“When you reported back on the city controlled by the alternate version of Mevolent,” Tipstaff said, “you mentioned the World Well. The Supreme Mage was intrigued by the idea of what is essentially a psychic Internet, and so has had her best people working on one for Roarhaven. We call it the Whispering – a way to connect people and share information. It should be ready to be released to the citizenry in less than a year. Right now, the Supreme Mage is the only one with access. It is a much more efficient way of taking the pulse of the city than endless hours of briefings.”

“All the information is downloaded directly into her mind?”

Tipstaff nodded, then shrugged. “We’re trying to find a better term for it than downloaded, though.”

“Something that sounds more magicky?”

Another smile. “I suppose. Yes.”

“Just because it’s a mortal term doesn’t mean sorcerers can’t use it,” Valkyrie said. “Isn’t it one of the purposes of the Sanctuaries to remind us that we’re not above them?”

“Indeed it is,” Tipstaff said. “Although it’s hard not to feel superior when they have people like Martin Flanery as American president.”

“Flanery’s an idiot,” Valkyrie admitted, “but, as far as I know, he hasn’t tried to take over the world or kill everyone in it. Can I ask you something, in the spirit of sharing potentially catastrophic global events? Have you guys had any encounters with, or warnings of, a woman with silver hair?”

“Not that I’m aware of,” said Tipstaff. “Do you have a name I could check for?”

It would have been so easy to tell him, to mention the Princess of the Darklands, but something stopped her. Maybe it was Skulduggery’s newfound caution with information, or maybe it was simply the fact that she didn’t work for the Sanctuary any more. Whatever the reason, she gave a weak shrug and a weaker smile. “I’m afraid not.”

“I’ll check our records,” Tipstaff said, “see if anyone with silver hair has raised a flag lately.”

“Thanks.”

“Anything to help the Arbiter Corps.” Tipstaff looked at his watch. “The Supreme Mage should be surfacing any moment now …”

Valkyrie looked up as China’s pale blue eyes fluttered open.

“I’ll leave you to it,” Tipstaff said softly, and left.

“Valkyrie,” China said, taking a moment to get orientated. “What’s Skulduggery’s condition?”

“He’s fine,” said Valkyrie. “Annoyed, but fine.”

China sat forward, focusing fully on Valkyrie. “And Fletcher?”

Valkyrie hesitated. “They don’t know. There have been complications.”

China shook her head. “He’s become invaluable to me, that boy. He’s a teacher, did you know that? Single-handedly training up the next generation of Teleporters. He’s found his vocation.”

“Reverie is hopeful.”