myfathertoldyou.Hesaidonethingaboveallelse–donotletthemtastehumanfleshandwhatdidyoudo?Whatdidyoudo?Exactly.You’reamoron.You’reluckyyou’realreadydead.”

Sanguinehungup,puthisphoneawayandlookedatthem.

“Slightchangeofplans,”hesaid.“Iain’tgoin’outside.”

“Andwhyisthat?”Skulduggeryasked.

Sanguinegottohisfeet,bothhandsheldopeninfrontofhim.“Youkeepthosezombiesfromeatin’peoplean’they’refine.Theyrot,an’theysmell,an’theygetdumberan’dumberastheygoon,buttheydowhatthey’retold.Butyoulet‘emgetonemouthfulofhumanflesh,fromalivin’human,andtheygonative.Theonlythingontheirmindsrightnowiskillin’an’eatin’awholelotofpeople.Nowobviously,thatwasthethreatIwasplannin’onusin’againstyou,butIkindoffiguredI’dbewelloutofthewaybeforeanyofthisflesh-eatin’actuallytookplace.”

“Soyou’restuckinhere,”Shuddersaid,“withus.”

Sanguinetriedasmile.“Ain’titironic?”

30MID-AFTRNOONOFTHEDEAD

“They’recomingcloser,”Valkyriesaid,backingawayfromthewindow.

SkulduggerytookhisgunfromitsholsterandlookedatShudder.“Howmanyguestsdoyouhavehererightnow?”

“Five,”hesaid,“allupstairsintheirrooms.”

“Youshouldgotellthemtoprepare.Anyofthemwhowanttohelpus,they’rewelcome.Anyoneelseshouldbarricadetheirdoor.”

Shuddernoddedanddisappearedupthestairs.

Therewerehandsonthewindow,pressingandknockingagainsttheglass.Valkyriesawaface,wide-eyedanduncomprehending.Thezombiesawherandsnarled.Skulduggeryswepthishandslowlyandthebookcaseslidinfrontofthewindow.

Theyturnedthetableonitssideandlaiditagainstthedoorinthereceptionarea,thenjammedthecouchagainstittoholditinplace.Thehoteldidn’thaveabackdoor,andtherewasn’tmuchtheycoulddotobarricadeeverywindowonthegroundfloorexceptpullthecurtainsshut.Atleastnowthezombiescouldn’tseetheirmovements.Shuddercamedownthestairswithasmall,thinwomanandabaldingman.

“Wehavetwovolunteers,”hesaid.“MrJibisanElementalandMissNuncioisanAdept.”

“GladtohaveanotherElementalinthemix,”Skulduggerysaidtothem.“MissNuncio,whatAdeptdisciplinehaveyoustudied?”

“Linguisticsandetymology,”shesaid.

Skulduggerypaused.“Languages?”

MissNuncionodded.“Icanspeakeverymortallanguageeverspoken.”

“Well,pardonme,”Sanguinesaid,“buthowintarnationisthatgoin’tohelpusfightoffapackofbloodthirstyzombies?Yougoin’tothrowdictionariesat‘emorjusttalk‘emtodeath?”

“MrShuddersaidyoucoulduseallthehelpyoucouldget,”MissNunciosaidratherprimly.“JustbecauseIdecidednottodevotemylifetothestudyofhurtingpeopledoesnotmeanIcan’tbeuseful.”

“You’reapacifist,”Sanguinegroaned.

“I’marealist,sir.Andifapackofbloodthirstyzombies,asyouputit,wanttoeatme,Iwilldefendmyself,youcanbecertainofthat.”

“Goin’togetstuckinazombie’sthroat–thatyourbigplan?”

“Sanguine,”saidValkyrie,“shutup.You’retheonlyonedownherewhocan’tuseanymagic,soyoureallycan’taffordtodismissthosewhocan.”

Helookedather.“Ihateyou.”

Awindowbroke.Thenanother.Theymovedintothecommonroom.Thereweretwowindowsinhere.Onewasblockedbythebookcase,theotherbynothingmorethanacurtain.Azombiewastryingtocrawlthroughthesecondone.Theywatchedthecurtainwrithelikeitwasalive,andthenitparted.Thezombiewashalfwaythroughanditlookedup.Itgrowledandreachedforthem,soSkulduggeryshotit.

“Gofortheheadifyoucan,”hesaid.“Burningthemworks,butittakesalotlonger.Breaktheirlegstoslowthemdown.Don’tletthembiteyou.”

“I’veneverfoughtzombiesbefore,”MrJibsaid.“I’vefoughteveryotherkindofcreature,butnotzombies.Alwayswantedto,though.”

“HereattheMidnightHotel,”Shuddersaidquietly,“weaimtoplease.”

TwomorezombieswerestrugglingthroughthewindowandSkulduggeryshotthemboth.Thebookcasewasshakingnow.Anotherwindowbroke,somewhereatthebackofthehotel.

“I’lltakecareofit,”Shuddersaidgrimly,andmovedoutofthecommonroom.Thehoteldoorwasbeinggivenapounding.

Sanguinepickedupatableandsmasheditagainstawall.HepulledoneofthelegsfromtheresultingmessandthrewittoMissNuncio,whohefteditinbothhands.ThesecondleghethrewtoMrJib,andthethirdhekeptforhimself.

GlaringatSanguine,Valkyrieclickedherfingersandsummonedaflame.Sanguinemutteredsomethingandgaveherthefourthleg.

“Comeon,”MrJibcalledtothezombiesoutside.“Idon’thaveallnight.”

“Don’ttauntthezombies,”Skulduggerysaiddisapprovingly.

MrJiblaughedandmoveduptothewindow.“Theseguysareharmless,”hesaid.“Thestench’llkillusfasterthantheywill.”

Ahandreachedin,closedaroundMrJib’swrist,andhewasjerkedforward.

“Hey,no,wait,”hesaidandthenhewasyankedoutthroughthewindowbeforeSkulduggeryorValkyriecouldreachhim.Hedidn’tevenhavetimetoscream.

“OhmyGod,”MissNunciosaid.

“Doyougetmanyofyourlinguisticssorcererseatenalivethen?”Sanguineaskedlazily.

Thehoteldoorburstopen,shovingthesofaandthetableback,andthezombiescamespillingthrough.

Skulduggery’sgunroared,againandagain.Zombiesstumbledandfell,andSkulduggeryreloadedwhileValkyriehurledfireballs.AflamingzombiecamestumblingandValkyriecrackedthetablelegagainstitshead.Ithitthegroundandtriedtogetup,buttheotherzombiestrampledoverit.

ThebookcasetoppledandMissNunciowasatthewindow,batteringthezombieswhoweretryingtocrawlthrough.OnegotpastSkulduggeryandValkyriethenchargedatSanguine.Sanguinecursedandlostthetableleg,andthezombiepushedhimbackagainstthewall.Sanguineswungpunchestonoeffect,thenhishandclosedarounditsthroat.Hepushedwithallhisstrength,keepingthosebitingjawsawayfromhim.Hetwistedandthezombiewasforcedupagainstthewall.Thewallcrumbledanditsheadsankthrough.Sanguinesteppedaway,leavingthepuzzledzombiestuckthere.

Skulduggerywasoutofbullets.Hedroppedtherevolverandcurledhishands.Theairclosedaroundthenearestzombieanditfroze,gurglingslightly,beforeSkulduggeryswepthisarmswideanditsheadflewfromitsbody.

Valkyriepunchedaholethroughazombie’schestwithhershadows.Itstaggeredforwardandsheduckedunderit,bringingtheshadowsbackandturningthemsharp.Theyslicedthroughthezombie’sankleandittoppledover.Sheheftedthetableleginbothhandsanduseditlikeabaseballbatonthenextonetogetnear.Itstumbledoveritsfallenfriendandknockedathirdonedown.Theyweren’ttoobright,thesezombies.

Abigzombierushedherandwrappeditsarmsaroundher.Itsmouthwasonhershoulder,tryingtobitethrough.ThetablelegfellfromValkyrie’shandasshewastakenoffherfeetandcarriedbackwards.Shehitthewallbesidethedoortothekitchen,andthebigzombietriedtotakeabiteoutofherface.Sheraisedherarmssharply,looseningitsholdonher,anddroppedtotheground.Itmoanedsomething,pitifulanddisappointed,andshepushedattheairandlauncheditawayfromher.

ShegotupandSanguinecamecrashingintoher.Theybothwentsprawlingintothekitchen,thezombiewhohadthrownhimfollowingthemin.

Valkyriewasthefirstup.Shegrabbedamassivemeatcleaverfromtheworktopandhurledit.Thebackofthecleaversmackedintothezombie’sheadandbouncedoff.Shehurledanotherknifeandthistimeitwasthehandlethathit.Sanguinestood,fixedhissunglasses,lookedaroundforhisstraightrazorandsawthezombiereachingforhim.Heyelpedandducked,butitgrabbedhisjacket.

Valkyrieranupbehindit,whackingafryingpanintothebackofitsknee.ItwentdownandSanguinepushedthehandthathadgrabbedhimintothewall.Thewallsolidifiedandthezombiemoaned,trappedthere.

ValkyrieandSanguinesteppedaway,welloutofitsreach,andlookedateachother,andforamomentitwasmerelyinappreciationofajobwelldone.Andthenitturnedtosomethingelse.

SanguineswungapunchandValkyrieduckedunderitandthrusthershoulderintohisgut.Hegruntedandfellback,butgrabbedherashewent,throwinghertothefloor.

Sherolledandhitthewallashestoopedforthestraightrazor,butaflickofherhandsentitspinningawayfromhim.Hegrowledandkickedherasshelaythere.Shefoldedherbodyaroundthekickandlashedoutwithoneofherown,catchinghiminthesideoftheknee.Heyelledashewentdown.Shegotupandjumpedoverhim,buthesnaggedherankleandshefell.

ValkyrierolledandcameupandSanguinesprangather.Shetriedflippinghimoverherhip,buthewastoobigandtooheavy.Sheturnedintohimandhishandsgrippedherthroat.Herelbowshotupbetweenhisarmsandfoundhischin.Hisheadrocketedbackandhismouthhungopenandhisgriploosened.ShepunchedafistfulofshadowsintohischestandSanguinewasflungbackwards.Hehitthewallanddroppedtothefloor.Thetrappedzombiereachedoutforhim,butitwasjusttoofaraway.Itmoanedagain.

ValkyrieheardMissNuncioscreamandsheranoutofthekitchen.

31BILLY-RAY

Sanguinelaythereforabit,waitingforhisbraintokickbackintogear.Movingslowly,hepickedhimselfup.Hefiguredtwo,maybethreeribswerebroken,

thankstothegirlandthatdamnedringofhers.Hetriednottodwellonthefactthathe’dhadhishandsaroundherthroat,buthadfailedtokillher.Hewasalreadyangryenoughasitwas.

Hefoundhisrazorbeneaththestove.Hisribsbitintohissidewhenhebenttoretrieveit,butwhenitwasinhishandagain,hefeltbetter.

Heleftthekitchen,steppingoverthebodiesofzombies.Hemadesurethegirlandtheskeletonwereotherwiseoccupied,thenhurriedtothebackofthehotel.Azombierearedupbeforehim,butheshoveditbackagainstthewall.Thewallcrumbledandhepushedthezombiehalfwaythroughandthewallgrewsolidaroundit.Thiswaswhathismagicwasreducedto–themagicalequivalentofopeningadoor,butbeingunabletopassthroughit.Hesnarledandcontinuedon.Speakingofdoors…

AntonShudderhadbeenbusyholdingoffthezombiesatthebackofthehotel.Hewasonhiskneesonthefloor,headdown,exhausted,andallaroundhimwerepiecesofthedead.

“Didwedoit?”Shudderaskedweakly.

SanguineapproachedwithoutspeakingandkickedShudderintheface.ThekickliftedShudderoffhiskneesandthrewhimbackwards.Sanguinehowledandclutchedhisribs.Everymovehemadesentbulletsofhotpainricochetingaroundhisbody.Grittinghisteeth,Sanguinestaggeredover,droppedtohiskneesandsearchedforthekey.

32THINGSGETWORSE

Skulduggerytookalongsplinterofwoodfromtheruinedtableandimpaledthelastzombie’sheadwithit.HelookedacrosstheroomatValkyrie.Betweenthemwasaseaofbodyparts.Someofitmoanedandsomeofitwrithed,butmostofitlaystillanddidn’tmakemuchofafuss.

MissNunciowasdead.Shehadbeenholdingfourofthembackandhadslippedinthegore.Thezombieshaddescendedonher,bitingoffchunksasshestruggledandscreamed,cursingthemintwentydifferentlanguagesbeforefallingsilent.Theonlygoodthingaboutherdeathwasthattherewasn’tenoughleftofhertocomebacktolife.

Valkyriewascoveredinblood.Herarmsweresotiredshecouldn’tliftthem,andherlegsweresotireditwasallshecoulddotostandwithoutfallingover.

“I’mgoingtocheckonAnton,”Skulduggerysaidandlefttheroom.

Everychairorsofaorseatintheplacewasinpieces.Therewasnowheretositdown.Draggingherheavyfeet,Valkyriecrossedthecommonroom,headingforthechairbehindthereceptiondesk.Allshewantedinthisworldwasashowerandalie-down.That,shereasoned,wasn’ttoomuchtoask.

Shegottothereceptionareaandtwomorezombiesbargedin.Valkyriedroppedbackandclickedherfingers,summoningaflameintoherhand.Shewasabouttocallforhelp,butstoppedwhenshesawwhoitwas.

VaurienScapegraceglaredather,andthemiddle-agedzombiebesidehimdidhisbesttolookannoyed.

“Myarch-enemy,”Scapegracesnarled.

Valkyriefrowned.“Me?”

“Youmayhavekilledmysavagebrethren,”hecontinued,“butyou’refacingtheKillerSupremenow,andI’mnewandimproved.”

“Scapegrace,I’mreallytired.”

“Idon’tfeelpain,”Scapegracesaid,ignoringher,“Idon’tfeelpityandIdon’tfeel…”Hehesitated.“Bad.Iwon’tfeelbad,Imean,aboutkillingyou,whichiswhat’sgoingtohappenvery,verysoonindeed.”

“Doyouwantto,like,goawayandrehearsethatalittlemore?”

“HowdareyouspeaktotheKillerSupremeinsuchamanner!”themiddle-agedzombiescreechedinasuddenanddramaticfury.

“Listentome,”shesaidtothem,“youdon’twanttobeinvolvedinthis.Scapegrace,lookatwhatthey’vedonetoyou,forGod’ssake.They’veturnedyouintoamonster.”

“I’vealwaysbeenamonster,”Scapegracetoldher,“butnow,finally,myphysicalformreflectsmyinnerdarkness.”

“Yousmellterrible.”

“That’sthesmellofevil.”

“It’slikerancidmeatandbadeggs.”

“Evil,”Scapegraceinsisted.

“WherearetheyholdingTanithandtheProfessor?”sheasked.“Youhaveachancetohelpusendthis.Maybewecanhelpyou–maybethere’sacurefor…beingazombie.”

“Wedon’tneedacure,”theotherzombiesaid.

“That’sright,”Scapegracenodded.

“We’rehappythewayweare.”

“Happywiththepower,”Scapegraceclarified.

“Veryhappy,justthetwoofus,andthere’snothingwrongwithuseither.It’sverynaturalinfact.Nothingtobeashamedof—”

“Thrasher,”saidScapegrace,“shutup.”

“Okey-dokey.”

“WearenotgoingtobetrayourMaster,”Scapegracesaid.“IjoinedtheVengeanceBrigadeforonereasonandone—”

“I’msorry?”

“You’resorrywhat?”

“TheVengeanceBrigade?That’swhatyou’recallingit?”

“What’swrongwiththat?”

“It’s…Nothing.It’sgrand.SanguinecalledittheRevengers’Club,that’sall.”

“Clubsoundsstupid,”Scapegracesaiddefensively.“Brigadesoundsbetter.”

“Actually,”saidThrasher,“abrigadeusuallyconsistsoftwotofivearmyregiments,somaybeitisn’treallythataccurate.”

Scapegraceglowered.“ButtheVengeanceRegimentdoesn’thavethesameringtoit.”

“Well,thatwouldn’tbeaccurateeither,”Thrashertoldhim,“seeingashowaregimentiscomposedofanumberofbattalions.ItcouldbetheVengeanceBattalion,Isuppose,butreallyabattalionusuallyhasaroundathousandsoldiersinit,andtherearen’tathousandpeopleinyourgroup.”

“HowabouttheVengeanceSquad?”suggestedValkyrie.

“Thatmightwork,”Thrashernodded.

“IpreferBrigade,”Scapegracesnapped.“AndnowI’velostmytrainofthought.”

“YouwereabouttotellmewhereTanithandtheProfessorarebeingheld,”saidValkyrie.

“No,”Scapegracesaid,“I’mprettysureIwasabouttostartkillingyou.”

“Don’teventryit.”

“I’vedreamedaboutnothingelseforthelasttwoyears.”

“Youneedbetterthingstodreamabout.”

“ValkyrieCain,welcometodeath.”

“Thatissuchastupidthingtosay.”

ScapegraceranatherandValkyriethrewtheballoffireshe’dbeenholdingforthepastfewminutes.Scapegracewasinstantlyenvelopedinflame.Hewheeledaround,screaming.

“MasterScapegrace!”Thrasheryelled,horrified.

Valkyriefrowned.“Ithoughthecouldn’tfeelpain.”

Scapegraceimmediatelystoppedscreamingandrunningabout.Hejuststoodthereandcontinuedtoburn.

“You’reburningquiteeasily,”shesaid.“Isthatazombiethingorsomething?”

“Hehasbeenusinganawfullotofskincreamslately,”Thrashermused.“Maybethemixtureisespeciallyflammable.”

Valkyriewavedherhandandthefirewentout.

“Youhaven’tseenthelastofme,”Scapegracesaidwithoutenthusiasm,asheturnedandwalkedoutofthehotel,leavingatrailofsmokebehindhim.Thrashergaveherapartinggrowlandquicklyfollowedthetrailoutofthedoor.

ThearomaofcharredfleshforcedValkyrietogolookingforSkulduggery.Shefoundhiminthebackroom,helpingShuddertohisfeet.Thewallsweredecoratedwithbitsofzombie.

“Shudderdidthis?”shesaid,stunnedatthesheerviolenceofwhatshesaw.“Alone?Withoutaweapon?”

“Technically,”Skulduggerysaid,“Antonisaweapon.Oratleasthisgistis.”

“What’sagist?”

“It’sthebadpartofme,”Shuddersaid,speakinglikeeverywordwaspainful.“WhenIneedit,Iletitcomeout.EverytimeIdo,however,ittakesmealittlelongertorecover.”Hefrowned.“Sanguinewashere.Hecameinand…”Hegraspedhissleeveandyankedit

up.Therewasametalbandonhisforearm,andhangingfromitwasashortlinkofacutchain.“Hehasthekey.”

ValkyriefollowedSkulduggeryupthetwoflightsofstairs.Theygottothetwenty-fourthroom.Thedoorwasclosedandthekeywasinthelock.

“Hehasit,”Skulduggerysaid.

“Howdoyouknow?Hemightstillbeinthere.”

Skulduggeryshookhishead.“Hedidn’tsetonefootinsidethatroom.HeopenedthedoorlessthanacentimetreandthenearestRemnantwassuckedintotheSoulCatcher.Ifhe’dsteppedin,they’dhaveswarmedhimandthenthey’dhaveswarmedthehotel.Afterthat,they’dhavegoneonandswarmedthecountry.Wefailed.”

“Sonowwhat?”

“NowwefindScarab’scastlebeforeKenspecklerepairstheDesolationEngine.Iknowsomeonewhomightbeabletohelpus–it’salongshot,butwhatisn’tthesedays?We’verunoutofoptions.”Skulduggeryturnedthekeyuntiltheyheardthelockclickingintoplace,thenhewithdrewit.“Andwekickthelivingdaylightsoutofanyonewhostandsinourway.”

33POSSESSED

ScarabreleasedtheRemnant,thenquicklysteppedbackandshutthedoor.Hewenttothenextroom,whereBilly-Rayhadsetupthemonitor,andwatchedProfessorGrouse.HecouldseetheangerinhisfaceastheRemnant,littlemorethanasliverofshadow,flittedaboutfromcornertocorner.TheProfessorknewwhatwascoming,buthedidn’tcryoutorstarttoplead.Scarabrespectedthat.

Onceithadsatisfieditscuriosityaboutitssurroundings,theRemnantturneditsattentiontotheoldmanchainedtothewall.TheProfessorkepthiseyesontheRemnantasitdartedinandoutofhislineofsight.ItcamecloseandtheProfessorjerkedawayinstinctively.Itwasplayingwithhim.

ItwhippedbyhimagainandtheProfessorcursedatit.Thenitstruck.ItdartedtohisopenmouthandtheProfessor’seyeswidenedinpanicastheRemnantforceditswaydown.Histhroatbulged,thenthebulgemovedanddisappeared.KenspeckleGrousewentlimp.

Billy-Rayshookhishead.“Hatethosethings,”hemuttered.

ScarabwalkedbackintotheroomandProfessorGrouselookedup.

“Youknowwhyyou’rehere,”Scarabsaid.“Wewenttoawholelotoftroubletogetyououtofthatroomyouwerestuckin.Ifyoudowhatwewant,we’llreleaseyouafter.Ifyoudon’t,we’llputyoubackwherewefoundyouandcollectoneofyourbrethren.I’msurethenextonewebringherewillwelcomeachanceforfreedom.Whatdoyousay?”

“Idon’ttrustyou,”Grousesaidinavoicethatpickedoverthewordslikeacarrionbirdpickingatmeat.TheRemnantinsidehimwasunusedtospeakingaloud.

“Well,”saidScarab,“Idon’ttrustyoueither.Butweareinasituationwherewecanhelpeachother.Asyouknowbynow,we’rehopingthattheoldmanyou’rewearinglikeabadsuithasthealltheknowledgeandknow-howweneed.Doeshe?”

“Oh,hedoes,”Grousesaid.“Oh,Ido.AndIhavesomuchmore.”

“Thendowehaveadeal?”

Theoldmanlookedathimandasmiledriftedacrosshisfacelikeaseepingwound.“Wehaveadeal,MrScarab.”

