GardensoftheMoon ATaleoftheMalazanBookoftheFallen1 StevenErikson

PROLOGUE 1154thYearofBurn'sSleep96thYearoftheMalazanEmpire.TheLastYear ofEmperorKellanved'sReign I THESTAINSOFRUSTSEEMEDTOMAPBLOODSEASONTHEBLACK,pocked surfaceofMock'sVane.Acenturyold,itsquattedonthepointofanoldpike thathadbeenboltedtotheoutertopoftheHold'swall.Monstrousand misshapen,ithadbeencoldhammeredintotheformofawingeddemon, teethbaredinaleeringgrin,andwastuggedandbuffetedinsquealing protestwitheverygustofwind. ThewindswerecontrarythedaycolumnsofsmokeroseovertheMouse QuarterofMalazCity.TheVane'ssilenceannouncedthesuddenfallingoffof theseabreezethatcameclamberingovertheraggedwallsofMock'sHold, thenitcreakedbackintolifeasthehot,sparkscatteredandsmokefilled breathoftheMouseQuarterreachedacrossthecitytosweepthe promontory'sheights. GanoesStabroParanoftheHouseofParanstoodontiptoetoseeoverthe merlon.BehindhimroseMock'sHold,oncecapitaloftheEmpirebutnow, sincethemainlandhadbeenconquered,relegatedoncemoretoaFist's holding.Tohisleftrosethepikeanditswaywardtrophy. ForGanoes,theancientfortificationoverlookingthecitywastoofamiliar tobeofinterest.Thisvisitwashisthirdinasmanyyears;he'dlongago exploredthecourtyardwithitsheavedcobblestones,theOldKeepnowa stable,itsupperfloorhometopigeonsandswallowsandbatsandthe citadelwhereevennowhisfathernegotiatedtheislandexporttithewiththe harbourofficials.Inthelastinstance,ofcourse,agoodlyportionwasoutof bounds,evenforasonofanoblehouse;foritwasinthecitadelthattheFist hadhisresidence,andintheinnerchambersthatsuchaffairsoftheEmpire asconcernedthisislandwereconducted. Mock'sHoldforgottenbehindhim,Ganoes'attentionwasonthetattered citybelow,andtheriotsthatranthroughitspoorestquarter. Mock'sHoldstoodatopacliff.ThehigherlandofthePinnaclewasreached byaswitchbackstaircasecarvedintothelimestoneofthecliffwall.Thedrop tothecitybelowwaseightyarmspansormore,withtheHold'sbatteredwall

addingstillanothersix.TheMousewasatthecity'sinlandedge,anuneven spreadingofhovelsandovergrowntierscutinhalfbythesiltheavyriver thatcrawledtowardstheharbour.WithmostofMalazCitybetweenGanoes' positionandtheriots,itwashardtomakeoutanydetail,beyondthegrowing pillarsofblacksmoke. Itwasmidday,buttheflashandthunderingconcussionofmagerymade theairseemdarkandheavy. Armourclanking,asoldierappearedalongthewallnearhim.Theman leanedvambracedforearmsonthebattlement,thescabbardofhis longswordscrapingagainstthestones.'Gladforyourpureblood,eh?'he asked,greyeyesonthesmoulderingcitybelow. Theboystudiedthesoldier.Healreadyknewthecompleteregimental accoutrementsoftheImperialArmy,andthemanathissidewasa commanderintheThirdoneoftheEmperor'sown,anelite.Onhisdark greyshouldercloakwasasilverbrooch:abridgeofstone,litbyrubyflames. ABridgeburner. HighrankingsoldiersandofficialsoftheEmpirecommonlypassed throughMock'sHold.TheislandofMalazremainedavitalportofcall, especiallynowthattheKorelwarstothesouthhadbegun.Ganoeshad brushedshoulderswithmorethanhisshare,hereandinthecapital,Unta. 'Isittrue,then?'Ganoesaskedboldly. 'Iswhattrue?' 'TheFirstSwordofEmpire.DassemUltor.Weheardinthecapitalbefore weleft.He'sdead.Isittrue?IsDassemdead?' Themanseemedtoflinch,hisgazeunwaveringontheMouse.'Suchis war,'hemuttered,underhisbreath,asifthewordswerenotmeantfor anyoneelse'sears. 'You'rewiththeThird.IthoughttheThirdwaswithhim,inSevenCities.At Y'Ghatan' 'Hood'sBreath,they'restilllookingforhisbodyinthestillhotrubbleof thatdamnedcity,andhereyou,are,amerchant'ssonthreethousandleagues fromSevenCitieswithinformationonlyafewaresupposedtopossess.'He stilldidnotturn.'Iknownotyoursources,buttakemyadviceandkeepwhat youknowtoyourself.' Ganoesshrugged.'It'ssaidhebetrayedagod.' Finallythemanfacedhim.Hisfacewasscarred,andsomethingthatmight havebeenaburnmarredhisjawandleftcheek.Forallthat,helookedyoung foracommander.'Heedthelessonthere,son.' 'Whatlesson?' 'Everydecisionyoumakecanchangetheworld.Thebestlifeistheonethe godsdon'tnotice.Youwanttolivefree,boy,livequietly.' 'Iwanttobeasoldier.Ahero.' 'You'llgrowoutofit.' Mock'sVanesquealedasawaywardgustfromtheharbourclearedthe grainysmoke.Ganoescouldnowsmellrottingfishandthewaterfront'sstink ofhumanity.

AnotherBridgeburner,thisonewithabroken,scorchedfiddlestrappedto hisback,cameuptothecommander.Hewaswiryandifanythingyounger onlyafewyearsolderthanGanoeshimself,whowastwelve.Strange pockmarkscoveredhisfaceandthebacksofhishands,andhisarmourwasa mixtureofforeignaccoutrementsoverathreadbare,staineduniform.A shortswordhunginacrackedwoodenscabbardathiship.Heleanedagainst themerlonbesidetheothermanwiththeeaseoflongfamiliarity. 'It'sabadsmellwhensorcererspanic,'thenewcomersaid.'They'relosing controldownthere.Hardlytheneedforawholecadreofmages,justtosniff outafewwaxwitches.' Thecommandersighed.'Thoughttowaittoseeifthey'dreinthemselves in.' Thesoldiergrunted.'Theyareallnew,untested.Thiscouldscarsomeof themforever.Besides,'headded,'morethanafewdowntherearefollowing someoneelse'sorders.' 'Asuspicion,nomore.' 'Theproof'srightthere,'theothermansaid.'IntheMouse.' 'Perhaps.' 'You'retooprotective,'themansaid.'Surlysaysit'syourgreatest weakness.' 'Surly'stheEmperor'sconcern,notmine.' Asecondgruntansweredthat.'Maybeallofusbeforetoolong.' Thecommanderwassilent,slowlyturningtostudyhiscompanion. Themanshrugged.'Justafeeling.She'stakinganewname,youknow. Laseen.' 'Laseen?' 'Napanword.Means' 'Iknowwhatitmeans.' 'HopetheEmperordoes,too.' Ganoessaid,'ItmeansThronemaster.' Thetwolookeddownathim. Thewindshiftedagain,makingtheirondemongroanonitspercha smellofcoolstonefromtheHolditself.'Mytutor'sNapan,'Ganoesexplained. Anewvoicespokebehindthem,awoman's,imperiousandcold. 'Commander.' Bothsoldiersturned,butwithouthaste.Thecommandersaidtohis companion,'Thenewcompanyneedshelpdownthere.SendDujekanda wing,andgetsomesapperstocontainthefireswouldn'tdotohavethe wholecityburn.' Thesoldiernodded,marchedaway,sparingthewomannotasingleglance. Shestoodwithtwobodyguardsneartheportalinthecitadel'ssquare tower.HerduskyblueskinmarkedherasNapan,butshewasotherwise plain,wearingasaltstainedgreyrobe,hermousyhaircutshortlikea soldier's,herfeaturesthinandunmemorable.Itwas,however,her bodyguardsthatsentashiverthroughGanoes.Theyflankedher:tall, swathedinblack,handshiddeninsleeves,hoodsshadowingtheirfaces.

GanoeshadneverseenaClawbefore,butheinstinctivelyknewthese creaturestobeacolytesofthecult.Whichmeantthewomanwas Thecommandersaid,'It'syourmess,Surly.SeemsI'llhavetocleanitup.' Ganoeswasshockedattheabsenceoffearthenearcontemptinthe soldier'svoice.SurlyhadcreatedtheClaw,makingitapowerrivalledonlyby theEmperorhimself. 'Thatisnolongermyname,Commander.' Themangrimaced.'SoI'veheard.Youmustbefeelingconfidentinthe Emperor'sabsence.He'snottheonlyonewhoremembersyouasnothing morethanaservingwenchdownintheOldQuarter.Itakeitthegratitude's washedofflongsince.' Thewoman'sfacebetrayednochangeofexpressiontomarkiftheman's wordshadstung.'Thecommandwasasimpleone,'shesaid.'Itseemsyour newofficersareunabletocopewiththetask.' 'It'sgotoutofhand,'thecommandersaid.'They'reunseasoned' 'Notmyconcern,'shesnapped.'NoramIparticularlydisappointed.Lossof controldeliversitsownlessonstothosewhoopposeus.' 'Oppose?Ahandfulofminorwitchessellingtheirmeagretalentstowhat sinisterend?' 'Findingthecoravalschoolsontheshoalsinthebay.' 'Hood'sBreath,woman,hardlyathreattotheEmpire.' 'Unsanctioned.Defiantofthenewlaws' 'Yourlaws,Surly.Theywon'twork,andwhentheEmperorreturnshe'll quashyourprohibitionofsorcery,youcanbecertainofthat.' Thewomansmiledcoldly.'You'llbepleasedtoknowthattheTower's signalledtheapproachofthetransportsforyournewrecruits.We'llnotmiss youoryourrestless,seditioussoldiers,Commander.' Withoutanotherword,orasingleglancesparedfortheboystanding besidethecommander,sheswungaboutand,flankedbyhersilent bodyguards,reenteredthecitadel. Ganoesandthecommanderreturnedtheirattentiontotheriotinthe Mouse.Flameswerevisible,climbingthroughthesmoke. 'OnedayI'llbeasoldier,'Ganoessaid. Themangrunted.'Onlyifyoufailatallelse,son.Takinguptheswordis thelastactofdesperatemen.Markmywordsandfindyourselfamore worthydream.' Ganoesscowled.'You'renotliketheothersoldiersI'vetalkedto.You soundmorelikemyfather.' 'ButI'mnotyourfather,'themangrowled. 'Theworld,'Ganoessaid,'doesn'tneedanotherIzrinemerchant.'The commander'seyesnarrowed,gauging.Heopenedhismouthtomakethe obviousreply,thenshutitagain. GanoesParanlookedbackdownattheburningquarter,pleasedwith himself.Evenaboy,Commander,canmakeapoint. Mock'sVaneswungoncemore.Hotsmokerolledoverthewall,engulfing them.Areekofburningcloth,scorchedpaintandstone,andnowof

somethingsweet.'Anabattoir'scaughtfire,'Ganoessaid.'Pigs.' Thecommandergrimaced.Afteralongmomenthesighedandleanedback downonthemerlon.'Asyousay,boy,asyousay.' I BOOKONE IntheeighthyeartheFreeCitiesofGenabackisestablishedcontractswith anumberofmercenaryarmiestoopposetheImperium'sadvance; prominentamongtheseweretheCrimsonGuard,underthecommandof PrinceK'azzD'Avore(seeVolumesIII&V);andtheTisteAndregimentsof Moon'sSpawn,underthecommandofCaladanBroodandothers. TheforcesoftheMalazanEmpire,commandedbyHighFistDujekOnearm, consistedinthatyearofthe2nd,5thand6thArmies,aswellaslegionsof Moranth. Inretrospecttwoobservationscanbemade.ThefirstisthattheMoranth allianceof1156markedafundamentalchangeinthescienceofwarfarefor theMalazanImperium,whichwouldproveefficaciousintheshortterm.The secondobservationworthnotingisthattheinvolvementofthesorcerous TisteAndofMoon'sSpawnrepresentedthebeginningofthecontinent's SorceryEnfilade,withdevastatingconsequences. IntheYearofBurn'sSleep1163,theSiegeofPaleendedwithanow legendarysorcerousconflagration... ImperialCampaignsIIS8 VolumeIV,GenabackisImrygynTallobant(b.1151) CHAPTERONE Theoldstonesofthisroadhaverungwithironblackshodhoofsand drums whereIsawhimwalkingupfromtheseabetweenthehillssoakedredin sunset hecame,aboyamongtheechoessonsandbrothersallinranksofwarrior ghosts hecametopasswhereIsatonthewornfinalleaguestoneatday'send hisstridespokeloudallIneededknowofhimonthisroadofstone theboywalksanothersoldier,anotherone brightheartnotyetcooledtohardiron Mother'sLamentAnonymous1161stYearofBurn'sSleep103rdYearof theMalazanEmpire7thYearofEmpressLaseen'sRule 'PRODANDPULL,'THEOLDWOMANWASSAYING,'ITSTHEWAYOFTHE Empress,aslikethegodsthemselves.'Sheleanedtoonesideandspat,then broughtasoiledclothtoherwrinkledlips.'ThreehusbandsandtwosonsI

sawofftowar.' Thefishergirl'seyesshoneasshewatchedthecolumnofmountedsoldiers thunderpast,andsheonlyhalflistenedtothehagstandingbesideher.The girl'sbreathhadrisentothepaceofthemagnificenthorses.Shefeltherface burning,aflushthathadnothingtodowiththeheat.Thedaywasdying,the sun'sredsmearoverthetreesonherright,andthesea'ssighingagainsther facehadgrowncool. 'ThatwasinthedaysoftheEmperor,'thehagcontinued.'Hoodroastthe bastard'ssoulonaspit.Butlookon,lass.Laseenscattersboneswiththebest ofthem.Heh,shestartedwithhis,didn'tshe,now?' Thefishergirlnoddedfaintly.Asbefittedthelowborn,theywaitedbythe roadside,theoldwomanburdenedbeneatharoughsackfilledwithturnips, thegirlwithaheavybasketbalancedonherhead.Everyminuteorsotheold womanshiftedthesackfromonebonyshouldertotheother. Withtheriderscrowdingthemontheroadandtheditchbehindthema steepdroptobrokenrocks,shehadnoplacetoputdownthesack. 'Scattersbones,Isaid.Bonesofhusbands,bonesofsons,bonesofwives andbonesofdaughters.Allthesametoher.AllthesametotheEmpire.'The oldwomanspatasecondtime.'Threehusbandsandtwosons,tencoin apieceayear.Fiveoften'sfifty.Fiftycoinayear'scoldcompany,lass.Coldin winter,coldinbed.' Thefishergirlwipeddustfromherforehead.Herbrighteyesdartedamong thesoldierspassingbeforeher.Theyoungmenatoptheirhighbacked saddlesheldexpressionssternandfixedstraightahead.Thefewwomenwho rodeamongthemsattallandsomehowfiercerthanthemen.Thesunsetcast redglintsfromtheirhelms,flashingsothatthegirl'seyesstungandher visionblurred. 'You'rethefisherman'sdaughter,'theoldwomansaid.'Iseenyouaforeon theroad,anddownonthestrand.Seenyouandyourdadatmarket.Missing anarm,ain'the?Morebonesforhercollectionislikely,eh?'Shemadea choppingmotionwithonehand,thennodded.'Mine'sthefirsthouseonthe track.Iusethecointobuycandles.FivecandlesIburneverynight,five candlestokeepoldRiggacompany.It'satiredhouse,fulloftiredthingsand meoneofthem,lass.Whatyougotinthebasketthere?'Slowlythefishergirl realizedthataquestionhadbeenaskedofher.Shepulledherattentionfrom thesoldiersandsmileddownattheoldwoman.'I'msorry,'shesaid,'the horsesaresoloud.' Riggaraisedhervoice.'Iaskedwhatyougotinyourbasket,lass?' 'Twine.Enoughforthreenets.Weneedtogetonereadyfortomorrow. Daddalosthislastonesomethinginthedeepwaterstookitandawhole catch,too.11grandLenderwantsthemoneyheloanedusandweneeda catchtomorrow.Agoodone.'Shesmiledagainandswepthergazebackto thesoldiers.'Isn'titwonderful?'shebreathed. Rigga'shandshotoutandsnaggedthegirl'sthickblackhair,yankedit hard. Thegirlcriedout.Thebasketonherheadlurched,thensliddownonto

oneshoulder.Shegrabbedfranticallyforitbutitwastooheavy.Thebasket struckthegroundandsplitapart.'Aaai!'thegirlgasped,attemptingtokneel. ButRiggapulledandsnappedherheadaround. 'Youlistentome,lass!'Theoldwoman'ssourbreathhissedagainstthe girl'sface.'TheEmpire'sbeengrindingthislanddownforahundredyears. Youwasborninit.Iwasn't.WhenIwasyourageItkoKanwasacountry.We flewabanneranditwasours.Wewerefree,lass.' ThegirlwassickenedbyRigga'sbreath.Shesqueezedshuthereyes. 'Markthistruth,child,elsetheCloakofLiesblindsyouforever.' Rigga'svoicetookonadroningcadence,andallatoncethegirlstiffened. Rigga,RiggalaitheSeer,thewaxwitchwhotrappedsoulsincandlesand burnedthem.SoulsdevouredinflameRigga'swordscarriedthechilling toneofprophecy.'Markthistruth.Iamthelasttospeaktoyou.Youarethe lasttohearme.Thusarewelinked,youandI,beyondallelse.' Rigga'sfingerssnaggedtighterinthegirl'shair.'Acrosstheseathe Empresshasdrivenherknifeintovirginsoil.Thebloodnowcomesinatide andit'llsweepyouunder,child,ifyou'renotcareful.They'llputaswordin yourhand,they'llgiveyouafinehorse,andthey'llsendyouacrossthatsea. Butashadowwillembraceyoursoul.Now,listen!Burythisdeep!Riggawill preserveyoubecausewearelinked,youandI.ButitisallIcando, understand?LooktotheLordspawnedinDarkness;hisisthehandthatshall freeyou,thoughhe'llknowitnot' 'What'sthis?'avoicebellowed. Riggaswungtofacetheroad.Anoutriderhadslowedhismount.TheSeer releasedthegirl'shair. Thegirlstaggeredbackastep.Arockontheroad'sedgeturnedunderfoot andshefell.Whenshelookeduptheoutriderhadtrottedpast. Anotherthunderedupinhiswake. 'Leavetheprettyonealone,hag,'thisonegrowled,andasherodebyhe leanedinhissaddleandswunganopen,gauntletedhand.Theironscaled glovecrackedagainstRigga'shead,spinningheraround.Shetoppled. ThefishergirlscreamedasRiggalandedheavilyacrossherthighs.Abead ofcrimsonspitspatteredherface.Whimperingthegirlpushedherselfback acrossthegravel,thenusedherfeettoshoveawayRigga'sbody.Sheclimbed toherknees. SomethingwithinRigga'sprophecyseemedlodgedinthegirl'shead,heavy asastoneandhiddenfromlight.Shefoundshecouldnotretrieveasingle wordtheSeerhadsaid.ShereachedoutandgraspedRigga'swoollenshawl. Carefully,sherolledtheoldwomanover.BloodcoveredonesideofRigga's head,runningdownbehindtheear.Morebloodsmearedherlinedchinand stainedhermouth.Theeyesstaredsightlessly. Thefishergirlpulledback,unabletocatchherbreath.Desperate,she lookedabout.Thecolumnofsoldiershadpassed,leavingnothingbutdust andthedistanttrembleofhoofs.Rigga'sbagofturnipshadspilledontothe road.Amongthetrampledvegetableslayfivetallowcandles. Thegirlmanagedaraggedlungfulofdustyair.Wipinghernose,shelooked

toherownbasket. 'Nevermindthecandles,'shemumbled,inathick,oddvoice.'They'regone, aren'tthey,now?justascatteringofbones.Nevermind.'Shecrawled towardsthebundlesoftwinethathadfallenfromthebreachedbasket,and whenshespokeagainhervoicewasyoung,normal.'Weneedthetwine. We'llworkallnightandgetoneready.Dadda'swaiting.He'srightatthedoor, he'slookingupthetrack,he'swaitingtoseeme. Shestopped,ashiverrunningthroughher.Thesun'slightwasalmostgone. Anunseasonalchillbledfromtheshadows,whichnowflowedlikewater acrosstheroad. 'Hereitcomes,then,'thegirlgratedsoftly,inavoicethatwasn'therown. Asoftglovedhandfellonhershoulder.Sheduckeddown,cowering.'Easy, girl,'saidaman'svoice.'It'sover.Nothingtobedoneforhernow.' Thefishergirllookedup.Amanswathedinblackleanedoverher,hisface obscuredbeneathahood'sshadow.'Buthehither,'thegirlsaid,inchild's voice.'Andwehavenetstotie,meandDadda' 'Let'sgetyouonyourfeet,'themansaid,movinghislongfingeredhands downunderherarms.Hestraightened,liftinghereffortlessly.Hersandalled feetdangledintheairbeforehesetherdown. Nowshesawasecondman,shorter,alsoclothedinblack.Thisonestood ontheroadandwasturnedaway,hisgazeinthedirectionthesoldiershad gone.Hespoke,hisvoicereedthin.'Wasn'tmuchofalife,'hesaid,not turningtofaceher.'Aminortalent,longsincedrieduptheGift.Oh,shemight havemanagedonemore,butwe'llneverknowwillwe?' ThefishergirlstumbledovertoRigga'sbagandpickedupacandle.She straightened,hereyessuddenlyhard,thendeliberatelyspatontotheroad. Theshorterman'sheadsnappedtowardsher.Withinthehoodseemedthe shadowsplayedalone. Thegirlshrankbackastep.'Itwasagoodlife,'shewhispered.'Shehad thesecandles,yousee.Fiveofthem.Fivefor' 'Necromancy,'theshortmancutin. Thetallerman,stillatherside,saidsoftly,'Iseethem,child.Iunderstand whattheymean.' Theothermansnorted.'Thewitchharbouredfivefrail,weaksouls. Nothinggrand.'Hecockedhishead.'Icanhearthemnow.Callingforher.' Tearsfilledthegirl'seyes.Awordlessanguishseemedtowellupfromthat blackstoneinhermind.Shewipedhercheeks.'Wheredidyoucomefrom?' sheaskedabruptly.'Wedidn'tseeyouontheroad.' Themanbesideherhalfturnedtothegraveltrack.'Ontheotherside,'he said,asmileinhistone.'Waiting,justlikeyou.' Theothergiggled.'Ontheothersideindeed.'Hefaceddowntheroadagain andraisedhisarms. Thegirldrewinasharpbreathasdarknessdescended.Aloud,tearing soundfilledtheairforasecond,thenthedarknessdissipatedandthegirl's eyeswidened. SevenmassiveHoundsnowsataroundthemanintheroad.Theeyesof

thesebeastsglowedyellow,andallwereturnedinthesamedirectionasthe manhimself. Sheheardhimhiss,'Eager,arewe?Thengo.'Silently,theHoundsbolted downtheroad. Theirmasterturnedandsaidtothemanbesideher,'Somethingtognaw onLaseen'smind.'Hegiggledagain. 'Mustyoucomplicatethings?'theotheransweredwearily. Theshortmanstiffened.'Theyarewithinsightofthecolumn.' Hecockedhishead.Fromuptheroadcamethescreamofhorses. Hesighed.'You'vereachedadecision,Cotillion?' Theothergruntedamusedly.'Usingmyname,Ammanas,meansyou've justdecidedforme.Wecanhardlyleaveherherenow,canwe?' 'Ofcoursewecan,oldfriend.justnotbreathing.' Cotillionlookeddownonthegirl.'No,'hesaidquietly,'she'lldo.' Thefishergirlbitherlip.StillclutchingRigga'scandle,shetookanother stepback,herwideeyesdartingfromonemantotheother. 'Pity,'Ammanassaid. Cotillionseemedtonod,thenheclearedhisthroatandsaid,'It'lltaketime.' AnamusednoteenteredAmmanas'sreply.'Andhavewetime?True vengeanceneedstheslow,carefulstalkingofthevictim.Haveyouforgotten thepainsheoncedeliveredus?Laseen'sbackisagainstthewallalready.She mightfallwithoutourhelp.Wherewouldbethesatisfactioninthat?' Cotillion'sresponsewascoolanddry.'You'vealwaysunderestimatedthe Empress.HenceourpresentcircumstancesNo.'Hegesturedatthe fishergirl.'We'llneedthisone.Laseen'sraisedtheireofMoon'sSpawn,and that'sahornet'snestifevertherewasone.Thetimingisperfect.' Faintly,abovethescreaminghorses,cametheshrieksofmenandwomen, asoundthatpiercedthegirl'sheart.HereyesdartedtoRigga'smotionless formontheroadside,thenbacktoAmmanas,whonowapproachedher.She thoughttorunbutherlegshadweakenedtoahelplesstrembling.Hecame closeandseemedtostudyher,eventhoughtheshadowswithinhishood remainedimpenetrable. 'Afishergirl?'heasked,inakindlytone. Shenodded. 'Haveyouaname?''Enough!'Cotilliongrowled.'She'snotsomemouse underyourpaw,Ammanas.Besides,I'vechosenherandIwillchooseher nameaswell.' Ammanassteppedback.'Pity,'hesaidagain. Thegirlraisedimploringhands.'Please,'shebeggedCotillion,'I'vedone nothing!Myfather'sapoorman,buthe'llpayyouallhecan.Heneedsme, andthetwinehe'swaitingrightnow!'Shefeltherselfgowetbetweenher legsandquicklysatdownontheground.'I'vedonenothing!'Shamerose throughherandsheputherhandsinherlap. 'Please.' 'I'venochoiceanymore,child,'Cotillionsaid.'Afterall,youknowour names.'

'I'veneverheardthembefore!'thegirlcried. Themansighed."Withwhat'shappeninguptheroadrightnow,well,you'd bequestioned.Unpleasantly.Therearethosewhoknowournames.' 'Yousee,lass,'Ammanasadded,suppressingagiggle,'we'renotsupposed tobehere.Therearenames,andthentherearenames.'HeswungtoCotillion andsaid,inachillingvoice,'Herfathermustbedealtwith.MyHounds?' 'No,'Cotillionsaid.'Helives.' 'Thenhow?' 'Isuspect,'Cotillionsaid,'greedwillsuffice,oncetheslateiswipedclean.' Sarcasmfilledhisnextwords.'I'msureyoucanmanagethesorceryinthat, can'tyou?' Ammanasgiggled.'Bewareofshadowsbearinggifts.' Cotillionfacedthegirlagain.Heliftedhisarmsouttothesides.The shadowsthatheldhisfeaturesindarknessnowflowedoutaroundhisbody. Ammanasspoke,andtothegirlhiswordsseemedtocomefromagreat distance.'She'sideal.TheEmpresscouldnevertrackherdown,couldnever evensomuchasguess.'Heraisedhisvoice.'It'snotsobadathing,lass,tobe thepawnofagod.' 'Prodandpull,'thefishergirlsaidquickly. Cotillionhesitatedatherstrangecomment,thenheshrugged.The shadowswhirledouttoengulfthegirl.Withtheircoldtouchhermindfell away,downintodarkness.Herlastfleetingsensationwasofthesoftwaxof thecandleinherrighthand,andhowitseemedtowellupbetweenthe fingersofherclenchedfist. Thecaptainshiftedinhissaddleandglancedatthewomanridingbeside him.'We'veclosedtheroadonbothsides,Adjunct.Movedthelocaltraffic inland.Sofar,noword'sleaked.'Hewipedsweatfromhisbrowandwinced. Thehotwoollencapbeneathhishelmhadrubbedhisforeheadraw. 'Somethingwrong,Captain?' Heshookhishead,squintinguptheroad.'Helmet'sloose.Hadmorehair thelasttimeIworeit.' TheAdjuncttotheEmpressdidnotreply. Themidmorningsunmadetheroad'swhite,dustysurfacealmostblinding. Thecaptainfeltsweatrunningdownhisbody,andthemailofhishelm's lobstertailkeptnippingthehairsonhisneck.Alreadyhislowerbackached. Ithadbeenyearssincehe'dlastriddenahorse,andtherollwasslowin coming.Witheverysaddlebouncehefeltvertebraecrunch. Ithadbeenalongtimesincesomebody'stitlehadbeenenoughto straightenhimup.ButthiswastheAdjuncttotheEmpress,Laseen's personalservant,anextensionofherImperialwill.Thelastthingthecaptain wantedwastoshowhismiserytothisyoung,dangerouswoman. Upaheadtheroadbeganitslong,windingascent.Asaltywindblewfrom theirleft,whistlingthroughthenewlybuddingtreesliningthatsideofthe road.Bymidafternoon,thatwindwouldbreathehotasabaker'soven, carryingwithitthestenchofthemudflats.Andthesun'sheatwouldbring somethingelseaswell.ThecaptainhopedtobebackinKanbythen.

Hetriednottothinkabouttheplacetheyrodetowards.Leavethattothe Adjunct.InhisyearsofservicetotheEmpire,he'dseenenoughtoknow whentoshuteverythingdowninsidehisskull.Thiswasoneofthosetimes. TheAdjunctspoke.'You'vebeenstationedherelong,Captain?' 'Aye,'themangrowled. Thewomanwaited,thenasked,'Howlong?' Hehesitated.'Thirteenyears,Adjunct.' 'YoufoughtfortheEmperor,then,'shesaid. 'Aye.' 'Andsurvivedthepurge.' Thecaptainthrewheralook.Ifshefelthisgaze,shegavenoindication. Hereyesremainedontheroadahead;sherolledeasilyinthesaddle,the scabbardedlongswordhitchedhighunderherleftarmreadyformounted battle.Herhairwaseithercutshortordrawnupunderherhelm,Herfigure waslitheenough,thecaptainmused. 'Finished?'sheasked.'Iwasaskingaboutthepurgescommandedby EmpressLaseenfollowingherpredecessor'suntimelydeath.' Thecaptaingrittedhisteeth,duckedhischintodrawupthehelm's straphehadn'thadtimetoshaveandthebucklewaschafing.'Not everyonewaskilled,Adjunct.ThepeopleofItkoKanaren'texactlyexcitable. NoneofthoseriotsandmassexecutionsthathitotherpartsoftheEmpire. Wealljustsattightandwaited.' 'Itakeit,'theAdjunctsaid,withaslightsmile,'you'renotnobleborn, Captain.' Hegrunted.'IfI'dbeennobleborn,Iwouldn'thavesurvived,evenherein ItkoKan.Webothknowthat.Herorderswerespecific,andeventhedroll Kanesedidn'tdaredisobeytheEmpress.'Hescowled.'No,upthroughthe ranks,Adjunct.' 'Yourlastengagement?' 'WickanPlains.' Theyrodeoninsilenceforatime,passingtheoccasionalsoldierstationed ontheroad.Offtotheirleftthetreesfellawaytoraggedheather,andthesea beyondshoweditswhitecappedexpanse.TheAdjunctspoke.'Thisarea you'vecontained,howmanyofyourguardhaveyoudeployedtopatrolit?' 'Elevenhundred,'thecaptainreplied. Herheadturnedatthis,hercoolgazetighteningbeneaththerimofher helm. Thecaptainstudiedherexpression.'Thecarnagestretcheshalfaleague fromthesea,Adjunct,andaquarterleagueinland.' Thewomansaidnothing. Theyapproachedthesummit.Ascoreofsoldiershadgatheredthere,and otherswaitedalongtheslope'srise.Allhadturnedtowatchthem'Prepare yourself,Adjunct.' Thewomanstudiedthefacesliningtheroadside.Sheknewthesetobe hardenedmenandwomen,veteransofthesiegeofLiHengandtheWickan Warsoutonthenorthplains.Butsomethinghadbeenclawedintotheireyes

thathadleftthemrawandexposed.Theylookeduponherwithayearning thatshefounddisturbing,asiftheyhungeredforanswers.Shefoughtthe urgetospeaktothemasshepassed,toofferwhatevercomfortingwordsshe could.Suchgiftswerenotherstogive,however,norhadtheyeverbeen.In thisshewasmuchthesameastheEmpress. Frombeyondthesummitsheheardthecriesofgullsandcrows,asound thatroseintoahighpitchedroarastheyreachedtherise.Ignoringthe soldiersoneitherside,theAdjunctmovedherhorseforward.Thecaptain followed.Theycametothecrestandlookeddown.Theroaddippedherefor perhapsafifthofaleague,climbingagainatthefarendtoapromontory. Thousandsofgullsandcrowscoveredtheground,spillingoverintothe ditchesandamongthelow,roughheatherandgorse.Beneaththischurning seaofblackandwhitethegroundwasauniformred.Hereandthererosethe ribbedhumpsofhorses,andfromamongthesquallingbirdscametheglintof iron. Thecaptainreachedupandunstrappedhishelm.Helifteditslowlyfrom hishead,thensetitdownoverhissaddlehorn.'Adjunct' 'IamnamedLorn,'thewomansaidsoftly. 'Onehundredandseventyfivemenandwomen.Twohundredandten horses.TheNineteenthRegimentoftheItkoKaneseEighthCavalry.' Thecaptain'sthroattightenedbriefly.HelookedatLorn.'Dead.'Hishorse shiedunderhimasitcaughtanupdraught.Heclosedsavagelyonthereins andtheanimalstilled,nostrilswideandearsback,musclestremblingunder him.TheAdjunct'sstallionmadenomove.'Allhadtheirweaponsbared.All foughtwhateverenemyattackedthem.Butthedeadareallours.' 'You'vecheckedthebeachbelow?'Lornasked,stillstaringdownonthe road. 'Nosignsofalanding,'thecaptainreplied.'Notracksanywhere,neither seawardnorinland.Therearemoredeadthanthese,Adjunct.Farmers, peasants,fisherfolk,travellersontheroad.Allofthemtornapart,limbs scatteredchildren,livestock,dogs.'Hestoppedabruptlyandturnedaway. 'Overfourhundreddead,'hegrated.'We'renotcertainoftheexactcount.' 'Ofcourse,'Lornsaid,hertonedevoidoffeeling.'Nowitnesses?' 'None.' Amanwasridingtowardsthemontheroadbelow,leaningclosetohis horse'searashetalkedthefrightenedanimalthroughthecarnage. Birdsroseinshriekingcomplaintinfrontofhim,settlingagainoncehehad passed. 'Whoisthat?'theAdjunctasked. Thecaptaingrunted.'LieutenantGanoesParan.He'snewtomycommand. FromUnta.' Lorn'seyesnarrowedontheyoungman.He'dreachedtheedgeofthe depression,stoppingtorelayorderstotheworkcrews.Heleanedbackinhis saddlethenandglancedintheirdirection.'Paran.FromHouseParan?' 'Aye,goldinhisveinsandallthat.' 'Callhimuphere.'

Thecaptaingesturedandthelieutenantkickedhismount'sflanks. Momentslaterhereinedinbesidethecaptainandsaluted. Themanandhishorsewerecoveredfromheadtotoeinbloodandbitsof flesh.Fliesandwaspsbuzzedhungrilyaroundthem.LornsawinLieutenant Paran'sfacenoneoftheyouththatrightlybelongedthere. Forallthat,itwasaneasyfacetoresteyesupon. 'Youcheckedtheotherside,Lieutenant?'thecaptainasked. Parannodded.'Yes,sir.There'sasmallfishingsettlementdownfromthe promontory.Adozenorsohuts.Bodiesinallbuttwo.Mostofthebarques looktobein,thoughthere'soneemptymooringpole.' Lorncutin.'Lieutenant,describetheemptyhuts.' Hebattedatathreateningwaspbeforeanswering.'Onewasatthetopof thestrand,justoffthetrailfromtheroad.Wethinkitbelongedtoanold womanwefounddeadontheroad,abouthalfaleaguesouthofhere.' 'Why?' 'Adjunct,thehut'scontentswerethatofanoldwoman.Also,sheseemedin thehabitofburningcandles.Tallowcandles,infact.Theoldwomanonthe roadhadasackfullofturnipsandahandfuloftallowcandles.Tallow's expensivehere,Adjunct.' Lornasked,'Howmanytimeshaveyouriddenthroughthisbattlefield, Lieutenant?' 'Enoughtobegettingusedtoit,Adjunct.'Hegrimaced. 'Andthesecondemptyhut?' 'Amanandagirl,wethink.Thehut'sclosetothetidemark,oppositethe emptymooringpole.' 'Nosignofthem?' 'None,Adjunct.Ofcourse,we'restillfindingbodies,alongtheroad,outin thefields.' 'Butnotonthebeach.' No. TheAdjunctfrowned,awarethatbothmenwerewatchingher. 'Captain,whatkindofweaponskilledyoursoldiers?' Thecaptainhesitated,thenturnedaglareonthelieutenant.'You'vebeen crawlingarounddownthere,Paran,let'shearyouropinion.' Paran'sansweringsmilewastight.'Yes,sir.Naturalweapons.' Thecaptainfeltasinkingfeelinginhisstomach.He'dhopedhe'dbeen wrong. 'Whatdoyoumean,'Lornasked,'naturalweapons?' 'Teeth,mostly.Verybig,verysharpones.' Thecaptainclearedhisthroat,thensaid,'Therehaven'tbeenwolvesin ItkoKanforahundredyears.Inanycase,nocarcassesaround' 'Ifitwaswolves,'Paransaid,turningtoeyethebasin,'theywereasbigas mules.Notracks,Adjunct.Notevenatuftofhair.' 'Notwolves,then,'Lornsaid. Paranshrugged. TheAdjunctdrewadeepbreath,heldit,thenletitoutinaslowsigh.

