"I'll settle for just plain high quality, thank you," Solomon said. A moment later he added thoughtfully, almost as if actually considering it, "If we resign en mass, can we hold the laws of physics hostage?"

Could mass resignation of powerful enough souls cause a substantial enough change to the lifestream to change things elsewhere? Actually, that might explain that little saying about a butterfly flapping its wings and causing a storm on the other side of the world.

Definitely something to consider, and Solomon would have, except his attention was drawn by the way Rafe stretched his wings.

"Dunno if I like the place that much yet," Rafe mused. "But I betcha Gabe's boyfriend could talk him into anythin'." He grinned at Skulduggery, and Solomon snorted.

"I won't need to be talked into hitting you," Gabe answered deadpan. Rafe threw up his hands longsufferingly, turning to Barney.

"See how cruel my own brother is to me? I wanna meet this friend of theirs, but I think I need a bodyguard. How 'bout it? Princess'll be okay 'til then." Then, as if realising he hadn't answered the man's question he added, "Aw, weren't ya listenin' before, Barn? It's okay. I know how impressive I am." Solomon watched with amusement as the angel, quite literally, preened. "Just have their fangled machines take another mosey. Gotta stay on the down-low and all."

"I think your brother's due for a head-popping operation," Solomon heard Merlin murmur, and Gabe nodded agreement, his wings rustling.

"He'll just up and float away at any moment now."

"We can only hope," Solomon murmured, tilting his head. "That or he'll wind up plucking all his feathers out with his preening."