34THEMEETING

DavinaMarrwentuptothecounterandtoldthedim-lookingboywhatkindofsandwichshewanted,thenrepeatedherorderslowly,usingsmallerwords.Hefinallynoddedandwentaway,andshejustknewhewasgoingtogetitwrong.That’swhatshedespisedaboutmortals–theirineptitude.Theircasualignorance.Theirdownrightstupidity.

Shecouldn’tsayanyofthisoutloud,however,notasanagentoftheSanctuary,andcertainlynotasitsPrimeDetective.Itwaspartofherjobtoprotectthemortals,tokeepthemsafefromthedangersposedbythemagicalcommunity.ButwasshestilltheSanctuary’sPrimeDetectivenowthatSkulduggeryPleasantwasback?Insteadofdoingherjob,trackingdownthevampirethathadledtheraidontheSanctuary,Marrhadbeenrelegatedtocheckingoutcastlesaspertheskeletondetective’srequest.Suchataskwassofarbeneathheritwouldhavebeenalmostlaughableifitwasn’tsohumiliating.

Shebecameawareofthemanstandingbesideher,butshedidn’tlookathim.“You’relate.”

“Ihadtomakesureyouweren’tleadingmeintoatrap,”themanresponded,hisgoldeneyesscanningthemenuabovethem.“ForgivemeifI’msceptical,butyouhavealreadyturnedusdowntwice.Whythechangeofheart?”

“I’mseeingthingsclearer.”

Thedim-lookingboycameback,checkedherorderandwentawayagain.

“Guildisn’tfittoruntheSanctuary,”shesaid.“He’smakingstupidmistakes.Shirkinghisresponsibility.”

“Weheardhedemotedyou.”

Theheatroseinherface,butMarrkepthervoiceeven.“Temporaryreassignment,”shesaid.“Justoneofhisrecenterrorsofjudgement.”

“Soyou’llhelpusthen?”

“Yes.”

“WehadMrBlissinlinetotakeover,”themantoldher.“Hisdeathhasmeantadrasticchangeinourplans.Ihopeyourealisethat.”

“Howdrastic?”sheasked.

“We’regoingtodestroytheSanctuary,”hesaid,“andtakeoverwhat’sleft.”

Thedim-lookingboyreturnedwithhersandwich.Itwascompletelywrong,butshewasn’thungryanyway.Shepaidforitandcollectedherchange,catchingtheman’seyeas

sheturned.

“Suitsme,”shesaidandwalkedout.

35MYRONSTRAY

Thehousehadaface.

ThetwolargewindowsonthefirstfloorpeereddownattheBentleyasitdrewtoahalt.Thepaintwaslikedriedskin,crackedandpeelingback,andthefrontdoorwasopenlikeagreatgapingmouth.Itwouldhavebeencreepy,Valkyriereflected,wereitnotforthedrawnblindsthatgavethefaceahalf-asleepexpression.Asitwas,itlookedasifitwascaughtinthemiddleofagiantyawn.

“Onceuponatime,”Skulduggerysaid,“MyronStraywasaninformationbroker,muchlikeChinaistoday.Hewasrespectedtoo.Untilitallfellapartforhim.”

“Whathappened?”Valkyrieasked.

“MrBlissfoundoutMyron’struename.MyronandBlissnevergoton–alwaysateachother’sthroats.Onenight,inapubinBelfastwheretheyweresupposedtobeplanninghowtotakedownMevolent,theygotintoanargument.Iwasn’tthere,butthewayIheardit,Myronwastauntinghim,goadinghim,andBlissjustsatbackinhischairandthenverycalmly,veryquietly,said,‘Laudigan,leave.’Myronwentwhiteasasheet,apparently,andwalkedout.MrBlissjustsmiled.”

“Laudiganishistruename?”

“Indeeditis.Somethinglikethatspreadslikenothingyou’veeverseen.Andjustlikethat,Myron’slife,thelifehehadbuiltupforhimself,wasover.Hedealtininformationandnowanyonecouldusethatnametocontrolhim,makehimgiveuphissecretsorlietotheirenemies.Hisfriendsleft.Thewomanhewaslivingwithwalkedouttheverynextday.Hislifefellapart.”

“That’sterrible.”

“Isupposeitis.ButtauntingMrBliss–thatwasMyron’smistake.”

“Butyoustayedfriendswithhim,right?WithMyron?Wheneveryoneelseabandonedhim?”

“Tobehonest,wewereneverreallyfriends.Andevenifwehadbeen,Iwasn’taroundinthosedays.Iwassickofthewholething.IwassickofthewarandIjustwantedittobeover.BythetimeIcameback,andIheardwhathadhappened,therewasn’tawholelotIcoulddotohelphimout,evenifIhadwantedto.”

“Butyou’rehopingthathestillhearsthings,aren’tyou?”

“Chinaisstillrecovering–shecouldhavemissedsomethingimportant.Wedon’thavetheluxuryofwaitingforhertogetbetter,soyes,we’reforcedtoscrapethebottom

ofthebarrel.Andifthere’soneplacewhereMyronisathomethesedays,it’sthebottomofthebarrel.”

TheygotoutofthecarandValkyriefollowedSkulduggerythroughthebrokengateandupthecrackedpathtothehouse.Theypeeredinthroughtheopendoor.Thedampwallswerecoveredwithfadedgreenwallpaper,bleachedinplacesbythesun.Thefloorwasbare,butthestairswerecarpeted.Whoeverhadownedthishouseinthe1970shadobviouslytriedtomatchthestairswiththewallpaper,butthebesttheycouldmanagewasanuglycarpetthecolourofbile.SkulduggeryrappedhisknucklesonthedoorframeandValkyrieheardmovementfromdeepwithinthehouse.

Amomentlater,MyronStrayappeared.Hewasn’ttootall,wasn’ttooslim,andwasn’ttoogood-looking.Infact,hewasn’ttooanything.Hewasprettyaverageinapale,unshavenkindofway.

“Skulduggery,”hesaid.“Youhaven’tdarkenedmydoorinanage.”

“I’vebeenaway.”

“Iheard.ThismustbeValkyrieCainthen.”

Valkyriesmiledandheldoutherhand.Myronturnedaway.

“Comeonin,”hesaid.

Valkyrietookaninstantdisliketotheman.Theyfollowedhimintothekitchen.Thetablewasamassofpizzaboxesandwinebottles,anddisheswerepiledupinthesink.Substancesthatmayoncehavebeenfoodhadlongsincedriedandhardenedtotheplates,andeachandeverycupValkyriesawhadfuzzymouldcreepingoverthebrim.Theairwasstale,andfliestappedandbuzzedagainstthegrimywindows.

“Ilikewhatyou’vedonetotheplace,”Skulduggerysaideventually.

Myrontookacanofbeerfromthefridgeandcrackeditopen.“IalwayswantedsomeonetocomeupwithaMaryPoppinstrick,didn’tyou?Youknow,justclickyourfingersanddisheswashthemselvesandthefloormopsitselfandallthatstuff?It’dsavemeabundleonhousekeeping.”

Valkyriefrowned.“Youhaveahousekeeper?”

“Iwasmakingajoke.Thisone’snottoosmartisshe,Skulduggery?”

AllpretenceatbeingcivilleftValkyrie’sface,tobereplacedbyopenandobvioushostility.

“Notlikeyourlastpartner,”Myroncontinued,sittingatthetable,“theonewhodied.Howdidhedieagain?Ican’tquiteremember.”

“Horribly,”Skulduggerysaid.

“Hediedscreamingyourname,didn’the?Nowhere’swherethingsgetalittlefuzzy.Whenhewasscreamingyourname,washecallingforhelp,orwashecursingyou?”

“AlittlebitofbothIwouldimagine.Myron,Idon’tappreciateyouinsultingmy

partner.Iwouldhaveleapedtoherdefence,butValkyrieismorethancapableoffightingherownbattles.Valkyrie?Youcanrespondhoweveryouwish.”

“Thankyou,”Valkyriesaid,smilingthinly.“Inthatcase,wecameheretoaskyouafewquestions,Myron,andthat’swhatwe’regoingtodo.Youdon’tmindifIcallyouMyron,doyou?”Heopenedhismouthtoutteralazyreply,butshecuthimoff.“Thankyou.Ididn’tthinkyouwould.Weneedtoknowanythingyou’veheardconcerningDreylanScarabandanypossiblebaseofoperations.”

Myronlookedatherforalongtime.“I’mafraidIcan’thelpyou.”

“AndI’mafraidI’mgoingtohavetoinsist.IcouldcontinuecallingyouMyron,yousee,orIcouldswitchtoyourothername.Whatwasitagain?Thenamethatmakesyoudoanythingyou’retold?”

Myron’seyesturnedhardandhelookedatSkulduggery.“Youpromisedmeyouwouldneverusemytruenameagainstme.”

“Yes,Idid,”Skulduggerysaid,crossinghisarmsandleaningbackagainstthewall.“AndIwon’t.Unfortunately,youwererudetomypartnerandfriend,andshemadeyounosuchpromise.”

Valkyriepulledachairfrombeneaththetable,wipedtheseatandsat.“Ireadsomewhere,”shesaid,“thatyoucanprotectyourtruename.Isn’tthatright?There’sawaytosealitsoitcan’tbeusedagainstyou?Whydidn’tyoudothat?”

Myronlickedhislips.“Itwastoolate,”hesaidstiffly.“Thatonlyworksifyousealthenamebeforeit’sused.”

“Isee,”shenodded.“Butyoudidn’tevenknowwhatitwas,didyou?AndMrBlissdid.Andyouannoyedhim.Ican’tpossiblyimaginehow,seeingasyou’rejustsoniceandpolite,andsuchfuntobearound.”

Myronputhisbeercanontheclutteredtabletopandglared.“YouwanttoknowifI’veheardanything?Iheardaboutyou.Bothofyou.Sensitivesaretalkingandthey’resayingthatsomefreakcalledDarquesseisgoingtokillyou.Iforonecan’twait.Skulduggery,we’veneverreallylikedeachother,andgirl,Ihavecertainlynottakenashinetoyou,either.Ifyouaskme,thesoonerthisfreakgetstoyou,thebetter.”

“Weheardaboutthosevisions,”Skulduggerysaidcalmly.“ButIwouldn’tsoundtoopleasedaboutit,ifIwereyou.Darquessekillsus,yes,butshekillseveryoneelsewhileshe’satit.Youmayhavemissedthatbit.”

Myronrubbedthebristlesonhisjawanddidn’trespond.

“WewanttoknowwhereScarabishiding,”saidValkyrie.

“Idon’tknowwhere.Nooneknowswhere.Thatbunchofpsychoshehaswithhimdon’tletthingssliptofriends,becausetheydon’thaveanyfriends.Nobodyknowswheretheyare.”

“Weknowthatthey’reinacastlesomewhere,”Valkyriesaid.

“Well,whydidn’tyousaythatatthestart?”Myronsnapped.“Ididn’tpaythisanyattentionwhenIheardit,butthere’sbeenalotofactivityaroundSerpine’soldplacerecently.”

“Serpine’scastlehasbeensealedoff,”Skulduggerysaid.

“Well,theymusthavefoundawaytounsealitthen.”

Skulduggerystoodandputonhishat.Hetookarollofcashfromhiscoatpocketandleftitontopofanupturnedfriedchickenbucketonthetable.“Thanksforyourhelp,”hesaid.

“Mypleasure,”gruntedMyron.

Skulduggerytippedhishatandwalkedout.Valkyriegotuptofollowhim.

“Interestingpeopleyouhangaroundwith,”Myronsaid,andshelookedbackathim.“Coupleofbadhabitsyou’repickinguptoo.Gotaprettysmartmouthonyou,don’tyou?”

“IsupposeIdo.”

“Wordofwarningthough.Theremightnotbemanypeopleouttherewhotrustme,butthereareevenfewerwhotrustyourfriend.Justsomethingtothinkabout.”

HetookaswigfromhisbeercanandValkyriewalkedouttothecar.

36PLAYTIME

ScarabandBilly-Raywalkedovertoinspectthebombonthetable.“Thatwasquick,”Scarabmurmured.“Wehadallthematerialsreadyforyou,but

still,howdidyoudoitsofast?”

“Thisonehassecrets,”ProfessorGrousesaid.Thechainsthatkepthimonhissideoftheroomweren’tbound,buttheywereenoughtoslowhimdown.“Whocares?Ididthejob,didn’tI?Didn’tIdothejob?Nowthejobisdone.Nowyoureleaseme,yes?”

“YouaddedthespecificationsIaskedfor?”

“Yes,yes,yes,”theProfessorreplied.“Itwasnoproblem,notforsomeonelikeme.Thismindisawonderfulthing.I’dbesorrytoleaveit,ifthebodywasn’tsodecrepit.”

Scarabdidn’tknowawholelotaboutDesolationEngines,buteverythingseemedtobewhereitshouldbe.

“We’renotreleasingyou,”hesaid.“You’retoomischievous.Youmighttellourenemieswhereweare.”

Grouse’ssmiledropped,veryslowly,fromhisface.“Yourenemiesaremyenemies.Myenemiesareeverywhere.Everyoneismyenemy.Youreleasemenow!”

“Notgoin’tohappen,”saidBilly-Ray.“Butwesuredoappreciatetheworkyou’veputintothis.Assumin’ourplangoeswell,we’llreleaseyouafter.”

“Yousaidnow!”

“Calmdown,Professor.Weunderstandhowupsetyoumustbe,sowehaveagiftwe’dliketogivetoyou.”

Grousecockedhisheadcuriously.“Agift?”

“Alovelygift,”Billy-Raysaid,smiling.“Oneforyoutoplaywithtoyourlittleheart’scontent.”

Thedooropenedand,withaclangofshackles,TanithLowwasledin.

“Ourgift,”saidScarab,“toyou.”

Grouseclappedhishandsandlaughed.

37CHINA’SDARKSECRET

Overthebedtherewasasigilpaintedontotheceilinganditglowedgently,itspowerdriftingdownintoChina’sbody.Shelaywithhereyesclosed,handsfoldedonherstomach,hermindattunedtothesigil,manipulatingitsproperties.Theebbandflowofmagicragedlikeastorm-tossedsea,andyetnoneofthatwasevidentfromoutwardappearances.Insteadofastorm-tossedseathereseemedtobeastilllake,notevenarippleonthewater’ssurface,exactlythewayChinapreferredittobe.

Thesigilstoppedglowingandhereyesopened.Shesatupsmoothly,withouthurry.Asshedressed,sheobservedherselfinthemirror.Shelookedpaleandweak.Herbodywasstilltired,hermagicstillexhausted.Shewasn’tstrongenoughtodowhatsheneededtodo,butithadtobedone.

Chinaleftthebedroom,tookthegunfromherdeskdrawerandputitinherpurse.Shecouldn’trisktakingoneofherowncars,soshecalledataxiandenduredforty-fiveminutesofthetaxidrivertellingherhowmuchhelovedherbeforetheyarrivedattheirdestination.Thedriverweptashedroveaway.

Chinasteppedoffthecrackedpavementandfollowedathintrailbetweenatallrottenfenceandahighcrumblingwall.Thetrailwasovergrownwithweedsandgrasses,anditledtoasmallhouse,tuckedawayfrompryingeyesandpassingcars.Sheknockedonthedoorandasmallmaninathree-piecesuitanswered.Hisfacewasacatalogueofdisappointments,ofcohesionattemptedbutneverachieved.HisnamewasPrave,andhisbulbouseyesgrewsowidetheypracticallyeruptedfromtheirsocketsandrolleddownhischeeks.

“ChinaSorrows,”hesaidinahushedtone.Shehadforgottenhownasalhisvoicewas.“Iknewthisdaywouldcome.Iknewit.You’vecometokillme,haven’tyou?”

“NowwhywouldIwanttodosomethinglikethat?”Chinaasked.Shedidn’tsmileathim.Hewasn’tworthyofhersmile.“MayIcomein?”

“I’vedonenothingwrong,”hesaidquickly.

“Thatmustmakeanicechange.Standaside,please.”

PravedidashewastoldandChinawalkedin.Thehousewasahundredyearsoldandsheknewitwell,foruponcompletionithadbeenconvertedintoachurchforthefollowersoftheFacelessOnes.Itsexistencewasoneofthebest-keptsecretsinthecity,mainlybecausethemanwhoranit,Pravehimself,wasanineffectualfoolwhoposednoseriousthreattoanyone.ThewallsweredecoratedwiththepaintingsandiconographyoftheDarkGods,andthemainroomcontainedanaltarandawell-worncarpet,whereahandfulofdesperatediscipleshadkneeledandworshippedandprayedfortheendof

humanity.

“Whereishe?”Chinaasked,flickingthroughthebookonthealtar.ItwasaparticularlybatterededitionoftheGospeloftheFaceless,amoronicbookwrittenbyamoroninanattempttorationalisethebehaviourofhisilk.

Praveshookhishead.“Idon’tknowwhoyou’retalkingabout,butevenifIdid,Iwouldn’ttellyou.Youareatraitorandablasphemerandaheretic.”

“Iseemtobealotofthings.I’mlookingforRemusCrux.”

Praveadoptedalookheprobablythoughtwasaloof.“Idon’tknowwhothatis.Alothaschangedsinceyoustartedyourblasphemingways,MissSorrows.Wearearespectablereligionnow,andshouldbetreatedassuch.Wearetiredofthispersecutionwehavebeensubjectedto.Wehaveourrights,youknow.”

“No,youdon’t.”

“Well,weshould.We’renothurtinganyone,nordowecondonetheuseofviolencetowardsanyone.”

“Soelevenmonthsago,whentheFacelessOnesstoppedbyforavisitandallthosepeoplewerekilled…”

“That’sdifferent,”Pravesaid.“Thosepeoplewereaskingforit.”

“You’reannoyingmenow,Prave,soyou’dbetteranswer.WhereisRemusCrux?”

Praveremaineddefiantfortwoorthreesecondsthenwilted.“Idon’tknow,”hesaid.“He’sbeenhereafewtimes,butnotwithanyregularity.HelikestositaroundandtalkinclichésabouthowtheFacelessOnesaregoingtosmitehumanityandturntheworldtoash,thatkindofthing.Hedoesn’tunderstandthebeautyofwhattheydo–he’sjustinterestedintheendresult.Ithoughttalkingtohimwouldbearevelation–hismindhasbeentouchedbytheDarkGods,afterall.Butno.Heholdsnoinsights,nostartlingtruths.He’sjust…insane.”

“Ineedtofindhim.”

“Ican’thelpyou.Idon’tknowwherehe’sliving.Idon’tevenknowthepeopleheknows.FromwhatIcansee,I’mtheonlyonehetalksto,andeventhen,mostofwhathesaysisgibberish.”

“Itmustmakeyouquestionyourreligion.”

Praveglared.“Ourgodswillrewardourfaithwhentheyreturnandwipethehereticsfromthefaceoftheworld.”

Hedidn’tknowanythingofuse,andevenifhedid,shedidn’thavethestrengthtogetitoutofhim.Chinalefthimstandingbythealtarandletherselfout.Shestartedbackdownthetrail,andnoticedamanwalkinginoffthestreet.Hisheadwasdownandhishandswereinhispockets.Hewalkedquickly.Hewastenstepsawayfromherwhenhelookedup.

“Hello,Remus,”saidChina.

Hedidn’tboltasshehadexpected.Hejuststoodthereandlookedather,adeercaughtintheheadlights,athiefcaughtintheact.

“You’vebeenaverynaughtyboy,”shesaid.“YoutriedtokillValkyrieCain,andIactuallylikeValkyrie.YougotyourselfcaughtupwithScarabandhisplanstochangethewaythingsareandIlikethewaythingsare.Idon’tlikechange–notwhenI’mnotpreparedforit.”

“Iknowaboutyou,”Cruxsaid,hisvoicetight.

“Youshouldn’thavegotinvolvedinthis.Youshouldhavestayedhiddenandasfarawayfrommeaspossible.”

“Iknowyoursecret,”hesaidquickly.“Andnowyou’rescared.Scaredofwhathe’lldotoyouwhenhefindsout.”

“Didyoutellmysecrettoanyoneelse,Remus?”

“Everyone.”

Chinasmiled.“Nowthat’salie.Idon’tthinkyoutoldasoul.”

Heshookhishead.“Idid.Idid.Youdon’tknow.”

Herhandslippedintoherpurse.“Thelastelevenmonthshavebeenhardonyou,haven’tthey?You’vehadnowheretogotoforhelp.Nofriends.Nocolleagues.Justyouandyourscrambledlittlemind.Allyouneededwastohaveonelucidmoment…butyoudidn’tgetit,didyou?”

Cruxlickedhislips.“Everyoneknowswhatyoudid.Itoldthem.They’realltalkingaboutyou.They’reallwhispering.ChinaSorrows,ChinaSorrows,she’stheone,they’resaying.She’stheone.NefarianSerpinekilledSkulduggeryPleasant,butChinaSorrowsledhisfamilyintothetrap.”

Shesteppedtowardshim.Cruxclickedhisfingersandfireflaredinhishands.Chinapulledthetrigger.ThebulletruinedaperfectlygoodpurseandthenmadeamessofRemusCrux’schest.Hefellbackwards,fireextinguished,andwasalreadydeadwhenChinasteppedoverhisbodyandwalkedaway.

38THECASTLE

ThelasttimeValkyriehadseenthiscastleshehadbeenrunningfromit.TheyhadjustrescuedSkulduggeryandSerpine’sHollowMenhadbeenclosinginfromallsides.

“Irescueyoualot,”shemuttered.

“Sorry?”Skulduggerysaid,lookingback.

“Nothing.”

Everygroundfloorentrancehadbeenbrickedup,sotheygotinthroughawindowonthefirstfloorandworkedtheirwaydown.Itwasquietandcold.Skulduggerywentfirstdownthestonestairs,thenFletcherandAntonShudder.ValkyrieandGhastlybroughtuptherear.

Thestairstothebasementlevelwerecementedover.

“Spreadout,”saidSkulduggery.“We’relookingforanysignofrecentactivity.”

Theysplitup.Valkyriewenttothebackofthecastle.Hereandtherewereitemsofoldfurniture,dust-covered,standingaloneinotherwiseemptyrooms.Shesteppedintoadrawingroomwithanornatefireplace,turnedtogo,thenstopped.Shelookedatthewaythelightcaughtthegroovesthathadbeenscrapedintothefloorinfrontofthefireplace.Shekneltbythem,runningherfingersalongthewornedges.Valkyriewasnoexpert,butshereckonedthattheseshallowgroovesthatcurvedinauniformpatternhadbeenhereforaboutaslongasthecastlehadbeenstanding.Somethingheavyhadbeenrepeatedlymovedacrossthisareaovertheyears–buthadithappenedrecently?