'Iwanttoseethisfishingvillage.' Thecaptainmadereadytodonhishelmet,buttheAdjunctshookherhead. 'LieutenantParanwillsuffice,Captain.Isuggestyoutakepersonalcommand ofyourguardinthemeantime.Thedeadmustberemovedasquicklyas possible.Allevidenceofthemassacreistobeerased.' 'Understood,Adjunct,'thecaptainsaid,hopinghe'dkeptthereliefoutof hisvoice. Lornturnedtotheyoungnoble.'Well,Lieutenant?' Henoddedandcluckedhishorseintomotion. ItwaswhenthebirdsscatteredfromtheirpaththattheAdjunctfound herselfenvyingthecaptain.Beforehertherousedcarrioneatersexposeda carpetofarmour,brokenbonesandmeat.Theairwashot,turgidandcloying. Shesawsoldiers,stillhelmed,theirheadscrushedbywhatmusthavebeen huge,terriblypowerfuljaws.Shesawtornmail,crumpledshields,andlimbs thathadbeenrippedfrombodies.Lornmanagedonlyafewmomentsof carefulexaminationofthescenearoundthembeforeshefixedhergazeon thepromontoryahead,unabletoencompassthemagnitudeoftheslaughter. Herstallion,bredofthefinestlinesofSevenCitiesstock,awarhorsetrained inthebloodforgenerations,hadlostitsproud,unyieldingstrut,andnow pickeditswaycarefullyalongtheroad. Lornrealizedsheneededadistraction,andsoughtitinconversation. 'Lieutenant,haveyoureceivedyourcommissionyet?' 'No,Adjunct.Iexpecttobestationedinthecapital.' Sheraisedaneyebrow.'Indeed.Andhowwillyoumanagethat?'Paran squintedahead,atightsmileonhislips.'Itwillbearranged.' 'Isee.'Lornfellsilent.'Thenobleshaverefrainedfromseekingmilitary commissions,kepttheirheadslowforalongtime,haven'tthey?' 'SincethefirstdaysoftheEmpire.TheEmperorheldnoloveforus. WhereasEmpressLaseen'sconcernsseemtolieelsewhere.' Lorneyedtheyoungman.'Iseeyouliketakingrisks,Lieutenant,'shesaid. 'UnlessyourpresumptionextendstogoadingtheAdjuncttotheEmpress. Areyouthatconfidentofyourblood'sinvincibility?' 'Sincewhenisspeakingthetruthpresumptuous?' 'Youareyoung,aren'tyou?' ThisseemedtostingParan.Aflushroseinhissmoothshavencheeks. 'Adjunct,forthepastsevenhoursIhavebeenkneedeepintornfleshand spilledblood.I'vebeenfightingcrowsandgullsforbodiesdoyouknow whatthesebirdsaredoinghere?Precisely?They'retearingoffstripsofmeat andfightingoverthem;they'regettingfatoneyeballsandtongues,liversand hearts.Intheirfranticgreedtheyflingthemeataround'Hepaused,visibly regainingcontroloverhimselfashestraightenedinhissaddle.'I'mnot younganymore,Adjunct.Asforpresumption,Ihonestlycouldn'tcareless. Truthcan'tbedancedaround,notouthere,notnow,noteveragain.' Theyreachedthefarslope.Offtotheleftanarrowtrackleddowntowards thesea.Parangesturedtoit,thenangledhishorseforward. Lornfollowed,herthoughtfulexpressionholdingonthelieutenant'sbroad

back,beforesheturnedherattentiontotheroutetheytook.Thepathwas narrow,skirtingthepromontory'sbluff.Offtotheleftthetrail'sedge droppedawaytorockssixtyfeetbelow.Thetidewasout,thewavesbreaking onareefafewhundredyardsoffshore.Poolsfilledtheblackbedrock's cracksandbasins,dullyreflectinganovercastsky. Theycametoabend,andbeyondandbelowstretchedacrescentshaped beach.Aboveit,atthepromontory'sfoot,layabroad,grassyshelfonwhich squattedadozenhuts. TheAdjunctswunghergazeseaward.Thebarquesrestedontheirlow flanksbesidetheirmooringpoles.Theairabovethebeachandthetidalflat wasemptynotabirdinsight. Shehaltedhermount.AmomentlaterParanglancedbackatherthendid thesame.Hewatchedherassheremovedherhelmetandshookoutherlong, auburnhair.Itwaswetandstringywithsweat.Thelieutenantrodebackto herside,aquestioningtookinhiseyes. 'LieutenantParan,yourwordswerewellspoken.'Shebreathedinthesalty air,thenmethisgaze.'Youwon'tbestationedinUnta,I'mafraid.Youwillbe takingyourordersfrommeasacommissionedofficeronmystaff.' Hiseyesslowlynarrowed.'Whathappenedtothosesoldiers,Adjunct?' Shedidn'tanswerimmediately,leaningbackonhersaddleandscanning thedistantsea.'Someone'sbeenhere,'shesaid.'Asorcererofgreatpower. Something'shappened,andwe'rebeingdivertedfromdiscoveringit.' Paran'smouthdroppedopen.'Killingfourhundredpeoplewasa diversion?' 'Ifthatmanandhisdaughterhadbeenoutfishing,they'dhavecomein withthetide.' 'But' 'Youwon'tfindtheirbodies,Lieutenant.' Paranwaspuzzled.'Nowwhat?' Sheglancedathim,thenswungherhorsearound.'Wegoback.' 'That'sit?'Hestaredafterherasshedirectedhermountbackupthetrail, thenrodetocatchup.'Waitaminute,Adjunct,'hesaid,ashecamealongside. Shegavehimawarninglook. Paranshookhishead.'No.IfI'mnowonyourstaff,Ihavetoknowmore aboutwhat'sgoingon.' Sheplacedherhelmetbackonandcinchedtightthestrapunderherchin. HerlonghairdangledintatteredropesdownoverherImperialcape.'Very well.Asyouknow,Lieutenant,I'mnomage' 'No,'Parancutin,withacoldgrin,'youjusthuntthemdownandkillthem.' 'Don'tinterruptmeagain.AsIwassaying,Iamanathematosorcery.That means,Lieutenant,that,eventhoughI'mnotapractitioner,Ihavea relationshipwithmagic.Ofsorts.Weknoweachother,ifyouwill.Iknowthe patternsofsorcery,andIknowthepatternsofthemindsthatuseit.Wewere meanttoconcludethattheslaughterwasthorough,andrandom.Itwas neither.There'sapathhere,andwehavetofindit.' SlowlyParannodded.

'Yourfirsttask,Lieutenant,istoridetothemarkettownwhat'sitsname again?' 'Gerrom.' 'Yes,Gerrom.They'llknowthisfishingvillage,sincethat'swherethecatch issold.Askaround,findoutwhichfisherfamilyconsistedofafatherand daughter.Getmetheirnames,andtheirdescriptions.Usethemilitiaifthe localsarerecalcitrant.' 'Theywon'tbe,'Paransaid.'TheKanesearecooperativefolk.' Theyreachedthetopofthetrailandstoppedattheroad.Below,wagons rockedamongthebodies,theoxenbrayingandstampingtheirbloodsoaked hoofs.Soldiersshoutedinthepress,whileoverheadwheeledthousandsof birds.Thescenestankofpanic.Atthefarendstoodthecaptain,hishelmet hangingfromitsstrapinonehand. TheAdjunctstareddownonthescenewithhardeyes.'Fortheirsake,'she said,'Ihopeyou'reright,Lieutenant.' Ashewatchedthetworidersapproach,somethingtoldthecaptainthathis daysofeaseinItkoKanwerenumbered.Hishelmetfeltheavyinhishand.He eyedParan.Thatthinbloodedbastardhaditmade.Ahundredstringspulling himeverystepofthewaytosomecushypostinginsomepeacefulcity. HesawLornstudyinghimastheycametothecrest.'Captain,Ihavea requestforyou.' Thecaptaingrunted.Request,hell.TheEmpresshastocheckherslippers everymorningtomakesurethisoneisn'talreadyinthem.'Ofcourse, Adjunct.' Thewomandismounted,asdidParan.Thelieutenant'sexpressionwas impassive.Wasthatarrogance,orhadtheAdjunctgivenhimsomethingto thinkabout? 'Captain,'Lornbegan,'Iunderstandthere'sarecruitingdriveunderwayin Kan.Doyoupullinpeoplefromoutsidethecity?' 'Tojoin?Sure,moreofthemthananyoneelse.Cityfolkgottoomuchto giveup.Besides,theygetthebadnewsfirst.Mostofthepeasantsdon'tknow everything'sgonetohellonGenabackis.Alotofthemfigurecityfolkwhine toomuchanyway.MayIaskwhy?' 'Youmay.'Lornturnedtowatchthesoldierscleaninguptheroad.'Ineeda listofrecentrecruits.Withinthelasttwodays.Forgettheonesborninthe city,justtheoutlyingones.Andonlythewomenand/oroldmen.' Thecaptaingruntedagain.'Shouldbeashortlist,Adjunct.' 'Ihopeso,Captain.' 'Youfiguredoutwhat'sbehindallthis?' Stillfollowingtheactivityontheroadbelow,Lornsaid,'Noidea.' Yes,thecaptainthought,andI'mtheEmperorreincarnated.'Toobad,'he muttered. 'Oh.'TheAdjunctfacedhim.'LieutenantParanisnowonmystaff.Itrust you'llmakethenecessaryadjustments.' 'Asyouwish,Adjunct.Ilovepaperwork.' Thatearnedhimaslightsmile.Thenitwasgone.'LieutenantParanwillbe

leavingnow.' Thecaptainlookedattheyoungnobleandsmiled,lettingthesmilesay everything.WorkingfortheAdjunctwaslikebeingthewormonthehook. TheAdjunctwasthehook,andattheotherendofthelinewastheEmpress. Lethimsquirm. AsourexpressionflittedacrossParan'sface.'Yes,Adjunct.' Heclimbedbackintothesaddle,saluted,thenrodeoffdowntheroad. Thecaptainwatchedhimleave,thensaid,'Anythingelse,Adjunct?' 'Yes.' Hertonebroughthimaround. 'Iwouldliketohearasoldier'sopinionofthenobility'spresentinroadson theImperialcommandstructure.' Thecaptainstaredhardather.'Itain'tpretty,Adjunct.' 'Goon.' Thecaptaintalked. ItwastheeighthdayofrecruitingandStaffSergeantAragansat blearyeyedbehindhisdeskasyetanotherwhelpwasproddedforwardby thecorporal.They'dhadsomeluckhereinKan.Fishing'sbestinthe backwaters,Kan'sFisthadsaid.Alltheygetaroundhereisstories.Stories don'tmakeyoubleed.Storiesdon'tmakeyougohungry,don'tgiveyousore feet.Whenyou'reyoungandsmellingofpigshitandconvincedthereain'ta weaponinallthedamnworldthat'sgoingtohurtyou,allstoriesdoismake youwanttobepartofthem. Theoldwomanwasright.Asusual.Thesepeoplehadbeenundertheboot solongtheyactuallylikedit.Well,Araganthought,theeducationbeginshere. Ithadbeenabadday,withthelocalcaptainroaringoffwiththree companiesandleavingnotonesolidrumourintheirwakeaboutwhatwas goingon.Andifthatwasn'tbadenough,Laseen'sAdjunctarrivedfromUnta nottenminuteslater,usingoneofthoseeeriemagicalWarrenstogethere. Thoughhe'dneverseenher,justhernameonthehot,drywindwasenough togivehimtheshakes.Magekiller,thescorpionintheImperialpocket. Araganscowleddownatthewritingtabletandwaiteduntilthecorporal clearedhisthroat.Thenhelookedup. Therecruitstandingbeforehimtookthestaffsergeantaback.Heopened hismouth,onhistonguealashingtiradedesignedtosendtheyoungones scampering.Asecondlaterheshutitagain,thewordsunspoken.Kan'sFist hadmadeherinstructionsabundantlyclear:iftheyhadtwoarms,twolegs andahead,takethem.TheGenabackiscampaignwasamess.Freshbodies wereneeded. Hegrinnedatthegirl.ShematchedtheFist'sdescriptionperfectly. Still.'Allright,lass,youunderstandyou'reinlinetojointheMalazan Marines,right?' Thegirlnodded,hergazesteadyandcoolandfixedonAragan. Therecruiter'sexpressiontightened.Damn,shecan'tbemorethantwelve orthirteen.Ifthiswasmydaughter What'sgothereyeslookingsobloodyold?Thelasttimehe'dseen

anythinglikethemhadbeenoutsideMottForest,onGenabackishe'dbeen marchingthroughfarmlandhitbyfiveyears'droughtandawartwiceaslong. Thoseoldeyeswerebroughtbyhunger,ordeath.Hescowled.'What'syour name,girl?' 'AmIin,then?'sheaskedquietly. Aragannodded,asuddenheadachepoundingagainsttheinsideofhisskull. 'You'llgetyourassignmentinaweek'stime,unlessyougotapreference.' 'Genabackancampaign,'thegirlansweredimmediately.'Underthe commandofHighFistDujekOnearm.Onearm'sHost.' Araganblinked.'I'llmakeanote,'hesaidsoftly.'Yourname,soldier?' 'Sorry.MynameisSorry.' Araganjottedthenamedownonhistablet.'Dismissed,soldier.The corporalwilltellyouwheretogo.'Helookedupasshewasnearthedoor. 'Andwashallthatmudoffyourfeet.'Aragancontinuedwritingforamoment, thenstopped.Ithadn'trainedinweeks.Andthemudaroundherewashalf waybetweengreenandgrey,notdarkred.Hetosseddownthestylusand massagedhistemples.Well,atleasttheheadache'sfading. GerromwasaleagueandahalfinlandalongtheOldKanRoad,a preEmpirethoroughfarerarelyusedsincetheImperialraisedcoastroadhad beenconstructed.Thetrafficonitthesedayswasmostlyonfoot,local farmersandfisherswiththeirgoods.Ofthemonlyunravelledandtorn bundlesofclothing,brokenbasketsandtrampledvegetableslitteringthe trackremainedtogiveevidenceoftheirpassage.Alamemule,thelast sentineloverseeingtherefuseofanexodus,stooddumblynearby,ankledeep inaricepaddy.ItsparedParanasingleforlornglanceasherodepast. Thedetrituslookedtobenomorethanadayold,thefruitsand greenleavedvegetablesonlynowbeginningtorotintheafternoonheat. Hishorsecarryinghimataslowwalk,Paranwatchedasthefirst outbuildingsofthesmalltradertowncameintoviewthroughthedustyhaze. Noonemovedbetweentheshabbymudbrickhouses;nodogscameoutto challengehim,andtheonlycartinsightleanedonasinglewheel.Toaddto theuncannyscene,theairwasstill,emptyofbirdsong. Paranloosenedtheswordinitsscabbard. Ashenearedtheoutbuildingshehaltedhismount.Theexodushadbeen swift,apanickedflight.Yethesawnobodies,nosignsofviolencebeyondthe hasteevidentinthoseleaving.Hedrewadeepbreath,slowlyreleasedit,then clickedhishorseforward.Themainstreetwasineffectthetown'sonlystreet, leadingatitsfarendtoanintersectionmarkedbyasingletwostoreystone building:theImperialConstabulary.Itstinbackedshutterswereclosed,its heavybandeddoorshut.AsheapproachedParanheldhiseyesonthe building. Hedismountedbeforeit,tyinghismaretothehitchingrailthenlooking backupthestreet.Nomovement.Unsheathinghisblade,Paranswungback totheConstabularydoor. Asoft,steadysoundfromwithinstoppedhim,toolowtobeheardfrom anydistancebutnow,ashestoodbeforethehugedoor,hecouldheara

liquidmurmuringthatraisedthehairsonhisneck.Paranreachoutwithhis swordandsetitspointunderthelatch.Heliftedthehandleupwarduntilit disengaged,thenpushedopenthedoor. Movementrippledinthegloomwithin,aflapandsoftthumpingair carryingtoParantheredolentstenchofputrifyingflesh.Breathinghardand withamouthdryasoldcotton,hewaitedforhiseyestoadjust. HestaredintotheConstabulary'souterroom,anditwasamassmovement, achillingsoftsussurationofthroatsgivingvoice.Thechamberwasfilled withblackpigeonscooinginicycalm.Uniformhumanshapeslayintheir midst,stretchedhaphazardlyacrosstheflooramiddroppingsanddrifting blackdown.Sweatanddeathclungtotheairthickasgauze. Hetookastepinside.Thepigeonsrustledbutotherwiseignoredhim. Nonemadefortheopendoorway. Swollenfaceswithcoindulleyesstaredupfromtheshadows;thefaces wereblue,asofmensuffocated.Paranlookeddownatoneofthesoldiers. 'Notahealthything,'hemuttered,'wearingtheseuniformsthesedays.' Aconjuringofbirdstokeepmockingvigil.Darkhumour'snottolikingany more,Ithink.Heshookhimself,walkedacrosstheroom.Thepigeonstracked awayfromhisboots,clucking.Thedoortothecaptainofficewasajar.Musty lightbledthroughtheshutteredwindows'unevenjoins.Sheathinghissword, Paranenteredtheoffice.Thecaptainstillsatinhischair,hisfacebloatedand bruisedinshadesofblue,greenandgrey. Paransweptdampfeathersfromthedesktop,rummagedthroughthe scrollwork.Thepapyrussheetsfellapartunderhistouch,theleavesrotten andoilybetweenhisfingers. Athorougheliminatingofthetrail. Heturnedaway,walkedswiftlybackthroughtheouterroomuntilhe steppedintothewarmlight.HeclosedtheConstabularydoorasnodoubt, thevillagershad. Thedarkbloomofsorcerywasastainfewcaredtoexaminetooclosely.It hadawayofspreading. Paranuntetheredhismare,climbedintothesaddleandrodefromthe abandonedtown.Hedidnotlookback. Thesunsatheavyandbloatedamidasmearofcrimsoncloudonthe horizon.Paranfoughttokeephiseyesopen.Ithadbeenalongday.Ahorrific day.Thelandaroundhim,oncefamiliarandsafe,hadbecomesomethingelse, aplacestirredwiththedarkcurrentsofsorcery.Hewasnotlookingforward toanightcampedintheopen. Hismountploddedonward,headdown,asduskslowlyenvelopedthem. Pulledbythewearychainsofhisthoughts,Parantriedtomakesenseofwhat hadhappenedsincemorning. Snatchedoutfromtheshadowofthatsourfaced,laconiccaptainandthe garrisonatKan,thelieutenanthadseenhisprospectsbeginaquickrise.Aide totheAdjunctwasanadvancementinhiscareerhecouldnothaveeven imaginedaweekago.Despitetheprofessionhehadchosen,hisfatherandhis sisterswereboundtobeimpressed,perhapsevenawed,byhisachievement.

Likesomanyothernoblebornsonsanddaughters,he'dlongsincesethis sightsontheImperialmilitary,hungryforprestigeandboredwiththe complacent,staticattitudesofthenobleclassingeneral.Paranwanted somethingmorechallengingthancoordinatingshipmentsofwine,or overseeingthebreedingofhorses. Norwasheamongthefirsttoenlist,thuseasingthewayforentranceinto officertrainingandselectivepostings.Ithadjustbeenillluckthatsawhim senttoKan,whereaveterangarrisonhadbeenlickingitswoundsfornighon sixyears.There'dbeenlittlerespectforanuntestedlieutenant,andevenless foranobleborn. Paransuspectedthatthathadchangedsincetheslaughterontheroad. He'dhandleditbetterthanmanyofthoseveterans,helpedinnosmallpart bythesuperbbreedingofhishorse.More,toprovetothemallhiscool, detachedprofessionalism,he'dvolunteeredtoleadtheinspectiondetail. He'ddonewell,althoughthedetailhadproveddifficult.He'dheard screamingwhilecrawlingaroundamongthebodies,comingfrom somewhereinsidehisownhead.Hiseyeshadfixedondetails,odditiesthe peculiartwistofthisbody,theinexplicablesmileonthatdeadsoldier's facebutwhathadprovedhardestwaswhathadbeendonetothehorses. Crustedfoamfillednostrilsandmouthsthesignsofterrorandthe woundswereterrible,hugeanddevastating.Bileandfaecesstainedthe onceproudmounts,andovereverythingwasaglitteringcarpetofbloodand sliversofredflesh.Hehadnearlyweptforthosehorses. Heshifteduneasilyonthesaddle,feelingaclamminesscometohishands wheretheyrestedontheornatehorn.He'dheldontohisconfidencethrough thewholeepisode;yetnow,ashisthoughtsreturnedtothathorridscene,it wasasifsomethingthathadalwaysbeensolidinhismindnowstuttered, shied,threateninghisbalance;thefaintcontempthe'dshownforthose veteransinhistroop,kneelinghelplessontheroadsiderackedbydryheaves, returnedtohimnowwithaghoulishcast. AndtheechothatcamefromtheConstabularyatGerrom,arrivinglikea lateblowtohisalreadybruisedandbatteredsoul,roseonceagaintopluckat thedefensivenumbnessstillholdinghimincheck. Paranstraightenedwithaneffort.He'dtoldtheAdjuncthisyouthwas gone.He'dtoldherotherthingsaswell,fearless,uncaring,lackingallthe cautionhisfatherhadinstilledinhimwhenitcametothemanyfacesofthe Empire. Fromagreatdistanceinhismindcameold,oldwords:livequietly. He'drejectedthatnotionthen;herejecteditstill.TheAdjunct,however, hadnoticedhim.Hewonderednow,forthefirsttime,ifhewasrighttofeel pride.Thathardbittencommanderofsomanyyearsago,onthewallsof Mock'sHold,wouldhavespatatParan'sfeet,withcontempt,hadhenow stoodbeforehim.Theboywasaboynolonger,butaman. Should'veheededmywords,son.Nowlookatyou. Hismarepulledupsuddenly,hoofsthumpingconfusedlyontherutted road.Paranreachedforhisweaponashelookeduneasilyaroundinthe

gloom.Thetrackranthroughricepaddies,thenearestshacksofthepeasants onaparallelridgeahundredpacesfromtheroad.Yetafigurenowblocked theroad. Acoldbreathswirledlazilypast,pinningbackthemare'searsand wideninghernostrilsassheflinched. Thefigureamanbyhisheightwasswathedinshadesofgreen:cloaked, hooded,wearingafadedtunicandlinenleggingsabovegreendyedleather boots.Asinglelongknife,theweaponofchoiceamongSevenCitieswarriors, wasslungthroughathinbelt.Theman'shands,faintlygreyintheafternoon light,glitteredwithrings,ringsoneveryfinger,aboveandbelowthe knuckles.Heraisedonenow,holdingupaclayjug. 'Thirsty,Lieutenant?'Theman'svoicewassoft,thetonestrangelymelodic. 'HaveIbusinesswithyou?'Paranasked,hishandremainingonthegripof hislongsword. Themansmiled,pullingbackhishood.Hisfacewaslong,theskinalighter shadeofgrey,theeyesdarkandstrangelyangled.Helookedtobeinhisearly thirties,thoughhishairwaswhite.'TheAdjunctaskedofmeafavour,'he said.'Shegrowsimpatientforyourreport.Iamtoescortyouwithhaste.' Heshookthejug.'Butfirst,arepast.Ihaveaveritablefeastsecretedinmy pocketsfarbetterfarethanabrowbeatenKanesevillagecanoffer.Joinme, hereontheroadside.Wecanamuseourselvesinconversationandidle watchingofpeasantstoilingendlessly.IamnamedTopper.' 'Iknowthatname,'Paransaid. 'Well,youshould,'Topperreplied.'Iamhe,alas.ThebloodofaTisteAnd racesinmyveins,seekingescape,nodoubt,fromitsmorecommonhuman stream.MinewasthehandthattookthelifeofUnta'sroyalline,king,queen, sonsanddaughters.' 'Andcousins,secondcousins,third' 'Expungingallhope,indeed.SuchwasmydutyasaClawofunsurpassed skill.Butyouhavefailedinansweringmyquestion.' 'Whichwas?' 'Thirsty?' Scowling,Parandismounted.'IthoughtyousaidtheAdjunctwishedfor haste.' 'Hastenweshall,Lieutenant,oncewe'vefilledourbellies,andconversedin civilfashion.' 'Yourreputationputscivilityfardownyourlistofskills,Claw.' 'It'samostcherishedtraitofminethatseesfartoolittleopportunityfor exercisethesefelldays,Lieutenant.Surelyyou'dgrantmesomeofyour precioustime,sinceI'mtobeyourescort?' 'WhateverarrangementyoumadewiththeAdjunctisbetweenyouand her,'Paransaid,approaching.'Ioweyounothing,Topper.Exceptenmity.' TheClawsquatted,removingwrappedpackagesfromhispocketsfollowed bytwocrystalgoblets.Heuncorkedthejug.'Ancientwounds.Iwasledto understandyou'vetakenadifferentpath,leavingbehindthedull,jostling ranksofthenobility.'Hepoured,fillingthegobletswithambercoloured

wine.'YouarenowonewiththebodyofEmpire,Lieutenant.Itcommands you.Yourespondunquestioninglytoitswit.Youareasmallpartofamuscle inthatbody.Nomore.Noless.Thetimeforoldgrudgesislongpast.So,'he setdownthejugandhandeParanagoblet,'wenowsalutenewbeginnings, GanoesParan,lieutenantandaidetoAdjunctLorn.' Scowling,Paranacceptedthegoblet. Thetwodrank. Toppersmiled,producingasilkhandkerchieftodabagainsthislip.'There now,thatwasn'tsodifficult,wasit?MayIcallyoubyyourchosenname?' 'Paranwilldo.Andyou?WhattitledoesthecommanderoftheClawhold?' Toppersmiledagain.'LaseenstillcommandstheClaw.Iassisther.Inthis wayItooamanaideofsorts.Youmaycallmebymychosenname,ofcourse. I'mnotoneformaintainingformalitiesbeyondareasonablepointinan acquaintance.' Paransatdownonthemuddyroad.'Andwe'vepassedthatpoint?' 'Indeed.' 'Howdoyoudecide?' 'Ah,well.'Topperbeganunwrappinghispackages,revealingcheese, fistbread,fruitandberries.Imakeacquaintancesinoneoftwoways.You've seenthesecondofthose.' 'Andthefirst?' 'Notimeforproperintroductionsinthoseinstances,alas.' WearilyParanunstrappedandremovedhishelm.'Doyouwishtohear whatIfoundinGerrom?'heasked,runningahandthroughhisblackhair. Toppershrugged.'Ifyou'vetheneed.' 'PerhapsI'dbetterawaitmyaudiencewiththeAdjunct.' TheClawsmiled.'Youhavebeguntolearn,Paran.Neverbetooeasywith theknowledgeyoupossess.Wordsarelikecoinitpaystohoard.' 'Untilyoudieonabedofgold,'Paransaid. 'Hungry?Ihateeatingalone.' Paranacceptedachunkoffistbread.'So,wastheAdjuncttrulyimpatient, orareyouhereforotherreasons?' Withasmile,theClawrose.'Alas,genteelconversationisdone.Ourway opens.'Hefacedtheroad. Paranturnedtoseeacurtainintheairtearopenontheroad,spillingdull yellowlight.AWarren,thesecretpathsofsorcery.'Hood'sBreath.' Hesighed,fightingoffasuddenchill.Withinhecouldseeagreyish pathway,humpedoneithersidebylowmoundedwallsandvaulted overheadbyimpenetrableochrehuedmist.Theairsweptpastintothe portallikeadrawnbreath,revealingthepathwaytobeofashasinvisible currentsstirredandraisedspinningdustdevils. 'Youwillhavetogetusedtothis,'Toppersaid. Parancollectedhismare'sreinsandslunghishelmonthesaddlehorn. 'Leadon,'hesaid. TheClawcasthimaquickappraisingglance,thenstrodeintotheWarren. Paranfollowed.Theportalwayclosedbehindthem,initsplacea

continuationofthepath.ItkoKanhadvanished,andwithitallsignsoflife. Theworldtheyhadenteredwasbarren,deathly.Thebankedmounds liningthetrailprovedtobemoreash.Theairwasgritty,tastingofmetal. "WelcometotheImperial'Warren.'Toppersaid,withahintofmockery. 'Pleasant.' 'Carvedbyforceoutofwhatwasherebefore.Hassuchaneffortever beenachievedbefore?Onlythegodscansay.' Theybeganwalking. 'Itakeit,then,'Paransaid,'thatnogodclaimsthisWarren.Bythis,you cheatthetolls,thegatekeepers,theguardiansonunseenbridges,andallthe otherssaidtodwellintheWarrensinservicetotheirimmortalmasters.' Toppergrunted.'YouimaginetheWarrensascrowdedasthat?Well,the beliefsoftheignorantareeverentertaining.Youshallbegoodcompanyon thisshortjourney,Ithink.' Paranfellsilent.Thehorizonsbeyondthebankedheapsofashwereclose, avagueblendingofochreskyandgreyblackground.Sweattrickledunder hismailhauberk.Hismaresnortedheavily. 'Incaseyouwerewondering,'Toppersaid,afteratime,'theAdjunctisnow inUnta.WewillusethisWarrentocrossthedistancethreehundred leaguesinonlyafewshorthours.SomethinktheEmpirehasgrowntoolarge, someeventhinktheirremoteprovincesarebeyondtheEmpressLaseen's reach.Asyouhavejustlearned,Paran,suchbeliefsareheldbyfools.' Themaresnortedagain. 'I'veshamedyouintosilence,then?Idoapologize,Lieutenant,formocking yourignorance' 'It'sariskyou'llhavetolivewith,'Paransaid. ThenextthousandpacesofsilencebelongedtoTopper. Noshiftingoflightmarkedthepassingofhours.Anumberoftimesthey cameuponplaceswheretheashembankmentshadbeendisturbed,asbythe passageofsomethinglarge,shambling;andwide,aslitherytrailledoffinto thegloom.Inonesuchplacetheyfoundadarkencrustedstainandthe scatterofchainlinkslikecoinsinthedust.Topperexaminedthescene closelywhileParanwatched. Hardlythesecureroadbe'dhavemebelieve.There'restrangershereand they'renotfriendly. HewasnotsurprisedtofindTopperincreasingtheirpacethereafter. Ashortwhilelatertheycametoastonearchway.Ithadbeenrecently constructed,andParanrecognizedthebasaltasUntan,fromtheImperial quarriesoutsidethecapital.Thewallsofhisfamily'sestatewereofthesame greyblackglitteringstone.Atthecentreofthearch,highovertheirheads, wascarvedatalonedhandholdingacrystalglobe:theMalaImperialsigil. Beyondthearchwasdarkness. Paranclearedhisthroat.'Wehavearrived?' Topperspuntohim.'Youanswercivilitywitharrogance,Lieutenant.You'd dowelltoshedthenoblehauteur.' Smiling,Parangestured.'Leadon,escort.'

InawhirlofcloakToppersteppedthroughthearchandvanished. ThemarebuckedasParanpulledherclosertothearch,headtossing. Hetriedtosootheherbutitwasnouse.Finally,heclimbedintothesaddle andgatheredupthereins.Hestraightenedthehorse,thendrovehardhis spursintoherflanks.Shebolted,leapedintothevoid. Lightandcoloursexplodedoutward,engulfingthem.Themare'shoofs landedwithacrunchingthump,scatteringsomethingthatmightbegravelin alldirections.Paranhaltedhishorse,blinkingashetookinthescenearound them.Avastchamber,itsceilingglitteringwithbeatengold,itswallslined withtapestries,andascoreofarmouredguardsclosinginonallsides. Alarmed,themaresidesteppedtosendToppersprawling.Ahooflashed outafterhim,missingbyahandspan.Moregravelcrunchedonlyitwasnot gravel,Paransaw,butmosaicstones.Topperrolledtohisfeetwithacurse, hiseyesflashingasheglaredatthelieutenant. Theguardsmenseemedtorespondtosomeunspokenorder,slowly withdrawingtotheirpositionsalongthewalls.Paranswunghisattention fromTopper.Beforehimwasaraiseddaissurmountedbyathroneof twistedbone.InthethronesattheEmpress. Silencefellinthechamberexceptforthecrunchofsemipreciousgems beneaththemare'shoofs.Grimacing,Parandismounted,warilyeyeingthe womanseatedonthethrone. Laseenhadchangedlittlesincetheonlyothertimehe'dbeenthiscloseto her;plainandunadorned,herhairshortandfairabovethebluetintofher unmemorablefeatures.Herbrowneyesregardedhimnarrowly. Paranadjustedhisswordbelt,claspedhishandsandbowedfromthe waist.'Empress.' 'Isee,'Laseendrawled,'thatyoudidnotheedthecommander'sadviceof sevenyearsago.' Heblinkedinsurprise. Shecontinued,'Ofcourse,hedidnotheedtheadvicegivenhim,either.I wonderwhatgodtossedyoutwotogetheronthatparapetIwoulddo servicetoacknowledgeitssenseofhumour.DidyouimaginetheImperial Archwouldexitinthestables,Lieutenant?' 'Myhorsewasreluctanttomakethepassage,Empress.' 'Withgoodreason.' Paransmiled.'Unlikeme,she'sofabreedknownforitsintelligence.Please acceptmyhumblestapologies.' 'TopperwillseeyoutotheAdjunct.'Shegestured,andaguardsmancame forwardtocollectthemare'sreins. ParanbowedagainthenfacedtheClawwithasmile. Topperledhimtoasidedoor. 'Youfool!'hesnapped,asthedoorwasclosedsoundlybehindthem. Hestrodequicklydownthenarrowhallway.Paranmadenoefforttokeep pace,forcingtheClawtowaitatthefarendwhereasetofstairswound upward.Topper'sexpressionwasdarkwithfury.'Whatwasthatabouta parapet?You'vemetherbeforewhen?'

