Praetor nodded. “I don’t think we have much to worry about, not with the changes he’s made to the election process. The Democrats can’t even settle on a candidate to run against him. Every senator, governor or mayor to put their name in the hat takes it out a few weeks later, their reputation in tatters. The media is wondering how Flanery finds out all their secrets.”

“So the rumours are true?”

“It would appear so,” said Praetor. “We don’t know who, yet, but we believe that Flanery has had a sorcerer of some description working for him since before he ran for office. In the past, he’s been able to push bills through Congress that ordinarily wouldn’t stand a chance. His opponents fall before him. Minds are being read, influenced – if not outright controlled.”

“We need to keep an eye on this,” China said. “So long as we have him on a leash, he’s useful. If he manages to slip that leash, he’s dangerous. I want this sorcerer named.”

“Of course, Supreme Mage.”

“Grand Mage Drang, you mentioned that something was troubling you?”

“Coldheart Prison,” said the German Grand Mage, the light catching the single scar that ran from the corner of his eye to the hinge of his jaw. “They have failed to check in.”

“So? They’ve missed reporting in before. It all depends where they are in the world and even what the weather is like.”

“With respect, Supreme Mage, I do not think it is that simple in this instance. The last of the safeguards have been removed only last week. For the first time, the prison is vulnerable.”

She sighed. “We’re all quite aware of your objections to the change in the prison’s status, Grand Mage. We’ve had this debate.”

Sturmun Drang raised an eyebrow fractionally. “There was no debate, Supreme Mage. You decided to take sole control of an international prison. You decided to systematically remove the multiple safeguards that nine separate Sanctuaries contributed to make Coldheart absolutely impenetrable.”

“It is still impenetrable.”

“No, Supreme Mage. Without the international safeguards, the prison’s defences have been halved.”

“Temporarily. New safeguards – better safeguards – are being implemented as we speak.”

“And for those three days, until those safeguards are online, the prison is vulnerable. And it has gone missing.”

China regarded him calmly. “I will have my people look into it. I’m sure it’s nothing.”

“I hope you are right,” said Drang. “Otherwise three hundred and twenty-six highly dangerous sorcerers may be on the loose, and we are not doing anything about it.”

She looked at Vespers and Praetor. They smiled back, the way people do when they’re nervous and unsure and want to calm the waters after a disagreement. China felt no such urge to smile. That was the luxury that absolute power afforded her. “I believe you have someone waiting to meet me,” she said.