"A rogue wyld fae, I imagine," Childermass answers, turning to look down at Peridot. "The Count did say they can punish us for her crimes just as much as they could her directly."

But then his attention flits back up, first to Shima, who is doing admirably well. He'll have to tell him as much later, but until then, his gaze will resettle on Ignatius.

"We're a persistent lot, have no doubt of that." Since they are, irrationally so at times. "We'll figure something out, but perhaps we should give you some time to adjust without an audience first..."