'SinceshedeclinedtoexplainIcanonlyfollowherexample,'Paransaid.He eyedthesaddlebackedstairs.'ThiswouldbetheWestTower,then.The TowerofDust?' 'Tothetopfloor.TheAdjunctawaitsyouinherchambersthere'sno otherdoorssoyouwon'tgetlost,justkeeponuntilyoureachthetop.' Parannoddedandbeganclimbing. Thedoortothetower'stoproomwasajar.Paranrappedaknuckleagainst itandsteppedinside.TheAdjunctwasseatedatabenchatthefarend,her backtoawidewindow.Itsshutterswerethrownopen,revealingthered glintofsunrise.Shewasgettingdressed.Paranhalted,embarrassed. 'I'mnotoneformodesty,'theAdjunctsaid.'Enterandclosethedoor behindyou.' Parandidashewasbidden.Helookedaround.Fadedtapestrieslinedthe walls.Raggedfurscoveredthestonetilesofthefloor.Thefurniturewhat littletherewaswasold,Napaninstyleandthusartless. TheAdjunctrosetoshrugintoherleatherarmour.Herhairshimmeredin theredlight.'Youlookexhausted,Lieutenant.Please,sit.' Helookedaround,foundachairandslumpedgratefullyintoit.'Thetrail's beenthoroughlyobscured,Adjunct.TheonlypeopleleftinGerromaren't likelytotalk.' Shefastenedthelastoftheclasps.'UnlessIweretosendanecromancer.' Hegrunted.'TalesofpigeonsIthinkthepossibilitywasforeseen.' Sheregardedhimwitharaisedbrow. 'Pardon,Adjunct.Itseemsthatdeath'sheraldswerebirds.' 'Andwerewetoglancethroughtheeyesofthedeadsoldiers,wewould seelittleelse.Pigeons,yousaid?' Henodded. 'Curious.'Shefellsilent. Hewatchedherforamomentlonger.'WasIbait,Adjunct?' 'No.' Hefellsilent.Whenheclosedhiseyeshisheadspun.He'dnotrealizedhow wearyhe'dbecome.Itwasamomentbeforeheunderstoodthatshewas speakingtohim.Heshookhimself,straightened. TheAdjunctstoodbeforehim.'Sleeplater,notnow,Lieutenant.Iwas informingyouofyourfuture.Itwouldbewellifyoupaidattention.You completedyourtaskasinstructed.Indeed,youhaveprovedyourselfhighly resilient.Toalloutwardappearances,Iamdonewithyou,Lieutenant.You willbereturnedtotheOfficerCorpshereinUnta.Whatwillfollowwillbea numberofpostings,completingyourofficialtraining.AsforyourtimeinItko Kan,nothingunusualoccurredtheredo 'Andwhatofwhatreallyhappenedthere,Adjunct?Doweabandonpursuit? Doweresignourselvestoneverknowingexactlywhathappened,orwhy?Or isitsimplymewhoistobeabandoned?' 'Lieutenant,thisisatrailwemustnotfollowtooclosely,butfollowitwe shall,andyouwillbecentraltotheeffort.Ihaveassumedperhapsin errorthatyouwouldwishtoseeitthrough,tobewitnesswhenthetime

forvengeancefinallyarrives.WasIwrong?Perhapsyou'veseenenoughand seekonlyareturntonormality.' Heclosedhiseyes.'Adjunct,Iwouldbetherewhenthetimecame.' Shewassilentandheknewwithoutopeninghiseyesthatshewas studyinghim,gauginghisworth.Hewasbeyonduneaseandbeyondcaring. He'dstatedhisdesire;thedecisionwashers. 'Weproceedslowly.Yourreassignmentwilltakeeffectinafewdaystime. Inthemeanwhile,gohometoyourfather'sestate.Getsomerest.' Heopenedhiseyesandrosetohisfeet.Ashereachedthedoorwayshe spokeagain.'Lieutenant,Itrustyouwon'trepeatthesceneintheHall.' 'Idoubtit'dearnasmanylaughsthesecondtimearound,Adjunct.' Ashereachedthestairsheheardwhatmighthavebeenacoughfromthe roombehindhim.Itwashardtoimaginethatitcouldhavebeenany AsheledhishorsethroughthestreetsofUntahefeltnumbinside.The familiarsights,theteeming,interminablecrowds,thevoicesandclashof languagesallstruckParanassomethingstrange,somethingaltered,not beforehiseyesbutinthatunknowableplacebetweenhiseyesandhis thoughts.Thechangewashisalone,anditmadehimfeelshorn,outcast.Yet theplacewasthesame:thescenesbeforehimwereastheyalwayshadbeen andeveninwatchingitpassbyallaroundhim,nothinghadchanged.Itwas thegiftofnoblebloodthatkepttheworldatadistance,tobeobservedfrom apositionunsullied,unjostledbythecommonry. Giftandcurse. Now,however,Paranwalkedamongthemwithoutthefamilyguards. Thepowerofbloodwasgone,andallhepossessedbywayofarmourwas theuniformhenowwore.Notacraftsman,notahawker,notamerchant,but asoldier.AweaponoftheEmpire,andtheEmpirehadthoseinthetensof thousands. HepassedthroughTollRampGateandmadehiswayalongMarbleSlope Road,wherethefirstmerchantestatesappeared,pushedbackfromthe cobbledstreet,halfhiddenbycourtyardwalls.Thefoliageofgardensjoined theirlivelycolourswithbrightlypaintedwalls;thecrowdsdiminishedand privateguardswerevisibleoutsidearchinggates. Theswelteringairlostitsreekofsewageandrottingfood,slippingcooler acrossunseenfountainsandcarryingintotheavenuethefragranceof blossoms. Smellsofchildhood. TheestatesspreadoutasheledhishorsedeeperintotheNobleDistrict. Breathingspacepurchasedbyhistoryandancientcoin.TheEmpireseemed tomeltaway,adistant,mundaneconcern.Here,familiestracedtheirlines backsevencenturiestothosetribalhorsemenwhohadfirstcometothisland fromtheeast.Inbloodandfire,aswasalwaystheway,theyhadconquered andsubduedthecousinsoftheKanesewho'dbuiltvillagesalongthiscoast. Fromwarriorhorsementohorsebreederstomerchantsofwine,beerand cloth.Anancientnobilityoftheblade,nowanobilityofhoardedgold,trade agreements,subtlemanoeuvringsandhiddencorruptionsingildedrooms

andoillitcorridors. Paranhadimaginedhimselfacquiringtrappingsthatclosedacircle,a returntothebladefromwhichhisfamilyhademerged,strongandsavage,all thosecenturiesago.Forhischoice,hisfatherhadcondemnedhim. Hecametoafamiliarpostern,asinglehighdooralongonesidewalland facinganalleythatinanotherpartofthecitywouldbeawidestreet. Therewasnoguardhere,justathinbellchain,whichhepulledtwice. Aloneinthealley,Paranwaited. Abarclankedontheotherside,avoicegrowledacurseasthedoorswung backonprotestinghinges. Paranfoundhimselfstaringdownatanunfamiliarface.Themanwasold, scarredandwearingmuchmendedchainmailthatendedraggedlyaround hisknees.Hispothelmwasunevenwithhammeredoutdents,yetpolished bright. ThemaneyedParanupanddownwithwaterygreyeyes,thengrunted, 'Thetapestrylives.' 'Excuseme?' Theguardsmanswungthedoorwide.'Oldernow,ofcourse,butit'sallthe samebythelines.Goodartist,tocapturethewayofstanding,theexpression andall.Welcomehome,Ganoes.' Paranledhishorsethroughthenarrowdoorway.Thepathbetweentwo outbuildingsoftheestate,showingskyoverhead. 'Idon'tknowyou,soldier,'Paransaid.'Butitseemsmyportraithasbeen wellstudiedbytheguards.Isitnowathrowruginyourbarracks?' 'Somethinglikethat.' 'Whatisyourname?' 'Gamet,'theguardanswered,ashefollowedbehindthehorseafter shuttingandlockingthedoor.'Inservicetoyourfathertheselastthree years.' 'Andbeforethat,Gamet? 'Notaquestionasked.' Theycametothecourtyard.Paranpausedtostudytheguardsman'My father'susuallythoroughinresearchingthehistoriesofthoseenter'Gamet grinnedrevealingafullsetofwhiteteeth.'hthathedid.'Paranpassedover thereins.Heswungaboutandlookedroundthecourtyard.Itseemedsmaller thanheremembered.Theoldwell,madebythenamelesspeoplewho'dlived herebeforeeventheKaneselookedreadytocrumbleintoaheapofdust.No craftsmanwouldresetthoseancientcarvedstones,fearingthecurseof awakenedghosts.Undertheestatehouseitselfweresimilarlyunmortared stonesinthedeepestreachesthemanyroomsandtunnelstoobent,twisted anduneventoServantsandgroundskeepersmovedbackandforthinthe yard.NoneGametclearedhisthroat.'Yourfatherandmotheraren'there.' Henodded.There'dbefoalstocareforatEmalauthecount'Yoursisters arethough,'Gametcontinued.'I'llhavethehouseservantsfreshenupyour room.' 'It'sbeenleftasitwas,then?'

Gametgrinnedagain.'Well,clearouttheextrafurnitureandcasks.' 'Asalways.'Paransighedand,withoutanotherword,madehiswaytothe houseentrance. ThefeasthallechoedtoParan'sbootsashestrodetothelongdiningtable. Catsboltedacrossthefloor,scatteringathisapproach.Heunclaspedhis travellingcloak,tosseditacrossthebackofachair,thensatatalongbench andleanedhisbackagainstthepanelledwall.Heclosedhiseyes. Afewminutespassed,thenawoman'svoicespoke.'Ithoughtyouwerein ItkoKan.' Heopenedhiseyes.HissisterTavore,ayearyoungerthanhim,stoodclose totheheadofthetable,onehandonthebackoftheirfather'schair. Shewasasplainasever,aslashofbloodlesslinescomprisingherfeatures, herreddishhairtrimmedshorterthanwasthestyle.Shewastallerthanthe lasttimehe'dseenher,nearlyhisownheight,nolongertheawkwardchild. Herexpressionrevealednothingasshestudiedhim. 'Reassignment,'Paransaid. 'Tohere?Wewouldhaveheard.' Ah,yes,youwouldhave,wouldn'tyou?Alltheslywhisperingsamongthe connectedfamilies. 'Unplanned,'heconceded,'butdonenevertheless.Notstationedherein Unta,though.Myvisitisonlyafewdays.' 'Haveyoubeenpromoted?' Hesmiled.'Istheinvestmentabouttoreapcoin?Reluctantasitwas,we stillmustthinkintermsofpotentialinfluence,mustn'twe?' 'Managingthisfamily'spositionisnolongeryourresponsibility,brother.' 'Ah,it'syoursnow,then?HasFatherwithdrawnfromthedailychores?' 'Slowly.Hishealthisfailing.Hadyouasked,eveninItkoKan...' Hesighed.'Stillmakingupforme,Tavore?Assumingtheburdenofmy failings?Ihardlylefthereonacarpetofpetals,youmayrecall.Inanycase,I alwaysassumedthehouseaffairswouldfallintocapablehands.'Herpale eyesnarrowed,butpridesilencedtheobviousquestion.'Atherstudies.She's notheardofyourreturn.Shewillbeveryexcited.'Hissistersnorted,turning away.Telisin?She'stoosoftforthisworld,brother.Foranyworld,Ithink. She'snotchanged.She'llbehappytoseeyou.'Hewatchedherstiffbackas sheleftthehall. Hesmelledofsweathisownandthemare'stravelandgrime,andof somethingelseaswellOldbloodandoldfear.Paranlookedaround.Much smallerthanIremembered. CHAPTERTWO WiththecomingoftheMoranththetideturned. AndlikeshipsinaharbourtheFreeCitiesweresweptunderImperialseas. Thewarentereditstwelfthyear,theYearoftheShatteredMoonandits suddenspawnofdeathlyrainandblackwingedpromise. TwocitiesremainedtocontesttheMalazanonslaught.

Onestalwart,proudbannersbeneathDark'spowerfulwing. Theotherdivided withoutanarmy,bereftofallies Thestrongcityfellfirst. CalltoShadowFelisin(b.1146) 63rdYearofBurn'sSleep(twoyearslater) 105thYearoftheMalazanEmpire9thYearofEmpressLaseen'sRule THROUGHTHEPALLOROFSMOKERAVENSWHEELED.THEIRCALLSraised ashrillchorusabovethecriesofwoundedanddyingsoldiers.Thestenchof searedfleshhungunmovinginthehaze. OnthethirdhilloverlookingthefallencityofPale,Tattersailstoodalone. Scatteredaroundthesorceressthecurledremainsofburntarmourgreaves, breastplates,helmsandweaponslayheapedinpiles.Anhourearlierthere hadbeenmenandwomenwearingthatarmour,butofthemtherewasno sign.ThesilencewithinthoseemptyshellsranglikeadirgeinTattersail's head. Herarmswerecrossed,tightagainstherchest.Theburgundycloakwith itssilveremblembetokeninghercommandofthe2ndArmy'swizardcadre nowhungfromherroundshouldersstainedandscorched. Heroval,fleshyface,usuallyparadinganexpressionofcherubichumour, wasetchedwithdeepshadowedlines,leavinghercheeksflaccidandpale. ForallthesmellsandsoundssurroundingTattersail,shefoundherself listeningtoadeepersilence.Insomewaysitcamefromtheemptyarmour surroundingher,anabsencethatwasinitselfanaccusation.Buttherewas anothersourceofthesilence.Thesorcerythathadbeenunleashedhere todayhadbeenenoughtofraythefabricbetweentheworlds.Whatever dweltbeyond,intheWarrensofChaos,feltcloseenoughtoreachoutand touch. She'dthoughtheremotionsspent,usedupbytheterrorshehadjustbeen through,butasshewatchedthetightranksofalegionofMoranthBlack marchingintothecityafrostofhatredslippedoverherheavyliddedeyes. Allies.They'reclaimingtheirhourofblood.Attheendofthathourthere wouldbeascorethousandfewersurvivorsamongthecitizensofPale.The longsavagehistorybetweentheneighbouringpeopleswasabouttohavethe scalesofretributionbalanced.Bythesword. Shedunul'smercy,hasn'ttherebeenenough? Adozenfiresrageduncheckedthroughthecity.Thesiegewasover,finally, afterthreelongyears.ButTattersailknewthattherewasmoretocome. Somethinghid,andwaited,inthesilence.Soshewouldwaitaswell.The deathsofthisdaydeservedthatmuchfromherafterall,shehadfailedin alltheotherwaysthatmattered. Ontheplainbelow,thebodiesofMalazansoldierscoveredtheground,a rumpledcarpetofdead.Limbsjuttedupwardhereandthere,ravens perchingonthemlikeoverlords.Soldierswhohadsurvivedtheslaughter wanderedinadazeamongthebodies,seekingfallencomrades.

Tattersail'seyesfollowedthemachingly. 'They'recoming,'saidavoice,adozenfeettoherleft.Slowlysheturned. ThewizardHairlocklaysprawledontheburntarmour,thepateofhis shavedskullreflectingthedullsky.Awaveofsorceryhaddestroyedhim fromthehipsdown.Pink,mudspatteredentrailsbillowedoutfromunder hisribcage,webbedbydryingfluids.Afaintpenumbraofsorceryrevealed hiseffortsatstayingalive. 'Thoughtyouweredead,'Tattersailmuttered. 'Feltluckytoday.' 'Youdon'tlookit.' Hairlock'sgruntreleasedagoutofdarkthickbloodfrombelowhisheart. 'They'recoming,'hesaid.'Seethemyet?' Sheswungherattentiontotheslope,herpaleeyesnarrowing.Four soldiersapproached.'Whoarethey?' Thewizarddidn'tanswer. Tattersailfacedhimagainandfoundhishardgazefixedonher,intentin thewayadyingpersonachievesinthoselastmoments.'Thoughtyou'dtakea wavethroughthegut,huh?Well,Isupposethat'sonewaytogetshippedout ofhere.' Hisreplysurprisedher.'Thetoughfaadeillfitsyou,'Sail.Alwayshas.'He frownedandblinkedrapidly,fightingoffdarkness,shesupposed.'There's alwaystheriskofknowingtoomuch.BegladIsparedyou.'Hesmiled, unveilingredstainedteeth.'Thinknicethoughts.Thefleshfades.' Sheeyedhimsteadily,wonderingathissuddenhumanity.Maybedying didawaywiththeusualgames,thepretencesofthelivingdance. Maybeshejustwasn'tpreparedtoseethemortalmaninHairlockfinally showingitself.Tattersailprisedherarmsfromthedreadful,achinghugshe hadwrappedaroundherself,andsighedshakily.'You'reright.It'snotthe timeforfacades,isit?Ineverlikedyou,Hairlock,butI'dneverquestionyour courageIneverwill.'Shestudiedhimcritically,apartofherastonished thatthehorrorofhiswounddidn'tsomuchasmakeherflinch.'Idon'tthink evenTayschrenn'sartsareenoughtosaveyou,Hairlock.' Somethingcunningflashedinhiseyesandhebarkedapainedlaugh. 'Deargirl,'hegasped,'yournaiveteneverfailstocharmme.' 'Ofcourse,'shesnapped,stungatfallingforhissuddeningenuousness. 'Onelastjokeonme,justforoldtimes'sake.' 'Youmisunderstand' 'Areyousocertain?You'resayingitisn'toveryet.YourhatredofourHigh MageisfierceenoughtoletyouslipHood'scoldgrasp,isthatit?Vengeance frombeyondthegrave?' 'Youmustknowmebynow.Ialwaysarrangeabackdoor.' 'Youcan'tevencrawl.Howdoyouplanongettingtoit?' Thewizardlickedhiscrackedlips.'Partofthedeal,'hesaidsoftly.'The doorcomestome.Comesevenaswespeak.' Uneasecoiledaroundherinsides.Behindher,Tattersailheardthecrunch ofarmourandtherattleofiron,thesoundarrivinglikeacoldwind.She

turnedtoseethefoursoldiersappearonthesummit.Threemen,onewoman, mudsmearedandcrimsonstreaked,theirfacesalmostbonewhite.The sorceressfoundhereyesdrawntothewoman,whohungbacklikean unwelcomeafterthoughtasthethreemenapproached. Thegirlwasyoung,prettyasanicicleandlookingaswarmtothetouch. Somethingwrongthere.Careful. Themanintheleadasergeantbythetorqueonhisarmcameupto Tattersail.Setdeepinalined,exhaustedface,hisdarkgreyeyessearched hersdispassionately.'Thisone?'heasked,turningtothetall,thinblack skinnedmanwhocameupbesidehim. Thismanshookhishead.'No,theonewewantisoverthere,'hesaid. ThoughhespokeMalazan,hisharshaccentwasSevenCities. Thethirdandlastman,alsoblack,slippedpastonthesergeant'sleftand forallhisgirthseemedtoglideforward,hiseyesonHairlock.Hisignoring Tattersailmadeherfeelsomehowslighted.Sheconsideredawellchosen wordortwoashesteppedaroundher,buttheeffortseemedsuddenlytoo much. 'Well,'shesaidtothesergeant,'ifyou'retheburialdetail,you'reearly.He's notdeadyet.Ofcourse,'shecontinued,'you'renottheburialdetail.Iknow that.Hairlock'smadesomekindofdealhe'sthinkinghecansurvivewith halfabody.' Thesergeant'slipsgrewtautbeneathhisgrizzled,wirybeard.'What's yourpoint,Sorceress?' Theblackmanbesidethesergeantglancedbackattheyounggirlstill standingadozenpacesbehindthem.Heseemedtoshiver,buthisleanface wasexpressionlessasheturnedbackandofferedTattersailanenigmatic shrugbeforemovingpasther. Sheshudderedinvoluntarilyaspowerbuffetedhersenses.Shedrewa sharpbreath.He'samage.Tattersailtrackedthemanashejoinedhis comradeatHairlock'sside,strivingtoseethroughthemuckandblood coveringhisuniform.'Whoareyoupeople?' 'Ninthsquad,theSecond.' 'Ninth?'Thebreathhissedfromherteeth.'You'reBridgeburners.'Hereyes narrowedonthebatteredsergeant.'TheNinth.Thatmakesyou Whiskeyjack.' Heseemedtoflinch. Tattersailfoundhermouthdry.Sheclearedherthroat.'I'veheardofyou, ofcourse.I'veheardthe' 'Doesn'tmatter,'heinterrupted,hisvoicegrating.'Oldstoriesgrowlike weeds.' Sherubbedatherface,feelinggrimegatherunderhernails. Bridgeburners.They'dbeentheoldEmperor'selite,hisfavourites,but sinceLaseen'sbloodycoupnineyearsagothey'dbeenpushedhardinto everyrat'snestinsight.Almostadecadeofthishadcutthemdowntoa single,undermanneddivision.Amongthem,nameshademerged.The survivors,mostlysquadsergeants,namesthatpushedtheirwayintothe

MalazanarmiesonGenabackis,andbeyond.Names,spicingthealready sweepinglegendofOnearm'sHost.Detoran,Antsy,Spindle,Whiskeyjack. Namesheavywithgloryandbitterwiththecynicismthateveryarmyfeeds on.Theycarriedwiththemlikeanemblazonedstandardthemadnessofthis unendingcampaign. SergeantWhiskeyjackwasstudyingthewreckageonthehill.Tattersail watchedhimpiecetogetherwhathadhappened.Amuscleinhischeek twitched.Helookedatherwithnewunderstanding,ahintofsoftening behindhisgreyeyesthatalmostbrokeTattersailthenandthere.'Areyouthe lastleftinthecadre?'heasked. Shelookedaway,feelingbrittle.'Thelastleftstanding.Itwasn'tskill, either.justlucky.' Ifheheardherbitternesshegavenosign,fallingsilentashewatchedhis twoSevenCitiessoldierscrouchinglowoverHairlock. Tattersaillickedherlips,shifteduneasily.Sheglancedovertothetwo soldiers.Aquietconversationwasunderway.SheheardHairlocklaugh,the soundasoftjoltthatmadeherwince.'Thetallone,'shesaid.'He'samage, isn'the?' Whiskeyjackgrunted,thensaid,'Hisname'sQuickBen.' 'Nottheonehewasbornwith.' 'No. Sherolledhershouldersagainsttheweightofhercloak,momentarily easingthedullpaininherlowerback.'Ishouldknowhim,Sergeant.That kindofpowergetsnoticed.He'snonovice.' 'No,'Whiskeylackreplied.'Heisn't.' Shefeltherselfgettingangry.'Iwantanexplanation.What'shappening here?' Whiskeyjackgrimaced.'Notmuch,bythelooksofit.'Heraisedhisvoice. 'QuickBen!' Themagelookedover.'Somelastminutenegotiations,Sergeant,'hesaid, flashingawhitegrin. 'Hood'sBreath.'Tattersailsighed,turningaway.Thegirl,shesaw,still stoodatthehill'screstandseemedtobestudyingtheMoranthcolumns passingintothecity.AsifsensingTattersail'sattention,herheadsnapped around.Herexpressionstartledthesorceress.Tattersailpulledhereyes away.'Isthiswhat'sleftofyoursquad,Sergeant?Twodesertmaraudersand abloodhungryrecruit?' Whiskeyjack'stonewasflat:'Ihavesevenleft.' 'Thismorning?' 'Fifteen.' Something'swronghere.Feelinganeedtosaysomething,shesaid,'Better thanmost.'Shecursedsilentlyastheblooddrainedfromthesergeant'sface. 'Still,'sheadded,'I'msuretheyweregoodmen,theonesyoulost.' 'Goodatdying,'hesaid. Thebrutalityofhiswordsshockedher.Mentallyreeling,shesqueezed shuthereyes,fightingbacktearsofbewildermentandfrustration.Toomuch

hashappened.I'mnotreadyforthis.I'mnotreadyforWhiskeyjack,aman bucklingunderhisownlegend,amanwho'sclimbedmorethanone mountainofthedeadinservicetotheEmpire. TheBridgeburnershadn'tshownthemselvesmuchoverthepastthree years.Sincethesiegebegan,they'dbeenassignedthetaskofundermining Pale'smassive,ancientwalls.Thatorderhadcomestraightfromthecapital, anditwaseitheracrueljokeortheproductofappallingignorance:the wholevalleywasaglacialdump,arockpilepluggingacrevicethatreached sofarundergroundevenTattersail'smageshadtroublefindingitsbottom. They'vebeenundergroundthreeyearsrunning.Whenwasthelasttimethey sawthesun? Tattersailstiffenedsuddenly.'Sergeant.'Sheopenedhereyestohim. 'You'vebeeninyourtunnelssincethismorning?' Withsinkingunderstanding,shewatchedanguishflitacrosstheman'sface. 'Whattunnels?'hesaidsoftly,thenmovedtostridepasther. Shereachedoutandclosedherhandonhisarm.Ashockseemedtorun throughhim.'Whiskeyjack,'shewhispered,'you'veguessedasmuch. Aboutaboutme,aboutwhathappenedhereonthishill,allthesesoldiers.' Shehesitated,thensaid,'Failure'ssomethingweshare.I'msorry.' Hepulledaway,eyesaverted.'Don'tbe,Sorceress.'Hemethergaze. 'Regret'snotsomethingwecanafford.' Shewatchedhimwalktohissoldiers. Ayoungwoman'svoicespokedirectlybehindTattersail.'Wenumbered fourteenhundredthismorning,Sorceress.' Tattersailturned.Atthiscloserange,shesawthatthegirlcouldn'tbemore thanfifteenyearsold.Theexceptionwashereyes,whichheldthedullglintof weatheredonyxtheylookedancient,everyemotionerodedawayinto extinction.'Andnow?' Thegirl'sshrugwasalmostcareless.'Thirty,maybethirtyfive.Fourofthe fivetunnelsfellincompletely.Wewereinthefifthanddugourwayout. FiddlerandHedgeareworkingontheothers,buttheyfigureeverybody else'sbeenburiedforgood.Theytriedtoroundupsomehelp.'Acold, knowingsmilespreadacrosshermudstreakedface.'Butyourmaster,the HighMage,stoppedthem.' 'Tayschrenndidwhat?Why?' Thegirlfrowned,asifdisappointed.Thenshesimplywalkedaway, stoppingatthehill'screstandfacingthecityagain. Tattersailstaredafterher.Thegirlhadthrownthatlaststatementatheras ifhuntingforsomeparticularresponse.Complicity?Inanycase,acleanmiss. Tayschrenn'snotmakinganyfriends.Good.Thedayhadbeenadisaster,and theblamefellsquarelyattheHighMage'sfeet.ShestaredatPale,thenlifted hergazetothesmokefilledskyaboveit. Thatmassive,loomingshapeshehadgreetedeverymorningforthelast threeyearswasindeedgone.Shestillhadtroublebelievingit,despitethe evidenceofhereyes.'Youwarnedus,'shewhisperedtotheemptysky,asthe memoriesofthemorningreturned.'Youwarnedus,didn'tyou?'

She'dbeensleepingwithCalotthepastfourmonths:alittlediversionary pleasuretoeasetheboredomofasiegethatwasn'tgoinganywhere.Atleast, thatwashowsheexplainedtoherselftheirunprofessionalconduct. Itwasmorethanthat,ofcourse,muchmore.Butbeinghonestwithherself hadneverbeenoneofTattersail'sstrengths. Themagicalsummons,whenitcame,awakenedherbeforeCalot.The mage'ssmallbutwellproportionedbodywassnuginthemanysoftpillows ofherflesh.Sheopenedhereyestofindhimclingingtoherlikeachild.Then he,too,sensedthecallingandawoketohersmile. 'Hairlock?'heasked,shiveringasheclimbedoutfromundertheblankets. Tattersailgrimaced.'Whoelse?Themanneversleeps.' 'Whatnow,Iwonder?'Hestood,lookingaroundforhistunic. Shewaswatchinghim.Hewassothin,makingthemanoddcombination. Throughthefaintdawnlightseepingthroughthecanvastentwalls,thesharp, bonyanglesofhisbodylookedsoft,almostchildlike. Foramanacenturyold,hecarrieditwell.'Hairlock'sbeenrunning errandsforDujek,'shesaid.'It'sprobablyjustanupdate.' Calotgruntedashepulledonhisboots.'That'swhatyougetfortaking commandofthecadre,'Sail.Anyway,itwaseasiersalutingNedurian,letme tellyou.WheneverIlookatyou,Ijustwantto' 'Sticktobusiness,Calot,'Tattersail.said,meaningitwithhumourthoughit cameoutwithenoughofanedgetomakeCalotglanceathersharply. 'Somethingup?'heaskedquietly,theoldfrownfindingitsfamiliarlineson hishighforehead. ThoughtI'dgotridofthose.Tattersailsighed.'Can'ttell,exceptthat Hairlock'scontactedbothofus.Ifitwasjustareport,you'dstillbeIn growingtensiontheyfinisheddressinginsilence.Lessthananhourlater Calotwouldbeincineratedbeneathawaveofbluefire,andravenswouldbe answeringTattersail'sdespairingscream.But,forthemoment,thetwo mageswerereadyingthemselvesforanunscheduledgatheringatHighFist DujekOnearm'scommandtent. InthemuddypathbeyondCalot'stent,soldiersofthelastwatchhuddled aroundbraziersfilledwithburninghorsedung,holdingouthandstotheheat. Fewwalkedthepathways,thehourstilltooearly. Rowuponrowofgreytentsclimbedthehillsoverlookingtheplainthat surroundedthecityofPale.Regimentalstandardsruffledsullenlyinafaint breezethewindhadturnedsincelastnight,carryingtoTattersailthe stenchofthelatrinetrenches.Overheadtheremaininghandfulofstars dimmedintoinsignificanceinthelighteningsky.Theworldseemedalmost peaceful. Drawinghercloakagainstthechill,Tattersailpausedoutsidethetentand turnedtostudytheenormousmountainhangingsuspendedaquartermile abovethecityofPale.ShescannedthebatteredfaceofMoon'sSpawnits nameforaslongasshecouldremember.Raggedasablackenedtooth,the basaltfortresswashometothemostpowerfulenemytheMalazanEmpire hadeverfaced.Highabovetheearth,Moon'sSpawncouldnotbebreached

bysiege.EvenLaseen'sownundeadarmy,theT'lanImass,whotravelledas easilyasdustonthewind,wereunable,orunwilling,topenetrateitsmagical defences. Pale'swizardshadfoundapowerfulally.Tattersailrecalledthatthe EmpirehadlockedhornswiththeMoon'smysteriouslordoncebefore,inthe daysoftheEmperor.Thingshadthreatenedtogetugly,butthenMoon's Spawnwithdrewfromthegame.Noonestilllivingknewwhyjustoneof thethousandsecretstheEmperortookwithhimtohiswaterygrave. TheMoon'sreappearancehereonGenabackishadbeenasurprise. Andthistime,therewasnolastminutereprieve.Ahalfdozenlegionsof thesorcerousTisteAnddescendedfromMoon'sSpawn,andunderthe commandofawarlordnamedCaladanBroodtheyjoinedforceswiththe CrimsonGuardmercenaries.Together,thetwoarmiesproceededtodrive backtheMalaz5thArmy,whichhadbeenpushingeastwardalongthe northernedgeofRhiviPlain.Forthepastfouryearsthebattered5thhad beenboggeddowninBlackdogForest,forcingthemtomakeastandagainst BroodandtheCrimsonGuard.Itwasastandfastbecomingadeathsentence. But,clearly,CaladanBroodandtheTisteAndweren'ttheonly inhabitantsofMoon'sSpawn.Anunseenlordremainedincommandofthe fortress,bringingithereandsealingapactwithPale'sformidablewizards. Tattersail'scadrehadlittlehopeofmagicallychallengingsuchopposition. Sothesiegehadgroundtoahalt,withtheexceptionoftheBridgeburners whoneverrelaxedtheirstubborneffortstounderminethecity'sancient walls. Stay,sheprayedtoMoon'sSpawn.Turnyourfaceendlessly,andkeepthe smellofblood,thescreamsofthedyingfromsettlingonthisland. Waitforustoblinkfirst. Calotwaitedbesideher.Hesaidnothing,understandingtheritualthishad become.ItwasoneofthemanyreasonswhyTattersaillovedtheman.Asa friend,ofcourse.Nothingserious,nothingfrighteningintheloveforafriend. 'IsenseimpatienceinHairlock,'Calotmurmuredbesideher. Shesighed.'Ido,too.That'swhyI'mreluctant.' 'Iknow,butwecan'tdallytoolong,'Sail.'Hegrinnedmischievously.'Bad form.' 'Hmmm,can'thavethemjumpingtoconclusions,canwe?' 'Theywouldn'thavetojumpveryfar.Anyway,'hissmilefalteredslightly, 'let'sgetgoing.' Afewminuteslatertheyarrivedatthecommandtent.Thelonemarine standingguardattheflapseemednervousashesalutedthetwomages. Tattersailpausedandsearchedhiseyes.'SeventhRegiment?' Avoidinghergaze,theguardnodded.'Yes,Sorceress.ThirdSquad.' 'Thoughtyoulookedfamiliar.GivemyregardstoSergeantRusty.'She steppedcloser.'Somethingintheair,soldier?' Heblinked.'Highintheair,Sorceress.Highastheycome.' TattersailglancedatCalot,whohadpausedatthetentflap.Calotpuffed outhischeeks,makingacomicalface.'ThoughtIsmelledhim.'

Shewincedatthisconfirmation.Theguard,shesaw,wassweatingunder hisironhelmet.'Thanksforthewarning,soldier.' 'Alwaysaneventrade,Sorceress.'Themansnappedasecondsalute,this onesharper,andinitswaymorepersonal.Yearsandyearsofthis. InsistingI'mfamilytothem,oneofthe2ndArmytheoldestintactforce, oneoftheEmperor'sown.Alwaysaneventrade,Sorceress.Saveourskins, we'llsaveyours.Family,afterall.Why,then,doIalwaysfeelsoestranged fromthem?Tattersailreturnedthesalute. Theyenteredthecommandtent.Shesensedimmediatelythepresenceof power,whatCalotcalledsmell.Itmadehiseyeswater.Itgaveheramigraine headache.Thisparticularemanationwasapowersheknewwell,anditwas anathematoherown.Whichmadetheheadachesalltheworse. Insidethetent,lanternscastadimsmokylightonthedozenorsowooden chairsinthefirstcompartment.Acamptableofftoonesideheldatin pitcherofwateredwineandsixtarnishedcupsthatglistenedwithdroplets ofcondensation. Calotmutteredbesideher,'Hood'sBreath,'Sail,Ihatethis.' Ashereyesadjustedtothegloom,Tattersailsaw,throughtheopeningthat ledintothetent'ssecondcompartment,afamiliarrobedfigure.Heleaned withlongfingeredhandsonDujek'smaptable.Hismagentacloakrippled likewaterthoughheremainedmotionless.'Oh,reallynow,'Tattersail whispered. 'Justmythought,'Calotsaid,wipinghiseyes. 'Doyouthink,'shesaid,astheytooktheirseats,'it'sastudiedpose?' Calotgrinned.'Absolutely.Laseen'sHighMagecouldn'treadabattlemapif hislifedependedonit.' 'Solongasourlivesdon'tdependonit.' Avoicespokefromachairnearthem,'Todaywework.' Tattersailscowledatthepreternaturaldarknessenwreathingthechair. 'You'reasbadasTayschrenn,Hairlock.AndbegladIdidn'tdecidetositin thatchair.' Dully,arowofyellowteethappeared,thentherestofthemagetookshape asHairlockrelinquishedthespell.Beadsofsweatmarkedtheman'sflat, scarredbrowandshavedpatenothingunusualthere: Hairlockwouldsweatinanicepit.Heheldhisheadatanangle,achieving inhisexpressionsomethinglikesmugdetachmentcombinedwithcontempt. HefixedhissmalldarkeyesonTattersail.'Yourememberwork,don'tyou?' Hissmilebroadened,furtherflatteninghismashed,misalignednose.'It's whatyouweredoingbeforeyoustartedrollinginthesackwithdearCalot here.Beforeyouwentsoft.' Tattersaildrewbreathforaretort,butwasinterruptedbyCalot'sslow, easydrawl.'Lonely,Hairlock?ShouldItellyouthatthecampfollowers demanddoublethecoinfromyou?'Hewavedahand,asifclearingaway unsavourythoughts.'Thesimplefactis,DujekchoseTattersailtocommand thecadreafterNedurian'suntimelydemiseatMottWood.Youmaynotlikeit, butthat'sjusttoobad.It'sthepriceyoupayforambivalence.'

