Craftsman Primrose’s eyes were wide. “All for the greater good. Don’t we all do extreme things for something bigger than ourselves sometimes … Prudence?”

Edwin looked at her. Craftsman Primrose knew her real name!

“I was aware from early on that you weren’t Frances, when I saw you write the letter home on the train, and it didn’t take long to guess at your motivations in coming here once I did some investigating to find out about the real Francis. But I saw your technical skills at work on your parents’ farm, and I knew you had talent anyway. Then when I heard about the name service you were providing the personifates, and the remarkable invention you’ve created – it’s an astonishing breakthrough! I knew you would understand the plight of personifates. Imagine what we’ll achieve. Remember, if you assist me, I will help you develop your machine and find a way to your brother.”

“Isn’t bringing back all these stag-men on one night a little ambitious for just three of us?” she said, trying desperately to hold her nerve.

“We won’t need all the ridiculous ceremony that Woolstenbury insists on, and besides, there will be four of us.”

Prue frowned. “Four?” Then it came to her, “Master White.” Of course; they were in it together.

Craftsman Primrose shook his head. “Oh dear, no, she is quite tied to the ways of the Guild.”

The door creaked open.

Finblewick stepped inside. “We could do this on our own, Charles.”

“We’ve discussed this. Apprentices Haywood and Snow-Moon are necessary for the plan to succeed; our timing during the blood moon will be crucial.”

“How long have you been planning this?” asked Edwin.

“Ever since I came here. I’ve had one goal and that is to liberate the personifates and lead a revolution against the Guild and the Chancellery.”

Prue felt so horrified she wanted to run, but it was as though her panic rooted her to the spot. She understood the cause, but this was all too extreme.

“On the blood moon you will come here before sundown. The Guild will be busy, and no one will miss two novice apprentices so early in proceedings.”

“Well, it seems like you’ve rather thought all this through. There’s lots to prepare for, so perhaps if Edwin and I get back; we wouldn’t want anyone to miss us and become suspicious, and of course we won’t be saying a word to anyone – no, not a thing – will we, Edwin?”

Edwin shook his head emphatically. Finblewick observed them with narrow beady eyes.

“Good. I’m so pleased to have you on board,” said Craftsman Primrose.

They both turned to leave.

“One last thing,” Craftsman Primrose called.

Prue turned to face him again, a cold trickle of sweat running down her back.

“I know you wouldn’t, but as security, the stag-man you met in the forest before…”

“Yes?”