Valkyriesteppedontothefireplace’sbaseandranherhandsalongthemantle.Therightcornerwastheonlyspotfreeofdustandherfingersdriftedlightlyoverthestone.Shefeltsomethinggiveandthefireplacerotatedsilently,swingingheraroundandthroughthewallintoacoldcorridor.Thefireplacecompleteditsrotationwithasoftclick.Valkyriedidn’tmove.Thecorridorwasdarkandmadeofstone,litbytorchesinbracketsalongthewalls.Toherleftwasathickchain,trundlingupfromalargegapinthefloorthroughabigholeintheceiling,likeitwaspartofsomehugepulleysystem.

Andnomorethantwometresaway,standingwithitsbacktoher,wasaHollowMan.

Thetorchlightflickeredoffitspaperyskin,catchingthestitchesandthestrainswhereitsarmswerepulleddownbyitsheavyfists.

Valkyrietriedactivatingtheswitchagain,butthemechanismwaslocked.TheHollowMantwitcheditsheadasifithadheardsomething.Valkyriereachedouttothethickchainandgrippeditwithbothhands.Itcarriedheroffherfeetandupthroughthe

gapintheceiling.Asshelookeddown,theHollowManturned,toolatetocatchsightofher.

Shepassedupthroughthegapandcheckedaroundquicklybeforelettinggoofthechain.Shetookoutherphoneandcheckedthebars.Thesignalwasblocked.She’dprettymuchexpectedthat.Shehurrieddowntotheendofthecorridor,keepingtighttothewall,doingherbesttomakesurethathershadowwasn’tgoingtogiveheraway.ShereachedanintersectionandpeekedoutandsawSpringheeledJack.

Valkyriedroppedbackandhunkereddown.Threestridestookhimabreastofher,buthepassedwithoutglancingdown.Onceshestartedthinkingagainshecountedtotenthenaddedanotherfivebeforegettingup.Shepeekedout,buthewasgone,movingalongsomeothercorridor.Shecreptintheoppositedirection,puttingasmuchdistancebetweenthemaspossible.IfshehadtorunfromHollowMen,shefiguredshecoulddoit,butrunningfromhim?Shewouldn’tgetthreesteps.

Sheheardamantalking.Therewasalaughanditwasn’tnice.Thefurthershecrept,theclearerthevoicebecame.Shestillcouldn’tmakeoutthewords.Thevoicereacheditsclearestasshepassedadoor,butwhensheputhereartoit,shecouldn’thearanybetter.Valkyriefrownedandsteppedback,followingthesound,hereyesdropping.Onthegroundbesidethedoorwasanopening.Aventilationshaft.SheheardKenspeckle’svoice,butstillcouldn’thearwhatwasbeingsaid.

Valkyriegottoherhandsandkneesandpeeredin.Itwasdark.Verydark.Sheflattenedherselftothefloorandcrawledintotheshaft.Shelethereyesadjust,feelingthethicklayerofdustunderherhands.Shemovedforwardonherelbows,bangingherheadagainsttheroofoftheshaftandgrittingherteethagainstthepain.Shecouldhearthewordsnow.

“…niceofthemtogivemeaplaything,don’tyouthink?Sothoughtful.Theydon’twantmegettingbored,yousee.”

Valkyriemovedon,feelingacobwebbreakagainstherface.Withacontrolledfranticnessshecleareditaway,tryingtodamhermindagainsttheimagesofspidersscuttlinginherhair.Aheadofherwasajunction,abreakinthedarkness,wheretheventilationshaftopenedintotheroomwherethevoicewascomingfrom.Valkyriesquirmedup,laidherfaceagainstthecoldstoneandpeeredin.

Tanithwasn’tchaineduporshackledtoawall,asValkyriehadexpected.Insteadshewassittinginanarmchair,handsflatonthearmrests,legscrossed.Anoldmansatoppositeinanidenticalarmchair.Hiswhitehairstoodoutinclumpsandhehaddarkringsunderhiseyes.IttookheramomenttorecogniseKenspeckle.

Besidebothchairswasasmalltable.OnTanith’stablewereacupandsaucer,andonthetablebesideKenspecklewasateapotandabowlofsugarcubes.Theroomwasstone,butthearmchairswereonarugandtherewasafrayedtapestryhangingonthewall.Therewasalamp,minusalampshade,inthefarcorneroftheroom.Thebulbwasbroken.Itwasafeebleattemptatintroducingwarmthandnormalitytothestarkandbizarre,anditwasevenmoreunsettlingforit.

Kenspeckledrankhisteaandreturnedthecuptoitssaucerwithadelicateplink.

Tanith’sfacewasstrainedandwetwithsweat.Hereyeswereunfocusedandherbodyrigid.ValkyriesearchedforashackleorasignthatTanith’spowerswerebeingbound,butshecouldn’tseeanything.

Therewasasmallpoolofdriedbloodbesidethearmrestclosesttotheventilationshaft.Valkyriefollowedthecoursethebloodwouldhavehadtohavetaken,andnoticedforthefirsttimeTanith’shands.Onfirstglancenothingwasoutoftheordinary,butitwasasifsomeonehadtakenaclothtothemandwipedthemquicklyandwithoutcare,notbotheringtocleanawayalltheblood.

ValkyriesawthewaythelighthitsomethingmetalonthebackofTanith’shand,andsherealisedwithalurchinherstomachthatTanith’shandshadbeennailedtothearmrests.

Shewantedtocryoutandtearscametohereyes.Shesawtwomorenails.Theywerethickandlookedlongandold,andhadbeenhammeredthroughTanith’scollarbonestokeepheruprightinthechair.AfifthnailenteredTanith’srightlegjustabovethekneeanddrovedownandthroughherleft,pinningthemtogether.

Kenspecklewastalkingagain,butValkyriewasn’tlisteningtothewords.Shestaredatherfriend.Shecouldn’tbreathe.Shewassuddenlytoohotintheventilationshaftanditwastight,fartootight,andclose.Shehadtogetout.Shehadtobackoutthewayshehadcome,andshehadtosmashdownthatdoorandripthatRemnantoutofKenspeckle’sbody.Itwastheonlythingtodo.Itwastheonlythingthatmattered.

Valkyrietriedmovingbackwards,theangerchurning.Itwasbubbling,boiling,risinginherthroat.Shewasn’tmoving.Shecouldn’tmovebackwards.Panicmixedwithangerandfuelledit,andasmallvoicesomewhereinValkyrie’smindtoldhertocalmdown,butshewasn’tlistening.

Shemovedon,crawling,movingquickly,grunting,notcaringifthatthingthatwasnotKenspeckleGrousecouldhearherornot.AndthentherewasnomoregroundandValkyriewassuddenlyslidingdownwards.Shecursedasshewent,tryingtosnaganintersectingcrawlspace,butonlysucceededintakingarat’snestwithher.Theratssquealedbeneathandbesideherandshelashedout,tryingtothrowthemoff.Herheadstruckstone.Herbodytwisted.

Belowher,brightnessandheat.

Shetumbledthroughthegapandfellaboutametre.Therewasanothergapdirectlybelowitandshereachedoutinstinctively,spreadingherarmsandlegsandjammingherselfovertheopening,stoppingherselffromfallingthroughtotheroombelow.

Valkyrielookeddownontoalargewoodentable,andthepartiallyinflatedskinoftheHollowManthatlayuponit.

AnotherHollowManlumberedintoview,carryingabucketofslopandwhatlookedlikeentrails.Itdidn’tlookupandValkyriedidn’tmakeasound.Itwenttothefurnacebuiltintothewall,theonlysourceoflightintheroom,andopenedthemetalgrilleabove

theflames.Spillingsomeandnotcaring,theHollowManpouredtheslopintothefurnace.Valkyrie’smuscleswerebeginningtoache.

TheHollowManpickedupalargepairofbellows,itsheavyhandsclumsyandawkward,andpokedthetipthroughtheholeatthetopofthefurnace.Itpulledthehandlesapart,suckinginthefoulgases,andValkyriewatcheditshuffleovertothetable.Itjammedthetipintotheskinandthebellowswheezed,andtheskininflatedalittlemore.TheHollowManpickedupalargeneedleandsewed,makingsurethegaseswouldn’tescape.

Valkyrie’sarmsweretrembling.Herlegswouldn’tbetrayher,butherarmswereabouttogo.ShelookedbackdownattheHollowManasitpickedupthebellowsandreturnedtothefurnace.Shefeltsomethingheavymoveinherhairandsheflinched,herarmsgivingway.Shefellthroughtheopeningandhitthetable.

Sheheardthebellowsdropandlayflatonherback,holdingherbreath.ThepartiallyinflatedHollowManlaybesideher,blockingherfromview.Shedidn’tknowhowgoodaHollowMan’seyesightwas,butinthisgloomshehopeditwasn’tanybetterthanhers.

Valkyriegrittedherteethwhenshefelttheratinherhairagain.Everyounceofherwantedtotearitaway,butshestayedstill,evenwhenitcrawledoutontoherchest.ItsatforamomentandthenleapedontotheHollowMan’sskin.Shehearditjumptothegroundandscamperaway.Asecondlatersheheardthebellowsbeingpickedup.Sheletoutherbreathandraisedherselfupabit,justenoughtomakesurethatshewasn’tbeingtricked.

AndthentheHollowManskinturneditshalf-inflatedheadtoher.

39HOLLOWMAN

ValkyriegrabbedthethickthreadthatwasholdingtheHollowMantogetherandyanked.Thesewingcameundoneandthegashissedatherastheskindeflated.Shetastedthestenchandgaggedassherolledoffthetable,thegasmakingthebileriseinherthroat.Shethrewup,hereyesstingingandstreamingtears.

Shefeltroughhandsonherandthenshewashauledoffherkneesandthrownagainstthewall.Afistcrunchedintoherribsandshecriedout.Somethingcrashedintothesideofherheadandshewentstumbling,trippingoveradiscardedchairandfallingpainfullytothehardground.

Hereyeswouldn’topen.Shetriedcrawlingaway,butheranklewasgrabbedandshewaspulledback.Sheknockedherchinagainstthefloorandtastedblood.Sheturnedover,lashingoutakickatknee-height.HerboothittheHollowMan’sleganditwassoft,buttherewasnokneetobreak.Thegriponheranklewasreleasedandshecoveredup,waitinginthedarknessforthenextblow.Itfounditswayaboveherraisedkneesandbelowherelbows,droppingstraightdownontoherbelly,andthebreathlefther.Shetriedtorollover,butthosehandswereonheragain,thosecoarse,clumsyfingers,andshewasyankedtoherfeetandsentstumblingblindly.Herhipstrucksomething,theedgeofthetable,andValkyriefoldedandsanktoherknees.

Hereyesopenedacrack.Allshecouldseewasablurredmurkiness.Sheclosedthem.Shecouldn’tbreathe.Sheheardthewhisperingofpaperyskinbehindherandshelaunchedherselfbackwards.ShecollidedwiththeHollowMan,butshe’dmisjudgedtheangleandshefeltitstaggerbutnotfall.Shetuckedherheadinassherolled,cameupinacrouch,herstomachmusclesstillnotallowinghertostraighten.Shefelttearsonherfaceandtastedbloodandvomit.

Shemoved,stayinglow,steppingawayfromtheHollowMan’sfootsteps.Herhandswereheldoutinfrontandsheconcentratedonfeelingtheairagainstherskin.Immediately,shefeltthedraughts,theheatfromthefurnacepushingthroughtheroom,risingupthroughthegapfromwhichshehadfallen.Shestoodonsomethingandnearlytripped.Thebellowsmaybe.Thefurnacewasbehindher.Ablastofheat,uncomfortableonherback.

TheairshiftedandshefelttheHollowMan’smovements,feltitlurchingthroughthestreamsofcloggingwarmth,disruptingthemasitcame.Itwascloseandunsubtle,cominghead-on,andsheusedtheair,drawingitintoherandthenpushing,hard.ItcollidedwiththeHollowMananddroveitback,outofhersensoryrange.Shehearditcrashagainstthetable.

Valkyrierubbedhereyesbeforeattemptingtoopenthem.Theystillstung,butitwasbearable.Thetearsturnedeverythingtoablur.Shewipedherfacewithhersleeveandblinkedrapidly.TheHollowMancameintofocus.Itwasontheground,crawlingtowardsher,itsownsewingneedlestickingoutofitslowerback.Itslegswerealreadyhalf-deflated,thegreengasslowlyescapingthroughthepuncturewound.

Valkyriesteppedsidewaystoavoiditsgrab.Shewenttothechair,righteditandsatwithagroan.SheworkedatgettingherbreathingundercontrolasshewatchedtheHollowManchangedirectionandcrawlover.Bythetimeshewastakingdeepbreathsagainandhereyeshadstoppedwatering,theHollowMan’sflat,outstretchedfingerswerecentimetresawayfromherfoot.Ithadstoppedmoving.

Valkyriestoodandspat,tryingtogetridofthefoultasteinhermouth.Shecrossedtothedoorandopenedit,makingsuretherewasnoonearound,andeasedout.Asshehurrieddowntheflame-lickedcorridor,shefeltthepain,butignoredit,justlikesheignoredthepartofherselfthatwantedtohunkerdownandcry.Shefocusedontheotherpart,thepartthatrevelledinhertriumph.Anotherfightthatshe’dwon.Anotherbattlewhereshehadn’tdied.

Shemovedthroughthejunctionandfoundstairsleadingup.Shelistenedforafewseconds,madesurenoonewasgoingtosurpriseher,andascended.Thestairscurledaroundathickcolumnofstonelikeavinearoundasapling.Valkyriereachedthetopandkeptmovinginwhatshedecidedwasasoutherlydirection.ShecametoacornerandBilly-RaySanguineroundedit.

Helookedatherforamoment,alittlesurprised,likehecouldn’tquiteplaceher,andthenthatwhite-toothedgrincame,butbythenshewasrunningtheotherway.Sheheardhimlaughasshebarrelledthroughadoor.

Therewereshoutsnow,fromallover,andsheheardrunningfootsteps,theechoesreboundingalongthestone.Valkyriecametoanothersetofstairsleadingupandtookthemthreeatatime.ThereweretwoHollowMenatthetop.Theyreachedforher,butsheslippedbythem.Shereachedacorridorwithawindowattheendandpiledonthespeed,hearingsomeonebehindher.Beyondthewindowwasaroom,itslightspillingthroughintothedarkness.Thewallsofthisroomhadtapestries.Shesawachandelier.Itwasthecastle’smainhall.Whichmeantthatthiswasn’tawindow–itwasamirror.

Valkyriejumped,curlingintoaballasshehittheglass.Theworldfragmentedwithacrashthatfilledherhead.Themainhallwaslowerthanthecorridorandshefellthroughtheair,shardsofmirrorfallingwithher.Sheslammedtothefloorandrolled,crunchingtheglassbeneathher.ShecaughtaglimpseofSkulduggeryandthenhewasbesideher,helpingherup,andGhastly,FletcherandShudderwererunningin.

Somebodyclearedhisthroat.Loudly.Theyalllookedupatthebrokenmirror.Billy-RaySanguinestoodinthecorridorabovethem,handsinhispockets.“Howiseveryone?”heasked.“How’severyonedoin’?Weshouldcatchuplater,allofus,talkaboutoldtimesandhavealaugh.Can’tdoitnow,I’mafraid.Bitpressedfortime,whatwithourultimatemasterplanandall.”

“Comedownhere,Sanguine,”Skulduggerysaid.

“Why,soyoucanarrestme?”

“No,”saidGhastly,“sowecankickthehelloutofyou.”

AnelderlymanappearedbesideSanguineandValkyrieknewshewaslookingatScarab.

“Wehaveguests?”Scarabasked.

“Yes,wedo,Pops,”Sanguinereplied.“I’mafraidthegirlbrokeamirrorthough.”

“Well,that’sOK,”smiledScarab.“Idon’tbelieveanyofthatsevenyears’badluckstuffanyhow.Heck,evenifIdid,itwouldn’tmatter–they’reallgoingtobedeadbytomorrowanyway.Hellothere,DetectivePleasant.Beenawhile.”

“WewantTanithLowandKenspeckleGrousereturnedtous,”Skulduggerysaid.“Andthenwewantyouandtheotherstogiveyourselvesup.”

ScarablaughedandSanguineshookhishead,amused.

“Ilikeyouguys,”Sanguinesaid.“Ido.YouknowwhyIlikeyou?Becauseyou’refunny.Youlookallweirdandyousayallthesesillythings.Funny,y’know?”

“Youactasifyou’renothopelesslyoutnumbered,”saidScarab,“which,bytheway,youare.Youactlikeyou’dstandachanceagainstthefellaswehavewithusandalltheHollowMenwe’vebeenstitchingtogether–which,bytheway,youdon’t.That’simpressive.”

Sanguinenodded.“That,andIdon’tmindsayin’thisbecauseIknowit’llstayinthisroom,isabeautifulthing.”

Itwasapsychodoubleacttheywerewatching–fatherandsonlunatics.Butevenso,theyweretalkingtoomuch.Skulduggeryfeltittoo.

“Itakeityou’renotgoingtosurrender,”hesaid.

“Thelasttimeyouarrestedme,”Scarabresponded,allhumourgonefromhisvoice,“youlockedmeawaywithoutatrial.Ifit’sallthesametoyou,I’mnotgoingtorepeatmymistakes.Therewillbenoprisoncellsthistime.Therewillbenocover-ups.Therewillbejustice.”

“That’swhyyouhadProfessorGrouserepairtheDesolationEngine?Youthinksettingitoffwillbejustice?”

“DependswhoIkill,nowdoesn’tit?”

Skulduggerytiltedhishead.“What’stostopusfromputtinganendtoallofthisrightnow,andkickingthehelloutofthebothofyouwhilewe’reatit?”

Sanguinefrowned.“Well,we’re,we’reupsohigh…”Hebrightened.“Oh,yeahandwe’vegotreinforcements.”

“See,”Scarabsaid,“wewereplanningtousetheHollowMeninourgrandfinale,but

seeingashowyoufoundourbasehere,we’lljusthavetoimprovisealittle.Sowe’regoingtoheadoffnowandnodoubtwe’llmeetagainto,youknow,hiteachotherorwhateveritispeoplelikeusdonowadays.”

“It’sstillhiteachother,”Sanguinetoldhim.

“Well,thereyougo.Youcan’tbeattheclassics.”

“Youcantryandstopus,”Sanguinesaid,“butIhaveafeelin’you’llbejustatadbusyfendingoffthearmyofHollowMenthatareaboutjumpoutatyou.”

Atthat,asectionofwallopenedupandasingleHollowManstumbledoutandstoodthere.Sanguinepursedhislips.Amomentpassed.

“Awkward,”hemurmured.

AnotherwallslidopenandHollowMenpouredout,dozensofthem,andSanguineclappedhishandsindelightandthendisappearedfromviewwithhisfather.

ValkyriestoodbesideSkulduggeryandGhastly,andtheyclickedtheirfingersandthrewballsoffire.TheflamescaughttheskinoftheHollowMen,takingafewsecondstoburnthrough,andignitedthegaseswithin.Andstilltheycame,dozensofthem,swarmingintothehall.

“TheCleaversareontheirway,”Skulduggerysaid,“butwedon’thavetimeforthis.Anton,weneedthemtakendownfast.”

Shuddernodded.Heclosedhiseyesandhisfistsclenched.Thenaheadpushedthroughhischest.

Valkyriesteppedbackinshock.Theheadwashazy,likeaghost,anditwasShudder’shead,onlydifferent.Thehairwaslongerandithadpointedteeth.Itsnarledasitpusheditswayout.Itsshoulderscamenext,thenitsarms,thenitsclawedhands.ItwasdressedinthesameshirtandblackjacketastherealShudder.Itstayedwhereitwasforamomentthenopeneditseyes,whichwerenarrowandblack.ItsawtheHollowMen,itsfacecontortedwitheffortanditlunged,trailingablurredstreamoflightanddarknessfromitstorsobackintoShudder’schest.ItflewtothenearestHollowManandslashed,itsclawssolidenoughtoripthroughthepaperyskin.

Itmovedon,thestreamthatconnectedittoShudderlengthening,anditscreechedasitwent,tearingandrippingthroughtheHollowMenastheyswipedatit.Itloopedandcurled,swoopedandwhirled,thestreamcrossingoverandunderitself.ThisghostlyShudder,thisgist,wasrelentless.Witheachpassitsvisagebecamefiercer,anditwasnolongersohazy,sotransparent.Itlookeddemonic.Itlookedevil.

Shudderhimselfgrunted.Valkyrielookedathimandsawthesweatonhisface,sawthestrainingmusclesonhisneck.Thestreamthatflowedfromhischestbecametightandtaut,andthegistscreamedinangerasitbegantoretract.Likeafishonahookittwistedandwrithed,butitcoulddonothingtostopitselffrombeingpulledbackintoShudder’schest.ThelastValkyriesawofitwasaflailingclaw.

Shuddertookaheavystepback,hisfacepale,hisbreathinguneven.TheHollow

Menweregone,nothingmorethantattersandafoulsmellthatmadehereyesstingagain.

“AreyouOK?”Valkyrieasked.

“Ittakesmeafewminutes,”Shuddersaidquietly,“toregainmystrength.”

“Whatwasthat?”Fletcherasked.

“It’smygist,”hesaid.“It’smyanger,myhate,mydetermination.It’sthestrongestpartofme,butitneedstobecarefullycontrolled.Gistscan’tbeallowedtoomuchtimeoutofthehostbody.”

“Whynot?”

Shudderlookedatthem.“Itwouldtakeover,andthenI’dbereducedtosomethingthatlivedinsideit.”

“Fletcher,”Skulduggerysaid,“takeAntonoutside.WaitthereforMarrandtheCleavers.Tellthemwhereweare.”

Fletchernodded,glancedatValkyrieanddisappearedwithShudder.

“Let’sgo,”SkulduggerysaidtoGhastlyandValkyrie.

Theyusedtheairtorisetothebrokenmirror,thentoucheddownandhurriedon.ThereweremoreHollowMenhere,buttheyweredispatchedeasily.

“Tanith’sthisway,”Valkyriesaid,takingthelead.“Kenspeckle’swithher.He’sbeen…She’shurt.”

Theyranon,untilValkyriepointedatadoorandSkulduggeryblasteditopen.

