[handset] audio; public;

[gistful]

Given the current changes evident in the city I would like to make it known that the Midnight Hotel will remain open to Foreigners for a nominal fee or a trade of services. Its wards are functioning normally and the rules apply as usual.

Entrances may be found at the following locations.

[He reads out, slow enough for people to take notes, the address for the six entrances, including the new one in Central.]

Thank you.

Comments

[gistful]

And was it a productive year?

[Something happened, that's for certain. Skulduggery's even more reticent than usual.]

[skeletonenigma]

How do you define 'productive'?

[gistful]

And you're being evasive. What happened, Skulduggery?

[skeletonenigma]

I'm always evasive. It's part of my charm. How long do you plan on staying in Keeliai?

[Assuming, of course, they ever get the choice to go back.]

[gistful]

[You're just getting this look, Skulduggery, and no answer.]

[skeletonenigma]

An answer for an answer.

[gistful]

I've given you several. I'm waiting for recompense.

[skeletonenigma]

If you haven't already guessed, I'm vastly underestimating your intellect. The world nearly ends, people die, it's all very unfair, and none of it matters even remotely when we're here.

[gistful]

It matters because a man is made of his experiences, and you experienced it, and therefore carry it with you while you're here.

[Like some other things.]

Book 9 spoilers starting here.

[skeletonenigma]

[Maybe coming to speak to Anton was a mistake.

Maybe it wasn't.]

You were one of them.

Book 9 spoilers continuing here.

[gistful]

Yes.

[Calmly. Anton always knew he'd die in battle, either as a good man or as a monster.]

But you're not so sentimental as to avoid that truth unless there was something more to it than that.

[skeletonenigma]

A good friend caused it, and nearly ended the world in the process. I'm not here to re-hash the last year, Anton. I'm here because watching you die was a fairly traumatic experience, and I'm enjoying being able to undo it in some small way.

[gistful]

[A good friend. If it were Skulduggery himself, he would admit it. Valkyrie Cain, while talented, was a teen and therefore emotionally compromised while powerful. It was possible Skulduggery meant her. It was possible he meant someone else, and of the list of mutual 'good friends' who were potentially damaged enough to be so foolish ... well, it was a short list. Quietly:]

I see. Perhaps you might tell me later, then, when you feel ready. As for your question, I intend to remain here as long as necessary to discover a way home without losing my memories.

[skeletonenigma]

That's a bit of a tall order.

[But isn't Skulduggery expecting it to happen as well? Why else would he be so reluctant to discuss what happened? Knowledge of your future while living your future can be a very dangerous thing.]