The Golem's Eye

the bones back in the ground. Every senior minister must put a demon on the case from this afternoon. That means all of you. Lesser ministers have conspicuously failed so far. The thing is Gladstone's, after all; it has some power. Meanwhile, there is the issue of the Staff to consider."
    "Yes," Mr. Fry said. "In the long run this is much more important. With the American wars coming up—"
    "It mustn't be allowed to get into enemy hands. If the Czechs got hold of it—"
    "Quite." There was a brief silence.
    "Excuse me." Nathaniel had been listening to everything with silent respect, but his frustration now got the better of him. "This is Gladstone's Staff of Office we're talking about? The one he used to destroy Prague?"
    Mr. Devereaux looked at him coldly. "I am glad you have finally deigned to join us, Mandrake. Yes, it is the same Staff."
    "So if its Command Words can be mastered, we might harness its energies for new campaigns?"
    "We—or our enemies. Presently its whereabouts are unknown."
    "Are we sure?" Helen Malbindi asked. "The... skeleton, or afrit, or whatever it is—it doesn't still have the Staff?"
    "No. It carries a bag on its back—which we suspect holds most of Gladstone's treasures. But the Staff itself has vanished. One of the grave robbers must have it."
    "I've sealed the ports and aerodromes," Mr. Mortensen said. "Spheres are on watch along the coast."
    "Pardon me," Nathaniel asked. "But if this Staff has always been in the abbey, why have we not utilized it before?"
    Several of the magicians shifted in their seats. Mr. Duvall's eyes flashed. "This is supposed to be a senior meeting of the Council, not a crèche. I suggest, Rupert, that this changeling be removed."
    "A moment, Henry." Mr. Devereaux seemed as annoyed as his ministers, but he still spoke civilly. "The boy has a point. The reason, Mandrake," he said, "is for fear of a disaster such as this. On his deathbed, Gladstone swore vengeance on any who disturbed his tomb, and we all know that his power was not easily transgressed. Exactly what hexes he wrought or demons he employed were not known, but—"
    "I have done a little research into the business," Quentin Makepeace said, interrupting with an easy smile. "Gladstone has always interested me. At the funeral, the tomb was sealed with a Pestilence inside—a potent little number, but nothing that could not easily be bypassed. But Gladstone had made preparations for his sarcophagus himself; contemporary sources say the aura of magic emanating from his body killed several imps officiating with the candles. If that was not warning enough, not long after his death several magicians in his government ignored his prohibitions and set out to collect the Staff. They froze the Pestilence, descended into the tomb: and were never seen again. Accomplices waiting outside heard something locking the door from within. No one since has been foolish enough to test the grand old man's defenses. Until last night."
    "You believe the Resistance accomplished this?" Nathaniel asked. "If there are bodies remaining, they must furnish some clues. I would like—"
    "Pardon me, Mandrake," Duvall said. "That is no longer your job. The police are in charge now. Suffice it to say that my Graybacks will be carrying out enquiries." The Police Chief turned to the Prime Minister. "I think this is the moment, Rupert, for some harsh words to be said. This boy, Mandrake, was meant to be pursuing the Resistance. Now Westminster Abbey, resting place of the great, has been broached and Gladstone's tomb defiled. The Staff has been stolen. And the boy has been doing nothing."
    Mr. Devereaux looked at Nathaniel. "Do you have anything to say?"
    For a moment, Nathaniel considered recounting the events in Prague, but he knew it would be hopeless. He had no proof. Besides, it was more than probable that the traitor was sitting right there, watching him. He would bide his time. "No, sir."
    "I am disappointed, Mandrake, deeply disappointed." The Prime Minister turned away. "Ladies, gentlemen," he said. "We must track down the remnants of the Resistance and recover the Staff. Anyone who succeeds will be well rewarded. First, we must destroy the skeleton. Assemble your best magicians in"—he glanced at his watch—"two hours' time. I want everything resolved. Is that clear?" There was a subdued murmur of assent. "Then this Council is adjourned."
     
     
    The gaggle of ministers departed the abbey, Ms. Whitwell and Tallow anxiously