KenspeckleGrouseleapedtohisfeet,snarling.Tanithcouldbarelyraiseherhead.GhastlymovedtoKenspeckleandhithimwitharightcross.Kenspecklelaughed.HepushedGhastlyandGhastlyhitthefarwall.KenspecklethrewhischairatSkulduggeryandusedthedistractiontogetcloser.HelaughedagainasheyankedSkulduggery’sarmfromhisshoulder.SkulduggeryroaredinpainandKenspeckleshovedhimaway.ValkyriesplayedherhandagainsttheairandKenspecklewenttumblingbackwards.

TherewerefootstepsbehindherandDavinaMarrburstintotheroom.“Donotmove!”shecommanded,gunaimedatKenspeckle.

Kenspecklesnarledagainandturnedonhisknees,hismouthopeningwide.Somethingbulgedinhisthroat,somethingthatwastryingtocrawlitswayout.IfthatRemnantgotlooseinhere,itcouldpossessanyoneofthem,orseizeitschancetoescape,andthey’dnevergetitback.Valkyrieranforwardandkicked,thetoeofherbootslammingintoKenspeckle’schin.Heliftedslightlywiththeimpactanddroppedontohisback.

Marrhurriedover,shacklesinhishand.ShecuffedKenspeckle’swristsbehindhim,sealingtheRemnantbackinside.Valkyrielookedaround,realisingtherewereCleaversoverbyTanith,freeingherfromtheseat.

“Thiswon’tholdmeforlong,”Kenspecklesaid,spittingbloodasMarrhauledhim

up.“I’llgetout.I’llcomeforyou.Everylastoneofyou.”

“Cleavers”Marrsaid,“takehimaway.”

FletchercameinasKenspecklewasledout.

“Fletcher,”Skulduggerysaid,stiflingagroanashefixedhisarmintoplace,“takeTanithtotheSanctuary.Sheneedsurgentmedicalattention.”

“Yougotit,”Fletchersaid,gentlyplacinghishandonTanith’sarm.Theyvanished.

“DidyoucatchScarab?”GhastlyaskedMarrwhenhe’dpickedhimselfupoffthefloor.

Marrshookherhead.“Allthemajorplayersaregone.Allwe’vecomeacrosssofarareHollowMen.”

“LookwhatIfound,”DetectivePennantsaidashewalkedin.Hewassmilingtriumphantly,astrangestonehourglassinhishand.Greenliquidsloshedinsidethetwinvials.“Looksliketheyleftwithouttheirtoy.”

Valkyriestared.“That’stheDesolationEngine?”

“Ifoundabunchofotherstuff,”Pennantcontinued.“Bitsandpieces,junkreally.OneoftheCleaversistakingittotheboffinstomakethemhappy.Butthis–thisisthebigone.”

“Thatbombislive,”Skulduggerysaidquietly.

Pennantlaughed.“Itcan’tbelive.Theoldmandidn’thavetimetofixit.You’retalkingdaysofworkandhehad,what,afewhours?”

“Therearethreestepstosettingthatthingoff.Doyouseethewaytheliquidisslightlyluminous?Thattellsusit’slive.That’sthefirststep.Thesecondstepisarmingit.We’llknowthathappenswhentheliquidturnsredandstartstobubble.Thethirdandfinalstepiswhenit’striggered.DetectivePennant,youaretwostepsawayfromobliteratingusall.Maybeyoushouldhandthatovertome.”

Skulduggerysteppedforward,butMarrtookitfromPennantbeforeSkulduggerygotnear.“Youmayhavebeengrantedtemporaryauthority,MrPleasant,butIamstillPrimeDetectiveand,assuch,thisismyresponsibility.OnceithasbeendeclaredsafebySanctuaryexperts,maybethenIwillallowyoutoexamineit.Butrightnow,thisisours.”

Pennantstrainedtolookprofessional,evenashebackedawayfromthebomb.

FletcherappearedbesideValkyrieandshejumped.

“Sorry,”hesaid.“ThedoctorsarelookingatTanithnow.”HesawPennantandwaved.“Hi.Didn’tIbeatyouuponce?”Pennantglared,butsaidnothing.

“YoushouldallreturnwithustotheSanctuaryforadebriefing,”saidMarr.Shehadn’tevenglancedattheEngine.“Standardoperatingprocedure.”

“Butasyou’vejustpointedout,”Skulduggerysaid,“we’renotofficialSanctuaryoperatives,soIthinkwe’llbeskippingthatpartofthings,ifit’sallrightwithyou.”

“It’snotallrightwithme.”

“Andyetwe’regoingtoskipitanyway.Please,feelfreetotellThuridGuildthatthiswasallyourdoing,whilewefocusongoingafterScarabandhislot.Anddon’tworry,whenwearrestthem,youcantelleveryoneyoudidit.Wedon’tdowhatwedoforthegloryorthefameorthecredit;wedoitforthequietsatisfactionofmakingtheworldabetterplace,savingthelivesofinnocents,andbeingbetterthanyouare.”

SkulduggerytiltedhisheadtoonesideandValkyrieknewhewassmiling.

40WITHGORDON

ValkyrieandFletcherteleportedintoGordon’shouse,arrivinginthelivingroomwherethesunstruggledtocomeinthroughthewindows.

“I’llbebackinaminute,”saidValkyrie,makingforthestairs.

“I’llcomewithyou,”Fletchersaid,following.

Sheturned.“Why?”

“Whywhat?”

“I’mjustgoinguptothestudy.”

“I’llhelpyou.”

“Youdon’tread.”

“Ireadloads.Justnotwhenyou’rearound.”

“Readdownhere.”

“Whycan’tIcomeup?”

“Becausethestudyisatreasuretroveofsecrets,andsomewhereIliketobealone.It’smyuncle’sspace.”

“What’satrove?”

“Atroveisacollectionofvaluableobjects.”

“Howwouldyouknowthat?”

“It’sthekindofthingSkulduggerytellsme.”

“Youmusthavescintillatingconversations.”

“Theydoputthisoneintheshade.Iliketheuseofscintillatingbytheway.”

“Ithoughtyou’dbeimpressed.SocanIseethestudy?”

“Youaskthatlikeyouthinkyou’vearguedyourpointandwon.”

“Ihaven’t?”

“Bigwordsdon’twinarguments.”

Shelefthimandclimbedthestairs.Thestudywasthesameasshe’dleftit–booksonshelves,notesinbundles,awardsaspaperweights.Valkyrieclosedthedoorandpulledbackthefalsebookonthefarbookcase,causingthebookcasetoswingopen.Shewalkedthroughintothehiddenroom,theroomthatcontainedallofheruncle’smostsecret

magicalpossessions.TheEchoStoneglowedonthetable,andGordonEdgleyshimmeredintoexistencebeforeher.

“Well?”heasked.“Howdidtherescuemissiongo?HowisSkulduggery?”

“Oh,yes,wegothimback.”

“Youdid?Well,that’swonderfulnews!I’msohappy!”

“Yeah.”

Gordonlookedaround.“I’malwaysinthisroom.Therearenowindowsinhere.”Helookedbackather.“What’swrong?Youlooktroubled.AreyoufeelingOK?”

“I’mfine.I’vejustgotanotherheadache.”

“Another…?”

“They’vebeenpoppingupoverthepastdayorso.It’snothing.Ihavethisthing,justontheedgeofmymemory,youknowthatfeeling?EverytimeIreachforit,itscatters.”

“Irememberthesensation.Highlyannoying.”

“Highly.Butthat’snotwhyI’mhere.WhatdoyouknowaboutRemnants?”

“Lots,”hesaid.“Fetchmemynotebookfrommydesk.Thebigone.”

Valkyriewenttothestudyandopenedthedesk.Massesofnotebooks.Sheselectedthebiggestone.

“I’dliketogoforawalk,”Gordonannouncedwhenshearrivedback.“Ihaven’tgoneforawalksince…well,sinceIwasalivereally.I’vealmostforgottenwhattheoutsidelookslike.Isitstillgreen?”

“Itreallydependswhereyouare.Canyou,like,actuallygoforawalk?”

“Notonmyown,butifyouputtheEchoStoneinyourpocket,Icanwalkbesideyou.It’llbefun.Doyourememberthewalksweusedtotake?”

“Notespecially.”

“Ican’teither,”headmitted.“Iwasn’treallyawalkerwhenIwasalive,wasI?Iwasmoreofasitter.”Hesmiledwistfully.“Ididlovetosit.”

“Irememberthat.”

“So?Canwegoforawalk?Justaroundhere.Nottoofar,Ipromise.”

“I…Isupposewecould.Itcan’tbeforlongthough–wecanonlyspendafewminuteshere.”

“We?Someone’sdownstairs?”

“Yeah,Fletcher.”

“Oh!ThemysteriousFletcherRenn!”

Valkyrienarrowedhereyes.“Don’tsayitlikethat.”

“Likewhat?”

“Likeyou’reteasingme.”

Gordonlaughed.“Ifyoutakemeforawalk,IpromiseIwon’tteaseyou.He’saTeleporter,isn’the?Sendhimawayfortenminutes.Orlet’sjustsneakout.Ihaven’tsneakedoutofawindowinoverthirtyyears!”

“Isneakouteveryday…OK,butjustashortwalkandI’mreadingaswego.”

Herunclegrinned.“Perfect.”

TheyapproachedthewoodontheeastsideofthehousesoFletcherwouldn’tseethem.Itwasasurprisinglylovelymorning,therainhavingtakenabreakfortheday,andwarmenoughforValkyrietohavehercoatdrapedoverherarm.

“Towardsthemiddlesomewhere,”Gordonsaid,peeringoverhershoulderassheflickedthroughthenotebook.“There!ThenextfewpagescontaineverythingI’veeverheardabouttheRemnants.Someofitisanecdotal,somepure,hardfact.There’smorerelevantinformationinthosefewpagesthaninanybookyou’reeverlikelytoread.”

“Iknewyou’dhavesomethinguseful.”

Hewentbacktolookingaroundastheystrolled,andtookahugebreathandexpelledit.

“Idon’tactuallybreathe,”hesaidhappily,“butit’sanicehabittohave.”

“I’vealwaysthoughtso,”sheagreed,thenglancedbackatthefootstepsinthelawn,atthebladesofgrassthatwereslowlyspringingbackintoshape.Therewereonlyherfootstepsthough.Tothebladesofgrassandtheworldaroundthen,Gordonwassomethinglessthanevenaghost.

Hestartednamingthebirdstheyheardinthetrees,andshewasprettysurethelastfourorfivewerenameshe’dcompletelymadeup.Valkyriedidn’tmentionitthough.

“Whatareyoulookingfor?”heaskedabsently.

“There’saRemnantinsideKenspeckleGrouseandwewanttogetitout.”

“Ah.You’llneedChinaSorrowsandhersymbols,andafewotherbitsandpieces.Howlonghasitbeeninsidehim?Ifit’spossessedhimformorethanfourdays,I’mafraidthatmeansithaspermanentlygrafteditselftoitshost.Itcouldn’tleaveevenifitwantedto.”

“Ithasn’tbeenfourdays.”

“Wellthen,youshouldbefine.It’sallinthosenotes.”Helookedup.“Doyouhearthatbirdsong,theparticularlysweetone?That’saWallowingTwite,ifI’mnotmistaken.”

“Isthereanythingyoudon’tknow,Gordon?”Valkyrieaskedassheflickedthrough.

“Nothingofanyimportance.”

Shesighed.“IcanseewhyyouandSkulduggerygotalongsowell.”

“Planet-sizedegosdotendtoformanorbitaroundeachother.Sowhatdoesthatmakeyou,Iwonder?”

“Ihavenoego.”

“Thenyou’dprobablybeamoon.”

“I’mnotamoon.”

“Maybeevenagaseousgiant.”

“AndI’mnotgaseous.I’mthesun,howaboutthat?Thepairofyoucanorbitaroundmeforachange.”Sheclosedthenotebook.“Thanksforthis,Gordon.I’llcomebackwhenIactuallyhavetimeforachat,OK?”

“I’lllookforwardtoit.Takecareofyourself,NieceNumberOne.”

“Alwaysdo.”

41THEEXORCISTS

TheyhadKenspeckletiedtoachairinthemiddleoftheroom.Hiswristswereshackledbehindhim,andSkulduggerywassecuringhisarmsandlegswithathickrope.Kenspecklewasgrinningatthem.

TheRemnantinsidehimwasn’tbotheringtohideanymore.DarkveinsspreadbeneathKenspeckle’ssuddenlypaleskin,turninghislipsblackandhisgumsgrey.

“You’llnevergethim,”Kenspecklesaidinavoicethatwasnothisown.“He’sminenowandI’mnotgivinghimback.”

Skulduggerydidn’tanswer.Kenspeckle’seyesflickeredtoValkyrieandheleeredather.Spittlefleckedhischin.

“You’llreleaseme,”Kenspecklesaid.“Won’tyou?AftereverythingI’vedoneforyou?AllthetimesI’vehelpedyou?”

“Kenspecklehelpedme,”shesaid.“Notyou.”

“IamKenspeckle,”hesaidwithalittlelaugh.“Ihaveallofhismemories,don’tI?ImightnotbetheKenspeckleyouknew,butIamKenspeckle.Valkyrie,please.I’myourfriend.”

“We’regettingridofyou,”Valkyriesaid.“TherewasbarelyenoughroominKenspeckle’sheadforhimself–there’scertainlynoroomforalodger.”

Thesmileturnedtoagrowl.“I’mgoingtokillyou.”

“That’senough,”saidSkulduggery.

“I’mgoingtokillallofyou.”

ThedooropenedandChinacamein.

“Andherecomesthewitch,”Kenspecklesneered.“Goingtodrawalittlesymbol,areyou?Youthinkthat’llforcemeout?It’llneverhappen.I’mtoostrong.Toopowerful.”

Chinadidn’trespond.Shebarelylookedathim.Herstudentshadbeenworkingintheroomforhoursbeforethey’devenbroughtKenspecklein.Skulduggerynoddedtoherandsheclosedhereyes,andthesymbolsthathadbeendrawnintheroomearliershimmeredintoview.Ornatesignsandcomplicatedsigilsappearedonthewalls,sweptdowntojointhepatternsonthefloorandroseupwardsandspreadalongtheceiling.Kenspeckle’sarrogancevanished.

“Thiswillkillhim,”hesaidquickly.“Youhearme?Thiswillkilltheoldman.”

“Don’tberidiculous,”Chinatoldhim.“TheMassExpulsionof1892lefthundredsof

peopleunconscious,notdead.KenspeckleGrousewillwakeupinafewminuteswithasoreheadandagapinhismemory,butyou,mylittlefriend,willbetrappedinthis.”

SkulduggeryshowedhimtheSoulCatcher.Forallitsdreadfulconnotations,itremindedValkyrieofnothingmorethreateningthanasnowglobe.“Youcansaveyourselfalotofpainbyleavingthatbodywillingly,”Skulduggerysaid.

Kenspeckleglared.“I’mnotgoingbacktothatroom.”

“Thiswillonlytakeamoment,”saidChina.

Thesymbolsglowed,bathingtheroominblueandthenredandthengreenlight.Kenspecklestrainedagainsthisbonds,cursedallofthemandscreamedandcriedandthencursedthemagain.Chinawalkedaroundthewalls,herfingerstouchingpartsofthesigils,andwitheachnewtouchKenspecklegaveanewscream.

“It’scoming,”Chinasaid.

Kenspecklearchedhisspine,hisbodyrigidandhisheadthrownback.ValkyriewatchedastheRemnantclimbedoutofhisscreamingmouth.Shethoughtshesawarms,andwhiteeyes,anditturnedsidewaysandshecouldseeitsjaws.ItdartedtotheceilingandSkulduggeryheldouttheSoulCatcher.Thenastylittlethingtwistedandwrithedandscreechedasitwasdraggedintotheglobe,whichinstantlyturnedblackandwentdead.

Andthenitwasallover.

42THENECROMANCERS

WreathfoundthemwaitingforhiminthecemeteryabovetheTemple,dressedsimplyintheirdarkrobesandtalkingamongthemselves.Hestrodetothem,hisbootscrunchingongravesidegravel,hisfinelytailoredcoatflappinggentlyinthebreeze.Hehadneverhadanytimeforthefalsehumilitytherobesrepresented,alaughableideathatallNecromancerswerepureofheartandmindandpurpose.Helikedniceclothessoheworeniceclothes.Inhisopiniontherewasnothingaspureandhonestasthat.

Theconversationfadedastheotherswatchedhimapproach.ToWreath’srightwasQuiver,atallmanwhowasalmostasthinasSkulduggeryPleasant.Quiver’scheeksweresunkenhollowsandhiseyesgleamedfromshadowedpockets.Hewasamanwhoonlyspokewhenhehadsomethingworthwhiletosay–quiteararityinNecromancercircles,Wreathhadtoadmit.

ThemanonWreath’sleftwasQuiver’spolaropposite.Hewasblandlygood-looking,butalittletoopaleandalittletooweaktobetrulymemorable.Craven’sflatteringwordshadelevatedhimtoanunlikelypositionofpower,butasofyet,Wreathcouldn’tseehowthisbenefitedhiminanymeaningfulway.BecausehespentallhistimeagreeingwitheverythingtheHighPriestsaid,heneverhadasparemomenttoexertanyinfluenceofhisown.Wreathcouldn’tfigurehimout,andassuch,hetrustedhimaboutasmuchashelikedhim.Whichwastosay,notatall.

TheHighPrieststoodbetweenQuiverandCraven,hisrobessettinghimapart.Alittlemorefrayed,butalotmoreregal.Wreathwouldn’thavebeensurprisedifHighPriestTenebraeworeabrand-newrobeeverydayandhadateamofsycophantscarefullyfrayingitovernight,purelyforeffect.ThethoughtalmostmadeWreathsmile.

Tenebraefoldedhislong-fingeredhandsinsidehisvoluminoussleevesandtiltedhisheadonhisslenderneck.HeremindedWreathofoneofthoseridiculousbirdsthatstandaroundinwaterallday–acraneorpossiblyaflamingo.Whicheveronelookedthesilliest.

“YourEminence,”Wreathsaid,bowingwithduereverence.“IthoughtweweregoingtohavethisconversationwithintheTemplewalls.”

“Wallshaveears,”Cravenannouncedpompously.

“No,theydon’t,”Wreathremindedhimwithoutgracinghimwithaglance.“You’rethinkingofpeople.”

CravengloweredandWreathignoredhim.

“Iwouldprefertodiscussthismatteroutside,”Tenebraesaid,“wherewewillnotbe

overheard.IbelievetheSoulCatcherhasbeenretrieved?”

“Yes,”Wreathsaid.“ValkyrieinformsmethattheyneedittotransferaRemnantbacktotheMidnightHotel,butoncethatisdone,itwillbereturnedtous.”

“TheSoulCatcherisourproperty,”CravensaidtoTenebrae.“Theyhavenorighttodictatetouswhenwecanhaveitback.Weshoulddemanditbereturnedtousimmediately.”

“Inwhichcase,”saidWreath,“theywillignoreourdemandthenwewilllookweakandineffectualintheireyes.”

“Theycan’tignoreus!”Cravenspluttered.

“Theycanandtheywill.IfyouwereevertoleavethesafetyoftheTemple,youwouldquicklyrealisethatnobodylikesus.Theythinkwe’reuntrustworthyanddangerous.”

“Thentheyshouldfearus!”

“Andifwehadahistoryofsteppingoutintotheworld,theymostassuredlywould.ButitiswidelyknownthatweNecromancersliketostayinourtempleswithourschemesandourplots,andwereallydon’tlikegettingourhandsdirty.LordVile,ofcourse,beingtheobviousexception.”

“Traitor,”Quiversaidsoftly,inatonethatalmostconveyedemotion.

“NowisnotthetimetotalkofLordVile,”saidTenebrae.“HewasonceourDeathBringer,heisnotanymoreandsooursearchcontinues.Solomon,youwilloffertotaketheSoulCatcherofftheirhandsoncetheRemnantistrapped.”

“Sir?”

“TellthemyouwilltakeitbacktotheMidnightHotelyourself,ortellthemyouwanttostudythecontraptiononceithasasoulinsideit.Idon’tcarewhatlieyouuse,justbringmetheSoulCatcherandbringmetheRemnant.Canyoudothat?”

“Ofcourse.MayIaskwhy?”

“No,youmaynot,”Cravensneered.WreathshiftedhisgazetohimandCravenheldthatgazeforthreewholesecondsbeforecrumblingbeneathit.

“TheCaingirl,”Tenebraesaid,changingthesubjectwithnoneedforsubtlety.“SheknowsaboutthePassage?”

“Pleasantbackedmeintoacorner,”Wreathadmitted.“Itwaseithertellherorrisklosingher.”

“Iremindyou,ClericWreath,thatwedonotallshareyourconvictionthatsheistheonewe’relookingfor.She’sfartooyoungforastart.”

“She’sanatural,yourEminence.She’stakentoNecromancyfasterthananyoneI’veseensinceVile.”

“Notauspiciouscompany,”mutteredQuiver.

“Maybenot,”Wreathsaid,“butshehasthepotentialtosurpassevenhim.She’stheonewe’vebeenwaitingfor.I’msureofit.”

“HisEminenceisquitecorrect,however,”Cravensaid,findinghisvoiceagainafterfartooshortatime.“She’smuchtooyoung.Plus,she’sentrenchedwiththeskeletondetective.Doyoureallythinkyoucanpryherfromhisside?”

“Noteasily,”Wreathsaid,“butitcanbedone.SkulduggeryPleasantisafantasticallyflawedindividual.”

“Muchmorethanevenyouknow,”Tenebraesaid.“Wewillneedtomeetwithher,ofcourse.Ourencountersinthepastfewmonthshavebeentoobrief,andweneedtoaccuratelyformanopinionofherability.”

“Ofcourse,HighPriest.”

Quiverspokeup.“Ifsheissuitable,shewillhavetobemonitoredcloselytobekeptontherightpath.Historycannotbeallowedtorepeatitself.”

“Agreed,”saidWreath,thenhesitated.“YourEminence,ifImayreturnforamomenttothedelicatesubjectofLordVile…”

Tenebraelookeddispleased,andCravenstoodattheHighPriest’selbowandcopiedthelookremarkablywell.Nevertheless,Wreathcontinued.

“ItseemstomethatthecloserwegettothePassage,thehigherthelikelihoodofsternoppositionfromnon-believersandenemiesalike.Newswilltravelandrumourswillspread.”

“Areyouafraidofrumours,Wreath?”Cravenlaughed.“Areyouafraidofidlechatter?Perhapsyouarenotthemanwethoughtyouwere.PerhapsyouareunsuitedtobeourrepresentativeoutsidetheTemple.”