Hairlockreacheddownandbrushedaspeckofdirtfromhissatinslippers, whichhad,improbably,escapedunmarredthemuddystreetsoutside.'Blind faith,dearcomrades,isforfools' Hewasinterruptedbythetentflapswishingaside.HighFistDujek Onearmentered,thesoapofhismorningshavestillclottingthehairinhis ears,thesmellofcinnamonwaterwaftingafterhim. Overtheyears,Tattersailhadcometoattachmuchtothataroma. Security,stability,sanity.DujekOnearmrepresentedallthosethings,and notjusttoherbuttothearmythatfoughtforhim.Ashestoppednowinthe centreoftheroomandsurveyedthethreemages,sheleanedbackslightly and,fromunderheavylids,studiedtheHighFist.Threeyearsofenforced passivityinthissiegeseemedtohaveactedlikeatonicontheageingman.He lookedmorelikefiftyratherthanhisseventynineyears.Hisgreyeyes remainedsharpandunyieldinginhistanned,leanface.Hestoodstraight, whichmadehimseemtallerthanhisfiveandahalffeet,wearingsimple, unadornedleathers,stainedasmuchbysweatasbytheImperialmagenta dye.Thestumpofhisleftarm,justbelowtheshoulder,waswrappedin leatherstrips.Hishairychalkwhitecalveswerevisiblebetweenthe sharkskinstrapsoftheNapansandals. CalotwithdrewahandkerchieffromhissleeveandtossedittoDujek. TheHighMagesnaggedit.'Again?Damnthatbarber,'hegrowled,wiping thesoapfromhisjawandears.'Iswearhedoesitonpurpose.' HeballedthehandkerchiefandflungitontoCalot'slap.'Now,we'reall here.Good.Regularbusinessfirst.Hairlock,youfinishedjawingwiththe boysbelow?' Hairlockstifledayawn.'SomesappernamedFiddlertookmein,showed mearound.'Hepausedtoplucklintfromhisbrocadedsleeve,thenmet Dujek'seyes.'Givethemsixorsevenyearsandtheymighthavereachedthe citywallsbythen.' 'It'spointless,'Tattersailsaid,'whichiswhatIputinmyreport.'She squintedupatDujek.'AssumingitevermadeittotheImperialCourt.' 'Camel'sstillswimming,'Calotsaid. Dujekgruntedascloseasheevergottolaughing.'Allright,cadre,listen carefully.Twothings.'Afaintscowlcrossedhisscarredfeatures. 'One,theEmpresshassentaClaw.They'reinthecity,huntingdownPale's wizards.' AchilldancedupTattersail'sspine.NoonelikedhavingtheClawsaround. ThoseImperialassassinsLaseen'sfavouredweaponkepttheirpoisoned daggerssharpforanyoneandeveryone,Malazansincluded. ItseemedCalotwasthinkingthesamething,forhesatupsharply.'If they'rehereforanyotherreason' 'They'llhavetocomethroughmefirst,'Dujeksaid,hislonehandreaching downtorestonthepommelofhislongsword. Hehasanaudience,thereintheotherroom.He'stellingtheman commandingtheClawhowthingsstand.Shedunulblesshim. Hairlockspoke.'They'llgotoground.They'rewizards,notidiots.'

ItwasamomentbeforeTattersailunderstoodtheman'scomment.Oh, right.Pale'swizards. DujekglanceddownatHairlock,gauging,thenhenodded.'Two,we're attackingMoon'sSpawntoday.' Intheothercompartment,HighMageTayschrennturnedatthesewords andapproachedslowly.Withinhishoodabroadsmilecreasedhisdarkface, amomentarycrackingofseamlessfeatures.Thesmilepassedquickly,the agelessskinbecomingsmoothonceagain.'Hello,mycolleagues,'hesaid, drollandmenacingallatonce. Hairlocksnorted.'Keepthemelodramatoaminimum,Tayschrenn,and we'llallbehappier.' IgnoringHairlock'scomment,theHighMagecontinued,'TheEmpresshas lostherpatiencewithMoon'sSpawn' Dujekcockedhisheadandinterrupted,hisvoicesoftlygrating.'The Empressisscaredenoughtohitfirstandhithard.Tellitplain,Magicker.This isyourfrontlineyou'retalkingtohere.Showsomerespect,dammit.' TheHighMageshrugged.'Ofcourse,HighFist.'Hefacedthecadre. 'Yourgroup,myselfandthreeotherHighMageswillstrikeMoon'sSpawn withinthehour.TheNorthCampaignhasdrawnmostoftheedifice's inhabitantsaway.WebelievethattheMoon'slordisalone.Foralmostthree yearshismerepresencehasbeenenoughtoholdusincheck.Thismorning, mycolleagues,wewilltestthislord'smettle.' 'Andhopetohellhe'sbeenbluffingallthistime,'Dujekadded,ascowl deepeningthelinesonhisforehead.'Anyquestions?' 'HowsooncanIgetatransfer?'Calotasked. Tattersailclearedherthroat.'WhatdoweknowabouttheLordofMoon's Spawn?' 'Scantlittle,I'mafraid,'Tayschrennsaid,hiseyesveiled.'ATisteAnd,for certain.Anarchmage.' Hairlockleanedforwardanddeliberatelyspatatthefloorinfrontof Tayschrenn.'TisteAnd,HighMage?Ithinkwecanbealittlemorespecific thanthat,don'tyou?' Tattersail'smigraineworsened.Sherealizedshewasholdingherbreath, slowlyforceditoutasshegaugedTayschrenn'sreactiontotheman's wordsandtothetraditionalSevenCitieschallenge. 'Anarchmage,'Tayschrennrepeated.'PerhapstheArchmageoftheTiste And.DearHairlock,'headded,hisvoiceloweringanotch,'yourprimitive tribalgesturesremainquaint,ifsomewhattasteless.' Hairlockbaredhisteeth.'TheTisteAndareMotherDark'sfirstchildren. You'vefeltthetremorsthroughtheWarrensofSorcery,Tayschrenn.Sohave I.AskDujekaboutthereportscomingdownfromtheNorthCampaign.Elder magicKuraldGalain.TheLordofMoon'sSpawnistheMasterArchmage youknowhisnameaswellasIdo.' 'Iknownothingofthesort,'theHighMagesnapped,losinghiscalmatlast. 'Perhapsyou'dcaretoenlightenus,Hairlock,andthenIcanbegininquiries astoyoursources.'

'Ahh!'Hairlockboltedforwardinhischair,aneagermaliceinhistautface. 'AthreatfromtheHighMage.Nowwe'regettingsomewhere.Answermethis, then.WhyonlythreeotherHighMages?We'vehardlybeenthinnedoutthat badly.More,whydidn'twedothistwoyearsago?' WhateverwasbuildingbetweenHairlockandTayschrennwasinterrupted byDujek,whogrowledwordlessly,thensaid,'We'redesperate,mage.The NorthCampaignhasgonesour.TheFifthisdamnneargone,andwon'tbe gettinganyreinforcementsuntilnextspring.Thepointis,theMoon'slord couldhavehisarmybackanydaynow.Idon'twanttohavetosendyouup againstanarmyofTisteAnd,andIsureashelldon'twanttheSecond havingtoshowtwofrontswitharelievingforcecomingdownonthem.Bad tactics,andwhoeverthisCaladanBroodis,he'sshownhimselfadeptat makinguspayforourmistakes.' 'CaladanBrood,'Calotmurmured.'IswearI'veheardthatname somewherebefore.OddthatI'venevergivenitmuchthought.' Tattersail'seyesnarrowedonTayschrenn.Calotwasright:thenameofthe mancommandingtheTisteAndalongsidetheCrimsonGuarddidsound familiarbutinanoldway,echoingancientlegends,perhaps,orsomeepic poem. TheHighMagemethergaze,flatand,calculating.'Theneed,'hesaid, turningtotheothers,'forjustificationshaspassed.TheEmpresshas commanded,andwemustobey.' Hairlocksnortedasecondtime.'Speakingoftwistingarms,'hesatback, stillsmilingcontemptuouslyatTayschrenn,'rememberhowweplayedcat andmouseatAren?Thisplanhasyourstinkonit.You'vebeenitchingfora chancelikethisforalongtime.'Hisgrinturnedsavage.'Who,then,arethe otherthreeHighMages?Letmeguess' 'Enough!'TayschrennsteppedclosetoHairlock,whowentverystill,eyes glittering. Thelanternshaddimmed.Calotusedthehandkerchiefinhislaptowipe tearsfromhischeeks. Power,oh,damn,mybeadfeelsreadytocrackwideopen. 'Verywell,'Hairlockwhispered,'let'slayitoutonthetable.I'msurethe HighFistwillappreciateyouputtingallhissuspicionsintheproperorder. Makeitplain,oldfriend.' TattersailglancedatDujek.Thecommander'sfacehadclosedup,hissharp eyesnarrowandfixedonTayschrenn.Hewasdoingsomehardthinking. Calotleanedagainsther.'Whatthehell'sgoingon,'Sail?' 'Noidea,'shewhispered,'butit'sheatingupnicely.'Thoughshe'dmade hercommentlight,hermindwaswhirlingaroundacoldknotoffear. HairlockhadbeenwiththeEmpirelongerthanshehadorCalot. He'dbeenamongthesorcererswho'dfoughtagainsttheMalazansin SevenCities,beforeArenfellandtheHolyFalah'dwerescattered,beforehe'd beengiventhechoiceofdeathorservicetothenewmasters.He'djoinedthe 2nd'scadreatPan'potsunlikeDujekhimselfhe'dbeenthere,withthe Emperor'soldguard,whenthefirstvipersofusurpationhadstirred,theday

theEmpire'sFirstSwordwasbetrayedandbrutallymurdered.Hairlock knewsomething.Butwhat? 'Allright,'Dujekdrawled,'we'vegotworktodo.Let'sgetatit.' Tattersailsighed.OldOnearm'swaywithwords.Sheswungalookonthe man.Sheknewhimwell,notasafriendDujekdidn'tmakefriendsbutas thebestmilitarymindleftintheEmpire.If,asHairlockhadjustimplied,the HighFistwasbeingbetrayedbysomeone,somewhere,andifTayschrenn waspartofitwe'reabentbough,CalothadoncesaidofOnearm'sHost,and bewaretheEmpirewhenitbreaks.SevenCities'soldiery,theclosetedgbosts oftheconqueredbutunconquerable Tayschrenngesturedtoherandtotheothermages.Tattersailrose,asdid Calot.Hairlockremainedseated,eyesclosedasifasleep. CalotsaidtoDujek,'Aboutthattransfer.' 'Later,'theHighFistgrunted.'Paperwork'sanightmarewhenyou'veonly gotonearm.'Hesurveyedhiscadreandwasabouttoaddsomethingbut Calotspokefirst. 'Anomandaris.' Hairlock'seyessnappedopen,foundTayschrennwithbrightpleasure. 'Ahhh,'hesaid,intothesilencefollowingCalot'ssinglepronouncement. 'Ofcourse.ThreemoreHighMages?Onlythree?' TattersailstaredatDujek'spale,stillface.'Thepoem,'shesaidquietly.'I remembernow."CaladanBrood,themenhiredone,winterbearing, barrowedandsorrowless."' Calotpickedupthenextlines. '"...inatombbereavedofwords,andinhishandsthathavecrushed anvils"' Tattersailcontinued,'"thehammerofhissong helivesasleep,sogivesilentwarningtoallwakehimnot. Wakehimnot."' EveryoneinthecompartmentwasstaringatTattersail.nowasherlast wordsfellaway.'He'sawake,itseems,'shesaid,hermouthdry. "'Anomandaris",theepicpoembyFisherKeltath.' 'Thepoem'snotaboutCaladanBrood,'Dujeksaid,frowning. 'No,'sheagreed.'It'smostlyabouthiscompanion.' Hairlockclimbedslowlytohisfeet.HesteppedclosetoTayschrenn. 'AnomanderRake,LordoftheTisteAnd,whoarethesoulsofStarless Night.Rake,theManeofChaos.That'swhotheMoon'slordis,andyou're pittingfourHighMagesandasinglecadreagainsthim.' Tayschrenn'ssmoothfaceheldthefaintestsheenofsweatnow.'TheTiste And,'hesaid,inanevenvoice,'arenotlikeus.Toyoutheymayseem unpredictable,buttheyaren't.Justdifferent.Theyhavenocauseoftheirown. Theysimplymovefromonehumandramatothenext.Doyouactuallythink AnomanderRakewillstayandfight?' 'HasCaladanBroodbackedaway?'Hairlocksnapped. 'HeisnotTisteAnd,Hairlock.He'shumansomesaywithBarghast blood,butnonethelesshesharesnothingofElderblood,oritsways.'

Tattersailsaid,'You'recountingonRakebetrayingPale'swizards betrayingthepactmadebetweenthem.' 'Theriskisnotasoverreachingasitmayseem,'theHighMagesaid. 'BellurdanhasdonetheresearchinGenabaris,Sorceress.Somenewscrolls ofGothos'FollywerediscoveredinamountainfastnessbeyondBlackdog Forest.AmongthewritingsarediscussionsoftheTisteAnd,andother peoplesfromtheElderAge.Andremember,Moon'sSpawnhasretreated fromadirectconfrontationwiththeEmpirebefore.' ThewavesoffearsweepingthroughTattersailmadeherkneesweak. Shesatdownagain,heavilyenoughtomakethecampchaircreak. 'You'vecondemnedustodeath,'shesaid,'ifyourgambleproveswrong. Notjustus,HighMage,allofOnearm'sHost.' Tayschrernnswungroundslowly,puttinghisbacktoHairlockandthe others.'EmpressLaseen'sorders,'hesaid,withoutturning.'Ourcolleagues comebyWarren.Whentheyarrive,Iwilldetailthepositioning.Thatisall.' Hestrodeintothemaproom,resumedhisoriginalstance. DujekseemedtohaveagedinfrontofTattersail'seyes.Swiftlysheslidher glancefromhim,tooanguishedtomeettheabandonmentinhiseyes,andthe suspicioncurdlingbeneathitssurface.Cowardthat'swhatyouare,woman. Acoward. FinallytheHighFistclearedhisthroat.'PrepareyourWarrens,cadre.As usual,alwaysaneventrade.' GivetheHighMagecredit,Tattersailthought.TherewasTayschrenn, standingonthefirsthill,almostinsidetheMoon'sshadow.Theyhadarrayed themselvesintothreegroups,eachtakingahilltopontheplainoutsidePale's walls.Thecadre'swasmostdistant,Tayschrenn'stheclosest.Onthecentre hillstoodthethreeotherHighMages.Tattersailknewthemall.Nightchill, ravenhaired,tall,imperiousandwithacruelstreaktheoldEmperorusedto droolover.Athersideherlifelongcompanion,Bellurdan,skullcrusher,a ThelomengiantwhowouldtesthisprodigiousstrengthagainsttheMoon's portal,shoulditcometothat. AndNKaronys,firewielder,shortandround,hisburningstafftallerthana spear. The2ndand6thArmieshadformedranksontheplain,weaponsbared andawaitingthecalltomarchonthecitywhenthetimecame. Seventhousandveteransandfourthousandrecruits.TheBlackMoranth legionslinedtheridgetothewestaquartermiledistant. Nowindstirredthemiddayair.Bitingmidgesrovedinvisibleclouds throughthesoldierswaitingbelow.Theskywasovercast,thecloudcover thinbutabsolute. Tattersailstoodonthehill'screst,sweatrunningdownunderherclothing, andwatchedthesoldiersontheplainbeforefacinghermeagrecadre.Atfull strength,sixmagesshouldhavebeenarrayedbehindher,buttherewere onlytwo.OfftoonesideHairlockwaited,wrappedinthedarkgreyraincloak thatwashisbattleattirelookingsmug. CalotnudgedTattersailandjerkedhisheadtowardsHairlock.'What'she

sohappyabout?' 'Hairlock,'Tattersailcalled.Themanswunghishead.'Wereyouright aboutthethreeHighMages?' Hesmiled,thenturnedawayagain. 'Ihateitwhenhe'shidingsomething,'Calotsaid. Thesorceressgrunted.'He'saddedsomethingup,allright.What'sso particularaboutNightchill,BellurdanandNKaronys?WhydidTayschrenn pickthemandhowdidHairlockknowhe'dpickthem?' 'Questions,questions,'Calotsighed.'Allthreeareoldhandsatthiskindof stuff.BackinthedaysoftheEmperortheyeachcommandedacompanyof AdeptswhentheEmpirehadenoughmagesintherankstoformactual companies.NKaronysclimbedthroughtheranksintheFalariCampaign,and BellurdanandNightchillwerefrombeforeeventhencamedownfrom FennontheQuonmainlandduringtheunificationwars.' 'Alloldhands,'Tattersailmused,'asyousaid.Nonehavebeenactivelately, havethey?TheirlastcampaignwasSevenCities' 'WhereNKaronystookabeatinginthePan'potsunWastes' 'HewaslefthangingtheEmperorhadjustbeenassassinated.Everything waschaotic.TheT'lanImassrefusedtoacknowledgethenewEmpress, marchedthemselvesoffintotheJhagOdhan.' 'Rumourhasitthey'reback,athalfstrengthwhatevertheyranintoout therewasn'tpleasant.' Tattersailnodded.'NightchillandBellurdanweretoldtoreporttoNathilog, leftsittingontheirhandsforthepastsix,sevenyears' 'UntilTayschrennsenttheThelomenofftoGenabaris,tostudyapileof ancientscrolls,ofallthings.' 'I'mfrightened,'Tattersailadmitted.'Veryfrightened.DidyouseeDujek's face?Heknewsomethingarealization,andithithimlikeadaggerinthe back.' 'Timetowork,'Hairlockcalled. CalotandTattersailswungaround. Ashiverranthroughher.Moon'sSpawnhadbeenrevolvingsteadilyfor thelastthreeyears.Ithadjuststopped.Nearitsverytop,onthesidefacing them,wasasmallledge,andashadowedrecesshadappeared.Aportal.No movementshowedyet.'Heknows,'shewhispered. 'Andheisn'trunning,'Calotadded. Downonthefirsthill,HighMageTayschrennroseandliftedhisarmsout tothesides.Awaveofgoldenflamespannedhishands,thenrolledupward, growingasitracedtowardsMoon'sSpawn.Thespellcrashedagainstthe blackrock,sendingchunkshurtlingout,thendown.Arainofdeath descendedintothecityofPale,andamongtheMalazanlegionswaitinginthe plain. 'It'sbegun,'Calotbreathed. SilenceansweredTayschrenn'sfirstattack,saveforthefaintscatterof rubbleonthecity'stiledrooftopsandthedistantcriesofwoundedsoldiers ontheplain.Everyone'seyesweretrainedupward.

Thereplywasnotwhatanyoneexpected. AblackcloudenshroudedMoon'sSpawn,followedbyfaintshrieking. Amomentlaterthecloudspreadout,fragmenting,andTattersailrealized whatshewasseeing. Ravens. ThousandsuponthousandsofGreatRavens.Theymusthavenested amongthecragsandpocksintheMoon'ssurface.Theirshrieksgrewmore defined,acaterwaulofoutrage.TheywheeledoutfromtheMoon,their fifteenfootwingspanscatchingthewindandliftingthemhighabovethecity andplain. FearlurchedintoterrorinTattersail'sheart. Hairlockbarkedalaughandwhirledtothem.'ThesearetheMoon's messengers,colleagues!'Madnessglitteredinhiseyes.'Thesecarrionbirds!' Heflungbackhiscloakandraisedhisarms.'Imaginealordwho'skeptthirty thousandGreatRavenswellfed!' Afigurehadappearedontheledgebeforetheportal,itsarmsupraised, longsilverhairblowingfromitshead. ManeofChaos.AnomanderRake.LordoftheblackskinnedTisteAnd, whohaslookeddownonahundredthousandwinters,whohastastedthe bloodofdragons,wholeadsthelastofhiskind,seatedintheThroneof Sorrowandakingdomtragicandfeyakingdomwithnolandtocallitsown. AnomanderRakelookedtinyagainstthebackdropofhisedifice,almost insubstantialatthisdistance.Theillusionwasabouttobeshattered.She gaspedastheauraofhispowerbloomedoutwardtoseeitatsucha distance'ChannelyourWarrens,'Tattersailcommanded,hervoicecracking. 'Now!' EvenasRakegatheredhispower,twinballsofbluefireracedupward fromthecentrehill.TheystrucktheMoonnearitsbaseandrockedit. Tayschrennlaunchedanotherwaveofgildenflames,crashingwithamber spumeandredtonguedsmoke. TheMoon'slordresponded.Ablack,writhingwaverolleddowntothefirst hill.TheHighMagewasbuffetedtohiskneesdeflectingit,thehilltoparound himblightedasthenecrouspowerrolleddowntheslopes,engulfingnearby ranksofsoldiers.Tattersailwatchedasamidnightflashswallowedthe haplessmen,followedbyathumpthatthunderedthroughtheearth.When theflashdissipated,thesoldierslayinrottingheaps,mowndownlikestalks ofgrain. KuraldGalainsorcery.Eldermagic,theBreathofChaos. Herbreathscomingfastandtightinherchest,TattersailfeltherThyr Warrenflowintoher.Sheshapedit,mutteringchainwordsunderherbreath, thenunleashedthepower.Calotfollowed,drawingfromhisMockraWarren. Hairlocksurroundedhimselfinhisownmysterioussource,andthecadre enteredthefray. EverythingnarroweddownforTattersailfromthenon,yetapartofher mindremaineddistant,heldonaleashofterror,observingwithakindof muffledvisionallthathappenedaroundher.

Theworldbecamealivingnightmare,assorceryflewupwardtobatter Moon'sSpawn,andsorceryraineddownward,indiscriminateand devastating.Earthroseskywardinthunderingcolumns.Rocksripped throughmenlikehotstonesthroughsnow.Adownpourofashdescendedto coverthelivinganddeadalike.Theskydimmedtopallidrose,thesuna copperydiscbehindthehaze. ShesawawavesweeppastHairlock'sdefences,cuttinghiminhalf. Hishowlwasmoreragethanpain,instantlymutedasvirulentpower washedoverTattersailandshefoundherowndefencesassailedbythe sorcery'scold,screamingwillasitsoughttodestroyher.Shereeledback, broughtupshortbyCalotasheaddedhisMockrapowertobolsterher falteringparries.Thentheassaultpassed,sweepingonanddownthehillto theirleft. Tattersailhadfallentoherknees.Calotstoodoverher,chainingwordsof poweraroundher,hisfaceturnedawayfromMoon'sSpawn,fixedon somethingorsomeonedownbelowontheplain.Hiseyeswerewidewith terror. ToolateTattersailunderstoodwhatwashappening.Calotwasdefending herathisownexpense.Afinalact,evenashewatchedhisowndeatherupt aroundhim.Ablastofbrightfireengulfedhim.Abruptlythenetofprotection overTattersailvanished.AwashofcracklingheatfromwhereCalothad stoodsenthertumblingtooneside.Shefeltmorethanheardherownshriek, andhersenseofdistanceclosedinthen,alayerofmentaldefenceobliterated. Spittingdirtandashes,Tattersailclimbedtoherfeetandfoughton,no longerlaunchingattacksjuststrugglingtoremainalive.Somewhereinthe backofherheadavoicewasscreaming,urgent,panicked.Calothadfacedthe plainnotMoon'sSpawnhe'dfacedright!Hairlockhadbeenstruckfromthe plain! ShewatchedasaKenryll'ahdemonarosebeneathNightchill. Laughingshrilly,thetowering,gauntcreaturetoreNightchilllimbfrom limb.IthadbegunfeedingbythetimeBellurdanarrived.TheThelomen bellowedasthedemonrakeditsknifeliketalonsagainsthischest. Ignoringthewoundsandthebloodthatsprayedfromthem,heclosedhis handsaroundthedemon'sheadandcrushedit. NKaronysunleashedgoutsofflamefromthestaffinhishandsuntilMoon's Spawnalmostdisappearedinsideaballoffire.Thenetherealwingsofice closedaroundtheshort,fatwizard,freezinghimwherehestood.Aninstant laterhewascrushedtodust. MagicrainedinanendlessstormaroundTayschrenn,wherehestillknelt onthewithered,blackenedhilltop.Buteverywavedirectedhiswayhe shuntedaside,wreakingdevastationamongthesoldierscoweringonthe plain.Throughthecarnagefillingtheair,throughtheashandshrilltongued ravens,throughtherainingrocksandthescreamsofthewoundedanddying, throughthebloodchillingshrieksofdemonsflingingthemselvesintoranks ofsoldierythroughitallsoundedthesteadythunderoftheHighMage's onslaught.Enormouscliffs,shearedfromtheMoon'sfaceandragingwith

flameandtrailingcolumnsofblacksmoke,felldownintothecityofPale, transformingthecityintoitsowncauldronofdeathandchaos. Herearsnumbedandbodythrobbingasifherfleshitselfgaspedforbreath, Tattersailwasslowtograspthatthesorceryhadceased.Eventhevoice shriekinginthebackofhermindhadfallensilent.Sheraisedblearyeyesto seeMoon'sSpawn,billowingsmokeandablazeinadozenplacesonits ravagedmien,movingaway,pullingback.Thenitwaspastthecity,unsteady initsrevolutionsandleaningtooneside.Moon'sSpawnheadedsouth, towardsthedistantTahlynMountains. Shelookedaround,vaguelyrecallingthatacompanyofsoldiershad soughtrefugeontheblastedsummit.Thensomethinghadhither,takingall shehadlefttoresistit.Now,nothingwasleftofthecompanybuttheir armour.Alwaysaneventrade,Sorceress.Shefoughtagainstasob,then swungherattentiontothefirsthill. Tayschrennwasdown,butalive.Ahalfdozenmarinesscamperedupthe hillsidetogatheraroundtheHighMage.Aminutelatertheycarriedhim away. Bellurdan,mostofhisclothingburnedawayandhisfleshscorchedred, remainedonthecentrehill,collectingNightchill'sscatteredlimbsandraising hisvoiceinamournfulwail.Thesight,inallitshorrorandpathos,struck Tattersail'sheartlikeahammeronananvil.Quicklysheturnedaway.'Damn you,Tayschrenn.' Palehadfallen.ThepricewasOnearm'sHostandfourmages.Onlynow weretheBlackMoranthlegionsmovingin.Tattersail'sjawclenched,herlips drawingfromtheirfullnessintoathinwhiteline. Somethingtuggedathermemory,andshefeltagrowingcertaintythatthis scenewasnotyetplayedout. Thesorceresswaited. TheWarrensofMagicdweltinthebeyond.Findthegateandnudgeitopen acrack.Whatleaksoutisyourstoshape.Withthesewordsayoungwoman setoutonthepathtosorcery.OpenyourselftotheWarrenthatcomesto youthatfindsyou.Drawforthitspowerasmuchasyourbodyandsoul arecapableofcontainingbutremember,whenthebodyfails,thegate closes. Tattersail'slimbsached.Shefeltasthoughsomeonehadbeenbeatingher withclubsforthepasttwohours.Thelastthingshehadexpectedwasthat bittertasteonhertonguethatsaidsomethingnastyanduglyhadcometothe hilltop.Suchwarningsseldomcametoapractitionerunlessthegatewas open,aWarrenunveiledandbristlingwithpower. She'dheardtalesfromothersorcerers,andshe'dreadmouldyscrollsthat touchedonmomentslikethese,whenthepowerarrivedgroaninganddeadly, andeachtime,itwassaid,agodhadsteppedontothemortalground. Ifshecouldhavedriventhenailofimmortalpresenceinthisplace, however,itwouldhavetobeHood,theGodofDeath.Yetherinstinctssaidno. Shedidn'tbelieveagodhadarrived,butsomethingelsehad. Whatfrustratedthesorceresswasthatshecouldn'tdecidewhoamongthe

peoplesurroundingherwasthedangerousone.Somethingkeptdrawingher gazebacktotheyounggirl.Butthechildseemedonlyhalftheremostofthe time. Thevoicesbehindherfinallydrewherattention.SergeantWhiskeyjack stoodoverQuickBenandtheothersoldier,bothofwhomstillkneltat Hairlock'sside.QuickBenclutchedanoblongobject,wrappedinhides,and waslookingupathissergeantasifawaitingapproval. Therewastensionbetweenthetwomen.Frowning,Tattersailwalkedover. 'Whatareyoudoing?'sheaskedQuickBen,hereyesontheobjectinthe wizard'salmostfemininehands.Heseemednottohaveheard,hiseyeson thesergeant. Whiskeyjackshotheraglance.'Goahead,Quick,'hegrowled,thenstrode offtostandatthehill'sedge,facingwesttowardstheMoranthMountains. QuickBen'sfine,asceticfeaturestightened.Henoddedathiscompanion. 'Getready,Kalam.' ThesoldiernamedKalamleanedbackonhishaunches,hishandsinhis sleeves.ThepositionseemedanoddresponsetoQuickBen'srequest,butthe mageseemedsatisfied.Tattersailwatchedashelaidoneofhisthin,spidery handsonHairlock'strembling,bloodsplashedchest.Hewhisperedafew chainingwordsandclosedhiseyes. 'ThatsoundedlikeDenul,'Tattersailsaid,glancingatKalam,whoremained motionlessinhiscrouch.'Butnotquite,'sheaddedslowly. 'He'stwisteditsomehow.'Shefellsilentthen,seeingsomethinginKalam thatremindedherofasnakewaitingtostrike.Wouldn'ttakemuchtosethim off,Ithink.Justafewmoreilltimedwords,acarelessmovetowardsQuick BenorHairlock.Themanwasbig,bearish,butsherememberedhis dangerousglidepasther.Snakeindeed,theman'sakiller,asoldierwho's reachedthenextlevelintheartofmurderNotjustajobanymore,thisman likesit.Shewonderedthenifitwasn'tthisenergy,thisquietpromiseof menace,thatsweptoverherwiththeflavourofsexualtension.Tattersail sighed.Adayforperversity. QuickBenhadresumedhischainingwords,thistimeovertheobject, whichhenowsetdownbesideHairlock.Shewatchedasenwreathingpower envelopedthewrappedobject,watchedingrowingapprehensionasthe magetracedhislongfingersalongthehide'sseams.Theenergytrickledfrom himwithabsolutecontrol.Hewashersuperiorinthelore. HehadopenedaWarrenshedidn'tevenrecognize. 'Whoareyoupeople?'shewhispered,steppingback. Hairlock'seyessnappedopen,clearofpainandshock.Hisgazefound Tattersailandthestainedsmilecameeasilytohisbrokenlips.'Lostarts,'Sail. Whatyou'reabouttoseehasn'tbeendoneinathousandyears.' Hisfacedarkenedthenandthesmilefaded.Somethingburnedinhiseyes. 'Thinkback,woman!CalotandI.Whenwewentdown.Whatdidyousee?Did youfeelsomething?Somethingodd?Comeon,think!Lookatme!Seemy wound,seehowI'mlying!WhichdirectionwasIfacingwhenthatwavehit?' Shesawthefireinhiseyes,ofangermingledwithtriumph.'I'mnotsure,'

shesaidslowly.'Something,yes.'Thatdetached,reasoningpartofhermind thathadlabouredwithherthroughoutthebattle,thathadscreamedinher mindatCalot'sdeath,screamedinanswertothewavesofsorcerytothe factthattheyhadcomefromtheplain.HereyesnarrowedonHairlock. 'AnomanderRakeneverbotheredtoaim.Hewasbeingindiscriminate.Those wavesofpowerwereaimed,weren'tthey?Comingatusfromthewrong side.'Shewastrembling.'Butwhy?WhywouldTayschrenndothat?' HairlockreacheduponemangledhandandclutchedQuickBen'scloak. 'Useher,Mage.I'lltakethechance.' Tattersail'sthoughtsraced.Hairlockhadbeensentdownintothetunnels byDujek.AndWhiskeyjackandhissquadhadbeendownthere. Adealhadbeenstruck.'Hairlock,what'shappeninghere?'shedemanded, fearclenchingthemusclesofherneckandshoulders.'Whatdoyoumean, "use"me?' 'You'renotblind,wornan!' 'Quiet,'QuickBensaid.Helaiddowntheobjectonthewizard'sravaged chest,positioningitcarefullysothatitwascentredlengthwaysalong Hairlock'sbreastbone.Thetopendreachedtojustundertheman'schin,the bottomendextendingafewinchesbeyondwhatwasleftofhistorso.Webs ofblackenergyspunincessantlyoverthehide'smottledsurface. QuickBenpassedahandovertheobjectandthewebspreadoutward. Theglitteringblackthreadstracedachaoticpatternthatinsinuated Hairlock'sentirebody,overfleshandthroughit,thepatterneverchanging, thechangescomingfasterandfaster.Hairlockjerked,hiseyesbulging,then fellback.Abreathescapedhislungsinaslow,steadyhiss. Whenitceasedwithawetgurgle,hedidnotdrawanother. QuickBensatbackonhishaunchesandglancedoveratWhiskeyjack. Thesergeantwasnowfacingthem,hisexpressionunreadable. Tattersailwipedsweatfromherbrowwithagrimysleeve.'Itdidn'twork, then.Youfailedtodowhateveritwasyouweretryingtodo.' QuickBenclimbedtohisfeet.Kalampickedupthewrappedobjectand steppedclosetoTattersail.Theassassin'seyesweredark,penetratingas theysearchedherface. QuickBenspoke.'Holdontoit,Sorceress.Takeitbacktoyourtentand unwrapitthere.Aboveall,don'tletTayschrennseeit.' Tattersailscowled.'What?justlikethat?'Hergazefellontheobject. 'Idon'tevenknowwhatI'dbeaccepting.Whateveritis,Idon'tlikeit.' Thegirlspokedirectlybehindherinavoicethatwassharpandaccusing.'I don'tknowwhatyou'vedone,Wizard.Ifeltyoukeepingmeaway.Thatwas unkind.' Tattersailfacedthegirl,thenglancedbackatQuickBen.Whatisallthis? Theblackman'sexpressionwasglacial,butshesawaflickeraroundhiseyes. Lookedlikefear. Whiskeyjackroundedonthegirlatherwords.'Yougotsomethingtosay aboutallthis,recruit?'Histonewastight. Thegirl'sdarkeyesslidtohersergeant.Sheshrugged,thenwalkedaway.

KalamofferedtheobjecttoTattersail.'Answers,'hesaidquietly,inanorth SevenCitiesaccent,melodicandround.'Weallneedanswers,Sorceress.The HighMagekilledyourcomrades.Lookatus,we'reallthat'sleftofthe Bridgeburners.Answersaren'teasilyattained.Willyoupaytheprice?' WithafinalglanceatHairlock'slifelessbodysobrutallytornapartand thelifelessstareofhiseyes,sheacceptedtheobject.Itfeltlightinherhands. Whateverwaswithinthehidecocoonwasslightinsize;partsofitmoved andagainsthergripshefeltknobsandshaftsofsomethinghard.Shestared attheassassin'sbearishface.'Iwant,'shesaidslowly,'toseeTayschrennget whathedeserves.' 'Thenwe'reinagreement,'Kalamsaid,smiling.'Thisiswhereitstarts.' Tattersailfeltherstomachjumpatthatsmile.Woman,what'sgotintoyou? Shesighed.'Done.'Assheturnedawaytodescendtheslopeandmakeher waybacktothemaincamp,shecaughtthegirl'seye.Achillrippledthrough her.Thesorceressstopped.'You,recruit,'shecalled.'What'syourname?' Thegirlsmiledasifataprivatejoke.'Sorry.' Tattersailgrunted.Itfigured.Shetuckedthepackageunderanarmand staggereddowntheslope. SergeantWhiskeyjackkickedatahelmetandwatchedasittumbledand bounceddownthehillside.HespunandglaredatQuickBen.'It'sdone?' Thewizard'seyesdartedtoSorry,thenhenodded. 'Youwilldrawunwarrantedattentiononoursquad,'theyounggirltold Whiskeyjack.'HighMageTayschrennwillnotice.' Thesergeantraisedaneyebrow.'Unwarrantedattention?Whatthehell doesthatmean?' Sorrymadenoreply. Whiskeyjackbitbacksharpwords.WhathadFiddlercalledher?An uncannybitch.He'dsaidittoherfaceandshe'djuststaredhimdownwith thosedead,stonyeyes.Asmuchashehatedtoadmitit,Whiskeyjackshared thesapper'scrudeassessment.Whatmadethingsevenmoredisturbing,this fifteenyearoldgirlhadQuickBenscaredhalfoutofhiswits,andthewizard didn'twanttotalkaboutit.WhathadtheEmpiresenthim? HisgazeswungbacktoTattersail.Shewascrossingthekillingfieldbelow. Theravensrosescreamingfromherpath,andremainedcirclingoverhead, theircawsuneasyandfrightened.ThesergeantfeltKalam'ssolidpresenceat hisside. 'Hood'sBreath,'Whiskeyjackmuttered.'Thatsorceressseemsanunholy terrorasfarasthosebirdsareconcerned.' 'Nother,'Kalamsaid.'It'swhatshe'scarrying.' Whiskeyjackscratchedhisbeard,hiseyesnarrowing.'Thisstinks.Yousure it'snecessary?' Kalamshrugged. 'Whiskeyjack,'QuickBensaid,behindthem,'theykeptusinthetunnels. DoyouthinktheHighMagecouldn'thaveguessedwhatwouldhappen?' Thesergeantfacedhiswizard.AdozenpacesbeyondstoodSorry,well withinhearingrange.Whiskeyjackscowledather,butsaidnothing.

