Tanith didn't ask how in the world Solomon got China to agree to help. Either he coerced her, which would be impossible without some sort of blackmail, or he actually managed to convince her as a human being with a brother in trouble. Either way, Tanith didn't particularly want to know. It was a lot easier to dislike China when she didn't have any good in her to speak of, and knowing about any potential blackmail could very well be hazardous to her health.

"He's at the Sanctuary," Fletcher answered. "Didn't take too much convincing."

"He did ask to be paid, though," Tanith added with a smile.

"Paid?" China raised an eyebrow. "Now there's an idea. Would I be paid for my services, Elder Wreath?"

Tanith managed to fight back a grimace. Damn it. "Do you really need any more than you already get?" she asked suspiciously.

"Get from what? I run a library, Tanith. The only money I ever receive is from overdue fines."

"You must get a bunch of those, then," Tanith muttered, glancing pointedly at China's outfit for the day. Even with her magic gone and her world shattered, China Sorrows still managed to look like the most beautiful woman in the world. She never once skimped on fashion or respectability. Not even God could manage that, apparently.

China smiled. "Oh, I do. But I'm afraid I must point out that Professor Grouse has a sizeable income as well."