“Thenwhowilltakemyplace?”Wreathansweredicily.“You?Ifallmypostrequiredwasastaggeringexpertiseatfawning,thenyou’dbewelcometoit.”

“Howdareyou!”Cravenpracticallyscreeched.

WreathtookasuddensteptowardshimandCravenstumbledoverhisownrobetogetaway.

“Enough!”growledtheHighPriest.“Solomon,you’reconcernedthattheserumourswillreachunwelcomeears,yes?”

“Yes,sir.”

“Suchaconcernisreasonable,butIcanassureyou,youneednotworry.TheNecromancerOrderisstrongernowthanitwasduringthewarwithMevolent.Wearemorethancapableofdealingwithtrouble,shoulditarise.”

“Withrespect,sir,thisismorethanmeretrouble.ForgivethemelodramaofwhatIamabouttosay,butifthenewsthatwearepreparingforthePassageweretoreachwhatevercorneroftheworldhehassecludedhimselfin,LordVilewillreturntodestroy

usall.”

“Inthatcase,”HighPriestTenebraesaidwithapatientsmile,“weneedtobesurethatValkyrieCainisstrongenoughtokillhimforus,nowdon’twe?”

43THEROADTOCROKEPARK

Valkyriewalkedintoaroomwithamassivetubbuiltintothefloor.Therewasabouquetofflowersarrangedinadelicatevaseonanearbytable.Thehugetubwasfilledtothebrimwithmud,andforamomentValkyriethoughtthemudhadeyes,whichopenedasshecameinandblinkedupather.

“Hey,Val,”themudsaid.

“Hey,Tanith,”Valkyriesaidback.“You’vegotsomethingonyourface…”

Tanith’smud-coveredfeaturesbrokeintoasmallsmile.“Ghastlyalreadymadethatjokewhenhebroughtmetheflowers.”

“Thatwasniceofhim,”Valkyriesaid.Shepulleduptheonlychairintheroom,andsat.“Howareyourhands?”

TanithraisedthemforValkyrietosee.Theywereheavilybandagedandwrappedinplasticsothatthemudwouldn’tgetin.“TheProfessorsaysthey’llbefineinafewdays.ThedoctorsintheSanctuarysoakedthebandagesinsomethingIneverheardoftohealthewounds.TheProfessorinspectedthemthemomentIwastransferredhere.Hesaidthey’ddothejob.Allthismudisfortheswellingandthe,youknow,thetrauma.I’llbefine,hesays.He’sdoingeverythinghecantomakeupforit.”

“Heblameshimself,”Valkyriesaid.“Eventhoughhecouldn’tdoanythingtostoptheRemnant,andeventhoughhecan’trememberonethingaboutit,hestillblameshimself.”

“I’mnotsurprised,”Tanithsaid.“Imean,Iknowitwasn’thimthatdidthistome.Butitusedhisfaceandithadhisvoice,andIdon’tknow…Ithinkthere’sapartofmethathateshimforit.”

“Butyou’rehere,”frownedValkyrie.“Ifapartofyouhateshim,wouldn’tyouhavewantedtostayintheSanctuary,awayfromhim?”

“I’mapracticalgirl,Val,andthepracticalsideofmybrainprettymuchtellsthestupidsidewhattodo.SoI’mcoolhere.”

SheshruggedandwincedandValkyrienoticedthebandagesonhershoulders.

“Howareyou?”sheasked.

“Ijusttoldyou.”

“No,youtoldmehowyourinjuriesare.”

“Allrightthen,I’mdoingOKactually.Thepainwasn’treallyanyworsethantheWhiteCleaverstabbingmeintheback,buttheWhiteCleaverdidn’ttalk,youknow?That

RemnantthingintheProfessorjustwouldnotshutup.”

“Tanith,youweretortured.”

“Everyonegetstorturedthesedays.SkulduggerywastorturedbySerpine,whothenturnedaroundanddidthatredright-handthingatyou.ThenSkulduggerywastorturedagainbytheFacelessOnes.Ifigureditwasmyturn,youknow?You’renotpartoftheteamifyouhaven’tbeentortured–that’swhatIalwayssay.Well,I’llbesayingthatfromnowonanyway.”

Valkyriestoodthere,feelingstupidandawkward.TanithhadbeenputthroughhellandValkyriedidn’thavethefirstideahowtotalktoheraboutit.Thepainwasevidentinherfriend’seyes,nomatterhowhardshetriedtohideit.Valkyriesearchedclumsilyforthewordssheneeded,buttheyweren’tcomingtoher.

“WhataretheygoingtodowiththeRemnant?”Tanithasked,breakingthesilence.

“We’vehandeditovertoWreath,”ValkyrietoldherandTanith’sfacesoured.

“Whydoeshewantit?”

“Well,technically,theSoulCatcherishisandheaskedforitback.Hejustwantstostudyitforawhile,nowthatitactuallycontainssomething.He’llbringtheRemnantbacktotheMidnightHotelwhenhe’sdone.”

“Idon’tknowhowyoucantrustthatguy,Val.”

“He’shelpedmealotoverthelastyear.He’shelpedallofus.”

Tanithlookedlikeshewasabouttoargueandthentherewasabeepfromsomewhereoverhead,andshegroaned.“Justwhenyougetcomfortable.”

Tanithgrippedtheedgesofthetubandroseoutofit,movingstiffly.Themudcoveredhercompletelyasshereachedherarmout.Valkyriegrabbedherelbowwithbothhandstomakesureshedidn’tslipandhelpedherintoawhitebathrobe.Tanithwipedherfacecleanwithatowel.

Therewasaknockonthedoor.ValkyrielookedoverhershouldertofindSkulduggerystandinginthedoorway.

“Tanith,”hesaid.“You’relookinggreat.”

“AndI’mreadytogo,”Tanithsaid.

“Isthatso?”

“YougivememyswordbackandI’mrightbehindyou.”

BeforeSkulduggerycouldanswer,Tanith’sleftlegbuckledandValkyriegrabbedherasshefell,guidinghertothechair.

“Bloodyhell,”Tanithgrowled.“Thathurts.”

“Tanith…”Skulduggerybegan.

“YouwanttoknowifIlearnedanything,right?”shesaid,painlendingherwordsan

edge.“YouwanttoknowifSanguineoranyofthemletsomethingslipinalltheirgloating?Theydidn’t.TheykeptmeshackledinaroomandthentheygavemetotheProfessor.Forgiveme,buttherearepatchesofthelasttwelvehoursthatarealittlefuzzy.”

“Theydidn’tmentionanynames?Places?Times?”

“TheRemnantintheProfessortalkedaboutalotofstuff.Mainlyabouthowhappyhewastohavefinallyfoundafriend.”

Skulduggerynoddedslowly.“OK.Allright,thankyou.”

“Butwhatdoesitmatter?WehavetheDesolationEngine,right?”

“Wedo,butI’dhavelikedtohaveknowntheirtarget.Iftheycan’ttakeitdownwiththebomb,theymighttrysomeotherway.”

“Orthey’reallrunning,”Tanithsaid.“Let’sfaceit–noneoftheseguysaregreatteamplayers.They’reallinitfortheirownreasons,sothemomentthebigplangoeswrong,Ithinkthey’regoingtosplit.”

“Thatispossible.It’salsoverylikely.”

“Ifyouwantmyopinion,it’sover.Nowallwehavetodoistrackeachoneofthemdown.AndIwantinonthataction,Skulduggery.SpringheeledJackthrewmeoffamovingcar.Iowehimafewslaps.”

“Themomentyou’refightingfit,we’llcallyou.”

“I’mreadynow.”

“Youcan’tevenwalk,Tanith.”

“AnhourortwoisallIneed.”

“Afewdays’rest–thosewereyourdoctor’sorders.”

“Yeah,well,mydoctor’stheonewhotorturedmeforGod’ssake.Idon’tthinkhisopinionreallymatters,doyou?”

Valkyrielookedatherboots.Skulduggerywassilent.

“Fine,”Tanithmuttered.

“Valkyrie,”Skulduggerysaidasheleft,“wehaveworktodo.”

ShelookedatTanith.“You’rereallyOK,huh?”

“Don’tstart,Val.”

ValkyriehunkereddownuntilshewaslookingstraightintoTanith’seyes.“You’remysister,”shesaid.“Ihaveanothersisterormaybeabrotherontheway,butyou’remysistertoo.Iwantyoutostayhereandgetbetter,andtrytoacceptthefact,witheverypartofyou,thatitwasn’tKenspecklewhodidthis.IwantyoutobeOK.OK?”

“OK,”Tanithsaidsoftly.Valkyriehuggedherandkissedhercheek.

“You’vegotmudonyourchin,”smiledTanith.

“Yeah,butImakeitwork.”

GhastlyandAntonShudderwerewaitingfortheminthedarkenedcinema.Fletcherappearedonthestage,armscrossedandeyesnarrowed.

“Youhaveavisitor,”hesaid.“Yourfriendthevampire’soutside.HewantstotalktoValkyrie.”

“Byallmeans,”Skulduggerysaid.Then,muchtoFletcher’ssatisfaction,hesaid,“Fletcher,yougowithher.Caelan’sbeenbanishedfromvampiresocietybecauseofus.Hemightbecross.”

Valkyrieglared.“Idon’tneedprotection.”

“Avampire’swaitingforyououtside–ofcourseyouneedprotection.Keepitbrief.We’llbewaitingforyou.”

Fletchergrinned.Valkyrieshothimalookandjumpedoffthestage.Hefollowedheruptheaisleandoutofthegloom.

Caelanwasstandingjustoutsidethedoor.Heturnedtothemastheyapproached,hisdarkeyesonValkyrie.Itwasasifhedidn’tevennoticeFletcherbesideher.

“Hi,”shesaid.“Anythingwrong?”

“Myhomewasburneddown,”Caelansaid.“Mycagewasdestroyed.Molochhasliftedhisprotection–theothervampiresseemeasfairgamenow.”

“Oh,God,”shesaid.“I’msosorry.”

“Thatisterrible,”Fletchermuttered.

“Ihavenofriendsleft,”Caelancontinued,“andnowheretogo.Ithoughtyouortheskeletonwouldhaveasuggestion.Ineedsomewheresecure.”

“WhatabouttheMidnightHotel?”

Helookedsurprised.“That…Thatwouldbeideal.Youknowwhereitis?”

“Icandobetterthanthat–theownerisinside.”

AbigcarpulledinoffthestreetandThuridGuildgotout.Hewavedhisdriveraway,thenstrodetowardsthem.Byhisnarrowedeyes,ValkyriecouldtellheknewinstantlywhatCaelanwas,buthepassedthemwithoutsayinganythinganddisappearedintothecinema.

“Shuddermightnotwantavampireasaguest,”FletchersaidwhenGuildwasgone.“Imean,let’sfaceit,notmanypeoplelikevampires.Takeme,forinstance.”

ValkyrieglaredathimthensoftenedhergazeforCaelan.“Wecanaskhim,”shesaid.“I’msurehewon’tmind.”

“Verywell,”Caelansaid.“Thankyou.”

Shewalkedbackintothecinema,Caelanbehindher,Fletcherstucklikealimpetat

herside.Skulduggery,GhastlyandShudderstoppedtalkingandwatchedthemapproach.Guilddidn’tlookaround.

“Anton,”shesaid,“thisisCaelan.Hishomewasdestroyedandheneedssomewheretostay.”

ShudderlookeddeepintoCaelan’seyes.“Overthehotel’shistory,”hesaid,“Ihavehadtwovampiresstayasguests.Ihadtokilloneofthem.”

“ValkyrieandIareresponsibleforCaelan’ssituation,”Skulduggerysaid.“Iwouldconsideritapersonalfavour.”

Shudderconsideredthis,theninclinedhishead.“Allarewelcome,providedtheyobeytherules.I’lllockyouinbeforedarkandunlockthedoorinthemorning.Weshouldhavenoproblems.”

Caelannodded,sayingnothing.

“MissLowcouldberight,”Guildsaid,resumingtheirconversation.“Itmightbeover.Scarabandhislackeysmayhavescuttledbackunderwhateverrockstheychoosetocallhome.Itispossible.”

“Idon’tthinkso,”Skulduggerysaid.“Scarab’sanassassin.Heneverhasjustoneplan,oneroutetothekill.Hehasback-ups.Ithinkhehasaback-upforthistoo.”

“Thenthesearchcontinues,”saidShudder.“Butnowitcouldbeanything,yes?Oneroutehasbeenblockedforhim,butwehavenoideawhatthesecondroutecouldbe.”

“WeneedtofigureoutwhathewasplanningtodowiththeDesolationEngine,”Ghastlysaid.“Wecanworkbackwardsfromthere.”

“TheobvioustargetwouldhavebeentheSanctuary,”Guildsaid.“Asitis,ourworktherehasbeendisruptedimmenselyfollowingtheevacuation.We’reonlyjustnowreturningpeopletotheirposts.”

Kenspecklecamethroughthedoorinthescreen,walkingquickly.Valkyriehadn’tseenmuchofhimsincehewokeup,onaccountofthefactthathehadimmediatelythrownhimselfbackintohiswork.Sheknewverywellwhathewasdoing.Hedidn’tknowhowtodealwithwhattheRemnanthaddonewhenitwasincontrol,sohehadretreatedtowhathedidknowhowtodealwith–treatinginjuredpeopleanddismantlingtheEngine.

“There’stoomanypieces,”hesaid,hurryingacrossthestagetothem.“Doyouunderstandme?Theso-calledjunkthatwasfoundwiththeDesolationEngineinthecastle,there’stoomuchofit.”

HesawCaelanandfroze.“Vampire?”hewhispered,appalled.

Immediately,ValkyriegrabbedCaelan’sarmandledhimaway.“Hehasaphobiaaboutpeoplelikeyou,”shetoldhimsoftly.“Wouldyoumindwaitingoutside?”

“Notatall,”Caelanansweredsmoothly,andleft.

“Sorry,Kenspeckle,”shesaid.

Kenspeckle’seyeswerewideandhishandwasclutchingsomethingthathungfromhisneck.Sheknewitwasthevialofsaltwaterheworeincaseofvampireattack.

“Professor,”Skulduggeryprompted.“TheleftoverpiecesfromtheDesolationEngine.Whyisthattroubling?”

“I-Idon’tknow,”Kenspecklesaid.“Ijust…Itdoesn’tmakeanysense.”

“Alotofthingsdon’tmakeanysense,”Guildsaid.“SuchashowyouwereabletorestorethatEnginetoworkingordersoquickly.Wethoughtitwouldtakeyoudays,ifyoucoulddoitatall.”

“OfcourseIcoulddoit!”Kenspecklesnapped,suddenlybacktohisoldself.“TherewasneveranyquestionofwhetherIcoulddoit!Theydidn’tknowthatofcourse.Theyjustgotluckybypickingme.”

“Idon’tcarehowsmartyouare,”Guildsaid.“Sanctuaryexpertshaveexaminedthatbombfordecadesandtheystillhavenoideahowitworked,letalonehowtofixitinasingleafternoon.”

“Ofcoursetheydon’t,youdamnfool.Theydidn’tbuildthethinginthefirstplace,nowdidthey?”

TheyallstaredatKenspeckle.Hewasflustered.Herubbedhiseyesandtookadeepbreath.

“Youbuiltit?”Valkyrieasked.

Helookedather.“What?”

“You…yousaidyoubuiltit.TheDesolationEngine.”

“Idid?I…IsupposeIdid,yes.”Foramomenthelookedsoveryoldandsoveryfrail,andthentheirritationreturnedtohisvoice.“Yes,well,Iwasn’talwayswhoIamnow.Nooneeveris.I’vespentmyentirelifetimebecomingwhoIam.Finally,I’mhereandI’mold.It’sdepressing,itreallyis.

“WhenIwasayoungerman,Iwasnolessintelligent,butIfearIlackedsomebasicandfundamentalsense.Myoutlookonthingswasdifferent.Myphilosophywasdifferent.Differentthingsinterestedme.TheDesolationEngineforinstance.IwantedtoseeifIcouldbuildit.Itexistedintheory,butthenithadalwaysexistedintheory.Itwasmygoaltoturnmagic-sciencetheoryintomagic-sciencefact.WhichwaswhatIdid.

“Idon’tthinkIcaredaboutwhowoulduseit,orwhere,oronwhom.Thesethingswereimmaterial.WhenIwastoldaboutthedetonationinNaples,Ican’trecallbeingaffectedbyitonewayortheother.Itworked.Ibuiltit,Iknewitwouldworkanditdid.Projectover–startanother.

“ItwasonlyyearslaterthatIunderstoodwhatIhaddoneandtookresponsibilityformyactions.Ididn’ttakethehumanequationintoaccount,yousee.Iwasallaboutthemagicandthescience.Everythingelse…slippedbyunnoticed.”

“Andyou’vebeenmakingupforiteversince,”Ghastlysaid.

Kenspecklelookedevenmoreannoyed.“No,no,no,that’snotitatall.Imerelylearnedfrommymistakeandmadeadecisionnevertohurtanyoneeveragain.Thisisn’taboutredemption.I’mnotseekingforgiveness.IdidwhatIdidandIwillsufferforitfortherestofmylife,whichisnolessthanIdeserve.

“AndI’mnottellingyouallthisbecauseI’mafterabsolutionoryourunderstanding.I’mtellingyouthisbecauseIneedyoutoappreciatejusthowcleverIreallyam.Itookanabstractconceptofmagic-sciencetheoryandImadeitreal.Iamvery,verycleverandIamtellingyouthatsomethingiswrong.Therearetoomanypiecesleftover.”

“Sowhatdoesitmean?”Skulduggeryasked.

“Ithinkthereisonlyonethingitcouldmean,”Kenspecklesaid,“anditissomethingthathasonlyoccurredtomeasI’vebeenspeaking.It’snotjustabouttheexcessparts,it’saboutthepartsthatshouldbethere,butaren’t.Idon’tthinkI–ortheRemnantwithinme–onlyrepairedtheDesolationEnginethatDetectiveMarrhasinherpossession.IthinkScarabgotmetobuildhimanentirelynewone.”

Skulduggerywasthefirsttospeak.“Areyousure?”

“No,”Kenspecklesaidatonce.“ButthereisaverybigpossibilitythatScarabhasasecondEngine.”

“I’llalerttheSanctuary,”Guildsaid,takingouthisphone.

“Doyouhaveanyideaofakillzone?”SkulduggeryaskedKenspecklewhileGuildmadethecall.

“Iestimatealethalradiusof150,maybe200squaremetres,”saidKenspeckle.

“Ican’tgetthroughtoMarr,”Guildsaid,puttingawayhisphone,“buttheSanctuaryisbeingevacuated.Again.”

Skulduggerycockedhishead.“Whatifthetargetisn’ttheSanctuary?IfScarab’splanwasfortwobombsallalong,he’dhavetwotargets.What’sthesecondtarget?”

Ghastlysaid,“Setitoffinacrowdedstreetandwe’relookingatacoupleofthousanddead.”

Valkyriefrowned.“Whatwouldbethepointofthat?ScarabwantsrevengeontheSanctuary,notordinarypeople.”

“ButattackingordinarypeoplewouldbeanattackontheSanctuary,”Ghastlyargued.“That’swhatit’stherefor,isn’tit?Toshieldthenon-magicalpopulationfromus?”

“SoyouthinkScarabisjustgoingtoslaughterthousandsofinnocentpeople?”Kenspeckleasked.

Ghastlyturnedtohim.“Whynot?TheSanctuaryframesScarabforacrimehedidn’tcommit,andinresponse,hecommitsacrimetheSanctuarywillneverrecoverfrom.YouthinktheotherSanctuariesaroundtheworldwillignoresomethinglikethis?They’ll

descendonusanddevoureverything.They’lltearthiscountryapartandfightovertheremains.”

“Itwon’tbeastreet,”Skulduggerymurmured.“Butitwillbesomewherepublic.Somewheredenselypacked.Likea…sportsstadium.”

Valkyrielookedathim.“TheAll-IrelandChampionship.Mydadwastryingtogettickets.Butthat’stoday.Itmusthavealreadystartedbynow.”

“GoodGod,”Ghastlysaidinaquietvoice.“He’sgoingtokill80,000peopleliveonair.”

SkulduggeryturnedtoFletcher.“Please,”hesaid,“tellmeyou’vebeentoCrokeParkbefore.”

“Ofcourse,”Fletchersaid.“TheVIParea,mostly.”

“Perfect.That’swherewe’regoing.”

“AndI’mcomingwithyou,”snarledGuild.

44REVENGE

Valkyriewaselevenyearsoldthelasttimeshe’dbeentoCrokePark.HerfatherhadtakenhertotheDublinKildaregame.Shehadwornherbluejerseyandshoutedandscreamedandcheeredalongwiththethousandsofotherpeopleinthestands.Thesunhadbeenbeatingdownandsheremembereditasadaywheneveryonearoundherwassmilingandlaughing.She’dbeenbuzzingwithpositivityandhadtalkednon-stopallthewayhome,ararefeatevenbackthen.Herdadhadpromisedtotakeheragain,butthey’dnevergotaroundtoit.

TheyteleportedontoawideconcreterampandimmediatelyValkyriewashitbytheroarofthecrowdinsidethestadium.Outherethoughtheywerealone,highupoffthestreetsandlookingoutoverDublin.Fletcherledthewaydowntoasetofdoorsjustastheyopenedandasecurityguardcameout.

“ThisistheExecutiveArea,”heinformedthempolitelybutfirmly,inthetoneofamanwhohadalreadydealtwithdozensofpeoplewhohadstrayedfromwheretheyweremeanttobe.“VIPsonly.”

“WeareVIPs,”Ghastlysmiled.Hisfaçadewasup,coveringhisscars.Hewalkeduptothesecurityguard,reachinghishandintohispocket.“Ihaveourticketsheresomewhere.Say,youwouldn’thaveseensomefriendsofours,wouldyou?Anodd-lookingbunch,withanoldAmericanman?”

“Haven’tseenanyonelikethat,”saidtheguard,waitingfortheticketstobeproduced.

“Pity,”Ghastlysaidandhithim,catchingtheguardashefell.Helaidtheunconsciousmanonthegroundthenrejoinedtheothersastheywalkedthroughthedoors.