Afteramomentofheavysilence,thesergeantturnedhisattentiontothe city.ThelastoftheMoranthlegionswasmarchingbeneaththeWestGate's arch.Columnsofblacksmokerosefrombehindthebattered,scarredwalls. HeknewsomethingofthehistoryofgrimenmitybetweentheMoranthand thecitizensoftheonceFreeCityofPale.Contestedtraderoutes,two mercantilepowersateachother'sthroat.AndPalewonmoreoftenthannot. Atlonglastitseemedthattheblackarmouredwarriorsfrombeyondthe westernmountains,whosefacesremainedhiddenbehindthechitinous visorsontheirhelmsandwhospokeinclicksandbuzzes,wereeveningthe score.Faintly,beyondthecriesofcarrionbirds,camethewailofmen, womenandchildrendyingbeneaththesword. 'SoundsliketheEmpressiskeepingherwordwiththeMoranth,'Quick Bensaidquietly.'Anhourofslaughter.Ididn'tthinkDujek' 'Dujekknowshisorders,'Whiskeyjackcutin.'Andthere'saHighMage talonedonhisshoulder.' 'Anhour,'Kalamrepeated.'Thenwecleanupthemess.' 'Notoursquad,'Whiskeyjacksaid.'We'vereceivedneworders.' Thetwomenstaredattheirsergeant. 'Andyoustillneedconvincing?'QuickBendemanded.'They'redrivingus intotheground.Theymeanto' 'Enough!'Whiskeyjackbarked.'Notnow.Kalam,findFiddler.Weneed resupplyfromtheMoranth.Rounduptherest,Quick,andtakeSorrywith you.JoinmeoutsidetheHighFist'stentinanhour.' 'Andyou?'QuickBenasked.'Whatareyougoingtodo?' Thesergeantheardanillconcealedyearninginthewizard'svoice.The manneededadirection,ormaybeconfirmationthattheyweredoingthe rightthing.Alittlelateforthat.Evenso,Whiskeyjackfeltapangofregret hecouldn'tgivewhatQuickBenwantedthemost.Hecouldn'ttellhimthat thingswouldturnoutforthebest.Hesankdownonhishaunches,hiseyes onPale.'WhatamIgoingtodo?I'mgoingtodosomethinking,QuickBen. I'vebeenlisteningtoyouandKalam,toMalletandFiddler,evenTrottshas beenjawinginmyear.Well,nowit'smyturn.Soleavemebe,Wizard,and takethatdamngirlwithyou.' QuickBenflinched,seemingtowithdraw.SomethinginWhiskeyjack's wordshadmadehimveryunhappyormaybeeverything. Thesergeantwastootiredtoworryaboutit.Hehadtheirnewassignment tothinkover.Hadhebeenareligiousman,Whiskeyjackwouldhaveletblood inHood'sBowl,callingupontheshadesofhisancestors.Asmuchashehated toadmitit,hesharedthefeelingamonghissquad:someoneintheEmpire wantedtheBridgeburnersdead. Palewasbehindthemnow,thenightmarenothingbutthetasteofashesin hismouth.Aheadlaytheirnextdestination:thelegendarycityofDarujhistan. Whiskeyjackhadapremonitionthatanewnightmarewasabouttobegin. Downinthecampjustbeyondthelastcrestofdenudedhills,horsedrawn cartsloadedwithwoundedsoldierscrowdedthenarrowaislesbetweenthe tentrows.AllthepreciseorderoftheMalazanencampmenthad

disintegrated,andtheairwasfebrilewithsoldiersscreamingtheirpain, givingvoicetohorror. Tattersailthreadedherwayaroundthedazedsurvivors,steppingacross puddlesofbloodinthewagonruts,hereyeslingeringonanobscenepileof amputatedlimbsoutsidethecuttertents.Fromthemassivesprawlofthe campfollowers'slumoftentsandshelterscameawailingdirgeabroken chorusofthousandsofvoices,thesoundachillingreminderthatwarwas alwaysathingofgrief. InsomemilitaryheadquartersbackintheEmpire'scapitalofUnta,three thousandleaguesdistant,ananonymousaidewouldpaintaredstrokeacross the2ndArmyontheactivelist,andthenwriteinfinescriptbesideit:Pale, latewinter,the1163rdYearofBurn'sSleep.Thuswouldthedeathofnine thousandmenandwomenbenoted.Andthenforgotten. Tattersailgrimaced.Someofuswon'tforget.TheBridgeburners harbouredsomefrighteningsuspicions.Thethoughtofchallenging Tayschrenninadirectconfrontationappealedtohersenseofoutrageand iftheHighMagehadkilledCalotherfeelingofbetrayal.Butsheknewthat heremotionshadawayofrunningawaywithher.Asorceryduelwiththe Empire'sHighMagewouldbuyheraquickpassagetoHood'sGate.Self righteouswrathhadplantedmorecorpsesinthearoundthananempire couldlavclaimto,andasCalotusedtosay: Shakeyourfistallyouwantbutdeadisdead.She'dwitnessedalltoomany scenesofdeathsinceshe'dfirstjoinedtheranksoftheMalazanEmpire,but atleasttheycouldn'tbelaidsquarelyatherfeet.Thatwasthedifference,and ithadbeenenoughforalongtime.NotasIoncewas.I'vespenttwentyyears washingthebloodfrommyhands.Rightnow,however,thescenethatrose againandagainbehindhereyeswastheemptyarmouronthehilltop,andit gnawedatherheart.Thosemenandwomenhadbeenrunningtoher, lookingforprotectionagainstthehorrorsoftheplainbelow.Ithadbeena desperateact,afatalone,butsheunderstoodit.Tayschrenndidn'tcare aboutthem,butshedid.Shewasoneoftheirown.Inpastbattlesthey'd foughtlikerabiddogstokeepenemylegionsfromkillingher.Thistime,them insteadofshieldingmyownhide?She'dbeensurvivingoninstinctbackthen, andherinstinctshadhadnothingtodowithaltruism.Thoseitwasamage war.Herterritory.Favoursweretradedinthe2nd.It'swhatkepteveryone alive,anditwaswhathadmadethe2ndalegionoflegend.Thosesoldiers hadexpectations,andtheyhadtherighttothem. They'dcometoherforsalvation.Andtheydiedforit. AndifIhadsacrificedmyselfthen?CastmyWarren'sdefencesontoBeing alive,Tattersailconcludedassheapproachedhertent,isn'tthesameas feelinggoodaboutit.Sheenteredhertentandclosedtheflapbehindher, thenstoodsurveyingherworldlypossessions.Scantfew,aftertwohundred andnineteenyearsoflife.TheoakchestcontainingherbookofThyrsorcery remainedsealedbywardingspells;thesmallcollectionofalchemicaldevices layscatteredonthetabletopbesidehercot,likeachild'stoysabandonedin midgame.

AmidthecluttersatherDeckofDragons.Hergazelingeredonthereading cardsbeforecontinuingitsround.Everythinglookeddifferentnow,asifthe chest,thealchemy,andherclothesallbelongedtosomeoneelse:someone younger,someonestillpossessingashredofvanity. OnlytheDecktheFatidcalledouttoherlikeanoldfriend. Tattersailwalkedovertostandbeforeit.Withanabsentgesturesheset downthepackagegivenherbyKalam,thenpulledoutastoolfromunderthe table.Sittingdown,shereachedfortheDeck.Shehesitated. Ithadbeenmonths.Somethinghadkeptheraway.MaybeCalot'sdeath couldhavebeenforetold,andmaybethatsuspicionhadbeenpacinginthe darknessofherthoughtsallthistime.Painandfearhadbeenshapingher soulallherlife,buthertimewithCalothadbeenanotherkindofshaping, somethinglight,happy,pleasantlyfloating. She'dcalleditmerediversion. 'How'sthatforwilfuldenial?'Sheheardthebitternessinhertoneand hatedherselfforit.Herolddemonswereback,laughingatthedeathofher illusions.YourefusedtheDeckoncebefore,thenightbeforeMock'sthroat wasopened,thenightbeforeDancerandthemanwhowouldonedayrulean Empirestoleintoyourmaster'syourlover'sHold.Wouldyoudenythata patternexists,woman? Hervisionblurrywithmemoriesshe'dthoughtburiedforever,shelooked downattheDeck,blinkingrapidly.'DoIwantyoutotalktome,oldfriend? DoIneedyourreminders,yourwryconfirmationthatfaithisforfools?' Amotioncaughtthecornerofhereye.Whateverwasinsidethebound hidehadmoved.Lumpsrosehereandthere,pushingagainsttheseams. Tattersailstared.Then,herbreathcatching,shereachedtoitandsetitin frontofher.Shewithdrewasmalldaggerfromherbeltandbegantocutthe seams.Theobjectwithinwentstill,asifawaitingtheresultofherefforts.She peeledbackaslicedflapofhide. "Sail,'saidafamiliarvoice. Hereyeswidenedasawoodenmarionette,wearingbrightyellowsilk clothing,climbedoutofthebag.Paintedonitsroundfacewerefeaturesshe recognized. 'Hairlock.' 'Goodtoseeyouagain,'themarionettesaid,risingtoitsfeet.Itwobbled andheldoutartfullycarvedhandstoregainbalance.'Andthesouldidshift,' hesaid,doffinghisfloppyhatandmanaginganunsteadybow. Soulshifting.'Butthat'sbeenlostforcenturies.NotevenTayschrenn' Shestopped,pursingherlips.Herthoughtsraced. 'Later,'Hairlocksaid.Hetookafewsteps,thenbenthisheadforwardto studyhisnewbody.'Well,'hesighed,'onemustn'tquibble,mustone?' Helookedupandfixedpaintedeyesonthesorceress.'Youhavetogoto mytentbeforethethoughtoccurstoTayschrenn,IneedmyBook.You're partofthisnow.There'snoturningback.' 'Partofwhat?' Hairlockmadenoreply,havingbrokenhisuncannystare.Helowered

himselfdowntohisknees.'ThoughtIsmelledaDeck,'hesaid. SweatranincoldrivuletsunderTattersail'sarms.Hairlockhadmadeher uneasyatthebestoftimes,butthisShecouldsmellherownfear. Thathe'dswunghisgazefromhermadehergratefulforsmallmercies. ThiswasElderMagic,KuraldGalain,ifthelegendsweretrue,anditwas deadly,vicious,rawandprimal.TheBridgeburnershadareputationfor beingameancrowd,buttowalktheWarrensclosesttoChaoswaspure madness.Ordesperation. Almostofitsownaccord,herThyrWarrenopenedandasurgeofpower filledherwearybody.HereyessnappedtotheDeck. Hairlockmusthavesensedit.'Tattersail,'hewhispered,amusementithis tone.'Come.TheFatidcallstoyou.Readwhatistoberead.' Profoundlydisturbedbyherownansweringflushofexcitement,Tattersail reluctantlyreachedfortheDeckofDragons.Shesawherhandtrembleasit closedonit.Sheshuffledslowly,feelingthechillofthelacqueredwooden cardsseepintoherfingersandthenherarms.'Ifeelastormraginginthem already,'shesaid,trimmingtheDeckandsettingitdownonthetabletop. Hairlock'sansweringlaughwaseagerandmean.'FirstHousesetsthe course.Quickly!' Sheturnedoverthetopcard.Herbreathcaught.'KnightofDark.' Hairlocksighed.'TheLordofNightrulesthisgame.Ofcourse.' Tattersailstudiedthepaintedfigure.Thefaceremainedblurredasalways did;theKnightwasnaked,hisskinjetblack.Fromthehipsuphewashuman, heavilymuscled,holdingaloftablacktwohandedswordthattrailedsmoky, etherealchainsdriftingoffintothebackground'semptydarkness.Hislower bodywasdraconian,itsarmouredscalesblack,palingtogreyatthebelly.As always,shesawsomethingnew,somethingshehadneverseenbeforethat pertainedtothemoment. TherewasashapesuspendedinthedarknessabovetheKnight'shead:she couldonlydetectitontheedgeofhervision,avaguehintthatvanished whenshefocusedontheplaceitself.Ofcourse,younevergiveupthetruthso easily,doyou? 'Secondcard,'Hairlockurged,crouchingclosetotheplayingfieldinscribed onthetabletop. Sheflippedthesecondcard.'Oponn.'ThetwofacedjesterofChance. 'Hood'sCurseontheirmeddlingways,'Hairlockgrowled. TheLadyheldtheuprightposition,hermaletwin'sbemusedstareupside downatthecard'sfoot.Thusthethreadofluckthatpulledbackratherthan pushedforwardthethreadofsuccess.TheLady'sexpressionseemedsoft, almosttender,anewfacetmarkinghowthingsnowbalanced.Asecond heretoforeunseendetailcaughtTattersail'sintensestudy.WheretheLord's righthandreacheduptotouchtheLady'sleftatinysilverdiscspannedthe spacebetweenthem.Thesorceressleanedforward,squinting.Acoin,andon thefaceamalehead. Sheblinked.No,female.Thenmale,thenfemale.Shesatbacksuddenly. Thecoinwasspinning.

'Next!'Hairlockdemanded.'Youaretooslow!' Tattersailsawthatthemarionettewaspayingnoattentiontothecard Oponn,andhadinfactprobablygivenitonlysufficientnoticetoidentifyit. Shedrewadeepbreath.HairlockandtheBridgeburnersweretiedupinthis, sheknewthatinstinctively,butherownrolewasasyetundecided.With thesetwocards,shealreadyknewmorethantheydid.Itstillwasn'tmuch, butitmightbeenoughtokeepheraliveinwhatwastocome.Shereleased herbreathallatonce,reachedforwardandslammedapalmdownonthe Deck. Hairlockjumped,thenwhirledtoher.'Youholdonthis?'heraged.'You holdontheFool?Thesecondcard?Absurd!Playon,woman!' 'No,'Tattersailreplied,sweepingthetwocardsintoherhandsand returningthemtotheDeck.'I'vechosentohold.Andthere'snothingyoucan doaboutit.'Sherose. 'Bitch!Icankillyouintheblinkofaneye!Hereandnow!' 'Fine,'Tattersailsaid.'AgoodexcuseformissingTayschrenn'sdebriefing. Byallmeansproceed,Hairlock.'Crossingherarms,shewaited. Themarionettesnarled.'No,'hesaid.'Ihaveneedofyou.Andyoudespise TayschrennevenmorethanI.'Hecockedhishead,reconsideringhislast words,thenbarkedalaugh.'ThusIamassuredtherewillbenobetrayal.' Tattersailthoughtaboutthat.'Youareright,'shesaid.Sheturnedand walkedtothetentflap.Herhandclosedontheroughcanvas,thenshe stopped.'Hairlock,howwellcanyouhear?' 'Wellenough,'themarionettegrowledbehindher. 'Doyouhearanything,then?'Aspinningcoin? 'Campsounds,isall.Why,whatdoyouhear?' Tattersailsmiled.Withoutansweringshepulledasidethetentflapand wentoutside.Assheheadedtowardsthecommandtent,astrangehopesang throughher. She'dneverheldOponnasanally.Callingonluckinanythingwassheer idiocy.ThefirstHouseshehadplaced,Darkness,touchedherhandicecold, loudwiththecrashingwavesofviolenceandpowerrunamokandyetan oddflavourthere,somethinglikesalvation.TheKnightcouldbeenemyor ally,ormorelikelyneither.Justoutthere,unpredictable,selfabsorbed.But Oponnrodethewarrior'sshadow,leavingHouseDarktotteringontheedge, suspendedinaplacebetweennightandday.Morethananythingelse,ithad beenOponn'sspinningcointhathaddemandedherchoicetohold. Hairlockheardnothing.Wonderful. Evennow,assheapproachedthecommandtent,thefaintsoundcontinued inherhead,asitwouldforsometime,shebelieved.Thecoinspun,andspun. Oponnwhirledtwofacestothecosmos,butitwastheLady'sbet.Spino silver.Spinon. CHAPTERTHREE ThelomenTarthenoToblakai

findthenamesofapeoplesoreluctanttofadeintooblivion Theirlegendrotsmycynicalcastandblightsmyeyeswithbrightglory' Crossnottheloyalcageembracingtheirunassailableheart Crossnotthesestolidmenhirs,everloyaltotheearth.' ThelomenTarthenoToblakai Stillstanding,thesetoweringpillarsmarthegelidscapeofmymind Gothos'Folly(ILiv) Gothos(b.?) THEIMPERIALTRIREMECARVEDTHEDEEPSEATROUGHSLIKEA relentlessaxeblade,sailsstretchedandsparscreakingunderthesteady wind.CaptainGanoesParanremainedinhiscabin.Hehadlongsincegrown tiredofscanningtheeasternhorizonforthefirstsightingofland.Itwould come,anditwouldcomesoon. Heleanedagainsttheslopingwalloppositehisbunk,watchingthe lanternsswayandidlytossinghisdaggerintothelonetable'scentrepole, whichwasnowstuddedwithcountlesstinyholes. Acoolmustybrushofairsweptacrosshisfaceandheturnedtosee TopperemergefromtheImperialWarren.Ithadbeentwoyearssincehe'd lastseentheClawMaster.'Hood'sBreath,man,'Paransaid,'can'tyou managetofindanothercolourofcloth?Thisperverseloveofgreenmust surelybecurable.' ThetallhalfbloodTisteAndseemedtobewearingthesameclothesas thelasttimeParanhadseenhim:greenwool,greenleather.Onlythe countlessringsspearinghislongfingersshowedanysplashofcontrary colour.TheClawMasterhadarrivedinasourmoodandParan'sopening wordshadnotimprovedit.'YouimagineIenjoysuchjourneys,Captain? Seekingoutashipontheoceanisachallengeofsorceryfewcouldmanaze.' 'Makesyouareliablemessenger,then,'Paranmuttered. 'Iseeyou'vemadenoefforttoimproveoncourtesy,CaptainIadmitI understandnothingoftheAdjunct'sfaithinyou.' 'Don'tlosesleepoverit,Topper.Nowyou'vefoundme,whatisthe'The manscowled.'She'swiththeBridgeburners.OutsidePale.''Thesiege continues?Howoldisyourinformation?' 'Lessthanaweek,whichisaslongasI'vebeenhuntingyou.Inanycase,' hecontinued,'thedeadlockisabouttobebroken.' Parangrunted.Thenhefrowned.'Whichsquad?' 'Youknowthemall?' 'Yes,'Paranasserted. Topper'sscowldeepened,thenheraisedahandandbeganexamininghis rings.'Whiskeyjack's.She'soneofhisrecruits.' Paranclosedhiseyes.Itshouldnothavesurprisedhim.Thegodsare playingwithme.Questionis,whichgods?Oh,Whiskeyjack.Youonce commandedanarmy,backwhenLaseenwasnamedSurly,backwhenyou couldhavelistenedtoyourcompanion,whenyoucouldhavemadeachoice. Youcould'vestoppedSurly.Hell,perhapsyoucouldhavestoppedme.But

nowyoucommandasquad,justasquad,andshe'stheEmpress.Andme?I'm afoolwhofollowedhisdream,andnowallIdesireisitsend.Heopenedhis eyesandregardedTopper.'Whiskeyjack.TheWarofSevenCities:through thebreachatAren,theHolyDesertRaraku,Pan'potsun,Nathilog' 'AllintheEmperor'stimeParan.' 'So,'Paransaid,'I'mtotakecommandofWhiskeyjack'ssquad.Themission willtakeustoDarulhistan,tothecityofcities.' 'Yourrecruitisshowingherpowers,'Toppersaid,grimacing.'She's corruptedtheBridgeburners,possiblyevenDujekOnearmandtheentire SecondandThirdArmiesonGenabackis.' 'Youcan'tbeserious.Besides,myconcerniswiththerecruitWithher. Onlyher.TheAdjunctagreeswe'vewaitedlongenough.Nowyou'retelling mewe'vewaitedtoolong?Ican'tbelieveDujek'sabouttobecomea renegadenotDujek.NotWhiskeyjackeither.' 'Youaretoproceedasplanned,butIhavebeeninstructedtoremindyou thatsecrecyisparamount,nowmorethanever.AnagentoftheClawwill contactyouonceyoureachPale.Trustnooneelse.Yourrecruit'sfoundher weapon,andwithitshemeanstostrikeattheheartoftheEmpire.Failure cannotbeconsidered.'Topper'soddeyesglinted.'Ifyounowfeelunequalto thetask' Paranstudiedthemanstandingbeforehim.Ifit'sasbadasyoudescribe, whynotsendinahandofClawassassins? Themansighed,asifhe'dsomehowheardParan'ssilentquestion.'Agodis usingher,Captain.Shewon'tdieeasily.Theplanfordealingwithherhas requiredadjustments.Expansion,infact.Additionalthreatsmustbetaken careof,butthesearethreadsalreadywoven.Doasyouhavebeen commanded.AllriskmustberemovedifwearetotakeDarujhistan,andthe EmpresswantsDarujhistan.ShealsofeelsitistimeforDujekOnearmtobe' hesmiled,'disarmed.' 'Why?' 'Hehasafollowing.It'sstillheldthattheEmperorhadoldOnearminmind ashisheir.' Paransnorted.'TheEmperorplannedtoruleforever,Topper.This suspicionofLaseen'sisplainridiculousandpersistsonlybecauseitjustifies herparanoia.' 'Captain,'Toppersaidquietly,'greatermenthanyouhavediedforless. TheEmpressexpectsobedienceofherservants,anddemandsloyalty.' 'Anyreasonablerulerwouldhavetheexpectationandthedemandthe otherwayround.' Topper'smouththinnedtoapaleline.'Assumecommandofthesquad, stayclosetotherecruitbutotherwisedonothingtomakehersuspiciousof you.Onceinplaceyouaretowait.Understood?' Paranlookedaway,hisgazefindingtheporthole.Beyondwasbluesky. Thereweretoomanyomissions,halftruthsandoutrightliesinthisthis chaoticmess.HowwillIplayit,whenthetimecomes?Therecruitmustdie. Atleastthatmuchiscertain.Buttherest?Whiskeyjack,Irememberyou,you

stoodtallthen,andinmydreamsIneverimaginedthisgrowingnightmare. WillIhaveyourbloodonmybandswhenallthisisdone?Attheveryheartof things,herealized,henolongerknewwhowastheultimatebetrayerinall this,ifabetrayertheremustbe.WastheEmpiretheEmpress?Orwasit somethingelse,alegacy,anambition,avisionatthefarendofpeaceand wealthforall?Orwasitabeastthatcouldnotceasedevouring? Darujhistanthegreatestcityintheworld.WoulditcometotheEmpirein flames?Wastherewisdominopeningitsgates?Withinthetroubledborders oftheMalazanEmpire,peoplelivedinsuchpeaceastheirancestorshad neverimagined;andifnotfortheClaw,fortheendlesswarsindistantlands, therewouldbefreedomaswell.HadthisbeentheEmperor'sdreamatthe verybeginning?Diditmatteranymore? 'Aremyinstructionsunderstood,Captain?' Heglancedoveratthemanandwavedahand.'Wellenough.' Snarling,Topperspreadwidehisarms.TheImperialWarrenyawned behindhim.Hesteppedbackandwasgone. Paranleanedforward,hisheadinhishands. ItwastheSeasonofCurrentsandintheportcityofGenabaristheheavy Malazantransportsrockedandtwisted,strainingattheirropeslikemassive beasts.Thepiers,unusedtosuchgargantuancraftmooredalongsidethem, creakedominouslywitheverywayward,savagepullonthebollards. Cratesandclothwrappedbundlescrowdedtheyards,suppliesfreshin fromtheSevenCitiesanddestinedforthefrontlines.Supplyclerks clamberedoverthemlikemonkeys,huntingsigilsofidentificationand chatteringtoeachotherovertheheadsofclockmenandsoldiers. Theagentleanedagainstacrateatthefootofthepier,hisburlyarms crossedandhissmall,narroweyesfixedontheofficersittingonabundle somethirtyyardsfurtherdownthepier.Neitherhadmovedinthelasthour. Theagentwashavingahardtimeconvincinghimselfthatthiswastheman he'dbeensenttoretrieve.Helookedawfullyyoung,andasgreenasthe rancidwaterofthisbay.Hisuniformstillboreitsmaker'schalklines,andthe leathergripofhislongswordshowednotasinglesweatstain.Hehadthe stinkofnobilityabouthimlikeaperfumedcloud.Andforthepasthourhe'd justbeensittingthere,handsinlap,shouldershunched,watchinglikesome stupidcowthefrenziedactivityswirlingaroundhim.Thoughheranked captain,notasinglesoldierevenbotheredtosalutehimthestinkwasn't subtle. TheAdjunctmusthavebeenknockedonherheadduringthatlast assassinationattemptontheEmpress.Itwastheonlypossibleexplanation forthisfarceofamanratingthekindofservicetheagentwasaboutto deliver.Inperson,yet.Thesedays,heconcludedsourly,thewholeshowwas beingrunbyidiots. Withaloudsigh,theagentpushedhimselfuprightandsaunteredoverto theofficer. Themandidn'tevenknowhehadcompanyuntiltheagentsteppedinfront ofhim,thenhelookedup.

Theagentdidsomequickrethinking.Somethinginthisman'sgazewas dangerous.Therewasaglitterthere,burieddeep,thatmadetheman'seyes seemolderthantherestofhisface.'Narne?'Theagent'squestionwasa strainedgrunt. 'Tookyourtimeaboutit,'thecaptainsaid,rising. Atallbastard,too.Theagentscowled.Hehatedtallbastards.'Who'reyou waitingfor,Captain?' Themanlookedupthepier.'Thewaiting'sover.Let'swalk.I'lljusttakeit onfaithyouknowwherewe'regoing.'Hereacheddownandretrieveda duffelbag,thentookthelead. Theagentmovedupbesidethecaptain.'Fine,'hegrowled.'Bethatway.' Theyleftthepierandtheagentturnedthemupthefirststreetontheright.'A GreenQuorlcameinlastnight.You'llbetakendirectlytoCloudForest,and fromthereaBlackwilltakeyouintoPale.' Thecaptaingavetheagentablankstare. 'YouneverheardofQuorls?' 'No.Iassumethey'reameansoftransportation.WhyelsewouldIbe removedfromashipathousandleaguesdistantfromPale?' 'TheMoranthusethem,andwe'reusingtheMoranth.'Theagentscowled tohimself.'Usingthemalot,thesedays.TheGreendomostofthecourier stuff,andmovingpeoplearoundlikeyouandme,buttheBlackarestationed inPale,andthedifferentclansdon'tliketomix.TheMorantharemadeupof abunchofclans,gotcoloursfornames,andwearthemtoo.Nobodygets confusedthatway.' 'AndI'mtoridewithaGreen,onaQuorl?' 'Yougotit,Captain.' Theyheadedupanarrowstreet.Malazanguardsmilledaroundevery crossing,handsontheirweapons. Thecaptainreturnedasalutefromonesuchsquad.'Havingtroublewith insurrections?'heasked. 'Insurrections,yeah.Trouble,no.' 'Let'sseeifIunderstandyoucorrectly.'Thecaptain'stonewasstiff. 'InsteadofdeliveringmebyshiptoapointnearestPale,I'mtorideoverland withabunchofhalfhumanbarbarianswhosmelllikegrasshoppersand dresslikethem,too.Andthisway,noonewillnotice,especiallysinceit'll takeusayeartogettoPaleandbytheneverythingwillhavegonealltohell. Correctsofar?' Grinning,theagentshookhishead.Despitehishatredfortallmenor rather,mentallerthanhimself,hefelthisguardgoingdown.Atleastthisone talkedstraightand,foranoble,thatwasprettyimpressive.MaybeLornstill hadtheoldstuffafterall.'Yousaidoverland?Well,hell,yes,Captain.Way overland.'Hestoppedatanondescriptdoorwayandturnedtotheman. 'Quorls,yousee,theyfly.Theygotwings.Fourinfact.Andyoucanseeright througheveryoneofthem,andifyou'reofamindyoucanpokeyourfinger throughoneofthosewings.Onlydon'tdoitwhenyou'reaquartermileup, right?'Causeitmaybealongwaydownbutit'llseemawfullyfastatthetime.

Youhearme,Captain?'Heopenedthedoor.Beyondroseastaircase. Theman'sfacehadlostitscolour.'Somuchforintelligencereports,'he muttered. Theagent'sgrinwidened.'Weseethembeforeyoudo.Life'sonaneedto know.Rememberthat,Captain'Theman'ssmilewastheonlyanswerhe gave. Theyenteredandclosedthedoorbehindthem. AyoungmarineinterceptedTattersailasshemadeherwayacrossthe compoundinwhatwasnowEmpireheadquartersinPale.Theboy'sfacehad bewildermentwrittenalloverit,andheopenedhismouthafewtimesbefore anywordscameout. 'Sorceress?' Shestopped.ThethoughtofhavingTayschrennwaitalittlelonger appealedtoher.'Whatisit,soldier?' Themarinestoleaglanceoveroneshoulder,thensaid,'Theguards, Sorceress.They'vegotsomethingofaproblem.Theysentmeto' 'Who?Whichguards?Takemetothem.' 'Yes,Sorceress.' Shefollowedthemarinearoundthenearestcornerofthemainbuilding, wherethecompoundwallranclose,creatinganarrowpassagerunningthe building'slength.Atthefarendkneltafigure,hisbareheadbowed.Beside himwasalarge,lumpyburlapsack,coveredinbrownstains.Cloudsofflies swarmedaroundboththemanandthesack. Themarinehaltedandturnedtothesorceress.'Hestillhasn'tmoved.The guardskeepgettingsickwhentheypatrolthroughhere.' Tattersailstaredatthehuddledman,asuddenwellingoftearsbehindher eyes.Ignoringthemarine,shestrodeintotheaisle.Thestenchhitherlikea wall.Damn,shethought,he'sbeenheresincethebattle.Fivedays. Thesorceresscamecloser.ThoughBellurdanknelt,hisheadcamenearto herownheight.TheThelomenHighMagestillworewhatwasleftofhis battlegarb,theraggedstripsoffurscorchedandtorn,theroughweaveof fragmentsoftunicstainedwithblood.Asshearrivedtostopbeforehim,she sawthathisneckandfacewerecoveredinburnblisters,andmostofhishair wasgone. 'Youlookterrible,Bellurdan,'shesaid. Thegiant'sheadslowlyturned.Redrimmedeyesfocusedonherface. 'Ah,'herumbled.'Tattersail.'Hisexhaustedsmilecrackedthecharredflesh ofonecheek.Thewoundgapedredanddry. Thatsmilealmostbrokeherdown.'Youneedhealing,oldfriend.'Hergaze flickedtotheburlapsack.Itssurfacecrawledwithflies.'Comeon.Nightchill wouldbiteyourheadoffifshecouldseeyounow.'Shefelttremblingsteal intoher,butgrimlypressedon.'We'lltakecareofherBellurdan.Youandme. Butwe'llneedourstrengthtodothat.' TheThelomenshookhisheadslowly.'Ichoosethis,Tattersail.Thescars withoutarethescarswithin.'Hedrewadeepbreath.'Iwillsurvivethese wounds.AndIalonewillraisemylove'sbarrow.Butthetimeisnotyetright.'

Helaidamassivehandonthesack.'Tayschrennhasgivenmeleavetodothis. Willyoudothesame?' Tattersailwasshockedtofeelthesurgeofangerrisingupinher. 'Tayschrenngaveyouleave,didhe?'Toherownearshervoicesoundbrutal, aharshgratingofsarcasm.ShesawBellurdanflinchandseemwithdraw,and apartofherwantedtowail,tothrowherarmsaroundthegiantandweep, butragepossessedher.'ThatbastardkilledNightchill!Bellurdan!The Moon'slordhadneitherthetimenortheinclinationtoraisedemons.Think aboutit!Tayschrennhadthetimeprepare' 'No!'TheThelomen'svoicethundereddowntheaisle.Hesurgedtohisfeet andTattersailsteppedback.Thegiantlookedreadytoteardownthewalls,a desperatefireinhiseyes.Hishandsclosedintofists.Thenhisglarefixedon her.Heseemedtofreeze.Allatoncehisshoulderslumped,hishandsopened, andhiseyesdimmed.'No,'hesaidagain,thistimeinatonefilledwithsorrow. 'Tayschrennisourprotector.Ashasalwaysbeen,Tattersail.Rememberthe verybeginning?TheEmperorwasmad,butTayschrennstoodathisside.He shapedtheEmpiredreamandsoopposedtheEmperor'snightmare.We underestimatedLordofMoon'sSpawn,thatisall.' TattersailstaredupatBellurdan'sravagedface.ThememoryofHairlock's tornbodyreturnedtoher.Therewasanechothere,butshecouldn'tquite catchit.'Irememberthebeginning,'shesaidsoftly,doingsomesearchingof herown.Thememoriesremainedsharp,butwhateverthreadtherewasthat connectedthentonowstilleludedher.Shewanteddesperatelytotalkto QuickBen,butshehadseennothingoftheBridgeburnerssincethedayofthe battle.They'dleftherwithHairlock,andthatpuppetscaredhermoreand morewitheverypassingday.Particularlynowthathe'dfoundagrudgeto holdontothescenewiththeDeckofDragonsstillsmartedandhe workeditbykeepingherinthedark.'TheEmperorhadaknackforgathering therightpeoplearoundhim,'shecontinued.'Buthewasn'tafool.Heknew thebetrayalwouldcomefromthatgroup.Whatmadeustherightpeoplewas ourpower.Iremember,Bellurdan.'Sheshookherhead.'TheEmperor'sgone, butthepower'sstillhere.' Tattersail'sbreathcaught.'Andthat'sit,'shesaid,halftoherself. Tayschrenn'sthethread. 'TheEmperorwasinsane,'Bellurdansaid.'Elsehewouldhaveprotected himselfbetter.' Tattersailfrownedatthat.TheThelomenhadapoint.Likeshe'djustsaid, thatoldmanwasn'tafool.Sowhathadhappened?'I'msorry.Wemusttalk later.TheHighMagehassummonedme.Bellurdan,willwetalklater?' Thegiantnodded.'Asyouwish.SoonIwilldeparttoraiseNightchill's barrow.FaroutontheRhiviPlain,Ithink.' Tattersailglancedbackuptheaisle.Themarinestillstoodthere,shifting fromonefoottotheother.'Bellurdan,wouldyoumindifIcastasealingspell onherremains?' Hiseyescloudedandhelookeddownatthesack.'Theguardsareunhappy, it'strue.'Hethoughtforamoment,thensaid,'Yes,Tattersail.Youmaydo

that.' 'Itsmellsbadfromheretothethrone,'Kalamsaid,hisscarredfacetwisted withworry.Hesatcrouchedonhishaunches,absentlyscratchingthelinesof awebonthegroundwithhisdagger,thenlookedupathissergeant. WhiskeyjackeyedPale'sstainedwalls,themusclesofhisjawbunching beneathhisbeard.'ThelasttimeIstoodonthishill,'hesaid,hisgaze narrowing,'itwascrowdedwitharmour.Andamageandahalf.'Hewas silentforatime,thenhesighed.'Goon,Corporal.' Kalamnodded.'Ipulledsomeoldthreads,'hesaid,squintingagainstthe harshmorninglight.'Somebodyhighuphasusmarked.Couldbethecourt itself,ormaybethenobilitythere'srumoursthey'rebackatitbehindthe scenes.'Hegrimaced.'Andnowwe'vegotsomenewcaptainfromUntaeager togetourthroatscut.Fourcaptainsinthelastthreeyears,notoneworthhis weightinsalt.' QuickBenstoodtenfeetaway,atthehill'screst,hisarmscrossed.Henow spoke.'Youheardtheplan.Comeon,Whiskeyjack.Thatmanslidstraightout ofthepalaceandintoourlapsonastreamof' 'Quiet,'Whiskeyjackmuttered.'I'mthinking.' KalamandQuickBenexchangedglances. Alongminutepassed.Ontheroadbelowtroopwagonsrattledintheruts leadingintothecity.Remnantsofthe5thand6thArmies,alreadybattered, almostbroken,byCaladanBroodandtheCrimsonGuard. Whiskeyjackshookhishead.TheonlyforceintactwastheMoranth,they seemeddeterminedtofieldonlytheBlackregiments,usingtheGrforlifts anddropsandwherethehellwastheGoldhe'dbeenhearingmuchabout? Damnthoseunhumanbastardsanyway.Pale'sguttersranredfromtheir hourofretribution.Oncetheburialshiftswerethroughthere'dbeafew morehillsoutsidethecity'swalls.Bigones. TherewouldbenothingtomarkthirteenhundreddeadBridgeburners though.Thewormsdidn'tneedtotravelfartofeastonthosebodies.What chilledthesergeanttohisboneswasthefactthat,apartfromafewsurvivors, nobodyhadmadeaseriousefforttosavethem.Somehighrankingofficer haddeliveredTayschrenn'scommiserationsonthoselostinthelineofduty, thenhadunloadedawagonloadoftripeaboutheroismandsacrifice.His audienceofthirtyninestonefacedsoldierslookedonwithoutaword.The officerwasfounddeadinhisroomhourslater,expertlygarotted.Themood wasbadnobodyinregimentwouldhaveeventhoughtofsomethingsougly fiveyearsago.Butnowtheydidn'tblinkatthenews. GarottesoundslikeClawwork.Kalamhadsuggesteditwasasetup,an elaborateframetodiscreditwhatwasleftoftheBridgeburners.Whiskeyjack wassceptical. Hetriedtoclearhisthoughts.Iftherewasapatternitwouldbeasimple one,simpleenoughtopassbyunnoticed.Butexhaustionseeinlikeathick hazebehindhiseyes.Hetookadeeplungfulofthemorningair.'Thenew recruit?'heasked. Kalamrosefromhishauncheswithagrunt.Afarawayandlonglook

enteredhiseyes.'Maybe,'hesaidfinally.'PrettyyoungforaClawthough.' 'IneverbelievedinpureevilbeforeSorryshowedup,'QuickBensaid.'But you'reright,she'sawfullyyoung.Howlongaretheytrainedbeforethey're sentout?' Kalamshruggeduneasily.'Fifteenyearsminimum.Mindyou,theythem young.Fiveorsix.' 'Couldbemageryinvolved,makingherlookyoungerthansheis.'Quick Bensaid.'Highlevelstuff,butwithinTayschrenn'sabilities.' 'Seemstooobvious,'Whiskeyjackmuttered.'Callitbadupbringing.'Quick Bensnorted.'Don'ttellmeyoubelievethat,Whiskeyjack.' Thesergeant'sfacetightened.'Thesubject'sclosedonSorry.Anddon'ttell mewhatIthink,Wizard.'HefacedKalam.'Allright.YouthinkEmpire'sinto killingitsownthesedays.YouthinkLaseen'scleaninghouse,maybe?Or someoneclosetoher?Gettingridofcertainpeople.Fine.Tellmewhy.' 'Theoldguard,'Kalamrepliedimmediately.'Everyonestillloyalto Emperor'smemory.' 'Doesn'twash,'Whiskeyjacksaid.'We'realldyingoffanyway.Wedon't needLaseen'shelp.ApartfromDujekthere'snotamaninthisarmyhere whoevenknowstheEmperor'sname,andnobody'dgiveadamninanycase. He'sdead.LonglivetheEmpress.' 'Sheain'tgotthepatiencetowaititout,'QuickBensaid. Kalamnoddedagreement.'She'slosingmomentumasitis.Thingsusedto bebetterit'sthatmemoryshewantsdead.' 'Hairlock'soursnakeinthehole,'QuickBensaidwithasharpnod. 'It'llwork,Whiskeyjack.IknowwhatI'mdoingonthisone.' 'WedoitthewaytheEmperorwouldhave,'Kalamadded.'Weturnthe game.Wedoourownhousecleaning.' Whiskeyjackraisedahand.'Allright.Nowbequiet.You'rebothsounding toodamnrehearsed.'Hepaused.'It'satheory.Acomplicatedone.Who'sin theknowandwhoisn't?'HescowledatQuickBen'sexpression.'Right,that's Hairlock'stask.Butwhathappenswhenyoucomefacetofacewithsomeone big,powerfulandmean?' 'LikeTayschrenn?'TheWizardgrinned. 'Right.I'msureyou'vegotananswer.Let'sseeifIcanworkitoutmyself. Youlookforsomeoneevennastier.Youmakeadealandyousetthingsup, andifwe'requickenoughwe'llcomeoutsmellingofroses.AmIclose, Wizard?' Kalamsnortedhisamusement. QuickBenlookedaway.'BackintheSevenCities,beforetheEmpire showedup' 'BackintheSevenCitiesisbackintheSevenCities,'Whiskeyjacksaid.'Hell, Iledthecompanychasingyouacrossthedesert,remember?Iknowhowyou work,Quick.AndIknowyou'redamngoodatthis.ButIalsorecallthatyou weretheonlyoneofyourcabaltocomeoutalivebackthen.Andthistime?' ThewizardseemedhurtbyWhiskeyjack'swords.Hislipsthinnedtoa straightline.

