Master White fell to her knees beside the empty shell of Charles Primrose and put a shaking hand to the side seam. “What in all of Medlock?” she said, her voice barely audible. A tear reflected like a moonlit stream on her cheek.

“Wait,” Prue said, looking around. “Where’s Finblewick?”

“Finblewick? Perhaps you four better come inside and explain exactly what’s been happening,” said Master Woolstenbury.

“Is everything all right now, Master Woolstenbury?” Governor Watson-Wentworth called from the factorium door. “I was about to step in, of course.”

“Thank you, Governor, it’s all under control. I suggest everyone returns to the atrium and I’ll send for some warm drinks … and perhaps a dash of rum,” she added under her breath. She turned to the three of them. “I will arrange a search for Finblewick and do what I can to appease the Governor, then I expect you all in my office in fifteen minutes.” She strode back towards the factorium.

Master White remained staring in disbelief at the body of Charles Primrose. “He was a personifate?”

Prue nodded, still barely able to comprehend it herself. But her mind was also on her parents. “Master White, I’m sorry, I know this must be awful for you, but it’s not over. There is still one stag-man left. Primrose sent it to my farm. It was why we couldn’t say anything to you; he was going to attack them if he received a signal from this.” She held up the transmitter. “We managed to steal it from Primrose, but the stag-man is still there. I need to get to my parents as soon as possible.”

She looked at her in disbelief, then nodded. “Of course. We should talk to Master Woolstenbury.”

“Please, I can’t wait – I need to leave now.”

“It’s quite out of the question; I can’t possibly let you face one of them alone. We can catch the early morning Gigantrak and…”

Prue shook her head emphatically. “I need to get there tonight. What if it decides to attack them regardless?”

“And how do you propose to get there?”

“The night Gigantrak maybe, I don’t know!”

Agapantha stepped forward. “It’s too late to catch the Gigantrak. But I have an idea that requires your help, Master White.” Agapantha looked at Prue and Edwin. “Do you remember we had that conversation with Craftsman Primrose in the library about transferring spirits between bodies, and he said the Guild had tried it before?”

Master White frowned. “What are you getting at, Apprentice Young?”

“Craftsman Shad has a very impressive flying lion in the design studio. It could get to Prue’s farm in no time.”

“Could we still harness some qwortzite under the moon?” Prue said eagerly.