Creamwallsandwoodenfloors,framedphotographsandtastefulart.EverythingintheVIPareawascleanandnewandniceandsafe.ThedoortooneoftheExecutiveBoxeswasopenandValkyriecouldseepastthepeoplegatheredinsidetothehugewindowsthatoverlookedthestadium.Itwaspackedtocapacity–over82,000peoplecheeringandsingingandwaitingtodie.

“We’regoingtoneedaSensitivewithus,”Ghastlysaidastheywalkedon.“Weneedsomeonewithpsychicabilitiestosortthroughthiscrowd.”

“Scarab’sgangdon’texactlyblendin,”Skulduggeryresponded.“Ifthey’reanywhere,they’llbesomewherelikethis,awayfromthemasses.WehaveCaelancominginonfoot.Therestofuswillhavetosplitupandsearchdifferentareas.”

“Weshouldn’tbetrustingavampire,”saidFletcher.

“Butyoucantrustvampirenature,”Shuddertoldhim.“Forwhateverreason,CaelanhasagrudgeagainstDusk.Youcantrusthimtoseethatthrough.”

“Fletcher,”Skulduggerysaid,“it’simportantyouunderstandthis.Ifyouseetheenemy,donotengage.Youmightbethedifferencebetweensuccessandmassmurder.”

“Fine,”Fletcherrespondedgrudgingly.

“Guild,youmightwanttocallinsomeofyouroperatives–trytogetintouchwithDavinaMarragain.WecouldcoveralotmoregroundwithherandafewCleavers.”

“Let’strytogetthisdonewithouther,”Guildsaid.

“You’dbewillingtorisk80,000livesjusttoprotectyoursecret?”Shudderasked.

“ItoldAntonthetruthabouttheVanguardassassination,”Skulduggerysaid.

AngercontortedGuild’sfeatures.“Youhadnorighttodiscussthatmatterwithanyone!”

“Anton’soneofus,”saidGhastly.“He’snotgoingtouseyourpastindiscretionsagainstyou.Noneofusare.WhichiswhyyoutrustustogoafterScarab’sgangandnotDavinaMarr.”

“IknewVanguard,”Shuddersaid.“Hewasagoodman.AndyetIcanunderstandMeritorious’sdecision.Idon’tagreewithit,andIdon’tlikeit,butIunderstandit.Yoursecretissafewithme,GrandMage.”

Guildnoddedcurtly.Valkyriecouldseethathedidn’tlikethefactthattheynowhadsomethingtoholdoverhim.Fromwhatsheknewoftheman,hedidn’tstrikeherassomeonewhowouldbecomfortablewithtrustingotherpeople.Bynotrevealingasecretthatcouldbringhimdown,eachoneofthemwasdoinghimafavourandheknewit.

Theyreachedthedoortotheescalators.TotheirleftwasawindowovertheConferenceCentre,anotherExecutiveBox,anelevatorandtwowoodendoorsthatstoodopenwide.Standinginthatdoorway,asmileonhisface,wasDreylanScarab.

Theyallstopped–Guildoutinfront,ValkyriebesideSkulduggery,FletcherandShuddertoherright,Ghastlytoherleft.Scarabdidn’tlookatallalarmed.

“Aren’tyouamotleycrew?”hesaid.“Detectivesanddesperadoes.Outlawsandagents.Andsomanyofyou.HowevercanIhopetoprevailagainstyourcombinedmight?”

“Giveusthebomb,”saidGuild.

“Youhavethebomb.”

“Theotherbomb.”

“Ah,”Scarabsmiled.“Youfigureditout,eh?Ofcourse,yourealisethisisn’tgoingtoendwithoutabattle.Youhaveyourmotleycrew.IhavemyRevengers’Club.”

“Theyseemtohavedesertedyou,”saidGhastly.

Scarabshookhishead.“We’velostacouplealongtheway,butthebigplayersarearound.Thisisallpartofourlovelylittleplan,yousee.Everythingwe’vedone,it’sallaboutrevenge.Andwhenitcomestorevenge,timingiseverything.”

SkulduggerysteppedpastGuild.“Scarab,you’reunderarrest.HandovertheDesolationEngine,giveyourselfupandIswearyouwillgetafairtrial.”

“YouslapthosecuffsonmeandI’llbedeadbeforeIgettoacellandyouknowit.TheGrandMagewillhavemekilled.Hemightverywellhaveyoukilledtoo.Andyourfriends.Weknowtoomuch,don’twe,GrandMage?”

“TheDetectiveisofferingyouapeacefulwayout,”Guildsaid.“Isuggestyoutakehimuponit.”

“Youpreparedtogivemeafairtrialtoo,Guild?”

“Ofcourse.”

Scarablaughed.“Forabornliaryou’renotverygoodatlying.You’dorganisedalittlewelcomingpartyformyrelease,hadn’tyou?”

Guildnarrowedhiseyes.“Thisisgettingusnowhere.”

“AnicebandofspeciallychosenCleavers,waitingformewhenIgotoutofprison.Luckyformethewardenisnofanofyours,soheletmeoutafewdaysearly.”

“Takehimdown,”GuildsaidtoSkulduggery.

“Wanttoknowasecret?”Scarabsaidwithagrin.“IthinktheAmericanCounciliskindofhopingmylittlerevengeplotsucceeds.AndtheRussianCouncildidn’ttellyouthatBilly-RayhadfreedDusk,didthey?SeemstomealotoffolkarehopingIsucceed.Everybodywho’sanybodywantsyoudead.”

Guildstalkedforward,clickinghisfingersandsummoningflame.“Ifyouwantsomethingdone,”hemuttered.

“Oh,good,”Scarabsaid.“Thefight.”Heturnedandran,andGuildranafterhim.

TheelevatordooropenedbehindthemandValkyriewhirledroundtoseeDuskandSpringheeledJacksteppingout.Theybroughtuptheirsilencedsub-machinegunsandopenedfire.

Shedived,glimpsedGhastlypullingFletchertotheground,andaninstantlatertheyhaddisappeared.Shudderdodgedbehindapillar.ValkyrielookedatSkulduggery,buthewasjuststandingthere,handsout,andshesawthebulletsappearinginfrontofhim,comingintoviewastheyslowed.

Thegunfirecutoffandshepeekedout.FletcherandGhastlyhadmaterialisedbehindtheenemy,andGhastlyhadhisarmwrappedaroundJack’sthroat.FletchergrabbedDuskandtheybothvanished.Jacksquirmedfreeandkickedout,catchingGhastlyacrossthejaw.GhastlypushedattheairandthegunflewfromJack’shands.Ghastlysmashedafistintohimandkeptonpummelling.Threepunchessanginashort,sweetrhythm,thefourthknockingJack’shatoffhishead.Jackstumbledaway,straightintoShudder,whoseelbow

crackedagainstJack’schin.Jackwobbledandwentdown.

“Stophittin’me!”hecried.“Thisishardlyfair,nowisit?Twoofyouagainstme?”

“You’retheonewhocameatuswithagun,”Ghastlysaid,standingoverhim.

“Butthatwasforagiggle,”Jacktried.“Iwasn’taimin’atyou,Iswear.”

ValkyrielookedbackandsawSkulduggeryrunningtocatchupwithGuildandScarab.

“Besides,”Jackcontinued,“weaccomplishedwhatweneededto.”HelookedupatGhastly.“Areyouusin’anewfacecreamorsomethin’?Youlookdifferent.”

Shudderfrowned.“Whatdidyouaccomplish?”

“Yougotoneunpredictableelementinyourlittleteam,”Jacktoldthemwithanexaggeratedsigh.“Thekindofpowerthatcouldmessupeverythin’.Itwasourjobtotakethatpoweroutoftheequation.”

Valkyriepaled.

“Where’sFletcher?”askedGhastly.

Jackgrinned.“Heshouldberight—”

AfistofcoldgranitehitValkyrieandshewenttumbling.ShudderwenttoleapoverheratDusk,butDuskthrewFletcher’slimpbodyintohim.TheywentdowninaheapandJacksprang,hiskneesmashingintoGhastly’sface,thenheleapedoffhimandlandedbehindValkyrie.

Hegrabbedher,hishotbreathinherear.“Igotsomeonewho’dliketotalktoyou.”

HeshovedheratDusk,whoswattedherhandawayasshebroughtitup.Hedidn’twastetimewithtalk,orthreats,oranythingasmundaneasenjoyingthemoment.Hejustsankhisjaggedteethintoherneck.

45SEARCHINGFORSCARAB

Foratimetherewasjustthepainandthefeelofherheartbeatthumpingloudlyandquickly.Andwhenthepainstoppedandhereyesrefocused,ValkyriesawDuskholdingheratarm’slength.Hislipswereredwithherblood,buthiseyeswerenarrowedinconfusion.

ThewindowbehindhimexplodedandCaelancamethrough,slammingintoDuskandliftinghimoffhisfeet.Valkyriestumbledbackwards,trippingoverFletcher’sunconsciousformandfalling.DuskseizedCaelanandthrewhimintothewall,butCaelancamebackwithasnarl.

Valkyrie’shandpressedagainstthewoundonherneck.Herbloodwaswarm.Shefeltittricklingbetweenherfingers.SheglimpsedCaelanandDuskfighting,andevenfromthatoneglimpseshecouldseethatCaelanwascompletelyoutmatched.Nomatterhowfasthemoved,hecouldn’thopetomatchthespeedofavampirelikeDusk.

Shelayflat.Shewasthirsty.Herthoughtsweremuddled.SheturnedherheadintimetoseeCaelandroptothefloor.Hedidn’tgetup.DuskslippedbacktothesideofSpringheeledJack.

GhastlyandShudderclosedin,forcingJackandDusktoretreattowardstheelevator.Jackgrinned.Dusksteppedbackbehindhim.

“Careful,”Jacksaid,“wedon’twanttohurteachother,nowdowe?Imean,whoknows?Aftertoday,we’llprobablybefightin’onthesameside.”

“I’daskyouwhatitisyou’retalkingabout,”Ghastlysaid,“butIreallydon’tcare.”

“Oh,comenow,ain’titobvious?Whatdoyouthinkwillhappenwhenover80,000peoplearemurderedliveonairbyabombthatcouldonlybedescribedasmagic?Peoplearegoin’toknow,ain’tthey?They’regoin’tobelieveinmagicandthey’regoin’tobelieveinus.Nomorehidin’foryourstruly.I’llbefreetowalkaboutonstreetlevel,dowhatIwant,killwhoIwant…It’llbealittlesliceofheaven.”

“That’swhyyou’redoingthis?”Shudderfrowned.“Torevealmagictotheworld?”

“That’swhyI’mdoin’it,yeah.Theothershavetheirownreasons.TheywanttheSanctuarydestroyed;theywanttheconfusionofeverysorcereraroundtheworldscramblin’forapieceofwhat’sleft…Idon’tknow,Ididn’treallyaskthem.We’renotwhatyoumightcallafriendlybunch.Ain’tthatright,Dusk?”

“That’sright,”Dusksaidfrombehindhim.“ButIdon’tcareabouttheSanctuaryorthewaryou’rehopingwillstart.”

Jacknodded.“Dusk’smotivesarepure.He’sonlyinterestedinrevenge.So,mate,didyoudoit?Didyoubiteher?”

“Idid,”saidDusk.

“Thenhasyourthirstforrevengebeensated?”

“Notquite,”Dusksaid.“ValkyrieCainwasonlyoneofthepeopleIsoughtrevengeupon.”

“Really?Youdidn’ttellmethat.Ahwell,Isupposethisiswhatyougetwhenyoudon’ttalk,amIright?Yougetsurprises.Socomeon,Dusk,whoelseisonyourlist?”

“Youare.”

JackfrownedandturnedastheelevatordoorsclosedandDuskwaslosttosight.Suddenlyalone,JackturnedbacktoShudderandGhastlyjustastheyattacked.

Valkyrieforcedherselfup,onehandatthewoundonherneck,andsheran.Thewoundwasburning,buttherewasn’tmuchbloodloss.Shefollowedthecorridorandtookaleft,jumpingovertheunconsciousbodyofanothersecurityguard.Skulduggerycamerunningbacktowardsher.

“Whereishe?”shecalled.

“Guildwentafterhim.Ilostthemboth.”Hestartedtosaysomethingelsethengrabbedher.“You’vebeenbitten.”

“Kenspecklecancureme,right?SolongasIgettohiminthenextfewhours,I’llbefine.Duskbitmeandbasicallyspatmebackout.It’snotevenbleedinganymore.”

“Yes,itis.”

“Well,it’snotbleedingmuch.”

“Valkyrie,youhavetolistentome.GobacktoFletcherandgethimtoteleportyoubothout.”

Shepulledawayfromhim.“What?”

“TheDesolationEnginecouldgooffatanymoment.Ifitdoes,itwon’tcarehowstrongyouareorhowtough.Itwon’tbesomethingyoucanfight.”

“I’mstayingwithyou.”

“Damnit,Valkyrie,ifitgoesoff,Iwon’tbeabletosaveyou.”

“I’mnotgoingtoneedyoutosaveme.”

“Ididn’tinvolveyouinallthisjustsoyoucoulddiebymyside,doyouhearme?”

“Youdidn’tinvolvemeinthis–Iinvolvedmyself.ItaggedalongafterGordonwaskilled,Igotyoutoteachmemagic,Ididit,OK?Youdidn’thaveachoiceinthematter.”

“Foronce,pleasewillyoudowhatIask?”

“Notachance.Andthemoreweargueaboutit,thelesstimewehavetostop

Scarab.”

Skulduggerylookedatherthenwrappedhisscarfaroundhisjaw.“He’llbeamongthecrowdnow,”hesaid.“It’sthesafestplaceforhimnowthatheknowswe’reafterhim.We’llhavetokeepeachotherinsightatalltimes.”

“I’llbeabletomovefasterthanyou.Idon’thavetoworryaboutadisguiseslippingoff.”

“You’vegotbloodalloveryou.”

Shesnappedupthecollarofhercoat.“Better?Nowcomeon,wedon’thavemuchtime.”

46ENDGAME

GuildwatchedScarabmoveinoffthestepsandtakeaseatinthecrowd.TherewasatimewhenanassassinofScarab’scalibrewouldneverhaveallowedhimselftobefollowedlikethis,butthattimehaddriftedbywhileScarabhadbeensittinginhiscell.Nowhewasjustanoldmanwhothoughthehadescaped.TherewasanemptyseatbesideScarabandGuildsatinit.

“Hello,Dreylan,”hesaid.“Don’ttrytorun.Iwouldn’twantyoutoembarrassyourself.”

Scarab’sjawtightened,buthedidn’tmovefromhisseat.

“LookwhatIfoundintheRepository,”Guildcontinued,openinghishand.Thecopperdischeheldwasalmostaswideashispalmandithadeightthinlegscurledupagainstitsundersidelikeadeadspider.“Doyourecogniseit?I’msureyoudo.Youbuiltit,didn’tyou?Howmanydidyoukillwiththisparticularlittleweapon?”

“Ididn’tkeepcount,”Scarabsaid.

“Itjustattachestoitstarget,isn’tthatright?Andreleasesallthisawfulenergy?So,forexample,ifIweretopressitagainstyou,thepoweritwouldreleasewouldbeenoughtogiveyouaheartattackahundredtimesover,yes?”

Theeightlegsflexed,asifthedevicehadsensedanewvictim.

Scarabswallowed.“Yes.”

Thecrowdroaredandpeoplejumpedtotheirfeetaroundthem.GuildandScarabremainedseated.

“Where’stheDesolationEngine,Scarab?”

“Inmypocket.”

“Yournearpocket?”

“Yes.”

Guildsmiled,carefullydippinghisfreehandintoScarab’scoat.Hisfingersclosedaroundthebombandhepulleditoutslowly.Theliquidwithintheglasswasstillacalmgreencolour.Ithadn’tevenbeenarmedyet.Hehelditunderhisjacket,awayfrompryingeyes.

“Youhavecausedussomuchworry,”hemurmured.“It’sagoodthingIfoundyoubeforeyoudidsomethingtoactuallytroubleus.”

“You’regoingtokillme,”Scarabsaid,“isthatit?Righthere?”

“Ithinkitwouldbeforthebest.”

Scarabturnedhisheadandlookedathim.“Doyouhavewhatittakes?Tolookintoaman’seyesandkillhim?You’veordereddeaths.You’veorchestratedthem,facilitatedthem,coveredthemup…Buthaveyouactuallybeenthisclosewhenyoumurderedsomeone?Closeenoughtolookintotheireyesastheydie?”

“Ihaven’t,”Guildadmitted.“ButI’mcurioustofindoutwhatit’slike.”

“CanIbehonest?IwishMeritoriouswerestillalive.Iwouldhavemuchpreferredhimtodothis.”

“Well,wecan’talwayschoosewhogetstokillus.”

“That’strueIguess.Imean,Ichoseyou,butnoneofthesepeopledid.”

“I’mnotsureIfollowyourramblings,Scarab.I’mnotgoingtobekillingthesepeople.”

“Actually,GrandMageGuild,youkindofare.Ididn’thavethisEnginebuilttosetitoffmyself,youknow.Ididitsoyoucouldsetitoff.”

Guildlaughed.“AndwhyonearthwouldIdothat?”

“BecauseI’mabouttotellyouto.”

“Twohundredyearsoflonelinesshascrackedyourmind,oldman.I’mnotgoingtokillthesepeople.I’mnotgoingtokillmyself.I’monlygoingtokillyou.”

“You’llkillme,you’llkillthesepeople,butyouwon’tkillyourself.IhadtheProfessormakesureofthat.Thebomb’sdesignedtospareyourlifeandyourlifealone.Iwouldn’tletgoofitjustyet,bytheway.That’swhenit’lldetonate.”

“Whatareyoutalkingabout?It’snotevenarmed.”

“Onceit’sbeeninyourhandformorethantenseconds,GrandMage,itarmsitself.”

Guildfrownedandglanceddownatthebombinhishand.Theliquidwasred,churningandbubblingagainsttheglass.Guild’sheartsankintothechasmthathischesthadbecome.

“Eightythousandpeople,”Scarabcontinued,“liveonair.Rebroadcastaroundtheworldasthemomentthatchangedeverything.AndtheGrandMageoftheIrishCouncilofEldersisgoingtobetheoneheldresponsible.It’sjust…perfect,don’tyouthink?”

“You’reinsane,”Guildsaid.“I’llhaveitdeactivated.I’ll—”

“You’llwalkoutontothatfootballfield,”Scarabsaid,“andyou’lldroptheDesolationEngine.Andallaroundyou80,000peoplewillbedisintegrated.”

“Why?”

Thecrowdroaredagain.

“IneverlikedNefarianSerpine,”Scarabsaidasifhehadn’theardGuild’squestion.“Vengeouswasagoodman.InevergottomeetLordVile,butIcouldn’tstandSerpine.

Couldn’tseewhyMevolentputsomuchfaithinhim.Butcreditwhereit’sdue–heknewhowtogettopeople.That’showhekilledSkulduggeryPleasant.Wentafterthefamily,youknow?Madehimsomad,sofullofrage,hedidn’tstandachance.Ragecloudsthemind.Vengeancecanmakeyoublind.Whichiswhyyouhavetowait,andchooseyourmomentcarefully.Timing,astheysay,iseverything.”

“Andthisisyourmoment?”Guildsnarled.“AllIhavetodoispressthisspideragainstyouandthiswillbethelastmomentyoueverhave.”

“Mylastmoment’scoming,don’tyouworry.Butno,youmissmypoint.Serpineknewhowtogettopeople.Thefamilyisaneffectivewayofdoingthis.I’mgoingtoreachintomycoatnow.IfIwereyou,Iwouldn’tkillmejustyet.”

Movingslowly,Scarabtookaphonefromhiscoat.

“Youmighthavetoshieldthescreenfromthelight,”hesaidashepressedsomebuttons–“it’skindofhardtoseethepicture.”

Hehelditout.Guildswallowed,hurriedlyputthespiderbackinhispocketandtookthephonefromScarab.Heangleditoutoftheglareofthedullsunandsawwhatheknewhewouldsee–hiswifeanddaughter,boundandgagged.

“They’reOK,”Scarabsaid,lookingbackatthefootballgame.“Unharmed.Andthey’regoingtostaythatwaytoo,ifyoudowhatItellyou.”

“Letthemgo,”Guildsaid,allbreathgonefromhisbody.

“Billy-Ray’swiththemrightnowandthey’reallwatchingTV.AssoonasyoudroptheEngine,he’llreleasethem.Wegotnoreasontokillthem,GrandMage.Yourfamilyneverdidanythingbadtous.”

“I’mnotgoingtokillthesepeople.”

“Yes,youare.”

“You’reinsane.”

“You’vesaidthat.Guild,youdon’tlikethesepeople,thesemortals.FromwhatI’veheard,youneverdid.It’stimetobreaktherules,GrandMage.”

“Iwon’tdoit.”

“Youarenotonlygoingtodoit,butyou’regoingtodoitinthenextthreeminutesorBilly-Raywillkillyourwifeanddaughter.”

“Thisisn’trevenge.Thesepeopleneverdidanythingtoyou.Youdon’thavetodothis.Youdon’tevenwanttodothis.Youwanttomakemepay,fine,makemepay.Notthem.Notmyfamily.”

“It’sallpartofthesameplan.With80,000deaths,everySanctuaryaroundtheworldwillbeshownjusthowvulnerabletheyare.TheSanctuariesshould’vebeendisbandedafterthewarwithMevolentended.Wedidn’tneedyouElderssettingupyourfancyCouncils,electingyourselvestopositionsofauthorityovertherestofus.Idon’tlike

peopletellingmewhattodo.Igotaproblemwithit,pointoffact.Asystemlikethat,well,it’sopentoallkindsofabuse.Miscarriagesofjusticeasitwere.YoursystemfailedmeandIgotputinprisonforkillingsomeoneIneverkilled,andbecauseofthat,you’regoingtogotoprisonforthemurderof80,000helplessmortals.Let’sseehowyoulikespendingtherestofyourlifealoneinacell.GrandMage,youhaveabouttwominutestowalktothemiddleofthefieldthere.Ithinkit’sabouttimeyoustartedwalking.”

GuildhadnobreathtoformwordsandScarabwasalreadylookingbackatthegame.Guildstood,theDesolationEngineheavyinhishand.Hethoughthecouldfeelitpulsingwithalowandterriblelife,buthedismissedtheidea.Thebombwasn’talive.Ithadnoconsciousness,nosentience.Itwasnotanobjectofevil–itwassimplyanobject.Themanwhosetitoff,however,nowhewouldbeevil.