Thesergeantsighed.'Allright.Wegowithit.Startthingsrolling.Andpull thatsorceressallthewayin.We'llneedherifHairlockbreakshischains.' 'AndSorry?'Kalamasked. Whiskeyjackhesitated.Heknewthequestionbehindthatquestion. QuickBenwasthesquad'sbrains,butKalamwastheirkiller.Bothmade himuneasywiththeirsinglemindeddevotiontotheirrespectivetalents. 'Leaveheralone,'hesaidatlast.'Fornow.' KalamandQuickBensighed,sharingagrinbehindtheirsergeant'sback. 'Justdon'tgetcocky,'Whiskeyjacksaiddrily. Thegrinsfaded. Thesergeant'sgazereturnedtothewagonsenteringthecity.Tworiders approached.'Allright,'hesaid.'Mountup.Herecomesourreception committee.'Theriderswerefromhissquad,FiddlerandSorry. 'Youthinkthenewcaptain'sarrived?'Kalamasked,asheclimbedintohis saddle.Hisroanmareturnedherheadandsnappedathim.Hegrowledin return.Amomentlaterthetwolongtimecompanionssettleddowninto theirmutualmistrust. Whiskeyjacklookedon,amused.'Probably.Let'sheaddowntothem. Anybodyuponthewallwatchingusmightbegettingantsy.'Thenhis humourfellaway.Theyhad,indeed,justturnedthegame.Andthetiming couldn'thavebeenworse.Heknewthefullextentoftheirnextmission,and inthatheknewmorethaneitherQuickBenorKalam. Therewasnopointincomplicatingthingsevenfurther,though.They'll findoutsoonenough. TattersailstoodhalfadozenfeetbehindHighMageTayschrenn.The Malazanbannerssnappedinthewind,thesparscreakingabovethesmoke stainedturret,buthereintheshelterofthewalltheairwascalm. OnthewesternhorizonacrossfromherrosetheMoranthMountains, reachingamangledarmnorthwardtoGenabaris.Astherangeswept southwarditjoinedtheTahlyninajaggedlinestretchingathousandleagues intotheeast.OfftoherrightlaytheflatyellowgrassedRhiviPlain. Tayschrennleanedonamerlonlookingdownonthewagonsrollinginto thecity.Frombelowrosethegroansofoxenandshoutingsoldiers. TheHighMagehadn'tmovedorsaidawordinsomeminutes.Offtohisleft waitedasmallwoodtable,itssurfacescarredandpittedandcrowdedwith runescutdeepintotheoak.Peculiardarkstainsblottedthesurfacehereand there. KnotsoftensionthrobbedinTattersail'sshoulders.MeetingBellurdanhad shakenher,andshedidn'tfeeluptowhatwastocome. 'Bridgeburners,'theHighMagemuttered. Startled,thesorceressfrowned,thensteppeduptostandbeside Tayschrenn.Descendingfromahillofftotheright,ahillsheknewintimately, rodeapartyofsoldiers.Evenfromthisdistancesherecognizedfourofthem: QuickBen,Kalam,Whiskeyjackandthatrecruit,Sorry. Thefifthriderwasashort,wiryman,whohadsapperwrittenalloverhim. 'Oh?'shesaid,feigninglackofinterest.

'Whiskeyjack'ssquad,'Tayschrennsaid.Heturnedhisfullgazeonthe sorceress.'Thesamesquadyouspokewithimmediatelyfollowingthe Moon'sretreat.'TheHighMagesmiled,thenclappedTattersail'sshoulder. 'Come.IrequireaReading.Let'sbegin.'Hewalkedovertostandbeforethe table.'Oponn'sstrandsaretwistingapeculiarmaze,theinfluencesnaresme againandagain.'Heturnedhisbacktothewallandsatdownonacrenel, thenlookedup.'Tattersail,'hesaidsoberly,'inmattersofEmpire,Iamthe servantoftheEmpress.' Tattersail.recalledtheirargumentatthedebriefing.Nothinghadbeen resolved.'PerhapsIshouldtakemycomplaintstoher,then.' Tayschrenn'sbrowsrose.'Itakethatassarcastic.' 'Youdo?' TheHighMagesaid,stiffly,'Ido,andbethankfulforit,woman.' TattersailpulledoutherDeckandhelditagainstherstomach,runningher fingersoverthetopcard.Cool,afeelingofgreatweightanddarkness.Sheset theDeckinthetable'scentre,thenloweredherbulkslowlyintoakneeling position.HergazelockedwithTayschrenn's.'Shallwebegin?' 'TellmeoftheSpinningCoin.' Tattersail'sbreathcaught.Shecouldnotmove. 'Firstcard,'Tayschrenncommanded. Withaneffortsheexpelledtheairfromherlungsinahissingsigh. Damnhim,shethought.Anechooflaughtersoundedinherhead,andshe realizedthatsomeone,something,hadopenedtheway.AnAscendantwas reachingthroughher,itspresencecoolandamused,almostfickle.Hereyes shutoftheirownaccord,andshereachedforthefirstcard.Sheflippedit almosthaphazardlytoherright.Eyesstillclosed,shefeltherselfsmile.'An unalignedcard:Orb.Judgementandtruesight.'Thesecondcardshetossed totheleftsideofthefield.'Virgin,HighHouseDeath.Herescarredand blindfolded,withbloodonherhands.'Faintly,asiffromagreatdistance away,camethesoundofhorses,thunderingcloser,nowbeneathher,asifthe earthhadswallowedthem. Thenthesoundroseanew,behindher.Shefeltherselfnod.Therecruit. 'Thebloodonherhandsisnotherown,thecrimenotitsown.Thecloth againsthereyesiswet.' Sheslappedthethirdcardimmediatelyinfrontofher.Behindherlidsan imageformed.Itlefthercoldandfrightened.'Assassin,HighHouseShadow. TheRope,acountofknotsunending,thePatronofAssassinsisinthisgame.' ForamomentshethoughtsheheardthehowlingofUoun&.Skitlai(Ialiana ontiatfourtkicaTcXand,feltatlafikkofrecognitionripplethroughher, followedbysomethinglikefalsemodesty. 'Oponn,Lady'sheadhigh,Lord'slow.'Shepickeditupandsetitdown oppositeTayschrenn. There'syourblock.Shesmiledtoherself.Chewonitawhile,HighMage. TheLadyregardsyouwithdisgust.Tattersailknewhemustbeburningwith questions,buthewouldn'tspeakthem.Therewastoomuchpowerbehind thisopening.HadhesensedtheAscendant'spresence?Shewonderedifit

scaredhim. 'TheCoin,'sheheardherselfsay,'spinson,HighMage.Itsfacelooksupon many,ahandfulperhaps,andhereistheircard.'Shesetthefifthcardto Oponn'sright,edgestouching.'Anotherunalignedcard:Crown.Wisdomand justice,asitisupright.Arounditafaircity'swalls,litbyflamesofgas,blue andgreen.'Shepondered.'Yes,Darujhistan,thelastFreeCity.' Thewayclosed,theAscendantwithdrawingasifbored.Tattersail'seyes opened,anunexpectedwarmthcomfortingherwearybody.'IntoOponn's maze,'shesaid,amusedatthetruthhiddeninthatstatement.'Icantakeitno further,HighMage.' Tayschrenn'sbreathgustedoutandheleanedback.'You'vegonefarpast whatI'vemanaged,Sorceress.'Hisfacewasdrawnashelookedather.'I'm impressedwithyoursource,thoughnotpleasedwithitsmessage.' Hefrowned,plantinghiselbowsonhiskneesandsteeplinghislong fingeredhandsbeforehisface.'ThisSpinningCoin,everechoing.There'sthe jester'shumourinthisshapingevennowIfeelwearebeingmisled.Death's Virgin,alikelydeceit.' ItwasnowTattersail'sturntobeimpressed.TheHighMagewasanAdept, then.Hadhe,too,heardthelaughterpunctuatingthelayingofthefield?She hopednot.'Youmightberight,'shesaid.'TheVirgin'sfaceiseverchanging itcouldbeanyone.Can'tsaythesameforOponn,ortheRope's.'Shenodded. 'Averypossibledeception,'shesaid,pleasedtobeconversingwithan equalatruththatmadehergrimaceinwardly. It'salwaysbetterwhenhatredandoutragestaypure,uncompromised. 'Iwouldhearyourthoughts,'Tayschrennsaid. Tattersailstarted,shiedfromtheHighMage'ssteadygaze.Shebegan collectingthecards.Wouldithurttooffersomeexplanation?Ifanything,it willleavehimevenmorerattledthanbealreadyis.'DeceptionisthePatron Assassin'sforte.Isensednothingofhispresumedmaster,Shadowthrone himself.MakesmesuspecttheRopeisonhisownhere.BewaretheAssassin, HighMage,ifanythinghisgamesareevenmoresubtlethanShadowthrone's. AndwhileOponnplaystheirownversion,itremainsthesamegame,andthat gameisbeingplayedoutinourworld.TheTwinsofLuckhavenocontrolin Shadow'sRealm,andShadowisaWarrenknownforslippingitsboundaries. Forbreakingtherules.' 'Trueenough,'Tayschrennsaid,risingtohisfeetwithagrunt.'Thebirthof thatbastardrealmhasevertroubledme.' 'It'syoungyet,'Tattersailsaid.ShepickedupherDeckandreturneditto thepocketinsidehercloak.'Itsfinalshapingisstillcenturiesaway,andit mayneverhappen.RecallothernewHousesthatendedupdyingaquick death.' 'Thisonestinksoftoomuchpower.'Tayschrennreturnedtohisstudyof theMoranthMountains.'Mygratitude,'hesaid,asTattersailwenttothe stepsleadingdownintothecity,'isworthsomething,Ihope.Inanycase, Sorceress,youhaveit.' Tattersailhesitatedatthelanding,thenbeganthedescent.He'dbeless

magnanimousifhefoundoutthatshehadjustmisledhim.Shecouldguess theVirgin'sidentity.Herthoughtstravelledbacktothemomentofthe Virgin'sappearance.Thehorsesshehadheard,passingbeneath,hadn'tbeen anillusion.Whiskeyjack'ssquadhadjustenteredthecity,throughthegate below.AndamongthemrodeSorry.Coincidence? Maybe,butshedidn'tthinkso.TheSpinningCoinhadfaintlywobbledat thatinstant,thenitsringingreturned.Thoughshehearditinhermindday andnight,ithadbecomealmostsecondnature,andTattersailfoundshehad toconcentratetofindit.Butshe'dcaughtthenudge,feltthepitchchangeand sensedabriefinstantofuncertainty. Death'sVirgin,andtheAssassinofHighHouseShadow.Therewasa connectionthere,somehow,anditbotheredOponn.Obviously,everything remainedinaflux.'Terrific,'shemuttered,asshereachedthebottomofthe staircase. Shesawtheyoungmarinewhohadapproachedherearlier.Hestoodina lineofrecruitsinthecentreofthecompound.Nocommandingofficerwasin sight.Tattersailcalledtheboyover. 'Yes,Sorceress?'heasked,ashearrivedtostandatattentioninfrontofher. 'Whatareyouallstandingaroundfor,soldier?' "We'reabouttobeissuedourweapons.Thestaffsergeant'sgonetobring thewagonround.' Tattersailnodded.'Ihaveataskforyou.I'llseethatyougetyour weaponsbutnotthetinnyonesyourfriendsareabouttoreceive.Ifa superiorofficerquestionsyourabsence,referhimtome.' 'Yes,Sorceress.' ApangofregrethitTattersail.uponmeetingtheboy'sbright,eagergaze. Chanceswere,he'dbedeadwithinafewmonths.TheEmpirehadmany crimesstainingitsbanner,butthiswastheworstofthem.Shesighed. 'Deliver,inperson,thismessagetoSergeantWhiskeyjack,Bridgeburners. Thefatladywiththespellswantstotalk.Youhaveit,soldier?' Theboyblanched. 'Let'shearit.' Themarinerepeatedthemessageinadeadpantone. Tattersailsmiled.'Verygood.Nowrunalong,anddon'tforgettogetan answerfromhim.I'llbeinmyquarters.' CaptainParanswungaroundforalastlookattheBlackMoranth.The squadhadjustreachedtheplateau'screst.Hewatcheduntilthey disappearedfromview,thenshiftedhisgazebacktothecityintheeast. Fromthisdistance,withthewide,flatplaininbetween,Paleseemed peacefulenough,althoughthegroundoutsidethewallswasstuddedwith blackbasalticrubbleandthememoryofsmokeandfireclungtotheair. Alongthewallscaffoldingroseinplaces,tinyfigurescrowdingthe frameworks.Theyappearedtoberebuildinghugegapsinthestonework. Fromthenorthgateasluggishstreamofwagonswoundouttowardsthe hills,theairabovethemfilledwithcrows.Alongtheedgeofthosehillsrana lineofmoundstooregulartobenatural.

He'dheardtherumours,hereandthere.Fivedeadmages,twoofthem HighMages.The2nd'slossesenoughtofirespeculationthatitwouldbe mergedwiththe5thandthe6thtoformanewregiment.AndMoon'sSpawn hadretreatedsouth,acrosstheTahlynMountainstoLakeAzur,trailing smoke,driftingandleaningtoonesidelikeaspentthunderhead. Butonetalereachedintothecaptain'sthoughtsdeeperthanalltherest: theBridgeburnersweregone.Somestoriessaidkilledtoaman;others insistedthatafewsquadshadmadeitoutofthetunnelsbeforethecollapse. Paranwasfrustrated.He'dbeenamongMoranthfordays.Theuncanny warriorshardlyeverspoke,andwhentheydiditwastoeachotherinthat incomprehensibletongueoftheirs.Allofhisinformationwasoutofdate,and thatputhiminanunfamiliarposition.Mindyou,hethought,sinceGenabaris ithadbeenoneunfamiliarsituationafteranother. Soherehewas,onthewaitingendofthingsonceagain.Hereadjustedhis duffelbagandwaspreparingforalongwaitwhenhesawahorsemantopthe farplateau'screst.Themanhadanextramountwithhim,andherode straightforthecaptain. Hesighed.DealingwiththeClawalwaysgrated.Theyweresodamnsmug. WiththeexceptionofthatmaninGenabaris,noneseemedtolikehimmuch. Ithadbeenalongtimesincehe'dknownsomeonehecouldcallafriend.Over twoyears,infact. Theriderarrived.Seeinghimupclose,Parantookaninvoluntarystep back.Halftheman'sfacehadbeenburnedaway.Apatchcoveredtheright eyeandthemanheldhisheadatanoddangle.Themanflashedaghastlygrin, thendismounted. 'You'retheone,huh?'heaskedinaraspingvoice. 'IsittrueabouttheBridgeburners?'Parandemanded.'Wipedout?' 'Moreorless.Fivesquadsleft,orthereabouts.Aboutfortyinall.'Hisleft eyesquintedandhereacheduptoadjusthisbatteredhelmet.'Didn'tknow whereyou'dbeheadingbefore.Donow.You'reWhiskeyjack'snewcaptain, huh?' 'SergeantWhiskeyjackisknowntoyou?'Paranscowled.ThisClawwasn't liketheothers.Whateverthinkingtheydidabouthimtheykeptto themselves,andhepreferreditthatway. Themanclimbedbackintohissaddle.'Let'sride.Wecantalkontheway.' Paranwenttotheotherhorseandtiedhisbagtothesaddle,whichwasof theSevenCitiesstyle,highbackedandwithahingedhornthatfolded forwardhe'dseenseverallikethisonthiscontinent.Itwasadetailhe'd alreadyfiledaway.NativesfromtheSevenCitieshadapredispositionfor makingtrouble,andthiswholeGenabackanCampaignhadbeenafoulup fromtheverystart.Nocoincidence,that.Mostofthe2nd,5thand6thArmies hadbeenrecruitedfromtheSevenCitiessubcontinent. Hemountedandtheysettledintoasteadycanteracrosstheplateau. TheClawtalked.'SergeantWhiskeyjack'sgotalotoffollowersaroundhere. Actslikehedon'tknowit.Yougottoremembersomethingthat'sbeendamn nearforgottenbackinMalazWhiskeyjackoncecommandedhisown

company' Paran'sheadsnappedaround.Thatfacthadbeenthoroughlystripped fromtheannals.AsfarasEmpirehistorywasconcerned,ithadnever happened. 'backinthedayswhenDassernUltorranthemilitary,'theClaw continuedblithely.'ItwasWhiskeyjack'sSeventhCompanythatrandown theSevenCities'magecabaloutinthePan'potsunWastes.Heendedthewar thenandthere.Ofcourse,everythingwenttohellafterthat,whatwithHood takingUltor'sdaughter.Andnotlongafterthat,whenUltordied,allhismen werepulleddownfast.That'swhenthebureaucratsswalloweduptheArmy. Damnjackals.Andthey'vebeensnipingateachothereversinceandtohell withthecampaigns.'TheClawsatforward,pushingthesaddlehorndown, andspatpasthishorse'sleftear. Paranshivered,seeingthatgesture.Intheolddaysithadannouncedthe beginningoftribalwaramongtheSevenCities.Now,ithadbecomethe symboloftheMalaz2ndArmy.'Areyousuggesting,'hecutin,'thatthestory you'vejusttoldmeiscommonplace?' 'Notindetail,'theClawadmitted.'ButsomeoldveteransintheSecond foughtwithUltor,notjustinSevenCitiesbutasfarbackasFalar.' Paranthoughtforatime.Themanridingbesidehim,thoughaClaw,was also2ndArmy.Andhe'dbeenthroughalotwiththem.Itmadeforan interestingperspective.Heglancedatthemanandsawhimgrinning. 'What'ssofunny?' Themanshrugged.'TheBridgeburnersarealittlehot,thesedays.They're gettingchaffforrecruitsandthatmakesitlooklikethey'reabouttobe disbanded.YoutalkwithwhoeveritisyoutalkwithbackinMalaz,youtell themthey'dendupwithamutinyontheirhands,theystartmessingwiththe Bridgeburners.That'sineveryreportIsendbutnooneseemstolistento me.'Hisgrinbroadened.'MaybetheythinkI'vebeenturnedorsomething, eh?' Paranshrugged.'Youwerecalledintomeetme,weren'tyou?' TheClawlaughed.'You'vereallybeenoutoftouch,haven'tyou? TheycalledmeinbecauseI'mthelastActiveintheSecond.Andasforthe FifthandSixthforgetit.Brood'sTisteAndcouldpickoutaClawfroma thousandpaces.Noneofthemleft,either.MyownClawMasterwasgarotted twodaysbackthat'ssomethingelse,ain'tit?You,Iinherited,Captain.Once wehitthecity,Isendyouonyourway,andthat'sprobablythelastwe'llever seeofeachother.YoudeliveryourmissiondetailsasCaptainoftheNinth Squad,theyeitherlaughinyourfaceortheystickaknifeinyoureyeit's evenbettingwhatthey'lldo.Toobad,butthereitis.' UpaheadloomedthegatesofPale. 'Onemorething,'theClawsaid,hiseyesonthemerlonsabovethegate, 'justaboneI'llthrowyouincaseOponn'ssmilingonyou.TheHighMage Tayschrenn'srunningthingshere.Dujek'snothappy,especiallyconsidering whathappenedwithMoon'sSpawn.It'sabadsituationbetweenthem,but theHighMageisrelyingonhisbeingincloseandconstantcommunication

withtheEmpress,andthat'swhat'skeepinghimontop.Awarning,then. Dujek'ssoldierswillfollowhimanywhere.AndthatgoesfortheFifthand SixthArmies,too.What'sbeengatheredhereisastormwaitingtobreak.' Paranstaredattheman.Topperhadexplainedthesituation,butParanhad dismissedtheman'sassessmentithadseemedtoomuchlikeascenario devisedtojustifytheEmpressfillingthegallows.NotatangleIwanttoget involvedin.LeavemetocompletemysingletaskIdesirenomorethanthat. ks*wiVwSseAXT&wtvtUwN%'?6Vetverby,Tayschrennjustwatched usarrive.Anychanceheknowsyou,Captain?' 'No.'Ihopenot,headdedsilently. Astheytrottedintothecityproperandawallofsoundrosetomeetthem, Paran'seyesglazedslightly.Palewasamadhouse,buildingsonallsides guttedbyfire,thestreets,despitebeingcobbleheavedinplacesanddented inothers,werepackedwithpeople,carts,brayinganimalsandmarines.He wonderedifheshouldstartmeasuringhislifeinminutes. Takingcommandofasquadthathadgonethroughfourcaptainsinthree years,thendeliveringamissionthatnosanesoldierwouldconsider,coupled withabrewingfirestormofalargescaleinsurrectionpossiblyheadedbythe Empire'sfinestmilitarycommander,againstaHighMagewholookedtobe carvinghisownratherbignicheintheworldallofthishadParanfeeling somewhatdismayed. Hewasjoltedbyaheavyslaponhisback.TheClawhadmovedhishorse closeandnowheleanedover. 'Outofyourdepth,Captain?Don'tworry,everydamnpersonhere'soutof theirdepth.Someknowit,somedon't.It'stheoneswhodon'tyougotto worryabout.Startwithwhat'srightinfrontofyouandforgettherestfor now.It'llshowupinitsowntime.Findanymarineandaskdirectiontothe Bridgeburners.That'stheeasypart.' Parannodded. TheClawhesitated,thenleanedcloser.'I'vebeenthinking,Captain.It'sa hunch,mindyou,butIthinkyou'reheretodosomegood.No,don'tbother answering.Only,ifyougetintotrouble,yougetwordtoToctheYounger, that'sme.I'mintheMessengerCorps,outriderclass,theSecond.Allright?' Parannoddedagain.'Thankyou,'hesaid,justasaloudcrashsounded behindthem,followedbyachorusofangryvoices.Neitherriderturned. 'What'sthatyousaid,Captain?' Paransmiled.'Betterheadoff.Keepyourcoverincasesomething happenstome.I'llfindmyselfaguide,bythebook.' 'Surething,Captain.'ToctheYoungerwaved,thenswunghismountdown asidestreet.MomentslaterParanlostsightofhim.Hedrewadeepbreath, thencasthisgazeabout,searchingforalikelysoldier. Paranknewthathisearlyyearsinthenoblecourtsofhishomelandhad preparedhimwellforthekindofdeceptionAdjunctLorndemandedofhim. Inthepasttwoyears,however,hehadbeguntorecognizemoreclearlywhat hewasbecoming.Thatbrash,honestyouthwhohadspokenwiththe Empress'sAdjunctthatdayontheItkoKanesecoastnowgnawedathim.

He'ddroppedrightintoLorn'slaplikealumpofunshapedclay.Andshehad proceededtodowhatshedidbest. WhatfrightenedParanmost,thesedays,wasthathehadgrownusedto beingused.He'dbeensomeoneelsesomanytimesthathesawathousand faces,heardathousandvoices,allatwarwithhisown.Whenhethoughtof himself,ofthatyoungnoblebornmanwiththeoverblownfaithinhonesty andintegrity,thevisionthatcametohimnowwasofsomethingcold,hard anddark.Ithidinthedeepestshadowsofhismind,anditwatched.No contemplation,nojudgement,justicy,clinicalobservation. Hedidn'tthinkthatthatyoungmanwouldseethelightofdayagain. Hewouldjustshrinkfurtherback,swallowedbydarkness,thendisappear, leavingnotrace. AndParanwonderedifheevencaredanymore. HemarchedintothebarracksthathadoncehousedPale'sNobleGuard. Oneoldveteranloungedonanearbycot,herragwrappedfeetjuttingover theend.Themattresshadbeenstrippedawayandtossedintoacorner;the womanlayontheflatboards,herhandsbehindherhead. Paran'sgazeheldonherbriefly,thentravelleddowntheward.Withthe loneexceptionoftheveteranmarine,theplacewasempty.Hereturnedhis attentiontoher.'Corporal,isit?'Thewomandidn'tmove.'Yeah,what?''I takeit,'hesaiddrily,'thatthechainofcommandhasthoroughly disintegratedaroundhere.' Hereyesopenedandmanagedalazysweepoftheofficerstandingbefore her.'Probably,'shesaid,thenclosedhereyesagain.'Youlookingfor somebodyorwhat?' 'I'mlookingfortheNinthSquad,Corporal.' 'Why?Theyintroubleagain?' Paransmiledtohimself.'AreyoutheaverageBridgeburner,Corporal?' 'Alltheaverageonesaredead,'shesaid. 'Who'syourcommander?'Paranasked. 'Antsy,buthe'snothere.' 'Icanseethat.'Thecaptainwaited,thensighed.'Well,whereisthisAntsy?' 'TryKnobb'sInn,upthestreet.ThelastIseenofhimhewaslosinghis shirttoHedge.Antsy'sacardplayer,right,onlynotagoodone.'Shebegan pickingatatoothatthebackofhermouth. Paran'sbrowsrose.'Yourcommandergambleswithhismen?' 'Antsy'sasergeant,'thewomanexplained.'Ourcaptain'sdead.Anyway, Hedgeisnotinoursquad.' 'Oh,andwhatsquadishewith?' Thewomangrinned,swallowingwhateverherfingerhaddislodged. 'TheNinth.' 'What'syourname,Corporal?' 'Picker,what'syours?' 'CaptainParan.' Pickershotupintoasittingposition,hereyeswide.'Oh,you'rethenew captainwho'syettopullasword,eh?'

Parangrinned.'That'sright.' 'Yougotanyideaoftheoddsonyourightnow?Itdoesn'tlookgood.' 'Whatdoyoumean?' Shesmiledabroadsmile.'ThewayIpickit,'shesaid,leaningbackdown andclosinghereyesagain,'thefirstbloodyouseeonyourhandsisgonnabe yourown,CaptainParan.GobacktoQuonTaliwhereit'ssafe.Goon,the Empressneedsherfeetlicked.' 'They'recleanenough,'Paransaid.Hewasnotsurehowtodealwiththis situation.PartofhimwantedtodrawhisswordandcutPickerinhalf. Anotherwantedtolaugh,andthatonehadanedgeofhysteriatoit. Behindhimtheouterdoorbangedopenandheavyfootstepssoundedon thefloorboards.Paranturned.Aredfacedsergeant,hisfacedominatedbyan enormoushandlebarmoustache,stormedintotheroom.IgnoringParan,he strodeupbesidePicker'scotandglowereddownather. 'Dammit,Picker,youtoldmeHedgewashavingabadrun,andnowthat bowleggedturd'scleanedmeout!''Hedgeishavingabadrun,'Pickersaid. 'Butyoursisworse.Youneveraskedmeaboutthat,didyou?Antsy,meet CaptainParan,theNinth'snewofficer.' Thesergeantswungaroundandstared.'Hood'sBreath,'hemuttered,then facedPickeragain. 'I'mlookingforWhiskeyjack,Sergeant,'Paransaidsoftly. Somethinginthecaptain'stonebroughtAntsyaround.Heopenedhis mouth,thenshutitwhenhiseyescaughtParan'ssteadygaze.'Somekid deliveredamessage.Whiskeyjacktroopedout.Afewofhispeopleareat Knobb's.' 'Thankyou,Sergeant.'Paranwalkedstifflyfromtheroom. AntsyletoutalongbreathandglancedatPicker. "Twodays,'shepronounced,'thensomebodydoeshim.OldRockfacehas alreadylaidtwentytothat.' ~&'vsj,txpits~xlon~xglrixtnt&'Si~mdVxngW'tX%inet1rive~,~Dta &amue~Lshame.' ParanenteredKnobb'sInnandstoppedjustinsidethedoorway.Theplace waspackedwithsoldiers,theirvoicesajumbledroar.Onlyafewshowedon theiruniformstheflameemblemoftheBridgeburners.Therestwere2nd Army. Atalargetablebeneathanoverhangingwalkwaythatfrontedroomson thefirstfloorhalfadozenBridgeburnerssatplayingcards.A wideshoulderedmanwhoseblackhairwasbraidedintoaponytailand knottedwithcharmsandfetishessatwithhisbacktotheroom,dealingout thecardswithinfinitepatience.EventhroughthehightideroarParancould heartheman'smonotonecounting.Theothersatthetabledelugedthe dealerwithcurses,tolittleeffect. 'Barghast,'Paranmurmured,hisgazeonthedealer.'Onlyoneinthe Bridgeburners.That'stheNinth,then.'Hetookadeepbreath,thenplunged intothecrowd. BythetimehearrivedbehindtheBarghasthisfinecloakwasdrenched

withsouraleandbitterwine,andsweatcastashineonhisforehead.The Barghast,hesaw,hadjustfinishedthedealandwassettingdownthedeckin thetable'scentre,revealingashedidsotheendlessbluewoadtattooingon hisbaredarm,thespiralpatternsmarredhereandtherebywhitescars. 'IsthistheNinth?'Paranaskedloudly. ThemanoppositetheBarghastglancedup,hisweatheredfacethesame colourashisleathercap,thenreturnedhisattentiontohiscards. 'YouCaptainParan?' 'Iam.Andyou,soldier?' 'Hedge.'Henoddedattheheavymanseatedtohisright.'That'sMallet,the squad'shealer.AndtheBarghast'snameisTrotts,anditain'tbecausehe likesjogging.'Hejerkedhisheadtohisleft.'Therestdon'tmatterthey're SecondArmyandlousyplayerstoboot.Takeaseat,Captain.Whiskeyjack andtherestbeencalledoutforthetimebeing.Shouldbebacksoon.' ParanfoundanemptychairandpulleditupbetweenMalletandTrotts. Hedgegrowled,'Hey,Trotts,yougonnacallthisgameorwhat?' Releasingalongbreath,ParanturnedtoMallet.'Tellme,Healer,what'sthe averagelifeexpectancyforanofficerintheBridgeburners?' AgruntescapedHedge'slips.'BeforeorafterMoon'sSpawn?' Mallet'sheavybrowsroseslightlyasheansweredthecaptain.'Maybetwo campaigns.Dependsonalotofthings.Ballsain'tenough,butithelps.And thatmeansforgettingeverythingyoulearnedandjumpingintoyour sergeant'slaplikeababe.Youlistentohim,youmightmakeit.' Hedgethumpedthetable.'Wakeup,Trotts!Whatareweplayinghere?' TheBarghastscowled.'I'mthinking,'herumbled. Paranleanedbackandunhitchedhisbelt. Trottsdecidedonagame,tothegroansofHedge,Malletandthethree2nd Armysoldiers,sinceitwasthegameTrottsalwaysdecidedon. Malletspoke.'Captain,you'vebeenhearingthingsabouttheBridgeburners, right?' Parannodded.'MostofficersareterrifiedoftheBridgeburners.Wordis, themortalityrate'ssohighbecausehalfthecaptainsendupwithadaggerin theirback.' Hepaused,andwasabouttocontinuewhenhenoticedthesuddensilence. Thegamehadstopped,andalleyeshadfixedonhim.Sweatbrokeoutunder Paran'sclothing.'AndfromwhatI'veseensofar,'hepressedon,'I'mlikelyto believethatrumour.ButI'lltellyousomethingallofyouifIdiewitha knifeinmyback,it'dbetterbebecauseIearnedit.Otherwise,Iwillbe severelydisappointed.'Hehitchedhisbeltandrose.'TellthesergeantI'llbe inthebarracks.I'dliketospeakwithhimbeforewe'reofficiallymustered.' Hedgegaveaslownod.'Willdo,Captain.'Themanhesitated.'Uh,Captain? Caretositinonthegame?' Paranshookhishead.'Thanks,no.'Agrintuggedthecornerofhismouth. 'Badpractice,anofficertakinghisenlistedmen'smoney.' 'Nowthere'sachallengeyou'dbetterbackupsometime,'Hedgesaid,his eyesbrightening.

