We merely need to access a desk on one of those levels.” “The sorcerers assigned to blocking the elevators are on Levels 6860 to 6879. Where do we go to open an elevator shaft?” “We must open an elevator shaft to the Great Maze,” said the raven, “make contact with my other parts, and bring in troops to secure this tower and the entry into the Incomparable Gardens.” ’Ow do we go about securing the position then?”Īs she talked, she picked up the solid-gold queen from Noon’s chess set and idly slipped it into one of the pockets of her utility belt. “So he got the Key,” said Suzy with satisfaction. “Which means that until he returns, it is up to us to secure his position here.” “After releasing me and securing the Sixth Key, Lord Arthur went into the Improbable Stair, to a destination or destinations unknown,” reported the raven. She sidled over to the chess set and looked back at Part Six of the Will over her shoulder. “It is not the force of the blow, but the authority with which it is delivered,” quoth the raven.

“I tried it myself once or twice, but just hitting them never works.” “’Ow do you knock out a Denizen?” asked Suzy. She looked over at Aranj too, but the other Denizen hadn’t even looked up and was still crouched down, totally rejecting the world around her. He was unconscious, but the faint smile was still on his face, suggesting that he might be dreaming of a colourful uniform. Suzy slithered out of the loosened bonds and checked Giac. “Mmm…not entirely…mmm…sure,” said the raven as it pulled at a knot with its beak. “Had it all organised, didn’t I? ’Cept you’ve just knocked out the Denizen wot was untying me. I’ve come to rescue you, as Lord Arthur instructed.” “Let me guess – Part Six of the Will, right?” “Suzy Turquoise Blue?” asked the black object, which was reforming itself from a kind of bowling ball made of tiny swirling letters into a raven made up of tiny swirling letters. All she could do was wriggle out from under his unconscious form. As Giac hadn’t properly undone any knots, Suzy was still trapped. “Do you think I’ll get a uniform? Something brightly coloured? I rather fancy a red-”īefore he could say anything further, something large and black streaked in from the open air and struck him in the back of the head, sending him sprawling across Suzy. The Denizen strode over and began to undo the knots. Giac pulled the lever and Suzy dropped to the floor of the veranda. It was the first time Suzy had ever seen a Sorcerous Supernumerary look even remotely happy.

“All right,” replied Giac, and something like a small smile flitted across his face. “It’s a bit complicated,” said Suzy quickly. “How many sides are there again? I mean, besides Saturday’s?”

Lord Sunday by Garth Nix