Therewasagapbetweenwherehestoodandthetunnelwheretheofficialsenteredandexited.Hecouldslipthroughandwalkontothepitchbeforeanyonecouldeventrytostophim.HelookedbackatScarab.Theoldmanwasn’tevensmilinganymore.Hewascalminthefaceofimpendingdeath.Ofcoursehewas.Thiswaswhathe’dbeenwaiting200yearsfor.

Guildsteppeddownfromtheseats,hiseyesfixedonthegroundahead.Hedidn’twanttolookupandseethetensofthousandsoffacesaroundhim.Hewishedhecouldblockoutthenoise–thecheering,thechanting,thethunderoflivingpeople–andyetifhe’dhadtheoption,hedidn’tknowifhewould.Hewasamanwhowasabouttocommitoneofthesinglemostmonstrousactstheworldhadeverseen.Shouldn’thesufferforit?Shouldn’theinvitethatpaininattheearliestopportunity?

Herealisedhisfeetwerestillmoving,thathewasgettingclosertotheofficials’tunnel,closertothecamerasandthefootballfield,andstillnoideaswerecomingtohim.Ifhedidn’tthinkofsomethingnow,immediately,inafewsecondshewouldfindhimselfeithercommittingmassmurderorsentencinghisownfamilytodeath.

“GrandMage,”saidasmoothvoiceinhisear,“couldIhaveawordwithyou?”

SkulduggeryPleasanttookhisarm,thebonesofhisfingersdiggingintoGuild’selbowlikeavice,andsuddenlyGuildwasintheofficials’tunnel,walkingthroughtowhereitintersectedwiththemainutilitytunnelthatranbeneaththeterraces.Hepulledhisarmfreeandturned,suddenpanicsettingin.Pleasantstoodthere,hisscarfconcealinghisjaw,hishatpulledlowandhisgunlevelledstraightatGuild’sgut.

“Sanguinehasmyfamily,”Guildsaid.“Youhavetoletmedothis.”

“GivemetheEngine.”

“It’lldetonatewhenIletgo.Where’sFletcherRenn?Hecansaveyouandtheothers.Ifyouactfast,youcansaveadozenpeople,maybemore.”

Pleasantwasn’tmoving.“Thelivesofyourwifeandchildinexchangeforthelivesof80,000strangers?Thatseemsatadunfair,doesn’tit?”

“You,ofallpeople,mustknowthatIwoulddoanythingtoprotectmyfamily.Atleastmywalktothemiddleofthefieldbuysyousometime.”

“Timetosaveahandfulofpeopleandleavetheresttodie?”

“Ifyoutrytostopme,I’lldetonateitrighthere.”

Pleasantnoddedandputhisgunaway,butGuildknewwhatwascoming.WhenPleasantswepthishandwide,Guildwasalreadypressingattheair.Thespacebetweenthemrippledandabreezestirred.WithinmomentsGuild’sjacketwasflappinginahurricaneforcewind,localisedtothetunnelandthetunnelalone.Thiswasn’tgoingtowork.Hedidn’tstandachanceagainstsomeoneliketheskeleton.

Asiftoprovethepoint,Pleasantsuddenlyshiftedpositionandinsteadofpushingagainsttheair,hepulled.GuildstumbledforwardandPleasantgotbehindhim,wrappedanarmaroundhisneckandtriedforachoke.GuildstruggledagainstitandPleasantbrokeoffthechokeandshotasidekickintothebackofGuild’sthigh.Guildstumbled,butPleasantwasrightbehindhim,makingsuretheEnginedidn’tdropfromhisgrip.GuildlethimcomecloserthenpressedthecopperspideragainstthesideofPleasant’shead.Thespider’slegsunfurledinstantlyandsankintothebone,andtherewasacrack,likelightninghittingatree,andPleasantjerkedsidewaysandcollapsed.

Guilddidn’tknowhowtheskeletondetectiveregisteredpain–hisveryexistencewasamysterystillunsolved–buthedoubtedthateventhegreatSkulduggeryPleasantcouldtakeahitlikethatandgetupagainintimetostophim.

HeturnedtorunforthefootballfieldandsawValkyrieCaincomingtowardshim.Hewenttosweepherasidebutshewasfaster,andatrailofshadowswhippedintohisfaceandhestumbled.Histimehadrunoutandhecouldn’triskthegirlgettinginanotherluckyshot.

“I’msorry,”hesaidandtriedtoletgooftheDesolationEngine,buthisfingerswouldn’tloosen.

Hesnarled,feelingtheairclosinginaroundhishand,painfullytight.Pleasantwasdoingit,proppedupwithhisglovedhandoutstretched.Guildrantohim,aimingakickathishead,butCainhithimfrombehindandtookhimtohisknees.Shewrappedanarmaroundhisthroatandwouldn’tletgo.

Withhisfreehand,Guildtriedlooseningthechoke.Withtheother,hesmashedthebombhardagainstherelbow,hershoulder,butherclothesweremadebyBespoke.Sheprobablydidn’tevenfeelit.Outofthecornerofhiseye,GuildsawPleasantgettingtohisfeet,hishandstilloutstretched.

Guildtilted,shuntingCainforward,thenswungthebombandfeltitcrackagainstherhead.Shecriedoutandthechokewasgone.GuildpushedattheairandcaughtPleasantfullinthechest.Pleasantwentflyingback,thepressurearoundGuild’shanddisappearing.

Guildstood,pantingwithexertion,hisheartbeatingwildly.Heopenedhishand.

47CRAZY

Guildvanished.

Valkyrielookedaround.She’dglimpsedFletcherrunningtowardstheGrandMage,butnowhewasgonetooandsheknewinstantlywhathe’ddone.He’dseenGuildabouttodroptheDesolationEngineandhe’dcrossedthedistancebetweenthemintheblinkofaneye.Thenhe’dteleportedthembothaway,somewheresafe,somewherethebombcouldn’thurtanyinnocentpeople.Butwashefastenoughtodothatandteleportawayagainbeforeitwentoff?Guild’shandwasopenwhenhe’ddisappeared,thebombalreadybeginningitsfall.

ShehelpedSkulduggeryup.Hetooksomethingfromthesideofhisheadthatlookedlikeametalspideranddroppedit.

“DoyouthinkFletchermadeit?”sheaskedsoftly.Skulduggerydidn’tanswer.

ValkyrietookoutherphoneanddialledFletcher’snumber.Itwentstraighttovoicemail.Shenoddedthen,closingoffhermind,strugglingtogetbacktothebusinessathand,eventhoughtherewasapartofher,deepdown,thatwasscreaming.Shehadn’tknownhowmuchFletcherhadmeanttoher.Shehadn’twantedtoknow.“Scarab’sstillsittingthere,”shesaid.

“AndSanguineisholdingGuild’sfamilyhostage,”Skulduggerytoldher.Thenhestaggeredandshereachedouttosteadyhim.“Ican’tgooutthere,”hesaid.“Ineedafewminutestorecover.”

“I’lltakecareofit.”Sheranoutofthetunnel.Anofficialscowledatherandsheignoredhim,gottothestairsandwentstraightforScarab.Hewatchedhercoming.Nosmilesnow.

“Guildisgone,”shesaid,sittingbesidehim.“Fletcherteleportedhimaway.Yourlittleplanisover,OK?It’sfinished.”

“Teleporters,”Scarabmurmured,shakinghishead.“Neverdidlikethem.”

“We’vebeatenyou,”shesaidwithreal,undilutedhatred.“Allthesehorriblethingsyou’vedoneandallmyfriendsyou’vehurt,orkilled,andit’sallfornothing.We’vebeatenyouandyou’vefailed.WhereisGuild’sfamily?”

Scarabrubbedhiseyes.Hishand,shesaw,wastrembling.Helookedsooldnow.Oldandsadandpathetic.

Sheputherhandonhisshoulder,anddugherfingersintoanervecluster.Hetwistedinsuddenpain,butshedidn’tletgo.“Where’shisfamily?”

“Billy-Rayhasthem,”hespat.

“Aretheyalive?”

“Whoknows?”

Sheduginharder.“Wherearethey?”

“Don’tknowthestreetname.Callhim.Askhimfordirectionsifyou’resodamneager.”

Shesnatchedthephonehetookfromhiscoatandasshedidso,shesnappedahandcuffaroundhiswrist.Shestood,stuffingthephoneinherpocketandpullinghimtohisfeet.Shegothimoutontothestepsandcuffedhisotherwrist.Shepushedhiminfrontofher,headingbacktotheofficials’tunnel.Thesameofficialwhohadscowledathercameuptoblocktheirway.Valkyrieraisedherhandtohischestandsnappedherpalm.Theairrippledslightlyandtheofficialshotbackwards.Thepeoplearoundher,unawareofthemagicshe’djustused,thoughtthiswashilarious.

ShebroughtScarabtothecoverofthetunnelandshovedhimtowardsSkulduggery.

“Guild’sfamily?”Skulduggeryasked.

“I’mgoingforthemnow,”shesaidandhurriedaway,ignoringhisprotestations.

SheranupthestepsandlookedatScarab’sphone.Therewasonlyonenumberlisted.Shelefttheroarofthefootballcrowdbehindheranddialledit.

“Iain’tseein’nothousandsofdeadpeopleonTV,”cameSanguine’svoice.

“That’snothappeningtoday,”shetoldhim.“Yourdaddy’sinshacklesandtheDesolationEngineisfarawayfromhere.Allyourlittlebuddieshavebeenbeaten.There’sjustyouleft.”

“An’you’recomin’forme,thatit,Valkyrie?”

“That’sit.Justyouandme,Billy-Ray.”

“Isitmyimaginationorareyousoundin’particularlyangrytoday?”

“IfFletcherisdead,Iwillkillyou.”

“An’you’reinavendettakindofmood,huh?Well,heck,agirl’sgottadowhatagirl’sgottado,amIright?GetacartoHowth.Numberforty-one,NashvilleDrive.”

“I’llbethere.”

“I’llbewaitin’.”

Shehungup.

Thetaximadegoodtimeoutofthecity,andwithinminutestheywereonthethinstretchofroadtothepeninsulaofHowth.Shecoulddothis.Shecouldtakehim.Ifhestillhadhismagic,thenno,shewouldn’tbesostupidtocomeherealone.Buthedidn’thavemagicandValkyriedid,andshewasplanningonusingit.Onthejourneyovershekeptfocused,

kepthermindonwhatshewasgoingtodo,onwhatwasabouttohappen.NotFletcher.Shedidn’tthinkaboutFletcher.Shecouldn’t.

Valkyriepaidthedriverandhurrieduptonumberforty-one.Itwasanicehouse,likealltheothernicehousesonNashvilleDrive.Shedidn’tknowhowSanguinehadendeduphere,butitdidn’tmatter.Theonlythingthatmatteredwaspayinghimback.He’dhurthersonowshewasgoingtohurthim.IfGuild’sfamilywasstillalive,thatwasabonus.

Shewasn’tgoingtobesubtle.Shedidn’thavethetimeorthetemperament.Shesnappedbothhandsagainsttheair,thespacebeforeherrippledandthefrontdoorflewoffitshinges.

Valkyriewalkedin,shadowswrithingaroundherrighthand,flamescurlinginherleft.Thelivingroomwasemptyandsowasthekitchen.Shewentindeeper,tothebedrooms.Awomanandagirlwereshackledtogetheronthefloorinthecornerofthemasterbedroom,gagsovertheirmouths.

Sheturned,expectingSanguinetoberushingupbehindher,butthehallwasempty.Withtwopairsoffrightenedeyesonher,shesteppedintothebedroomandnudgedthedooropenfully.Itswungslowlybackandtappedthewall.Shecrossedtotheensuite,usingthemirrorinsidetomakesureitwasclear,thenshedartedin,buttherewasnowhereforSanguinetojumpoutather.

Shemovedbackintothebedroom.Herrighthandflickedatrailofshadowsunderthebed.Theydidn’thitanything.Hereyesfoundthewardrobe,bothslatteddoorsclosedover.Ifhewasinthere,hewaswatchingherrightnowandhecouldseehowtenseshewas.Howscared.

Valkyrielettheflamesgooutandabandonedtheshadows.Shepushedattheairandthewardrobedoorssmashedtokindling.Clothesdroppedfromrailingsandhangersclashed,butwhenthedebrishadfinishedfalling,therewasnobodyinthere.

Shewenttothewomanandthegirlandpulledthegagsfromtheirmouths.

“Whereishe?”sheasked.

“Idon’tknow,”thewomananswered.ShewasyoungerthanValkyriehadexpected.Thegirllookedtobeabouttwelve.“Heputusinheretenminutesago.Wehaven’tseenhimsince.IsThuridallright?”

“I’msurehe’sfine,”Valkyrielied.Therewasnothingshecoulddoabouttheshackles,butsheburnedthroughtheropestyingtheirfeetandhelpedthemup.“Getyourdaughteroutofhere.”

“Whatareyougoingtodo?Youcan’tfacehimalone.”

“SureIcan.”

Valkyrieusedtheshadowstobreakthewindowandshehelpedthemotheranddaughteroutthroughit.ThenshetookoutScarab’sphoneandpressedredial.Fromsomewhereelseinthehouse,sheheardPatsyCline’s‘Crazy’.

Shesteppedintothehallandheldoutherhand.Theair’snaturalcurrentsdriftedbyandshefeltthemandsearcheddeeper.Shebarelynoticedtheshiftintheair,butthatwasallittookandthenshewaswalkingforward.Thephonewasinthelivingroom,onthetable,anditstoppedringingwhensheneared.Shewaiteduntilhewasrightbehindherbeforeturning.

Theshadowsstabbedathim,butSanguinerolled,hisstraightrazorflashingacrossValkyrie’sleg,butfailingtocutthrough.Thenhewasupandshepushedattheair.Itcaughthimintheshoulderandhespunrightaround,andcameatheragain.

Heslammedintoherandshesprawledoverthecoffeetable,spillingtheglossymagazinesacrossthecarpet.Shetriedtogetup,butslippedononeofthem.Hiskneecametowardsher.Theworldflashedandherheadjerkedback.Heliftedherandthrewheragainstthewallthenhewasupagainsther,hisstraightrazorpressingintoherthroat.

“Hush,”hewhispered.

Shecouldn’tstophimfromcuttingherthroatifshetried.Shestoppedstruggling.

“Good,”hesaidandsmiled.“Youactuallycameherealone,byGod.Youmustbereallymadtoleavetheskeletonbehind.Didyouthinkyoucouldtakeme?”

“Yeah,”shesaidthroughclenchedteeth.

“Nowthat,Ithinkwecanbothagree,wasamistake.DoyouthinkI’mgoingtokillyou?Ishould.Idefinitelyshould.DoyouthinkIshould?”

Valkyriedidn’trespond.

“You’dprobablysayno,evenifyouthoughtIshould,soIdon’tknowwhyI’maskin’you.”

“Whydidn’tyoukillthem?”

“Thebroadandthekid?Sawnoreasonto.Onlyhad‘emtoforceGuildtodetonatetheEngine.Despitewhatyoumaythink,Idon’tgenerallykillwithoutgoodreason.It’susuallymoney,butsometimesit’swhimandIhadneither.Butkillin’you,princess,nowthatissomethin’Ihaveaverygoodreasonfor.Youtookmymagic.Youfouledupourplan.Where’smydearol’daddy?”

“Skulduggeryhashim.”

“Sohecouldbeinshacklesorhecouldbedead–youneverknowwiththatguy,huh?Here’sthethingIfindamusin’–y’allcallmeapsychoan’yetyoukeepmissin’thepoint.YourfriendSkulduggeryisanice-coldkiller.Imean,thatguyisseriouslyunhinged.Takesonetoknowone,right?”

“He’sadjusting.”

Sanguinelaughed.“Nowthat’sagoodone!That’soneIshouldtry!‘Ididn’tmeantokillallthosenunsandorphans,Detective–I’madjustin’!’Oh,thatisfunny.ButIthinkyou’remisunderstandin’me.Itwasn’thisrecenttripabroadthatsenthimnuts–he’sbeennutsthewholetime.Y’alljusthaven’tseenit.”

“Ifyoukillme,”shesaid,“he’llkillyou.”

“Ihavenodoubt.WhichiswhyitisaverygoodthingthatIhavedecidednottokillyou.Duskcalledafewminutesbeforeyourang–hewashightailin’itoutoftherebeforethebombwentoff.HetoldmehebityouandIcanseebythelovelywoundonyourneckthathewasn’tlyin’.HetoldmehebityouandhetoldmethatIshouldprobablyreconsidermywhole‘IwanttokillValkyrieCain‘thing,likehe’sdoin’.Doyouknowwhyhetoldmethat?”

“Idon’t.”

“Youdon’t?Doyouwantmetotellyouwhyhetoldmethat?Doyou?”

“Sure.”

Hesmiled.“Hetastedyourblood.You’vegotveryspecialblood.Doyouknowthat?”

Sheglaredathim.“Yes.”

“No,”hesaid.“Idon’tthinkyoudo.See,youfigureyou’redescendedfromtheLastoftheAncientsandthat’sit,that’sthescopeofyouruniquenessinitsentirety.I’mheretotellyou,littlelady,thatthatain’tso.Yougotawholehostofotherthingsgoin’foryou.Nottogiveyoutoobigaheadornothin’,buteverythin’aboutyouscreamsimportant.AndI’mtalkin’grandscaleimportant.Everythin’Ihearaboutyoujustreinforcesthatwholeideathatyou,mydear,areaveryspecialgirl.

“WhenIbrokeintotheNecromancerTemple,Iheardsomeof‘emtalkin’aboutyou.TheycalledyoutheDeathBringer.Bythelookonyourface,Icanseethatyouknowwhatthatis.You’retheirGreatDarkHopeapparently,nowthatLordVile’sgone.Imaginethat.YouandLordVile–oneofakind,huh?Ain’tthatsomethin’?”

Hebegantappingthebladeagainstherskin.

“It’sabigresponsibilitynow.TheDeathBringer’stheonetosavetheworld,ain’tthatright?Areyoureadytosavetheworld,Valkyrie?AndIdon’tmeansaveitfromevilmenorfromtwistedgods.Imeansavetheworldfromitself.Doyouthinkyou’reworthy?”

“Idon’tknow.”

“Well,you’rehonest.I’llgiveyouthat.”

Hetappedthebladeandshewaiteduntilitwasnolongertouchingherskin,thensheslammedthedarknessintohim.Heflewbackwards,headoverheels,hissunglassesdroppingtotheground.

“Damnit,”hegrowled,“IsaidIain’tgoin’tokillyou,didn’tI?Didn’tIsaythat?”

“Butyoudidn’ttellmewhy.”

Hegotupslowly,brushingdownhisclothes.Helookedatherwithoutneedingeyes.“Igetthefeelin’badthingsaregoin’tohappen,andIgetthefeelin’thatyouaregoin’to

besmackdabinthemiddleofitall.Iain’tkillin’youbecause,honestlyandtruly,li’ldarlin’,it’salotmorefuntokeepyoualive.That,Ithink,willbemyrealrevenge.”Hissmilereturnedandhenoddedtothesunglassesatherfeet.“Youmind?”

Shepickedthemup,thoughtaboutcrushingthem,butthentossedthemtohim.

Heputthemon.“Muchobliged.”

“ThenexttimeIhearthatyou’rebackinthecountry,”Valkyriesaid,“I’mgoingtoassumeyou’reheretokillmeandIwillgoafteryou.AndIwon’tletyouwalkaway.”

“I’msureyou’lldoyourbest,”henodded.“Saygoodbyetoallof‘emforme,willyou?Especiallytheswordlady.I’vetakenquiteashinetoher,Iain’ttooembarrassedtosayit.”

“I’msureshe’llbethrilled.”

Sanguinelaughed.“Goodlucktoyou,ValkyrieCain.Yougotalifetimeofdarkdaysaheadofyou,ifI’mnotmistaken.I’denjoythequietmomentswhileyoucan.”

Hetappedafingertohistempleinasalutethenturnedandwalkedaway.

48AQUIETMOMENT

ValkyrietookataxibacktoCrokeParkjustasthecrowdswereleavingthestadium.Halfofthemweresinging;halfofthemweren’t.Shedidn’tknowwho’dwonthegame.Shedidn’tcare.

ShecalledSkulduggeryandhetoldherwherehewas.Shewentroundtothebackofthestadium,slippingbyaStaffOnlysign.ShesawCleaversloadingSpringheeledJackintothebackofavan.Hewaskickingandstruggling.Theyclosedthedoorandhispleaswereinstantlycutoff.

SkulduggerystoodwithGhastlyandShudderbytheNoEntrydoor.Caelanstoodapartfromthem.Theyallturnedandwatchedherassheapproached.Shedidn’tsayanything.

DavinaMarrledScarabtoasecondvan.Shegotinbehindhim,aCleaverjoinedthemandthevanfollowedtheotheroneaway.Sorcerersfiledintothestadium,theirjobbeingtocoverupwhateverneededtobecoveredup.

“DuskandRemusCruxareunaccountedfor,”Ghastlysaid.“VaurienScapegracetoo,thoughIdon’treallyknowifhecounts.”

“Idon’tknowaboutCruxorScapegrace,”Valkyriesaid.“butSanguineandDuskareovertheirrevengething.”

Skulduggerynoddedanddidn’taskanyquestions.Thequestionswouldcomelater,sheknew.

“Where’dyoulotdisappearto?”FletcherRennaskedashesteppedoutintotherainbehindthem.

Valkyrieturned,sawhimthereandthenextmomentshehadherarmswrappedaroundhimandherheadonhisshoulder.Helaughedandhuggedherback.Hewassoakingwet,butshedidn’tmind.

ThuridGuildhurriedoutafterhimandmadestraightforSkulduggery.“Myfamily,”hesaid.“Sanguinehas—”

“They’reOK,”Valkyriesaid,steppingawayfromFletcherandcomposingherself.“They’reinHowth,aroundNashvilleDrive.”

Helookedather,surprised.Hewasdrenchedtoo.“Heletthemgo?”

“Iletthemgo,”shesaid.“ButIdon’tthinkhewasgoingtohurtthemanyway.You’retheonetheywantedtohurt.”

“Whathappened?”ShudderaskedGuild.“Where’sthebomb?”

“MrRennteleportedusovertheoceansomewhere,”Guildsaid.

“Itookthiscruiseonce,”Fletchersaid.“ThoughtI’dlikeit.ItwasboringsoIlefthalfwaythrough.ButIneededsomewheresafe,somewherewithoutanypeople,andthatpoppedintomyhead.Iteleportedthere,droppedofftheGrandMageandteleportedawayagain.”HeturnedtoValkyrie.“Yourwindow’sfixedbytheway.”