'I'llthinkaboutit,'Paranreplied,asheleftthetable.Pushingthroughthe crowd,hefeltagrowingsenseofsomethingthatcaughthimcompletelyoff guard:insignificance.Alotofarrogancehadbeendrilledintohim,fromhis daysasaboyamongthenobilitythroughtohistimeattheacademy.That arrogancenowcoweredinsomecornerofhisbrain,shockedsilentand numb. Hehadknownthatwellbeforehe'dmettheAdjunct:hispathintoand throughtheofficertrainingcorpsoftheMarineAcademyhadbeenaneasy processionmarkedbywinksandnods.ButtheEmpire'swarswerefought here,thousandsofleaguesaway,andhere,Paranrealized,nobodycaredone whitaboutcourtinfluencesandmutuallyfavourabledeals.Thoseshortcuts swelledhischancesofdying,anddyingfast.IfnotfortheAdjunct,he'dhave beentotallyunpreparedtotakecommand. Parangrimacedashepushedopenthetaverndoorandsteppedoutinto thestreet.ItwasnowondertheoldEmperor'sarmieshadsoeasilydevoured thefeudalkingdomsinhispathontheroadtoEmpire.Hewassuddenlyglad ofthestainsmarringhisuniformhenolongerlookedoutofplace. Hestrodeintothealleyleadingtothebarracks'sideentrance.Thewaylay inshadowbeneathhighwalledbuildingsandthefadedcanopiesthathung oversaggingbalconies.Palewasadyingcity.Heknewenoughofitshistory torecognizethebleachedtintsoflonglostglory.True,ithadcommanded enoughpowertoforgeanalliancewithMoon'sSpawnbutthecaptain suspectedthatthathadhadmoretodowiththeMoonlord'ssenseof expediencethantoanykindofmutualrecognitionofpower.Thelocalgentry mademuchoffineryandpomp,buttheirpropslookedtiredandworn.He wonderedhowalikeheandhiskindwerewiththesedroopycitizens.A soundbehindhim,thefaintestscuff,madehimturn.Ashadowwrapped figureclosedonhim.Parancriedout,snatchingathissword. Anicywindwashedoverhimasthefiguremovedin.Thecaptain backpedalled,seeingtheglintofbladesineachhand.Hetwistedtooneside, hisswordhalfwayoutofthescabbard.Hisattacker'slefthanddartedup. Paranjerkedhisheadback,throwinghisshoulderforwardtoblockablade thatneverarrived.Instead,thelongdaggerslidlikefireintohischest.A secondbladesankintohissideevenasbloodgushedupinsidetofillhis mouth.Coughingandgroaning,Paranreeled,careenedoffawall,thenslid downwithonehandgraspingfutilelyatthedampstones,hisfingernails gougingtracksthroughthemould. Ablacknessclosedaroundhisthoughtswhichseemedtoinvolveonlya deep,heartfeltregret.Faintly,aringingsoundcametohisears,asif somethingsmallandmetallicwasskitteringacrossahardsurface.Thesound remained,ofsomethingspinning,andthedarknessencroachednofurther. 'Sloppy,'amansaidinathinvoice.'Iamsurprised.'Theaccentwas familiar,pullinghimtoachildhoodmemory,hisfatherdealingwithDa Honesetraders. TheanswercamefromdirectlyaboveParan.'Keepinganeyeonme? Anotheraccentherecognized,Kanese,andthevoiceseemedtocomefrom

agirl,orachild,yetheknewitwasthevoiceofhiskiller. 'Coincidence,'theotherreplied,thengiggled.'SomeonesomethingI shouldsayhasenteredourWarren.Uninvited.MyHoundshunt.' 'Idon'tbelieveincoincidences.' Againcamethegiggle.'NordoI.Twoyearsagowebeganagameofour own.Asimplesettlingofoldscores.Itseemswehavestumbledintoawholly differentgamehereinPale.' 'Whose?' 'Ishallhavethatanswersoonenough.' 'Don'tgetdistracted,Ammanas.Laseenremainsourtarget,andthe collapseoftheEmpiresherulesbutneverearned.' 'Ihave,asalways,supremeconfidenceinyou,Cotillion. 'Imustbegettingback,'thegirlsaid,movingaway. 'Ofcourse.SothisisthemanLornsenttofindyou?' 'Ibelieveso.Thisshoulddrawherintothefray,inanycase.' 'Andthisisdesirable?'Theconversationfadedasthetwospeakerswalked awayleaving,astheonlysoundinParan'shead,thatwhiffinghum,asifa coinwasspinning,endlesslyspinning. CHAPTERFOUR Theywereofakind,thenthehistorieswritlargeintattooedtracerythe talesatrackingofoldwoundsbutsomethingglowedhardintheireyes thoseflamegnawedarches,thatvanishingspan,theyaretheirownpasteach inturndestinedtofallinlineonthequietwaysidebesidetheriverthey refusetoname TheBridgeburners(IVi) ToctheYounger(b.1141) TATTERSAILGLAREDATWHISKEYJACK.'HAIRLOCKISINSANE,'SHE pronounced.'Thatedgetohimwasalwaysthere,buthe'schewedholesinhis ownWarrensandhe'stastingChaos.Worseyet,it'smakinghimmore powerful,moredangerous.' TheyhadgatheredinTattersail'squarters,whichconsistedofanouter roomwheretheynowsatandabedroomwiththerareluxuryofasolid wooddoor.Thepastoccupantshadhastilystrippedtheplaceofanything valuableandportable,leavingbehindonlythelargerpiecesoffurniture. Tattersailsatatthetable,alongwithWhiskeyjack,QuickBenandKalam,and thesappernamedFiddler.Theairintheroomhadgrownhot,stifling. 'Ofcoursehe'sinsane,'QuickBenreplied,lookingathissergeant,whose faceremainedimpassive.Thewizardhastilyadded,'Butthat'stobeexpected. Fener'stail,lady,he'sgotthebodyofapuppet!Ofcoursethat'stwistedhim.' 'Howtwisted?'Whiskeyjackaskedhiswizard.'He'ssupposedtobe watchingourbacks,isn'the?' Kalamsaid,'QuickBengothim,undercontrol.Hairlock'sbacktracking, workingthroughthemazehe'llfindoutwhointheEmpirewantsusdead.'

'Thedanger,'QuickBenadded,roundingonTattersail,'ishisbeing &tectt_&Vkexvted,%vz~theregularpathsarealltripwired.' Tattersailmulledoverthatpoint,thennodded.'Tayschrennwouldfind him,oratleastcatchwindthatsomeone'ssniffingaround.ButHairlock's usingthepowerofChaos,thepathsthatliebetweenWarrens,andthat's unhealthynotjustforhim,butforallofus.' 'Whyallofus?'Whiskeyjackasked. QuickBenanswered,'ItweakenstheWarrens,fraysthefabric,whichin turnsallowsHairlocktobreakintothematwillandoutagain.Butwehave nochoice.WehavetogiveHairlockhisrope.Fornow.' Thesorceresssighed,massagingherbrow.'Tayschrenn'stheoneyou're lookingfor.I'vealreadytoldyou' 'That'snotgoodenough,'QuickBencutin.'Howmanyagentsisheusing? Whatarethedetailsoftheplanwhatthehellistheplan?Isallthison Laseen'sorders,oristheHighMageeyeingthethroneforhimself?Weneed toknow,dammit!' 'Allright,allright,'Tattersailsaid.'SoHairlockunravelsthewholething foryouthenwhat?DoyouintendtotrytokillTayschrennandeveryone elseinvolved?Areyoucountingonmyhelpinthat?'Shelookedfromone facetothenext.Eachrevealednothing.Angerflaredandsherose.'Iknow,' shesaidstiffly,'thatTayschrennprobablymurderedNKaronys,Nightchill, andmycadre.Heprobablyknewyourtunnelswouldcollapsearoundyou, andhemightwellhavedecidedthatDujek'sSecondwasathreatthatneeded culling.ButifyouthinkI'mgoingtohelpyouwithoutknowingwhatyou're planning,you'remistaken.There'smoretoallthisthanyou'rewillingtotell me.Ifitwasjustyoursurvivalatstake,whydon'tyoujustdesert?Idoubt Dujekwouldchaseyoudown. 'Unless,ofcourse,Tayschrenn'ssuspicionsaboutOnearmandtheSecond aregroundedintruthyou'veplansforamutiny,proclaimingDujek EmperorandmarchingofftoGenabaris.'Shepaused,lookingfromoneman tothenext.'HasTayschrennsimplyanticipatedyou,therebyfoulingupyour plans?AmIbeingpulledintoaconspiracy?IfIam,thenIhavetoknowits eventualgoals.Ihavethatright,don'tI?' Whiskeyjackgrunted,thenreachedforthejugofwinestandingonthe table.Herefilledeveryone'scup. QuickBenletoutalongbreath,thenrubbedthebackofhisneck. 'Tattersail,'hesaidquietly,'we'renotgoingtochallengeTayschrenn directly.Thatwouldbesuicide.No,we'llcutawayhissupport,carefully,with precision,thenwearrangehisfallfromgrace.AssumingtheEmpressisnot involved.Butweneedtoknowmore,weneedthoseanswersbeforewecan decideouroptions.Youdon'thavetogetanymoreinvolvedthanyoualready are.Infact,it'ssaferthatway.Hairlockwantsyoutoprotecthisback,failing everyotheroption.Chancesare,thatwon'tbenecessary.'Helookedupand gaveherastrainedsmile. 'LeaveTayschrenntomeandKalam.' Allverywell,butyoudidn'tanswerme.Tattersaillookedattheother

blackskinnedman,hereyesnarrowing.'YouwereaClawonce,weren'tyou?' Kalamshrugged. 'Ithoughtnoonecouldleavealive.' Heshruggedagain. Thesapper,Fiddler,growledsomethingincomprehensibleandrosefrom hischair.Hebeganpacing,hisbandiedlegscarryinghimfromonewalltothe next,likeafoxinapit.Noonepaidhimanyfurtherattention. WhiskeyjackhandedacuptoTattersail.'Staywithusinthis,Sorceress. QuickBendoesn'tusuallyfoulthingstoobadly.'Hemadeasourface.'I admit,I'mnotcompletelyconvincedeither,butI'velearnedtotrusthim.You cantakethatforwhateverit'sworth.' Tattersailtookadeepdraughtofwine.Shewipedherlips.'Yoursquad's headingtoDarujhistantonight.Covert,whichmeansIwon'tbeableto communicatewithyouifthesituationturnsbad.' 'Tayschrennwoulddetecttheusualways,'QuickBensaid.'Hairlock'sour onlyunbreachablelinkyoureachusthroughhim,Tattersail.' Whiskeyjackeyedthesorceress.'BacktoHairlock.Youdon'ttrusthim.' 'No.' Thesergeantfellsilent,hisgazefixedonthetabletop.Hisimpassive expressionfellaway,revealingawarofemotions. Hekeepshisworldbottledup,butthepressure'sbuilding.Shewondered whatwouldhappenwheneverythingbrokelooseinsidehim. ThetwoSevenCitiesmenwaited,eyesontheirsergeant.OnlyFiddler continuedhispreoccupiedpacing.Thesapper'smismatcheduniformstill carriedthestainsofthetunnels.Someoneelse'sbloodhadsplashedthickly onthefrontofhistunicasifafriendhaddiedinhisarrns.Poorlyhealed blistersshowedundertheunevenbristleofhischeeksandjaw,andhislank redhairhunghaphazardlybeneathhisleatherhelmet. Alongminutepassed,thenthesergeantnoddedsharplytohimself. Hishardeyesstillfixedonthetabletop,hesaid,'Allright,Sorceress.We'll giveyouthis.QuickBen,tellheraboutSorry.' Tattersail'sbrowsrose.Shecrossedherarmsandfacedthewizard. QuickBenlookednonetoopleased.Heshifteduneasilyandcastahopeful glanceatKalam,butthebigmanlookedaway. Whiskeyjackgrowled,'Now,Wizard.' QuickBenmetTattersail'ssteadygazewithanalmostchildlike expressionfear,guiltandchagrinflittedacrosshisfinefeatures.'You rememberher?' Shebarkedaharshlaugh.'Notaneasyonetoforget.Anoddsense abouther.Dangerous.'Shethoughtaboutrevealingwhatshe'dlearned duringherFatidwithTayschrenn.VirginofDeath.Butsomethingheldher back.No,shecorrectedherself,notjustsomethingIstilldon'ttrustthem. 'Yoususpectshe'sintheserviceofsomeoneelse?' Thewizard'sfacewasashen.Heclearedhisthroat.'Shewasrecruitedtwo yearsagoinItkoKan,oneoftheusualsweepsacrosstheEmpire'sheartland.' Kalam'svoicerumbledbesideher,'Somethinguglyhappenedthereat

aroundthesametime.It'sbeenburiedprettydeep,buttheAdjunctbecame involved,andaClawcameinherwakeandsilenceddamnneareveryonein thecityguardwhomighthavetalked.Imadeuseofoldsources,scrounged upsomeodddetails.' 'Odd,'QuickBensaid,'andrevealing,ifyouknowwhatyou'relookingfor.' Tattersailsmiledtoherself.Thesetwomenhadawayoftalkingintandem. Shereturnedherattentiontothewizard,whocontinued. 'Seemsacompanyofcavalryhitsomehardluck.Nosurvivors.Asforwhat theyraninto,ithadsomethingtodowith' 'Dogs,'Kalamfinishedwithoutmissingabeat. Thesorceressfrownedattheassassin. 'Putittogether,'QuickBensaid,drawingherattentiononceagain. 'AdjunctLornisLaseen'spersonalmagekiller.Herarrivalonthescene suggestssorcerywasinvolvedinthemassacre.Highsorcery.'Thewizard's gazenarrowedonTattersailandhewaited. Sheswallowedanothermouthfulofwine.TheFatidshowedme.Dogsand sorcery.IntohermindreturnedtheimageoftheRopeasshehadseenitin thereading.HighHouseShadow,ruledbyShadowthroneandtheRope,and intheirservice'TheSevenHoundsofShadow.'ShelookedtoWhiskeyjack butthesergeant'seyesremaineddowncast,hisexpressionblankasstone. 'Good,'QuickBensnapped,somewhatimpatiently.'TheHoundhunted. That'sourguess,butit'sagoodone.TheNineteenthRegimentoftheEighth Cavalrywereallkilled,eventheirhorses.Aleagueworthofcoastline settlementsneededrepopulating.' 'Fine.'Tattersailsighed.'ButwhatdoesthishavetodowithSorry?' ThewizardturnedawayandKalamspoke.'Hairlock'sgoingtofollowmore thanjustonetrail,Sorceress.We'reprettysureSorryissomehowinvolved withHouseShadow' 'Itcertainlyseems,'Tattersailsaid,'thatsinceitsarrivalintheDeckand theopeningofitsWarren,Shadow'spathcrossestheEmpire'sfartoooften tobeaccidental.WhyshouldtheWarrenbetweenLightandDarkdisplay suchobsessionwiththeMalazanEmpire?' Kalam'sgazewasveiled.'Odd,isn'tit?Afterall,theWarrenonlyappeared followingtheEmperor'sassassinationatLaseen'shand.Shadowthroneand hiscompanionthePatronofAssassinsCotillionwereunheardofbefore KellanvedandDancer'sdeaths.Italsoseemsthatwhateverdisagreement thereisbetweenHouseShadowandEmpresLaseenis,uhm,personal' Tattersailclosedhereyes.Dammit,it'sthatobvious,isn'tit?'QuickBen,' shesaid,'hasn'ttherealwaysbeenanaccessibleWarrenofShadow?Rashan, theWarrenofIllusions?' 'RashanisafalseWarren,Sorceress.Ashadowofwhatitclaimsto represent,ifyou'llexcusemywording.Itisitselfanillusion.Thegodsalone knowwhereitcamefromorwhocreateditinthefirstplace,orevenwhy. ButthetrueWarrenofShadowhasbeenclosed,inaccessibleformillennia, untilthe1154thyearofBurn'sSleep,nineyearsago.Theearliestwritingsof HouseShadowseemedtoindicatethatitsthronewasoccupiedbyaTiste

Edur' 'TisteEdur?'Tattersailinterrupted.'Whowerethey?' Thewizardshrugged.'CousinsoftheTisteAnd?Idon'tknowSorceress.' Youdon'tknow?Actually,itseemsyouknowahellofalot. QuickBenshruggedtopunctuatehislastwords,thenheadded,'Inany case,webelieveSorryisconnectedwithHouseShadow.' Whiskeyjackstartledeveryonebysurgingtohisfeet.'I'mnotconvinced,' hesaid,throwingQuickBenaglarethattoldTattersail,thehadbeen countlessargumentsoverthisissue.'Sorrylikeskilling,andhavingher aroundislikehavingspidersdownyourshirt.Iknowallthat.Icanseeitand feelitthesameasanyofyou.Itdoesn'tmeanshe'ssomekindofdemon.'He turnedtofaceKalam.'Shekillslikeyoudo,Kalam.You'vebothgoticeinyour veins.Sowhat?IlookatyouandIseeabecausethat'swhatmenarecapable ofIdon'thuntforexcusesbeIdon'tliketothinkthatthat'shownastywe canget.Welookatandweseereflectionsofourselves.Hoodtakeit,ifwe don'tlikewesee.' Hesatdownjustasabruptlyashehadrisen,andreachedforthejug.When hecontinuedhisvoicehaddroppedanotch.'Thatismyopinionanyway.I'm noexpertondemonsbutI'veseenenoughmortalmenandwomenactlike demons,giventheneed.Mysquad'swizardisscaredkssbyafifteenyearold girl.Myassassinslipsaknifeintohishandwhenevershe'swithintwenty pacesofhim.'HemetTattersail'seyes.'Hairlockhastwomissionsinsteadof one,andifyouthinkQuickBenandKalamarecorrectintheirsuspicionsyou canwalkfromallthisIknowhowthingsgowhengodsstepintothefray.' Thelinesaroundhismouthtightenedmomentarily,areplayingofmemories. 'Iknow,'hewhispered.Tattersailslowlyletoutherbreath,whichshehad beenholdingthesergeantfirstrosetohisfeet.Hisneedswerecleartoher now.HewantedSorrytobejusthuman,justagirltwistedhardbyahardwar. Becausethatwassomethingheunderstood,somethinghecouldwith. 'BackinSevenCities,'shesaidquietly,'thestorygoesthatEmperor'sFirst SwordhiscommanderofhisarmiesDassernhadacceptedagod'soffer. HoodmadeDassernhisKnightofDeath.Thensomethinghappened, somethingwentwrong.AndDassernrenouncedthetitle,sworeavowof vengeanceagainstHoodagainstLordofDeathhimself.Allatonceother Ascendantsstartedmedmanipulatingevents.Itallculminatedwith Dassern'smurder,theEmperor'sassassination,andbloodinthestreets, templesatsorceriesunleashed.'Shepaused,seeingthememoriesofthose reflectedinWhiskeyjack'sface.'Youwerethere.'Andyoudon'twantitto happenagain,hereandnow.YouthinkifyoucandenythatservesShadow yourconvictionwillbeenoughtoshapereality.Youtobelievethattosave yoursanity,becausetherearesomethingsthatyoucangothroughonlyonce. Oh,Whiskeyjack,Ican'teaseburden.Yousee,IthinkQuickBenandKalam areright.'IfShadowclaimedthegirl,thetrailwillbeevidentHairlockwill findit.' 'Doyouwalkawayfromthis?'thesergeantasked. Tattersailsmiled.'TheonlydeathIfearisdyingignorant.No,

answeL'Bravewords,woman.Thesepeoplehaveawayofbringingthe bestormaybetheworstinme. SomethingglitteredinWhiskeyjack'seyes,andhenodded.'Sothat,'hesaid gruffly.Heleanedback.'What'sonyourmind,Fiddler,'heaskedthesapper, whowasstillpacingbehindhim. 'Gotabadfeeling,'themanmuttered.'Something'swrong.Notherthough, butcloseby.It'sjust'Hestopped,cockinghishead,thensighed,resuming hisuneasywalk.'Notsure,notsure.' Tattersail'seyesfollowedthewirylittleman.Anaturaltalent.Something workingonpureinstinct?Veryrare.'Ithinkyoushouldlistentohim,'she said. Whiskeyjackgaveherapainedlook. Kalamgrinned,anetworkoffinescrinklingaroundhisdarkeyes.'Fiddler savedourlivesinthetunnel,'heexplained.'Oneofhisbadfeelings.' Tattersailleanedbackinherchairandcrossedherarms.Sheasked,'S whereisSorryrightnow?' Fiddlerwhirled,hiseyeswideningonthesorceress.Hismouthopened, thensnappedshutagain. Theotherthreesurgedtotheirfeet,chairstopplingbackwards. 'We'vegottogetgoing,'Fiddlergrated.'There'saknifeoutthere,andit's gotbloodonit.' Whiskeyjackcheckedhislongsword.'Kalam,outfronttwentypaces.'He facedTattersailastheassassinslippedout.'Welosthercoupleofhoursago. Happensalotbetweenmissions.'Hisfacelookdrawn.'Theremaybeno connectionwiththisbloodiedknife.' AblossomingofpowerfilledtheroomandTattersailspuntofaceQuick Ben.ThewizardhadaccessedhisWarren.Thesorcerybledstrange,swirling flavourthatshecouldnotrecognize,anditfrightenedherwithitsintensity. Shemettheblackman'sshiningeyes.'Ishouldknowyou,'shewhispered. 'There'snotenoughtruemastersinthisworldformetonotknowyou.Who areyou,QuickBen?' Whiskeyjackinterjected,'Everyoneready?' Thewizard'sonlyanswertoTattersailwasashrug.ToWhiskeyjackhe said,'Ready.' Thesergeantstrodetothedoor.'Takecare,Sorceress.' Amomentlatertheyweregone.Tattersailrightedthechairs,thenrefilled hergobletwithwine.HighHouseShadow,andaknifeindark.Anewgame's begun,ortheoldone'sjustturned. Paranopenedhiseyestobright,hotsunlight,buttheskyabovehimwas wrong.Hesawnosun;theyellowglarewassharpyetsourceless.Heatgusted downonhimwithoppressiveweight. Amoaningsoundfilledtheair,notwindbecausetherewasnowind.He triedtothink,triedtorecallhislastmemories,butthepastwasblank,torn away,andonlyfragmentsremained:aship'scabin,thethrustofhisdaggeras heflungitagainandagainagainstawoodenpost;ahandwithrings,hairof white,grinningsardonically.

Herolledtooneside,seekingthesourceofthemoaningsound.Adozen pacesawayontheflatplainthatwasneithergrassnorearthroseanarched gatewayleadingtoNothing.I'veseensuchgatesbefore.Nonesolarge,Ithink, asthisone. Nonelookingquitelikethisthisthing.Twisted,uprightyetfromhis positionsideways,thegatewasnot,herealized,madeofstone.Bodies,naked humanfigures.Carvedlikenesses?Nooh,no.Thefiguresmoved,groaned, slowlywrithedinplace.Fleshblackened,asifstainedwithpeat,eyesclosed andmouthsopenwithfaint,endlessmoans. Paranclimbedtohisfeet,staggeredasawaveofdizzinessranthroughhim, thenfellonceagaintotheground. 'Somethinglikeindecision,'avoicesaidcoolly. Blinking,Paranrolledontohisback.Abovehimstoodayoungmanand womantwins.Themanworeloosesilkclothing,whiteandgold;histhin facewaspale,expressionless.Histwinwaswrappedinashimmeringpurple cape,herblondehaircastingreddishglints. Itwasthemanwho'dspoken.HesmiledwithouthumourdownatParan. 'We'velongadmiredyour'Hiseyeswidened. 'Sword,'thewomanfinished,asmirkinhertone. 'Farmoresubtlethan,say,acoin,don'tyouthink?'Theman'ssmileturned mocking.'Most,'hesaid,swinginghisheadtostudytheghastlyedificeofthe gate,'don'tpausehere.It'ssaidtherewasacult,once,inthehabitof drowningvictimsinbogsIimagineHoodfindsthemaestheticallypleasing.' 'Hardlysurprising,'thewomandrawled,'thatDeathhasnotaste.' Parantriedtositup,buthislimbsrefusedthecommand.Hedroppedhis headback,feelingthestrangeloamyieldtoitsweight.'Whathashappened?' herasped. 'Youweremurdered,'themansaidlightly. Paranclosedhiseyes.'Why,then,haveInotpassedthroughHood'sGate,if thatiswhatitis?' 'We'remeddling,'thewomansaid. Oponn,theTwinsofChance.Andmysword,myuntestedbladepurchased yearsago,withanameIchosesocapriciously'WhatdoesOponnwant fromme?' 'Onlythisstumbling,ignorantthingyoucallyourlife,dearboy.Thetrouble withAscendantsisthattheytrytorigeverygame.Ofcourse,wedelightin uncertainty.' Adistanthowlstrokedtheair. 'Oops,'themansaid.'Cometomakecertainofthings,I'dsay.We'dbest leave,sister.Sorry,Captain,butitseemsyou'llpassthroughthatGateafter all.' 'Maybe,'thewomansaid. Herbrotherroundedonher.'Weagreed!Noconfrontation! Confrontation'smessy.Unpleasant.Idespisediscomfitingscenes!Besides, theoneswhocomedon'tplayfair.' 'Thenneitherdowe,'thesistersnapped.Sheturnedtothegate,raisedher

voice,'LordofDeath!Wewouldspeakwithyou!Hood!' Paranrolledhishead,watchedasabent,limpingfigureemergedfrothe Gate.Wearingrags,thefigureslowlyapproached.Paransquintedanold woman,achildwithdroolonitschin,adeformedyounggirl,astunted, brokenTrell,adesiccatedTisteAnd 'Oh,makeupyourmind!'thesistersaid. Theapparitioncockedadeath'shead,thegrinofitsteethstainedmuddy yellow.'Youhavechosen,'itsaidinquaveringvoice.Unimaginatively.' 'YouarenotHood.'Thebrotherscowled. Bonesshiftedundercreakingskin.'Thelordisbusy.' 'Busy?Wedonottakekindlytoinsults,'thesistersaid. Theapparitioncackled,thenstoppedabruptly.'Howunfortunate.A mellifluous,deepthroatedlaughwouldbemoretomyliking.Ahwell,in answer:nordoesmylordappreciateyourinterruptionofthisnatural passageofasoul.' 'Murderedatthehandofagod,'thesistersaid.'Thatmakeshimfairgame.' Thecreaturegrunted,shuffledclosetolookdownatParan.Theeye socketsglimmeredfaintly,asifoldpearlshidwithintheshadows.'What Oponn,'itasked,asitstudiedParan,'doyouwishofmylord?' 'Nothingfromme,'thebrothersaid,turningaway. 'Sister?' 'Evenforthegods,'shereplied,'deathawaits,anuncertaintyhidingdeep withinthem.'Shepaused.'Makethemuncertain.' Thecreaturecackledagain,andagaincutitshort.'Reciprocity.' 'Ofcourse,'thesisterresponded.'I'lllookforanother,adeathpremature. Meaningless,even.' Theapparitionwassilent,thentheheadcreakedinanod.'Inthismortal's shadow,ofcourse.' 'Agreed.' 'Myshadow?'Paranasked.'Whatdoesthatmean,precisely?' 'Muchsorrow,alas,'theapparitionsaid.'Someoneclosetoyou,shallwalk throughDeath'sGatesinyourplace.' 'No.Takemeinstead,Ibegofyou.' 'Bequiet!'snappedtheapparition.'Pathosmakesmeill.' Thehowlreverberatedagain,muchcloserthistime. 'We'dbestleave,'thebrothersaid. Theapparitionopeneditsjawsasiftolaugh,thenclackedthemshut. 'No,'itmuttered,'notagain.'IthobbledbacktotheGate,pausingonceto turnbackandwave. Thesisterrolledhereyes. 'Timetoleave,'thebrotherrepeateduneasily. 'Yes,yes,'hissistersaid,eyeingParan. Thecaptainsighed,lookingaway.'Nofinalriddles,ifyouplease.' WhenhelookedbackOponnwasgone.Onceagainhetriedtositup. Onceagainhefailed. Anewpresencearrived,fillingtheairwithtension,asmellofthreat.

Sighing,Parancranedhisheadaround.HesawapairofHoundsmassive hulkingcreatures,dark,tongueslollingastheysat,watchinghim.Theseare whatkilledthecompanyinItkoKan.Thesearethecursed,horrifyingbeasts. BothHoundsfroze,headshunchingtowardshim,asifseeingthehatredin hiseyes.Paranfelthisheartgocoldattheiravidattention.Hewasslowto realizehehadbaredhisteeth. AstainofshadowseparatedthetwoHounds,thestainvaguelymanshaped andtranslucent.Theshadowspoke.'TheoneLornsent.Iwouldhavethought someoneofability.Though,itmustbesaid,youdiedwell.' 'Evidentlynot,'Paransaid. 'Ah,yes,'theshadowsaid,'andsoitfallstometocompletethetask. Busyhours,these.' ParanthoughtofOponn'sconversationwithHood'sservant. Uncertainty.Ifagodfearsanything'Thedayyoudie,Shadowthrone,'he saidquietly,'Iwillbewaitingforyouontheothersideofthatgate.Witha smile.Godscandie,can'tthey?' Somethingcrackledintheportalwayofthegate.Shadowthroneandthe Houndsflinched. Parancontinued,wonderingathisowncourage,tobaittheseAscendants. Alwaysdespisedauthority,didn'tthey?'Halfwaybetweenlifeanddeath thispromisecostsmenothing,yousee.' 'Liar,theonlyWarrenthatcantouchyounowis' 'Death,'Paransaid.'Ofcourse,'headded,'someoneelseinterceded,and wascertaintoleavelongbeforeyouandyourtooloudHoundsarrived.' TheKingofHighHouseShadowedgedforward.'Who?Whatdoesitplan? Whoopposesus?' 'Findyourownanswers,Shadowthrone.Youdounderstand,don'tyou, thatifyousendmeonmywaynow,youroppositionwillseekothermeans? Knowingnothingofwhotheirnexttoolis,howwillyousniffouttheirnext move?You'llbeleftdartingatshadows.' 'Easiertofollowyou,'thegodconceded.'Imustspeakwithmy companion' 'Asyoulike,'Paraninterrupted.'IwishIcouldstand.' Thegodraspedlaughter.'Ifyoustand,youwalk.Onewayonly.Youhavea reprieveandifHoodcomestogatheryoutoyourfeet,theguidinghandis his,notours.Excellent.Andifyoulive,soshallmyshadowfollowyou.' Parangrunted.'Myshadow'sacrowdedplace,thesedays.'Hiseyesfell onceagainontheHounds.Thecreatureswatchedhimstill,theireyesfaint coals.I'llhaveyouyet.Asiffannedbyhissilentpromise,theredglows sharpened. Thegodresumedspeaking,buttheworldhaddarkenedaroundParan, fading,dwindling,untilthevoicewasgone,andwithitallawarenessbutthe faint,renewedspinningofacoin. AnunknownspanoftimepassedinwhichParanwanderedthrough memorieshehadthoughtlonglosthisdaysasachildclingingtohis mother'sdressandtakinghisfirst,totteringsteps;thenightsofstormwhen

heraceddownthechillhallwaytohisparents'bedroom,tinyfeetslapping onthecoldstone;holdingthehandsofhistwosistersastheystoodwaiting onthehardcobblesofthecourtyardwaiting,waitingforsomeone.The imagesseemedtolurchsidewaysinhishead.Hismother'sdress?No,anold womanintheserviceofthehousehold.Nothisparents'bedroom,butthose oftheservants;andthere,inthecourtyardwithhissisters,they'dstoodhalf themorning,awaitingthearrivaloftheirmotherandfather,twopeoplethey barelyknew. Inhismindscenesreplayedthemselves,momentsofmysteriousimport, hiddensignificance,piecesofapuzzlehecouldn'trecognize,shapedby handsnothisownandwithapurposehecouldn'tfathom. Atremoroffeartravelledthelengthofhisthoughtsashesensedthat somethingsomeonewasbusyreorderingtheformativeeventsofhislife, turningthemonendandcastingthemintothepresentnewshadows. Somehow,theguidinghandplayed.Withhim,withhislife. Itseemedanoddkindofdeath.Voicesreachedhim. 'Aw,hell.'AfacebentclosetoParan'sown,lookedintohisopenblankeyes. ThefacewasPicker's.'Hedidn'tstandachance,'shesaid.SergeantAntsy spokefromafewfeetaway.'NobodyintheNinthwould'vedonehimlike this,'hesaid.'Notrighthereinthecity.' Pickerreachedoutandtouchedthechestwound,herfingerssurprisingly softonhistornflesh.'Thisisn'tKalam'swork.' 'Youallrighthere?'Antsyasked.'I'mgoingtogetHedgeandMallet,and whoeverelsehasshownup.' 'Goahead,'Pickerreplied,seekingandfindingthesecondwound,eight inchesbelowthefirst.'Thisonecamelater,righthandedandweak.' Averyodddeathindeed,Paranthought.Whatheldhimhere?Hadthere beenanotherplace?Aplaceofheat,searingyellowlight?Andvoices, figuresfaint,indistinct,therebeneaththearchofofcrowdsstrangelyheld inplace,eyesclosed,mouthsopen.AchorusofthedeadHadhegone somewhereonlytoreturntotheserealvoices,theserealhandsonhisflesh? Howcouldheseethroughtheemptyglassofhiseyes,orfeelthewoman's gentletouchonhisbody?Andwhatofthepain,risingasfromagreatdepth likealeviathan? Pickerwithdrewherhandsandrestedherelbowsonherthighsasshe crouchedbeforeParan.'Now,howcomeyou'restillbleeding,Captain?Those knifewoundsareatleastanhourold.' Thepainreachedthesurface.Paranfelthisgummylipssplit.Thehingesof hisjawcrackedandhedrewinasavagegasp.Thenscreamed. Pickerboltedbackwards,herswordappearinginherhandasiffrom nowhereasshebackedtothealley'sfarwall.'Shedenul'smercy!' Bootspoundedonthecobblesofftoherrightandherheadwhipped around.'Healer!Thebastard'salive!' ThethirdbellaftermidnighttolledsonorouslythroughthecityofPale, echoingdownstreetsemptiedbythecurfew.Alightrainhadbegun,casting thenightskywithamurkygoldhue.Infrontofthelarge,ramblingestate,

twoblocksfromtheoldpalace,thathadbecomepartofthe2nd'squarters, twomarineswrappedinblackraincapesstoodguardoutsidethemaingate. 'Damnedmiserablenight,ain'tit?'onesaid,shivering. Theothershiftedhispiketohisleftshoulderandhawkedamouthfulof phlegmintothegutter.'Youjustguessing,mind,'hesaid,wagginghishead. 'Anyotherbrilliantinsightsyoufeelreadytotossmyway,youjustspeakup, hear?' 'WhatdidIdo?'thefirstmandemanded,hurt. Thesecondsoldierstiffened.'Hush,someonecomingupthestreet.' Theguardwaitedtensely,handsontheirweapons.Afigurecrossedfrom theoppositesideandsteppedintothetorchlight. 'Halt,'thesecondguardgrowled.'Advanceslowly,andyou'dbetterhave businesshere.' Themantookastepcloser.'Kalam,Bridgeburners,theNinth,'hesaid quietly. Themarinesremainedwary,buttheBridgeburnerkepthisdistance,his darkfaceglisteningintherain.'What'syourbusinesshere?'thesecond guardasked. Kalamgruntedandglancedbackdownthestreet.'Wedidn'texpecttobe comingback.Asforourbusiness,well,it'sbetterthatTayschrenndon'tknow aboutit.Youwithme,soldier?' Themarinegrinnedandspatasecondtimeintothegutter.'Kalamyou'd beWhiskeyjack'scorporal.'Therewasanewtoneofrespectinhisvoice. 'Whateveryouwantyou'vegot.' 'Damnedright,'theothersoldiergrowled.'IwasatNathilog,sir.Youwant usblindedbytherainforthenexthourorso,youjustsaytheword.' 'We'rebringinginabody,'Kalamsaid.'Butthisneverhappenedonyour shift.' 'Hood'sGate,no,'thesecondmarinesaid.'PeacefulastheSeventhDawn.' Fromdownthestreetcamethesoundsofanumberofmenapproaching. Kalamwavedthemforward,thenslippedinsideasthefirstguardunlocked thegate.'Whatdoyoufigurethey'reupto?'heasked,afterKalamhad disappeared. Theothershrugged.'Hopeit'llsticksomethinghardandsharpup Tayschrenn,Hoodtakethetreacherousmurderer.And,knowingthem Bridgeburners,that'sexactlywhatthey'lldo.'Hefellsilentasthegroup arrived.Twomencarriedathirdmanbetweenthem.Thesecondsoldier's eyeswidenedashesawtherankoftheunconsciousman,andtheblood stainingthefrontofhisbaldric.'Oponn'sluck,'hehissedtotheBridgeburner nearesthim,amanwearingatarnishedleathercap. 'Thepullnotthepush,'headded. TheBridgeburnerthrewhimasharplook.'Youseeawomancomeafterus yougetoutofherway,youhearme?' 'Awoman?Who?' 'She'sintheNinth,andshemightbethirstyforblood,'themanreplied,as heandhiscomradedraggedthecaptainthroughthegate.

