Somehow, Sean's outburst broke any tension in the room. Or it did for Dexter, who laughed, though not so much for Saffron, whose soul turned with shock and consternation.

"Of course magic!" Dexter told the boy gleefully before Saffron could say anything. Within a moment Solomon saw the glow of an impending conjuration, and prodded the man with his cane. Dexter yelped and the glow faded.

"Let's not break the priest's nephew just yet, shall we?" he said mildly.

"Why? That's half the fun. Besides, he's young enough to roll with the news."

"But that's illegal," Saffron blurted out, her consternation finally overcoming her natural propensity for submission. "I mean, not even members of the Temple would do that!"

"Because they'd be more likely to vanish anyone who saw something wrong," Dexter muttered. Solomon didn't answer. He was right.

"I have that authority," Solomon reminded her instead. And he did. Corrival might object ... then again, given his reaction to Erskine and Ghastly telling Barney, maybe not. Solomon would just have to be prepared for the consequences. His voice wasn't exactly censuring, but it was mild in a way most of his underlings would have taken as a reprimand. Saffron's soul withdrew, harder and sharper than before.

"Your pardon, Cleric Wreath."

"And you can stop that 'Cleric' nonsense at any moment."

"Yes ... um. Sir."

Solomon sighed and looked to Paddy. "We weren't followed, but it would still be prudent for Saffron to join the shelter tonight," he said. "How would you recommend we proceed? Janet won't know us."