Shefrowned.“Youteleportedintomyroom?”

“Ididn’tmeanto.Ididn’thavetimetothink,youknow?IjustneededtogetsomewheresafeandIendedupthere.Noonesawme.Yourroomisstillamessthough.”

Shescowledandhelaughed.

“TheDesolationEnginedetonated,”Guildsaid,pickingupthestory.“Theblastleftmeunharmed,butIexpectitvaporisedeveryfisharoundme.”

“Betterfishthanpeople,”Ghastlysaid.

“Notifyou’reafish,”Shudderpointedout.

“Iwasinthewater,”Guildcontinued,“andItriedtoimaginewhatitwouldhavebeenliketohavedetonatedthatbombwithallthosepeoplearound.Yousavedover80,000livestoday,boy.”

Fletcher’ssmilekindoffroze.“I…Ihadn’tthoughtaboutitlikethat.”

“Ioweyoueverything.”

“Uh…wow.”

“Ioweallofyoueverything.”

“Butmostlyme,”Fletchersaid.

“Scarabisstillalive,”saidSkulduggery.“Marrhastakenhimintocustody.”

Guild’sfaceslackenedforamoment.“Thenshewilllearnthetruth.”

“Shemightkeepquietaboutit,”Ghastlyoffered.

“No.No,shewon’t.Andsheshouldn’t.Aftertoday,afterwhatIwaspreparedtodo,IthinkIdeservetobeheldaccountableformyactions.IfIambroughtuponcharges,sobeit.”

“Thurid,”Skulduggerysaid,“we’retalkingaboutpossiblejailtime.”

“Iamawareoftheimplications,Detective.Butasforrightnow,Imustgotomyfamily.Thankyouagain,allofyou.”Hewalkedaway.

“Butmostlyme,”FletchercalledafterhimandValkyriepunchedhisarm.Themomentherfistmadecontacttheyteleported.

Shelookedaround.TheywereinKenspeckle’sMedicalBay.

“Ithoughtyoumightwantthatbitelookedat,”Fletchergrinnedasherubbedhisarm.

Hishairwasflattenedandspikyinallthewrongplaces.

“Yourhairlookswonderful,”shesaid.

Helaughedandwasabouttoretortwhenshegrabbedhiscollarandpulledhimintoher.Sheclampedherlipsaroundhismouthandmashedherfaceintohis.Hetookastepbackinsurpriseandshewentwithhim,steppinginapatchofwetfloor.Herlegswentfromunderherandsheflailedasshefell,whackinghiminthethroatonthewaydown.Shelookedupathimashegaggedandcoughed,andfromacrossthecorridorshecouldhearTanithlaughinghysterically.

“IthinkIneedpractice,”Valkyriemuttered.

49ESCORTINGTHEPRISONER

“HowmanytimeshaveIsavedyourlife?”KenspeckleGrouseaskedher.“Morethanafew,I’dwager.I’vecleanedcutsandsewnwoundsandfixedbones,andeverytimeyouleavehereItellyoutobecareful.Areyouevercareful?Itseemstomeyouneverare.DoyouthinkI’mjokingwhenItellyoutotakecare?Tostayoutoftrouble?Totryandnotgetyourselfkilled?Itappearstome,topoor,neglected,misunderstood,unappreciatedlittleoldme,thatyoudothinkI’mjoking.Thisworriesme.Apartfromanythingelse,itcreditsmewithasenseofhumourIneitherpossessnordesire.”

“Idon’tthinkyou’rejoking,”Valkyrieoffered.

“Avampirebite,”Kenspecklecontinued.“You’reavictimofavampirebite.Doyoureallythinkthisisanappropriateinjuryforayoungwomantohave?”

“Probablynot,thoughnowI’mcuriousastowhatisanappropriateinjury.”

“Yougotyourselfbitten,Valkyrie.Yourmagicclothesdidn’tstopthatfromhappening,didthey?Yoursharptonguedidn’tfendoffthosesharpteeth,didit?Youcouldhavedied,yousillygirl,orattheveryleastbeturnedintooneofthosethings.”

Shelookedathimandsaidnothing.

Hiscraggyfacesoftened.“Thecureforavampirebiteisradicallydifferentdependingonhowlongthevictimwaitsbeforeseekingtreatment.You’reluckyyoucametomeimmediatelyafterwards.”

“I’mcured?”

“You’recured.”

“Doesthatmeanyou’llstopreferringtomeasavictim?”

Hesighed.“Sometimesmybedsidemannerleavessomethingtobedesired.Idon’tmeantolectureyouallthetime.”

“Idon’tmindit.”

“ButIjustwishyou’dbemorecareful.”

“SodoI.”

“Andhowistheheadache?”

“Almostgone.Idon’tknowwhat’scausingthem.Maybemybrainisleaking.”

“Forabraintoleak,youwouldfirstneedabrain.”Kenspecklesmiled,andhissmilewavered.“IthinkTanithLowisscaredofme.”

“Tanith’snotscaredofanyone.”

“Fearandhatredareeasilyconfused.”

“Justgivehertime.Sheknowsitwasn’tyouwhohurther.Howareyoudoingthough?”

“I’mfine.Anightmareortwo,butthat’stobeexpected.It’sablessingactually,thefactthatIcan’trememberathingthathappened.Ithinkthatwouldbetoomuchformetohandle.Ineverwantedtohurtanyoneelseeveragain.”

“Youdidn’thurtTanith,”Valkyriesaidasfirmlyasshecould.“TheRemnantdid.You’reyounow,theKenspecklewholecturesmewhilehehealsme.He’stheonlyonethat’sreal.”

“Youarewisebeyondyouryears.”

“I’vealwaysthoughtso.”

Kenspecklekeptherconfinedtobedfortwodays.Tanithwastransferredtothebednexttoher.SkulduggerycalledbyalotandGhastlyvisitedonthesecondday.FletcherwasalwaysaroundandChina,truetoherword,didn’tputinanappearance.

Bythetimeshewasleaving,Valkyrie’swoundswerehealedandthescarswerefading.MarrcalledtotellthemthatThuridGuildhadrequestedthatSkulduggeryandValkyriebetheonestotransporthimfromtheSanctuary’sholdingcelltotheprison.Skulduggeryhadagreed,moreoutofcuriositythananythingelse,andhepickedValkyrieuponthestreetoutsideKenspeckle’sbuilding.

“We’reearly,”shesaidasshebuckledherseatbelt.

“IdoubtGuildwillcaretoomuch,”Skulduggeryresponded,hissunglassesinplaceoverhisscarfandhishatpulledlow.“He’slookingatcloseto300yearsforhispartintheVanguardassassinationandthecover-up.Idon’tthinktenminutesisgoingtomakethatmuchofadifferencetohim,tobehonest.”

“Whydoyouthinkheaskedforusanyway?Surelytherearefriendlierfacestoseehimoff?”

“Youwouldthinkso,wouldn’tyou?Maybehewantstothankyouagainforsavinghisfamily.Ormaybehehassomethingtotellus.”

“Asecret?”

“Confidentialinformationperhaps.HeisGrandMage,afterall.”

“Was.”

“Oh,”Skulduggerysaid.“Yes.”

“Iwonderwho’lltakeover.Iwonderwho’llwantto.InthepastthreeyearsoneGrandMagehasbeenmurderedandtheothersenttojail.Who’sgoingtowantthatjob?”

“Therewillalwaysbepeoplewhowantpower,Valkyrie.Neverunderestimategreed.”

TheystoppedatasetoftrafficlightsandagroupofladsstaredattheBentleyuntilitmovedoffagain.

“SometimesIwishyoucoulddrivealessnoticeablecar,”shesighed.

“Ican,”Skulduggerysaid.“Ijustchoosenotto.”

“Youknow,Iwasthinking…”

“Neveragoodstarttoanyconversation.”

“Shutup.ButIwasthinking,maybeyoushouldaskChinatowhipyouupafaçadetattoo,thesamewayshedidforGhastly.Thenyouwouldn’thavetoworryaboutyourscarfandsunglasses.”

Heshrugged.“I’mconsideringit.”

Shearchedaneyebrow.“Really?”

“Ifshecandoit,whynotgetitdone?”

“Whatkindoffacewouldyouhave?Woulditbeyours?Yourownone,Imean.Theoneyouusedtohave?”

Skulduggerywasquietforamoment.“Thatfaceisdead,”hesaideventually.“Bringingitbackwouldbe…”

“Painful?”

Helookedather.“Isuppose.”

Shenodded,thensmiled.“Seeingyouwithafacewouldbeweird.Doyouthinkyou’dhavehair?”

“Ohyes.Hairisamust.”

“Wouldyouhaveamoustache?”

“WhywouldIhaveamoustache?”

“I’mnotsure.Whataboutyourears?”

“I’dhaveearstoo,yes.”

“Ican’timagineyouwithears.”

AfewminuteslatertheypulledintotheparkinglotbehindtheWaxworksMuseumandgotoutofthecar.Theywalkedtothemuseumdoor.

“I’mwithFletcher,”Valkyriesaidquickly.Skulduggeryturnedhisheadtoheranddidn’tsayanything.

“We’retogether,kindofaboyfriend/girlfriendthing,”shecontinued,alltooawareofhowstupidshewassounding.Theywalkedthroughthemuseumcorridors.

“Well?”sheprompted.“Whatdoyouthink?Doyouhaveanopiniononit?Areyougoingtosaysomething?”

“Yes,”hesaidatlast.

HenoddedtothewaxfigureofPhilLynott,whotoldthemtheywereexpected,andSkulduggeryledthewaydownthesteps.DetectivePennantgreetedthematthebottomandtoldthemtowaitintheMeetingRoomwhilehebroughtGuildtothem.TheystartedwalkingagainandSkulduggeryspoke.

“Valkyrie,eversinceyoubroughtmebackI’vebeendistracted.Myconcentrationhasn’tbeenonehundredpercentandmyfocusis…lacking.Iknewtherewassomethingbetweenyoutwo,butIdidn’tseeit.Ineededyoutotellme.WhoknowshowallthismighthavegoneifIhadn’tbeensodistracted?”

“TheFacelessOneshuntedyouandtorturedyou,”shesaid.“Thatwoulddistractjustaboutanyone.”

“ButIcan’taffordtobedistractedanymore.Darquesseiscomingandweneedtobeatoursharpest.Somehow,forsomereason,youareintrinsicallylinkedtowhatisgoingtohappen.”

“Ghastly’smotherwasaSensitive,”shesaid.“Hetoldmeaboutthisjustbeforeyouwentthroughtheportal.Shelookedintothefutureandsawyouandmefightingacreatureofdarkness.Ghastlysaiditwasunimaginableevil–theworldontheedgeofdestruction.”

“SoundsalotlikewhatFinbarandCassandraareseeing.”

TheyarrivedattheMeetingRoomandwalkedin.Itwasempty.Valkyrietookadeepbreathandforcedherselftocontinuespeaking.

“Everyvisionwe’vebeentoldaboutsofar,”shesaid,“theyallendthesameway.Idie.Ijustwanttobestrongenoughtosaveeveryoneelse.Iwanttosavemyfamily.”

Skulduggerylookedather.

“Sothis,”shesaid,“what’shappeningandwhat’sgoingtohappen,thisisn’tyourfault.Youcan’tcontroleverythingandnoteverythingisyourresponsibility.AtCrokeParkyousaidsomethingabouthowyoudon’twanttodragmearoundafteryoujustsoIcandiebesideyou.Iwantedtotellyouthen,butIdidn’thavethewordsandIdidn’thavethetime.I’mherebecauseIchoosetobe.Yousavemylife.Isaveyours.That’showwework.”

“Untiltheend.”

“Untiltheend.”

Hesteppedclosertoher.“Thankyouforsavingme,”hesaidsoftly,andwrappedthebonesofhisarmsaroundher.Valkyriesmiledandhuggedhimback.

TheypartedasthedooropenedandPennantledThuridGuildin.Guild’shandswereshackledbeforehim.

“He’sallyours,”Pennantsaidandleftthem.

“You’reearly,”Guildsaid.“Doestheideaofmyimpendingincarcerationmakeyou

soeageryoucouldn’twaitfortheappointedtime?”

“It’sgoodtoseeyoutoo,Thurid,”Skulduggerysaid.“Areyoureadytogo?”

ItlookedlikeGuildwasgoingtocomebackwithanothersarcasticremark,butthenhisfacetightenedandhenodded.SuddenlyValkyriewasfeelingsorryforhim.Hewasamanwhohadonlybeentryingtodotherightthing,andbecauseofit,hewasgoingtobetakenawayfromhisfamilyandhe’dprobablyneverseethemagain.

Theywalkedout,Guildbetweenthem,passingsorcererswhoavertedtheireyesfromtheformerGrandMage.Valkyriedidn’tfeelright.Thiswastoomuchlikebeinganexecutioner,walkingthecondemnedmantothechamber.

“HowlongbeforetheSanctuaryisupandrunningagain?”Skulduggeryasked.

“Afewmoredays,”Guildanswered,soundingrelievedtobegiventheopportunitytotalkaboutsomethingotherthanhisfuture.“MostoftheartefactshavebeenreturnedtotheRepositoryandsomedepartmentshavealreadyresumedwork.TheinmateswillbetakenbacktotheGaoltonight,underheavysecurityofcourse.Notthattheymind.Iexpectthey’requiteappreciativeofanyopportunitytobeoutofthosecages.AtleastIwon’tbeinacagewhenI’minprison.”

“Goodman,”Skulduggerysaid.“Keeplookingonthebrightside.”

Guildglaredathim.“Whyareyoutransportingmeanyway?Afeebleattempttogetinsomelast-minutetaunts?Itreallyisquitepathetic.”

Skulduggery’sheadtilted.“We’retransportingyoubecauseyourequestedit.”

Guildlaughedbitterly.“Whatisthisnonsense?No,Ididn’t.”

“IspoketoDetectiveMarr.Shesaidyouaskedforus.”

“WhywouldIaskforyoutwo?Idon’tlikeyou.Icertainlyhavenowishtospendmylastfewmomentsoutsideofaprisoncellwithyou.”

Theyturnedthecornerandamanpassedthemwearingaraincoatwiththehoodpulledup.Valkyrieglimpsedhisface.

“Myron?”shesaid,buthedidn’tturn.

“MyronStray?”Skulduggeryaskedher.

“I’mprettysure,”Valkyriesaid.

“Itcan’tbe,”Guildsaidastheywatchedthemanwalkon.“TheonlypeopleallowedpasttheCleaversarepeopleonthelist–andStraywouldneverbeonthelist.”

“I’mfairlycertainthatwashim,”Valkyrieinsisted.

“Myron,”Skulduggerycalledloudly.

DetectivePennantroundedthefarcorner,heardSkulduggery’scallandinterceptedthemanintheraincoat,yankingdownthehood.MyronStrayhadtrailsofdriedbloodaroundhisearsandhismouthwastightlyshut,evenashiseyesbulgedwildly.

“He’spuncturedhiseardrums,”Skulduggerysaid.

Valkyriefrowned.“Why?”

“Becausesomeonetoldhimto.”

StrayjerkedawayfromPennant’sgripandhishandcameoutofhispocket.PennantsawtheDesolationEnginewithitschurningredliquidandheimmediatelybackedoff.

“He’sbeingcontrolled,”Skulduggerysaid.“Run!”heroared.“Evacuatethebuilding!”

ValkyriecouldseethetearsinStray’seyesandthebombwentoff.Itexplodedwithasoftwhump.Theliquidturnedtoaballofredenergyandtheenergyexpanded.ItsearedthefleshfromStray’sbonesandboiledhisbloodtosteam.Ittravelledacrosshisbody,hisbonesturningtoash.Thegroundhehadbeenstandingonwasnowacarpetofdust.Pennanttriedtorun,buthewasfartooslow.Hedidn’tevenhavetimetoscream.

SkulduggerywrappedanarmaroundValkyrie’swaist–withhisotherhegrippedGuild–andtheyroseoffthegroundandflew.Theyflewthroughthecorridor,whippingbystartledsorcererswhosawwhatwascoming,butwerepowerlesstoescape.Valkyriewatchedthewallscrumbleandthepeopledie,andstilltheballofenergygrewandchasedthem,fasterthantheycouldpossiblymove.

Whenthewallscrumbled,theceilingcavedinandSkulduggerytookthemupwards.TheyveeredtoavoidfallingmasonryandtheballofenergyfoundGuildandhescreamedashistrailinglegdisintegrated.Theyrosethroughdarknesswithhisscreams,thentheyburstintobrightnessandrain,andstilltheyrose,andtheballofenergyreacheditspeakandretracted.

Theylandedonarooftop.Guildhadpassedout,thestumpofhislegcauterisedbytheveryenergythathadwoundedhim.SkulduggerylaidhimdownandjoinedValkyrieattheedge.TheWaxworksMuseumcrackedandtumbledintothechasmofdust.TheywatchedtheBentleytoppleandcrunchdownbelowstreetlevel,thegroundopeninguptoswallowit.Thebuildingtheywerestandingonshook,butstayedsolid.Andthentherumblingwasover,andtherewereonlythecloudsofdustandcaralarms.

50BACKTOHAGGARD

Alittleoverthirty-twohourslater,Valkyrieclimbedthroughherbedroomwindow.Thereflectionsteppedintothemirrorandsheabsorbeditsmemories.Shegotdressedintheclothesithadbeenwearingandwentdownstairs.Shemadehermotheracupofteaandsatatthekitchentableandwatchedherfatherdemonstratethenewbabyseathe’dboughtforthecar.Shedidherbesttosmileathisantics.

TheSanctuarywasgone.Destroyed.Twenty-ninesorcerersandtwenty-oneCleavershadbeenkilled.DavinaMarrwasmissingandeverysurvivingagentwashuntingforher.

They’dquestionedScarabinhisprisoncellandhedeniedallknowledge.HeclaimedhehadneverbeenincontactwithMarr.Shewasnotpartofhisplan.HeenjoyedthefactthatsuchdestructionwasbroughtdownbyoneoftheSanctuary’sownagents.

Skulduggerydidn’tknowwhyMarrhaddonewhatshedid,butheknewhow.TheDesolationEnginethathadbeenrecoveredatthecastlehadneverbeenhandedovertobedeactivated.MarrhadkeptitandthengivenittoMyronStray.ShehadmadesurehisnamewasonthelistsothathecouldentertheSanctuarywithoutincident,andshehaddoneherbesttomakesurethatSkulduggeryandValkyrieweretherealso.UsingStray’struename,shehadcommandedhimtobursthisowneardrumssothathecouldn’thearordersthatwouldconflictwithhers.Skulduggerytheorisedthatshewouldhaveinstructedhimtokeephismouthshutandwarnnobodyofwhathewasabouttodo.Sheorderedhimtodoeverythingbutbeunafraid,andsoMyronStrayhadwalkedintotheSanctuaryfullyawareofwhathewasabouttodo,butcompletelyunabletopreventit.

Asfarastherestofthecountryknew,theoldWaxworksMuseumhadcollapsedallbyitself,anditwasamiraclethatnobodywashurt.Thetruthhadnoplaceinthenewspapers.Thedeadweremournedprivatelyandquietly,therubblewasclearedandthegiantholewasfilledin.Inafewmoredays,Skulduggeryhadtoldher,therewouldbenosignthattheSanctuaryhadeverexistedthere.

Valkyriewentupstairs,pulledonshortsandavestandwenttobedearlywiththeraingentlytappingthewindow.Withinfiveminutesshewasasleep.

51WHISPERS

Thenightmarewokeher.

Shesatupandslowlyswungherlegsoutofbed.Itwascoldandherroomwasdark.Thehousewasquiet.Itwasthemiddleofthenight.Hernightmareclungtoherwithitssmokytendrils,cloudinghermind,andshebecameawareofalowwhisperingintheroom.

ThedreamwhispererCassandrahadgivenherlayontheshelfwhereshe’dleftit,anditwastalkingtoValkyrieinhushedtonesthatseemedtoreachrightinsidehermind,bringingthenightmarebacktoherasaheadachebegantopoundagainsthertemples.

Andnow,finally,shecouldseeit.Atlast,shecouldrememberwhathadbeenplaguinghereversincesheheardthenametwodaysago.

ThewhispererkeptwhisperingandValkyriesawhernightmareagaininhermind.ShesawSerpineandhisglitteringemeraldeyes.ShesawthefightintheRepositorythreeyearsearlier,whenhe’dgoneupagainstSkulduggery.TheBookofNameshadfallenandshe’dglancedatit.She’dseenherowngivennameofStephanieEdgleyandhertakennameofValkyrieCain.And,inthelastcolumn,thefinalthingshe’dglimpsedthatshewasonlynowremembering…

Sheshouldn’thavebeensurprised,ofcourse.Shehadfeltitwithinher,evenbeforesheknewofmagic,thatpartofherthatwasdescendedfromthegod-killer.TheLastoftheAncientshadbeenpowerfulandmighty,andhehadhurledtheSceptredeepintotheearth–buttherewasnoforgettingthefactthathewasalsoamurderer.Afterhehadkilledhisgods,hehadmurderedhisbrethren.

FornowValkyrierememberedwhereshehadseenthatnamebefore.IntheBookofNames,inthatfinalcolumn.NexttoStephanieEdgley,nexttoValkyrieCain.Hertruename.Theonlynamethateverreallymattered.

Darquesse.

PreviewOhhello,fancymeetingyouhere.You’relookingwell,Ihavetosay.Really?Oh,you’remakingmeblush.Well,Ihavebeenworkingout,it’strue.Ah,you’retookind.

WhatamIdoingbackhere?I’mheretoannouncesomething,butI’mnotquitesurehowtogoaboutit.Itisgoodnews,yes.Atleast,Ithinkso.

Yousee,theSkulduggeryPleasantserieshasalwayshadanAprilpublicationdate,butnowwe’removingthenexthardbacktoSeptember.Nowholdon,don’tstartthrowingthingsjust—

OW!

Whothrewthat?Whowasit?Wasityou?

I’mkeepinganeyeonyou…

AsIwassaying,beforeIwassorudelyinterrupted,thisdoesn’tmeanyou’regoingtohavetowaituntilSeptember2011forBookFive.Whatitdoesmeanisthat,foronetimeonly,you’regoingtogettwoSkulduggerybooksinthesameyear…

SkulduggeryPleasant:BookFive.

ComingSeptember,2010.

Derek

SomewhereinIreland

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