Upload
hatuong
View
217
Download
0
Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
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
Preview
AlsobyDerekLandy:
Copyright
AboutthePublisher
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.
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?
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
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
CopyrightFirstpublishedinhardbackinGreatBritainbyHarperCollinsChildren’sBooks2010
HarperCollinsChildren’sBooksisadivisionof
HarperCollinsPublishersLtd
77-85FulhamPalaceRoad,Hammersmith,LondonW68JB
Visitusonthewebatwww.harpercollins.co.uk
SkulduggeryPleasantrestshiswearybonesonthewebatwww.skulduggerypleasant.co.uk
Andhasabebopageatwww.bebo.com/Profile.jsp?MemberId=3605555366
FIRSTEDITION
Copyright©DerekLandy2010
DerekLandyassertsthemoralrighttobeidentifiedastheauthorofthiswork
Illuminatedletters©TomPercival2010
SkulduggeryPleasant™DerekLandy
SPLogo™HarperCollinsPublishers
AllrightsreservedunderInternationalandPan-AmericanCopyrightConventions.Bypaymentoftherequiredfees,youhavebeengrantedthenon-exclusive,non-transferablerighttoaccessandreadthetextofthise-bookonscreen.Nopartofthistextmaybereproduced,transmitted,downloaded,decompiled,reverseengineered,orstoredinorintroducedintoanyinformationstorageandretrievalsystem,inanyformorbyanymeans,whetherelectronicormechanical,nowknownorhereinafterinvented,withouttheexpresswrittenpermissionofHarperCollinse-books.
EPubEdition©APRIL2010ISBN:978-0-007-38227-9
ConditionsofSale
Thisbookissoldsubjecttotheconditionthatitshallnot,bywayoftradeorotherwise,belent,re-sold,hiredoutorotherwisecirculatedwithoutthepublisher’spriorwrittenconsentinanyformofbindingorcoverotherthanthatinwhichitispublishedandwithoutasimilarconditionincludingthisconditionbeingimposedonthesubsequentpurchaser.
FindoutmoreaboutHarperCollinsandtheenvironmentatwww.harpercollins.co.uk/green
AboutthePublisherAustraliaHarperCollinsPublishers(Australia)Pty.Ltd.25RydeRoad(POBox321)Pymble,NSW2073,Australiahttp://www.harpercollinsebooks.com.au
CanadaHarperCollinsCanada2BloorStreetEast–20thFloorToronto,ON,M4W1A8,Canadahttp://www.harpercollinsebooks.ca
NewZealandHarperCollinsPublishers(NewZealand)LimitedP.O.Box1Auckland,NewZealandhttp://www.harpercollinsebooks.co.nz
UnitedKingdomHarperCollinsPublishersLtd.77-85FulhamPalaceRoadLondon,W68JB,UKhttp://www.harpercollinsebooks.co.uk
UnitedStatesHarperCollinsPublishersInc.10East53rdStreetNewYork,NY10022http://www.harpercollinsebooks.com