China joined in the explanation once Tipstaff led her into the office, filling in the details Solomon either couldn't or wouldn't be able to explain as well as she could. Erskine was surprised to hear her being almost clinical about the whole thing. There was some element of pride, of course - there always was where China was concerned - but not nearly as much as there should have been. Was that because of Mr. Bliss, he wondered, or was she only just now realising how much more work she'd have to do with regards to the Host? Perhaps it was some combination of the two.

Erskine took the opportunity, when it arose, to explain about his little prank that morning, and apologise briefly to Tipstaff before the man left to go and attend other matters. The Elder still didn't regret it, but as Solomon said. It was probably a good idea to keep Tipstaff around for as long as possible, given how well he seemed to be adjusting to certain eccentricities.

And then there was the mirror maze. Erskine was just beginning to wonder how to keep Rafe mostly out of things, what with Bliss standing right there, when there was a knock on the door and Skulduggery opened it. Erskine brightened immediately at the welcome distraction. "Ah, speak of the Devil. What have you been up to all morning?"

Skulduggery paused with his hand on the door handle, skull as inscrutable as ever. He didn't answer for a moment, and then shook his head. "Tracking down Davina Marr. Hello, Bliss. You look remarkably healthy for someone whose head was split in two."