not?” asked the Elemental named Amity.
“It’s an ongoing investigation.”
“She has evaded you for five months already, Detective Pleasant. Maybe we should be entrusting somebody else with the task of tracking her down.”
“Then by all means, Amity,” Skulduggery said, “find someone else.”
“The damage has been done,” the woman called Shakra said in a Belfast accent. “Marr isn’t important, not any more. What is important is how weak we appear. The Sanctuaries around the world are waiting to pounce, did you know that?”
“That’s a slight exaggeration,” Scrutinous said.
“Is it? The Americans have already announced how they will no longer stand by and watch as Ireland struggles against the legacy that people like Mevolent have left us. That’s what they said, word for word.”
“It was a gesture of support,” Amity said.
“No,” Shakra responded, “it was a threat. They’re telling us they’re getting ready to step in and take over if something like this happens again.”
Amity shook his head. “Nonsense. Ireland is a Cradle of Magic. No one would dare disrupt the delicate balance that holds the world in check.”
Shakra scowled. “You’re a moron.”
“Being rude does not make you more intelligent than I.”
“No, being more intelligent than you makes me more intelligent than you, you goat-brained simpleton.”
“I did not come here to be insulted.”
“What, do you have somewhere special to go for that kind of thing?”
“Can we please focus?” Corrival asked. Immediately, everyone shut up. “In the last five years alone, two of our Elders have been murdered, the third betrayed us, and the Grand Mage who took over has been revealed as a criminal. Two out of Mevolent’s Three Generals returned, and the Faceless Ones actually broke through into this reality.
“Amity, you and your Four Elementals may not want to believe this, but Ireland is under attack. We have enemies both obvious and hidden. The war with Mevolent was fought largely on Irish soil. His actions, and the actions of his followers, have created an instability that is impossible to be rid of. This is where the agents of unrest are drawn. There is blood in the water here.”
“That’s right,” Flaring said. “Dark sorcerers like Charivari in France, or Keratin in the mountains of Siberia, hate us and plot against us with every moment that passes. And what about all the visions of this Darquesse person, laying waste to the world? We need to be ready.”
Valkyrie saw the nods and the looks in the eyes. If any one of them knew the truth, they’d have torn her apart right there and then.
“Then we need to get down to business,” High Priest Tenebrae said. “The task ahead is not an easy one. We’ll have to set up a new Council, elect a Grand Mage and two Elders, build a new Sanctuary and consolidate our power base. Even though it will add greatly to my responsibilities and workload, I am willing to put my own name forward for the role of Grand Mage.”
There were some rolled eyes and cruel whispers, but Corrival held up a hand to silence them. “Thank you, High Priest. Who are the other nominees?”
“Some of us have been talking about this among ourselves,” Scrutinous said, “and we’d like to suggest Corrival Deuce as a candidate.”
Corrival raised an eyebrow. “Excuse me?”
“You’re well-respected and well-liked, Corrival, and—”
“I know what I am,” Corrival interrupted, “and what I am is retired. Even if I wasn’t retired, I’ve never been interested in the job. That’s for people like Meritorious, not people like me.”
“Your country needs you,” Flaring said.
“My country needs better taste.”
“You’re the only one who can do it.”
“This is ridiculous,” Corrival said. “I don’t have the experience or the training, and I’m always getting into arguments. Not many sorcerers agree with my point of view, you know.”
“Even so,” said Philomena Random, “you’re one of the few people who could bring the Irish magical community together in its time of need.”
“Nonsense. There are plenty of others.”
“We don’t make this suggestion lightly, Corrival. We’ve considered this a great deal.”
“And all you could come up with was me?”
“I’m afraid so.”
“But I’m really enjoying my retirement. I get to sleep in every day. I do crossword puzzles and eat cakes.”
“Duty calls, Corrival.”
“Then we’ll vote,” Flaring said. “Right here, right now. Let’s forgo the usual pomp and circumstance and have it as a simple aye or nay. All those in favour of High Priest Auron Tenebrae as the new Grand Mage, say aye.”
Craven and Quiver both said aye. Tenebrae clenched his jaw against the overwhelming silence.
“OK then,” Scrutinous said. “All in favour of Corrival Deuce as the new Grand Mage, say aye.”
Ayes filled the room. Only the Necromancers and the Roarhaven mages stayed quiet.
Scrutinous grinned. “I think it’s decided.”
“Fine,” Corrival said. “I’ll accept the position, on the condition that as soon as someone more competent comes along, you’ll all let me retire in peace.”
“Agreed,” said Amity. “So now we need to talk about nominations for the other two seats on the Council, and where the new Sanctuary is going to be built.”
“Don’t need to start building,” the Torment said in his dreadful croaky voice. “We have a Sanctuary, ready and waiting.”
“In Roarhaven?” Tenebrae said, disgust in his voice.
“Yes,” the Torment glared back. “A fine building, built especially for this purpose.”
“Built for a coup that failed,” said Ravel.
“That may be so,” the Torment said, “but the fact remains. There is a new Sanctuary building with all the rooms and requirements. Do any of you have any proper objections, apart from the fact that it’s outside your precious capital city?”
There was silence.
“It’s a good suggestion,” Corrival said. Valkyrie looked at
