"Sorry, Dexter is checked into Throes of Ecstasy, please leave your message after the moan," Dexter mumbled, and went limp against the floor with a blissful moan the moment Rover put hands to his back.

"I have that effect on people," Rover said with a grin. "Erskine, you want on the list after our Great and Glorious Leader, or are you going to kind and let someone on first?"

"And I thought the point here was that you were riding the others," Anton observed.

"Well, if that's what you'd rather, Anton," Rover said with a shrug. "Erskine, too late. Anton's on before you."

"I think I object to being hijacked like some common donkey."

"Be fair, Shudder. I'll dress you up in a real nice harness. You'll be a noble steed."

Gabe didn't exactly laugh out loud, but he let his amusement wash throughout the room. There was a shadow, though. A thought, and an intent. 'I think under the circumstances we shouldn't wait to perform the spell, he said, lifting his feline head and kneading Skulduggery's shoulder absently. 'Solomon will still need rest, but he's cognizant enough to follow what will be happening. The only thing we need is for the preparations to be done, and I can go help Merlin with that.'