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MARTLET

ORVIETO

14October 2060

When I told Arcturus I was coming with him to Orvieto, he answered with the smallest nod, but his eyes glowed. I hadn’t seen them dance like that since our last morning in Paris.

Ducos picked us up from Rome the next day. Her rib was definitely broken, but she had received treatment in Venice to manage the pain. I supposed there was no one else Pivot trusted to drive us.

After the raid on the Palazzo del Domino, Pivot had contacted the head of Tinman, seeking an explanation for their meddling in European operations. A complex negotiation was underway. Sala had also been in touch with the Italian doublet, asking to re-establish contact with Domino.

‘You did exceptionally well to find her in four days, when all previous attempts had failed,’ Ducos said. ‘I am starting to trust in your methods, chaotic as they first appear. Expect a bonus in your account.’

‘Thanks, but I didn’t do much. Warden was the one who pointed me to the Forum.’

‘That’s another interesting development. Let us hope that Sala will find her courage.’

‘What if Fitzours comes back unexpectedly?’

‘A Finnish politician was arrested for conspiracy to murder yesterday, so Fitzours is likely distracted by the thrills of a new playground for now. We have time to prepare Italy for his return.’ She glanced at me. ‘Are you absolutely sure you can kill him?’

‘I’m sure,’ I said.

She nodded.

‘Until you hear from me, rest and prepare,’ she said. ‘You’ll be safe in Orvieto.’

I glanced at Arcturus, who hadn’t spoken. His eyes were now so dark, they almost looked human.

Orvieto soon appeared. The city stood on a steep hill, surrounded by the plains and vineyards of Umbria. This hill was abounding in caves and quarries, which led out to the countryside, allowing everyone to escape in the event of a siege. It had been an ideal place for Domino to establish a refuge in case Rome should ever fall to the anchor.

Ducos drove as far in as she could before leading us on foot to the sanctuary, past buildings made from golden brick. The city didn’t just sit over a honeycomb of caves; it almost looked as if it was made of honeycomb, too.

Casa della Fermata had its own tunnel into the caves, which Ducos had forbidden us from using. I couldn’t blame her for not trusting me around fragile structures. She unlocked a door and handed me the key.

‘Make sure you keep your phone on at all times. You’re on standby,’ she said. ‘Orvieto is a jewel of this region. Once again, please try not to damage any buildings while you are here.’

‘Of course,’ I said.

‘Good.’ She dug into her coat again. ‘We searched Cordier, once we got her back to Venice. I thought I remembered you wearing this in Paris.’

She held up a familiar pendant. The one that deflected poltergeists.

‘Thank you.’ I took it, relieved. ‘I wasn’t sure I’d see this again.’

‘All right. Leave Operation Ventriloquist to us for now,’ she said, ‘but be ready, Flora.’

She gave Arcturus a nod before leaving.

In the house, I put my bag down and shed my jacket. Even if I had to keep my phone on for the next few days, I would still use this opportunity to gather my strength before Cade arrived. Arcturus shut the door behind us.

‘The pendant,’ I said. ‘Do you want it back?’

‘No. It is yours, Paige.’

I fastened it at my nape without protest. It was a Mothallath heirloom, but the Ranthen had approved of me carrying it, and I felt braver when I did.