kulduggery’s phone rang, and Valkyrie stepped away while he answered it. Cleavers and sorcerers were gathered in groups around the cemetery – the largest group stationed at the crypt that housed the Temple door. She wondered for a moment if Wreath was down there, and felt a stab of guilt that her side was taking action against his side. Then she thought about Melancholia, and all feelings of guilt evaporated.

Skulduggery put his phone away. “A man answering Bison Dragonclaw’s description was spotted in Terminal Two at the airport a few minutes ago.”

Valkyrie made a face. “His first name is Bison?”

“He must be there to meet their reinforcements,” Skulduggery continued. “It stands to reason that the other Necromancer Temples around the world would send people over to help the Death Bringer. We’ll have to take care of this ourselves.”

“We will?”

“Unless you want to stay here. I feel I have to warn you, though, we’re probably not going to find a way past their barricades for another few hours.”

“You’re bored, aren’t you?”

“I need constant distraction. Shall we go?”

“Uh, aren’t you going to delegate responsibility or something? If you’re not here, who’s in charge?”

Skulduggery looked around, and pointed to a sorcerer at the far side of the cemetery. “He is.”

“Who is he?”

“Don’t know. He looks like leadership material though, doesn’t he?”

“Does he?”

“He’s wearing a hat.”

“And that means he’s a leader?”

“Leaders wear hats. It’s to keep the rain off while we make important decisions. He’ll do fine.”

“Shouldn’t you tell him that he’s in charge?”

“And spoil the surprise?” Skulduggery asked, and started towards the Bentley without waiting for an answer.

Valkyrie sighed and followed.

They left the Bentley on the second floor of the Terminal Two car park, and walked to the Arrivals Area. Skulduggery’s façade had a small beard. It went well with the face.

They caught sight of Dragonclaw almost immediately. Dressed in black, thin, bald, with that ridiculously wispy goatee. He had his back to them, waiting with everyone else as passengers poured in. They moved up behind him, waited for a big cheer to go up somewhere to their left, and moved.

“Bison,” Skulduggery said as he gripped his elbow. “What a silly name for a skinny man.”

Dragonclaw’s free hand went to his belt, but Valkyrie grabbed his wrist with both hands and stepped close to him.

“No public displays of magic, please,” she said with a smile.