Strop shook hands with the Master of the Black Museum and then guided him through the printing presses, making sure that he left in the same way as he had arrived, spotless and without ink on his fine clothes. The lift opened as they approached, and Strop said his goodbyes and pressed the button that would take his guest up and into the world. He listened for the tell-tale rumble of the cables and then the crash of the tricky gate, and once he was satisfied that Judas had gone, he returned to the back of the room and opened the small door that was hidden behind a curtain.
“He has gone, Master.”
“You spoke well, Archibald, as always; it is good to see you again after all this time.”
“I am well, Master; the years have been kind to both of us.”
Satiel stepped out of the darkness and place
