Skulduggery, by contrast, was quite used to old-fashioned detective work. The problem was that where giant comatose turtles were concerned, old-fashioned detective work was rather like trying to move a mountain with a plastic shovel. No one in Keeliai had any idea what to do; if they did, someone would have suggested something already. And no one Skulduggery talked to in Hatal had any idea what the continent-turtles were like, let alone how to wake one up from a deep slumber.

The only promising lead was the Xunutune. Half of Hatal dismissed tales of its more sentient exploits, and the other half of Hatal never stopped talking about the giant crystal as their personal saviour. In Skulduggery's experience, that usually meant there was something worth investigating.

He'd been down to see the crystal once already, but that was while wearing a false face. No one would recognise him, and Skulduggery didn't feel inclined to try convincing anyone he was the same person, so once he reached the artery levels he withdrew the disguise entirely and began looking for someone who would agree to give him a tour.

With a skull for a face, it was more difficult than it had any right to be.

Fortunately, Skulduggery happened to come across Klaus, looking as respectable as ever with his notes, his rapt attention, and his respectful demeanour. Skulduggery turned to face the Tavimbian woman trying to shoo him out of the corridor and pointed at the tall Foreigner. "See? That's my partner. Neither of us are here to cause any trouble. Would you mind vouching for me, Klaus?"