"Yes, yes," Ragdoll murmured, "I know. I will. Later." So that William wouldn't have to pretend to still be under their control, on the way.

He could unmask the thing now, of course. Wake William up and show him, try to keep him quiet, try to sneak them both out before dawn. But even he wasn't that crazy; there were too many problems with the idea, only one of which was the fact that they'd be leaving the entire cult alive and eager to come after them. Not the best of choices, he'd say.

He slipped out again. Time to talk to the others, and find a suitable place to wait at the amphitheater. It wouldn't do to miss the show, so he'd have to make sure to show up incredibly early.