'Forgetsecurity,'hesaid,overhisshoulder.'Juststayaliveifyoucan.' Thetwomarinesstaredateachotherafterthemenhadpassed.Aftera momentthefirstsoldierreachedtoclosethegate.Theothermanstopped him. 'Leaveitopen,'hemuttered.'Let'sfindsomeshadows,closebutnottoo close.' 'Hellofanight,'thefirstmarinesaid. 'Yougotathingaboutstatingtheobvious,haven'tyou?'theothersaid,as hemovedawayfromthegate. Thefirstmanshruggedhelplessly,thenhurriedtofollow. Tattersailstaredlongandhardatthecardcentredonthefieldshehadlaid down.Shehadchosenaspiralpattern,workingherwaythroughtheentire DeckofDragonsandarrivingwithafinalcard,whichcouldmarkeitheran apexoranepiphanydependingonhowitplaceditself. Thespiralhadbecomeapit,atunneldownward,andatitsroot,seeming distantandshadowhazed,waitedtheimageofaHound.Shesensedan immediacytothisreading.HighHouseShadowhadbecomeinvolved,a challengetoOponn'scommandofthegame.Hereyesweredrawntothefirst cardshehadplaced,atthespiral'sverybeginning.TheMasonofHighHouse Deathheldaminorpositionamongtheoverallrankings,butnowthefigure etchedonthewoodseemedtohaverisentoaneminentplacing.Brotherto theSoldierofthesameHouse,theMason'simagewasthatofalean,greying manclothedinfadedleathers. Hismassive,veinropedhandsheldstonecuttingtoolsandaroundhim roseroughlydressedmenhirs.Tattersailfoundshecouldmakeoutfaint glyphsonthestones,alanguageunfamiliartoherbutreminiscentofSeven Cities'script.IntheHouseofDeaththeMasonwasthebuilderofbarrows, theplacerofstones,apromiseofdeathnottooneorafewbuttomany.The languageonthemenhirsdeliveredamessagenotintendedforher:the Masonhadcarvedthosewordsforhimself,andtimehadworntheedges eventhemanhimselfappearedstarklyweathered,hisfacelatticedwith cracks,hissilveredbeardthinandtangled.Therolehadbeenassumedbya manwho'donceworkedinstone,butnolonger. Thesorceresswashavingdifficultyunderstandingthisfield.Thepatterns shesawstartledher:itwasasifawholenewgamehadbegun,withplayers steppingontothesceneateveryturn.MidwaythroughthespiralwasHigh HouseDark'sKnight,itsplacementcounterpointtoboththebeginningand theend.AswiththelasttimetheDeckhadunveiledthisdraconianfigure, somethinghoveredintheinkyskybehindtheKnight,aselusiveasever,at timesseeminglikeadarkstainonherowneyes. TheKnight'sswordreachedablack,smokystreaktowardstheHoundat thespiral'sapex,andinthisinstancesheknewitsmeaning.Thefuturehelda clashbetweentheKnightandHighHouseShadow.Thethoughtboth frightenedTattersailandleftherfeelingrelieveditwouldbea confrontation.TherewouldbenoalliancebetweentheHouses.Itwasarare thingtoseesuchaclearanddirectlinkbetweentwoHouses:thepotential

fordevastationlefthercoldwithworry.Bloodspilledonsuchahighlevelof powercastaftershocksdownthroughtheworld. Inevitably,peoplewouldbehurt.Andthisthoughtbroughtherroundback totheMasonofHighHouseDeath.Tattersail'sheartthuddedheavyinher chest.Sheblinkedsweatfromhereyesandmanagedafewdeepbreaths. 'Blood,'shemurmured,'everflowsdownward.'TheMason'sshapinga barrowafterall,heisDeath'sservantandhewilltouchmedirectly. Thatbarrowisitmine?DoIbackout?AbandontheBridgeburnersto theirfate,fleefromTayschrenn,fromtheEmpire? Anancientmemoryfloodedherthoughts,whichshehadrepressedfor almosttwocenturies.Theimageshookher.Onceagainshewalkedthe muddystreetsofthevillagewhereshehadbeenborn,achildbearingthe Talent,achildwhohadseenthehorsemenofwarsweepingdownintotheir shelteredlives.Achildwhohadrunawayfromtheknowledge,tellingnoone, andthenightcame,anightofscreamsanddeath. Guiltrosewithinher,itsspectrevisagehauntinglyfamiliar.Afterallthese yearsitsfacestillheldthepowertoshatterherworld,makinghollowthose thingssheneededsolid,rattlingherillusionofsecuritywithashamealmost twohundredyearsold. Theimagesankonceagainintoitsviscidpool,butitleftherchanged. Therewouldbenorunningawaythistime.Hereyesreturnedonelasttime totheHound.Thebeast'seyesseemedtoburnwithyellowfire,boringinto herasifseekingtobrandhersoul. Shestiffenedinherchairasacoldpresencewashedoverherfrombehind. Slowly,Tattersail.turned. 'Sorryfornotgivingyouwarning,'QuickBensaid,emergingfromthe swirlingcloudofhisWarren.Itheldastrange,spicyscent.'Company's coming,'hesaid,seemingdistracted.'I'vecalledHairlock.Hecomesby Warren.' Tattersailshiveredasawaveofpremonitionbrushedherspine.Shefaced theDeckagainandbegantocollectthecards. 'Thesituation'sjustbecomealotmorecomplicated,'thewizardsaid behindher. Thesorceresspaused,givingherselfasmall,tightsmile.'Really?'she murmured. ThewindflungrainagainstWhiskeyjack'sface.Faintlythroughthedark nightthefourthbellclanged.Thesergeantpulledhisraincapetighterand wearilyshiftedhisstance.Theviewfromtherooftopofthepalace'seast turretwasmostlyobscuredbysheetsofrain.'You'vebeenchewingon somethingfordays,'hesaid,tothemanbesidehim.'Let'shearitsoldier.' Fiddlerwipedtherainfromhiseyesandsquintedintotheeast.'Notmuch totellyou,Sarge,'hesaidgruffly.'Justfeelings.Thatsorceress,forone.' 'Tattersail?' 'Yeah.'Metalclinkedasthesapperunstrappedhisswordbelt.'Hatethis damnedthing,'hemuttered. Whiskeyjackwatchedasthemantossedthebeltandscabbarded

shortswordtotherooftop'spebbledsurfacebehindthem.'Justdon'tforgetit likeyoudidlasttime,'thesergeantsaid,hidingagrin. Fiddlerwinced.'Makeonemistakeandnobodyletsyouforgetit.' Whiskeyjackmadenoreply,thoughhisshouldersshookwithlaughter. 'Hood'sBones,'Fiddlerwenton,'Iain'tnofighter.Notlikethat,anyway. WasborninanalleyinMalazCity,learnedthestonecuttingtradebreaking intobarrowsupontheplainbehindMock'sHold.'Heglancedupathis sergeant.'Youusedtobeastonecutter,too.justlikeme.OnlyI'mnofast learnerinsoldieringlikeyouwas.Itwastheranksortheminesforme sometimesIthinkIwentandmadethewrongchoice.' Whiskeyjack'samusementdiedasapangfollowedFiddler'swords. Learnwhat?hewondered.Howtokillpeople?Howtosendthemofftodie insomeforeignland?'What'syourfeelingonTattersail?'thesergeantasked curtly. 'Scared,'thesapperresponded.'She'sgotsomeolddemonsridingher,is myguess,andthey'reclosingin.' Whiskeyjackgrunted.'It'srareyou'llfindamagewithapleasantpast,'he said.'Storygoesshewasn'trecruited,shewasontherun.Thenshemessed upwithherfirstposting.' 'It'sbadtiminghergoingallsoftonusnow.' 'She'slosthercadre.She'sbeenbetrayed.WithouttheEmpire,what'sshe gottoholdonto?'Whathasanyofusgot? 'It'slikeshe'sreadytocry,rightontheedge,everysingleminute.I'm thinkingshe'slostherbackbone,Sarge.IfTayschrennputsherunderhis thumb,she'sliabletosqueal.' 'Ithinkyou'veunderestimatedthesorceress,Fiddler,'Whiskeyjacksaid. 'She'sasurvivorandloyal.It'snotcommonnews,butshe'sbeenoffered thetitleofHighMagemorethanonceandshewon'taccept.Itdoesn'tshow, butaheadtoheadbetweenherandTayschrennwouldbeaclosething. She'saMasterofherWarren,andyoudon'tacquirethatwithaweakspine.' Fiddlerwhistledsoftly,leanedhisarmsontheparapet.'Istandcorrected.' 'Anythingelse,Sapper?' 'Justone,'Fiddlerreplied,deadpan. Whiskeyjackstiffened.Heknewwhatthattoneimplied.'Goon.' 'Something'sabouttobeunleashedtonight,Sergeant.'Fiddlerswung round,hiseyesglitteringinthedarkness.'It'sgoingtobemessy.' Bothmenturnedatthethumpingoftheroof'strapdoor.HighFistDujek Onearm.emerged,thelightfromtheroombelowabrokenbeaconrising aroundhim.Heclearedtheladder'slastrungandsteppedontotheroof. 'Givemeahandwiththisdamndoorhere,'hecalledtothetwomen. Theystrodeover,theirbootscrunchingonthegravelscatter.'Anywordon CaptainParan,HighFist?'Whiskeyjackasked,asFiddlercrouchedoverthe trapdoorand,withagrunt,levereditbackintoplace. 'None,'Dujeksaid.'He'sdisappeared.Thenagainsohasthatkillerofyours, Kalam.' Whiskeyjackshookhishead.'Iknowwhereheis,andwherehe'sbeenall

night.HedgeandMalletwerethelasttoseethecaptain,leavingKnob'sInn, andthenhejustseemstovanish.HighFist,wedidn'tkillthisCaptainParan.' 'Don'tquibblewithwords,'Dujekmuttered.'Damnit,Fiddler,isthatyour swordlyingoverthere?Inapuddle?' BreathhissedbetweenFiddler'steethandhehurriedovertotheweapon. 'Theman'sahopelesslegend,'Dujeksaid.'Shedenulblesshishide.'He paused,seemingtoreorderhisthoughts.'OK,perishthethought,then.You didn'tkillParan.Sowhereishe?' 'We'relooking,'Whiskeyjacksaidtonelessly. TheHighFistsighed.'Allright.Understood.Youwanttoknowwhoelse mightbewantingParandead,andthatmeansexplainingwhosenthim.Well, he'sAdjunctLorn'sman,hasbeenforsometime.He'snotClaw,though.He's abloodynoble'ssonfromUnta.' Fiddlerhaddonnedhisweaponandnowstoodtwentypacesawayatthe roof'sedge,handsonhiships.Agoodman.They'reallgood,dammit. Whiskeyjackblinkedtherainfromhiseyes.'Fromthecapital?Couldbe someoneinthosecircles.Nobodylikestheoldnoblefamilies,noteventhe noblesthemselves.' 'It'spossible,'Dujekconceded,withoutmuchconviction.'Inanycase,he's tocommandyoursquad,andnotforjustthismission.Theassignment's permanent.' Whiskeyjackasked,'IstheDarujhistaninfiltrationhisownidea?' TheHighFistreplied,'No,butwhoseitisisanybody'sguess.Maybethe Adjunct,maybetheEmpressherself.Sowhatallthatmeansiswe'resending youinanyway.'Hescowledbriefly.'I'mtorelaythefinaldetailstoyou.'He facedthesergeant.'AssumingParanisgoneforgood.' 'MayIspeakfreely,HighFist?' Dujekbarkedalaugh.'YouthinkIdon'tknowit,Whiskeyjack?Theplan stinks.Atacticalnightmare' 'Idon'tagree.' 'What?' 'Ithinkitwilldojustasitwasintendedtodo,'thesergeantsaiddully,his gazeatfirstonthelighteningeasternhorizon,thenonthesoldierstandingat theroof'sedge.Becauseitisintendedtogetusallkilled. TheHighFiststudiedthesergeant'sface,thenhesaid,'Comewithme.'He ledWhiskeyjackovertowhereFiddlerstood.Thesappergavethemanod.A momentlaterallthreestoodlookingdownonthecity. Pale'silllitstreetswoundbetweentheroughblocksofbuildingsthat seemedunwillingtoyieldthenight;behindcurtainsofraintheirsquatting silhouettesappearedtoshiverbeforethecomingdawn. Afterawhile,Dujeksaidquietly,'Danmedlonelyouthere,isn'tit?' Fiddlergrunted.'Thatitis,sir.' Whiskeyjackclosedhiseyes.Whateverwashappeningthousandsof leaguesawaywasbeingplayedouthere.SuchwasEmpire,anditalways wouldbe,nomattertheplaceorthepeople.Theywereallinstrumentsblind tothehandsshapingthem.Thesergeanthadfacedthattruthlongago.Ithad

galledhimthenanditgalledhimnow.Theonlyrelief,thesedays,seemedto comewithexhaustion. 'There'spressure,'theHighFistcontinuedslowly,'todisbandthe Bridgeburners.I'vealreadyreceivedtheordertomergetheSecondwiththe FifthandSixth.We'llstandastheFifth,nearfullcomplement.Thetidesare bringingnewwaterstoourshore,gentlemen,andtheysmellbitter.'He hesitated,thensaid,'IfyouandyoursquadcomeoutofDarujhistanalive, Sergeant,youhavemypermissionjusttowalk.' Whiskeyjack'sheadsnappedaroundandFiddlerstiffened. Dujeknodded.'Youheardme.AndasfortherestoftheBridgeburners, well,resteasythatI'lltakecareofthem.'TheHighFistglancedeastward, baringhisteethinahumourlessgrin.'They'repushingme.Butthere'sno wayinhellthey'regoingtoleavemewithnoroomtomanoeuvre.I'vegotten thousandsoldiersIowealotto' 'Excuseme,sir,'Fiddlercutin,'there'stenthousandsoldierssayingthey're theonesowing.Yousaythewordand' 'Quiet,'Dujekwarned. 'Yes,sir.' Whiskeyjackremainedsilent,histhoughtsawhirlingmaelstrom. Desertion.Thatwordranginhisheadlikeadirge.AndFiddler'sassertion was,hefelt,atrueone.IfHighFistDujekdecideditwastimetomakeamove, thelastplaceWhiskeyjackwantedtobewasontherunhundredsofleagues awayfromthecentreofthings.HewastooclosetoDujekand,thoughthey strovetohideit,thehistorybetweenthemeverchurnedbeneaththesurface. There'dbeenatimewhenDujekhadcalledhim'sir',andthoughWhiskeyjack heldnogrudgesheknewthatDujekstillhadtroubleacceptingthechangeof fortunes.Ifthetimecame,WhiskeyjackintendedtobeatOnearm'sside. 'HighFist,'hesaidatlast,awarethatbothmenhadbeenwaitingforhimto speak,'there'sstillafewBridgeburnersleft.Fewerhandsonthesword.But thesword'sstillsharp.It'snotourstyletomakelifeeasyforthosewho opposeuswhoevertheyhappentobe.Tojustquietlywalkaway'The sergeantsighed.'Well,that'dsuitthem,wouldn'tit?Whilethere'sahandon thesword,asinglehand,theBridgeburnerswon'tbackdown.Itsettleson honour,Iguess.' 'Ihearyou,'Dujeksaid.Thenhegrunted.'Well,heretheycome.' Whiskeyjacklookedup,followedtheHighFist'sgazeintotheeasternsky. QuickBencockedhishead,thenhissedthroughhisteeth.'TheHounds havecaughthistrail,'hesaid. Kalamcursedvehemently,surgingtohisfeet. Sittingonthebed,Tattersailfrownedblearyeyedatthebearishmanashe paced,hisfootstepsonthefloorboardsbarelyraisingacreak. Bigashewas,Kalamseemedtoglide,givingthesceneanalmostsurreal feel,withthewizardcrossleggedandhoveringafewinchesoffthewooden floorintheroom'scentre. Tattersailrealizedshewasexhausted.Toomuchwashappening,andit washappeningallatonce.Sheshookherselfmentallyandreturnedher

attentiontoQuickBen. ThewizardwaslinkedtoHairlock,andthemarionettehadbeenon someone'ssomething'strail,whichleddownintotheWarrenofShadow. HairlockhadreachedtheverygatesoftheShadowRealm,andthenhehad gonebeyond. ForatimeQuickBenhadlostcontactwiththepuppet,andthoselong minutesofsilencehadlefteveryone'snervesintatters.WhenHairlock's presencereturnedtothewizardhenolongermovedalone. 'He'scomingout,'QuickBenannounced.'ShiftingWarrens.WithOponn's luckhe'lllosetheHounds.' Tattersailwincedatthewizard'scasualuseoftheFool'sname.Withso manycurrentsswirlingsoclosebeneaththesurfaceitmightwellcall unwelcomeattentiontothem. Wearinesshungheavyintheroomlikebitterincense,redolentwithsweat andtension.AfterhislastwordsQuickBenhadbowedhishead. TattersailknewhismindnowtravelledtheWarrens,clingingtoHairlock's shoulderwithanunbreakablegrip. Kalam'spacingbroughthimbeforethesorceress.Hestoppedandfaced her.'WhataboutTayschrenn?'heaskedgruffly,hishandstwitching. 'Heknowssomethinghashappened.He'shunting,butthequarryeludes him.'Shesmiledupattheassassin.'Ifeelhimmovingcautiously.Very cautiously.Forallheknows,thequarrymightbearabbit,orawolf.' Kalam'sexpressionremainedgrim.'OraHound,'hemuttered,then resumedhispacing. Tattersailstaredathim.WasthiswhatHairlockwasdoing?Drawinga Houndafterhim?WeretheyallleadingTayschrermintoadeadlyambush?'I trustnot,'shesaid,hereyeshardeningontheassassin.'Thatwouldbe foolish.' Kalamignoredher,pointedlyavoidinghergaze. Tattersailrose.'Notfoolish.Insane.Doyourealizewhatcouldbe unleashedhere?SomebelievetheHoundsaremoreancientthantheShadow Realmitself.Butit'snotjustthempowerdrawspower.IfoneAscendant partsthefabrichereandnow,otherswillcome,smellingblood.Comethe dawneverymortalinthiscitycouldbedead.' 'Easy,lady,'Kalamsaid.'NobodywantsaHoundloosedinthecity.Ispoke fromfear.'Hestillwouldnotlookather. Theassassin'sadmissionstartledTattersail.Itwasshamethatkepthis eyesfromher.Fearwasanadmissionofweakness.'ForHood'sSake,'she sighed,'I'vebeensittingonapillowforthepasttwohours.' Thatcaughthim.Hestopped,facedher,thenlaughed. Itwasadeep,smoothlaugh,anditpleasedherimmensely. ThebedroomdooropenedandMalletenteredtheroom,hisroundface shinyandflushed.ThehealerglancedbrieflyatQuickBen,thenwalkedto Tattersail,wherehecroucheddowninfrontofher.'Byallrights,'hesaid quietly,'CaptainParanshouldbeinanOfficer'sHolewithfivefeetofmudon hisprettyface.'HenoddedtoKalam,whohadjoinedthem.'Thefirstwound

wasfatal,upunderhisheart.Aprofessionalthrust,'headded,witha meaningfullookattheassassin.'Thesecondwouldhavedonehimmore slowly,butnolesscertain.' Kalamgrimaced.'Soheshouldbedead.Heisn't.Whichmeans?' 'Intervention,'Tattersailanswered,aqueasyfeelingsettlinginher stomach.HerheavyliddedgazefixedonMallet.'YourDenulskillsproved sufficient?' Thehealerquirkedasmile.'Itwaseasy.Ihadhelp.'Heexplained,'The woundswerealreadyclosing,thedamagealreadymended.Iquickenedit some,butthat'sall.There'sbeenadeeptrauma,bothbodyandmind.Byall rightsitshouldbeweeksbeforeherecoversphysically.Andthatalonecould beaproblem.' 'Whatdoyoumean?'Tattersailasked. Kalamstrodetothetable,retrievedajugofwineandthreeclaycups. HerejoinedthemandbeganpouringasMalletsaid,'Healingshouldnever beseparatedbetweenthefleshandthesenseoftheflesh.It'shardtoexplain. TheDenulWarrensinvolveeveryaspectofhealing,sincedamage,whenit occurs,doessoonalllevels.Shockisthescarthatbridgesthegapbetween thebodyandthemind.' 'Allandwell,'Kalamgrowled,handingthehealeracup.'Whatabout Paran?' Mallettookalongdraughtandwipedathismouth.'Whateverforce intercededcaredfornothingbuthealingtheflesh.Hemaywellbeonhisfeet inadayortwo,buttheshockneedstimetoheal.' 'Youcouldn'tdoit?'Tattersailasked. Heshookhishead.'Allsuchthingsareintertwined.Whateverinterceded severedthoseconnections.Howmanyshocks,traumaticevents,hasParan receivedinhislifetime?WhichscaramItotrace?Imaywelldomore damageinmyignorance.' Tattersailthoughtabouttheyoungmantheyhaddraggedintoherrooman hourearlier.Afterhisscreaminthealley,announcingtoPickerthathestill lived,hehadfallenintounconsciousness.AllthatsheknewofParanwasthat hewasanoble'sson;thathe'dcomefromUnta,andthathewasthesquad's newofficerontheirmissioninDarujhistan. 'Inanycase,'Malletsaid,draininghiscup,'Hedgeiskeepinganeyeonhim. Hemaycometoanyminute,butthere'snotellingwhatstatehismindwillbe in.'ThehealergrinnedatKalam.'Hedgehastakenalikingtothebrat.'His grinbroadenedastheassassincursed. Tattersailraisedaneyebrow. Seeingherexpression,Malletexplained,'Hedgealsoadoptsstraydogs andother,uh,needycreatures.'HeglancedatKalam,whohadresumed pacing.'Andhecangetstubbornaboutit,too.' Thecorporalgrowledwordlessly. Tattersailsmiled.ThesmilefadedasherthoughtsreturnedtoCaptain Paran.'He'sgoingtobeused,'shepronounced,flatly.'Likeasword.' Malletsoberedwithherwords.'There'snothingofmercyinthehealing,

onlycalculation.' QuickBen'svoicestartledthemall.'Theattemptonhislifecamefrom Shadow.' Therewassilenceintheroom. Tattersailsighed.Before,ithadbeenjustasuspicion.ShesawMalletand Kalamexchangeglances,andguessedatwhatpassedbetweenthem. WhereverSorrywas,whenshereturnedtothefoldtherewouldbesome hardquestions.AndTattersailnowknewwithcertaintythatthegirl belongedtoShadow. 'Andthatmeans,'QuickBenresumedblithely,'thatwhoeverintercededon Paran'sbehalfisnowindirectoppositionwiththeRealmofShadow.'His headturned,darkeyesfixingonthesorceress.'We'llneedtoknowwhat Paranknows,wheneverhecomesaround.Only' 'Wewon'tbehere,'Kalamfinished. 'AsifHairlockwasn'tenough,'Tattersailmuttered,'nowyouwantme nursingthiscaptainofyours.' QuickBenrose,brushingthedustfromhisleatherleggings.'Hairlockwill begoneforsometime.ThoseHoundsarestubborn.Itmaybeawhilebefore hecanshakethem.Or,iftheworstcomestotheworst,'thewizardgrinned darkly,'he'llturnonthemandgivetheShadowLordsomethingtothink about.' KalainsaidtoMallet,'GatherupHedge.We'vegottomove.' QuickBen'slastcommentleftTattersailcold.Shegrimacedattheashen tasteinhermouth,andwatchedinsilenceasthesquadpreparedtoleave. Theyhadamissionaheadofthem,onethatwouldtakethemrightintothe heartofDarujhistan.ThatcitywasthenextontheEmpire'slist,thelastFree City,thecontinent'slonegemworthyenoughtocovet.Thesquadwould infiltrate,preparetheway.They'dbeentirelyontheirown.Inastrangeway, Tattersail.almostenviedtheisolationtheywereabouttoenter.Almost,but notquite.Shefearedtheywouldalldie. TheMason'sBarrowreturnedtoherthoughtsasifraisedbyherownfears. Itwas,sherealized,bigenoughtoholdthemall. Withdawnabladethincrimsonstreakattheirbacks,theBlackMoranth, crouchingonthehighsaddlesoftheirQuorlmounts,glitteredlikediamonds slickwithblood.Whiskeyjack,FiddlerandtheHighFistwatchedthedozen fliersapproach.Overheadtherainhadlessened,andaroundthenearby rooftopssmudgesofgreymistsankdowntoscuffstoneandtile. 'Where'syoursquad,Sergeant?'Dujekasked. WhiskeylacknoddedatFiddler,whoturnedandheadedbacktothetrap door.'They'llbehere,'thesergeantanswered. Thesparkling,skinthinwingsoftheQuorl,fourtoeachcreature,seemed toflipforthebriefestofmoments,andasonethetwelveMoranthdescended towardstheturret'srooftop.Thesharpwhirringsoundofthewingswas punctuatedbytheclickedcommandsoftheMoranthridersastheycalledout toeachother.Theysweptovertheheadsofthetwomenwithabarefivefeet tospare,andwithoutceremonylandedbehindthem.

Fiddlerhaddisappearedintotheroombelow.Dujek,hishandonhiship, glaredattheMoranthforamomentbeforegrumblingsomethinginaudible andmakinghiswaytothetrapdoor. WhiskeyjackwalkeduptothenearestMoranth.Ablackchitinvisor coveredthesoldier'sface,anditturnedtowardsthesergeantinsilentregard. 'Therewasoneamongyou,'Whiskeyjacksaid,'onehanded.Hewasfive timesmarkedforvalour.Doeshestilllive?' TheBlackMoranthdidnotreply. ThesergeantshruggedandturnedhisattentiontotheQuorls.Thoughhe hadriddentheirbacksbefore,theycontinuedtofascinatehim.Thewinged creaturesbalancedonfourthinlegsemergingfrombeneaththesaddles. Theywaitedontherooftopwithwingssplayedoutandquiveringfast enoughtocreateahazeofwaterdropletssuspendedaroundthem.Their long,oddlysegmentedtailsjuttedstraightoutbehindthem,multihuedand twentyfeetinlength.Whiskeyjack'snostrilstwitchedasthenowfamiliar acridscentreachedhim.ThenearestQuorl'senormous,wedgeshapedhead wasdominatedbyfacetedeyesandarticulatingmandibles.Twoadditional limbsarms,hesupposedweretuckedunderneath.Ashestaredthe Quorl'sheadswivelleduntilitslefteyefacedhimsquarely. Thesergeantcontinuedstaring,wonderingwhattheQuorlwasseeing, wonderingwhatitwasthinkingifitthoughtatall.Curious,hegavethe Quorlanod. Theheadcocked,thenturnedaway.Whiskeyjack'seyeswidenedtoseethe tipoftheQuorl'stailcurlupbriefly.Itwasthefirsttimehehadseensucha motion. ThealliancebetweentheMoranthandtheEmpirehadchangedthefaceof Imperialwar.TheMalazantacticshereonGenabackishadtwistedintoanew shape,oneincreasinglydependentontransportbyairofbothsoldiersand supplies.Suchdependencywasdangerous,asfarasWhiskeyjackwas concerned.WeknowsolittleabouttheseMoranthnoonehaseverseen theircitiesintheforest.Ican'teventelltheirsex. Mostscholarsheldthattheyweretruehumans,buttherewasnowayto telltheMoranthcollectedtheirowndeadfromthebattlefields.There wouldbetroubleintheEmpireiftheMorantheverexercisedathirstfor power.Fromwhathehadheard,however,thevariouscolouractionsamong themmarkedaneverchanginghierarchy,andtherivalryandcompetition remainedatafanaticalpitch. HighFistDujekmarchedbacktoWhiskeyjack'sside,hishardexpression softenedslightlywithrelief.Fromthetrapdoor,voicesroseinargument. 'They'vearrived,'Dujeksaid.'Givingyournewrecruitanearfulabout somethinganddon'ttellmewhatbecauseIdon'twanttoknow.' Whiskeyjack'smomentaryreliefwasshatteredbywhatheonlynow realizedwasthesecrethopethatSorryhaddeserted.Sohismenhadfound herafterall,orshehadfoundthem.Eitherway,hisveteransdidnotsound happytoseeher.Hecouldn'tblamethem.14aashetriedtokillParan?That seemedtobethesuspicionofQuickBenandKalam.

Kalamwasdoingmostofthebellowing,puttingmoreintohisroleas corporalthanwaswarranted,andDujek'ssearchingglanceatWhiskeyjack wasenoughtopushhimtowardsthetrapdoor.Hecametotheedgeand glareddownintotheroombelow.Everyonewasthere,standingina menacingcirclearoundSorry,wholeanedagainsttheladderasifboredby thewholeproceedings. 'Quiet!'Whiskeyjackroareddown.'Checkyoursuppliesandgetuphere, now!'Hewatchedthemscamper,thengaveasatisfiednodandreturnedto wheretheHighFistwaited. Dujekwasrubbingthestumpofhisleftarm,frowningdistractedly. 'Damnthisweather,'hemuttered. 'Malletcouldeasethat,'Whiskeyjacksaid. 'Notnecessary,'Dujekreplied.'I'mjustgettingold.'Hescratchedhisjaw. 'Allofyourheavysupplieshavebeendeliveredtothedroppoint.Readytofly, Sergeant?' WhiskeyjackeyedtheridgedsecondsaddlesontheQuorlwheretheyrose upatthebackofthethoraxlikecowls,thennoddedsharply. Theywatchedasthesquadmembersemergedfromthesquaredoorway, eachwearingaraincapeandburdenedwithaheavypack.FiddlerandHedge wereengagedinawhisperingargument,thelattercastingaglarebackat Trottswho'dtroddenonhisheel.TheBarghasthadattachedhisentire collectionofcharms,trinketsandtrophiestovariouspartsofhisburlybody, lookinglikeabedeckedleadwoodtreeduringtheKaneseF&eofthe Scorpions.Barghastwereknownfortheiroddsenseofhumour.qUV&%e_n wab,MtnwaitingQuorls.Hersatchelwasnobiggerthanabedroll,andthe raincapesheworewasmorelikeacloaknotstandardissuereaching downtoherankles.She'draisedthehood.Despitethedawn'sburgeoning lightherfaceremainedinshadow.ThisisallIhaveleft.Whiskeyjacksighed. Dujekaskedquietly,'Howisshedoing,Sergeant?' 'Stillbreathing,'Whiskeyjackrepliedstonily. TheHighFistslowlyshookhishead.'Sodamnyoungthesedays...' AmemoryreturnedtoWhiskeyjackasheconsideredDujek'swords. Onabriefattachmenttothe5th,awayfromthesiegeatPale,inthemidst oftheMottCampaign,Sorryhadjoinedthemfromthenewtroopsarrivingat Nathilog.He'dwatchedherputaknifetothreelocalmercenariesthey'd takenprisonerinGreydogostensiblytogleaninformationbut,herecalled withashudder,ithadbeennothinglikethat.Notanactofexpedience.He hadstaredaghast,horrified,asSorrysettoworkontheirloins.He rememberedmeetingKalam'sgaze,andthedesperategesturethatsentthe blackmansurgingforward,knivesbared.KalamhadpushedpastSorryand withthreequickmotionshadlaidopenthemen'sthroats.Andthencamethe momentthatstilltwistedWhiskeyjack'sheart.Intheirlast,frothingwords, themercenarieshadblessedKalam. Sorryhadmerelysheathedherweapon,thenwalkedaway. Thoughthewomanhadbeenwiththesquadfortwoyears,stillhismen calledherarecruit,andtheywouldprobablydosountilthedaytheydied.

Therewasameaningthere,andWhiskeyjackunderstooditwell.Recruits werenotBridgeburners.Thestrippingawayofthatlabelwasanearned thing,arecognitionbroughtbydeeds.Sorrywasarecruitbecausethe thoughtofhavingherinextricablyenfoldedwithintheBridgeburnersburned likeahotknifeinthethroatofeveryoneinhissquad.Andthatwas somethingtowhichthesergeanthimselfwasnotimmune. AsallofthisflashedthroughWhiskeyjack'sthoughts,hisusuallyimpassive expressionfailedhim.Inhishead,hereplied:Young?No,youcanforgivethe young,youcananswertheirsimpleneeds,andyoucanlookintheireyesand findenoughtherethatisrecognizable.Buther? No.Besttoavoidthoseeyes,inwhichtherewasnothingthatwasyoung nothingatall. 'Let'sgetyoumoving,'Dujekgrowled.'Mounteveryoneup.'TheHighFist turnedtosayafewlastwordstothesergeant,butwhathesawin Whiskeyjack'sfacekilledthosewordsinhisthroat. Twomutedthunderclapssoundedinthecityastheeastspreaditscrimson cloakskyward,thefirstreportfollowedscantminuteslaterbythesecond. Thelastofthenight'stearschurneddowngunnelsandswirledalongstreet gutters.Muddypuddlesfilledpotholes,reflectingthethinningclouds overheadwithanopaquecast.AmongthenarrowcrookedalleysofPale's KraelQuarter,thechillanddampofthenightclungtothedarkspaceswith tenacity.Here,themouldladenbricksandworncobbleshadswallowedthe secondthunderclap,leavingnoechotochallengethepatterofwaterdroplets. Downoneaisle,windingsouthalongtheouterwall,lopedadogthesizeofa mule.Itsmassiveheadwasslunglowforwardinfrontofthebroad,bunched musclesofitsshoulders.Thatithadseenanightwithoutrainwasmarkedby itsdusty,dry,mottledgreyandblackfur. Theanimal'smuzzlewasspeckledwithgrey,anditseyesglowedamber. TheHound,markedSeventhamongShadowthrone'sservantsandcalled Gear,hunted.Thequarrywaselusive,cunning,andswiftinitsflight.YetGear feltclose.Heknewthatitwasnohumanhetrackednomortalmanor womancouldhaveescapedhisjawsforsolong.Evenmoreastonishing,Gear hadyettocatchaglimpseofthequarry.Butithadtrespassed,withimpunity ithadenteredtheShadowRealm,trailingShadowthronehimselfand strummingallthewebsGear'slordhadspun. Theonlyanswertosuchanaffrontwasdeath. Soon,theHoundknew,hewouldbethehuntedone,andifthosehunters cameinnumbersandinstrengthGearwouldbehardpressedtocontinuehis search.Therewerethosewithinthecitywhohadfeltthesavagepartingsof thefabric.AndlessthanaminuteafterpassingthroughtheWarren'sgate Gear'shackleshadstiffened,tellinghimofnearbymagic'sburgeoning.Thus fartheHoundhadeludeddetection,butthatwouldnotlast. Hemovedsilentandcautiouslythroughthemazeofshantiesandleantos crouchingagainstthecitywall,ignoringtheoccasionaldenizencomeoutto tastethedawn'sraincleansedair.Hesteppedoverthebeggarssprawledin hispath.Localdogsandrattersgavehimoneglancethenslunkaway,ears

flattenedandtailsweepingthemuddyground. AsGearroundedthecornerofasunkenstonehousethemorningbreeze broughthisheadround.Hepaused,eyessearchingdownthestreetopposite him.Mistdriftedhereandthere,andthefirstcartsofthelessermerchants werebeingpulledoutbyfigureswrappedwarmagainstthechilltheHound wasrunningoutoftime. Gear'seyestravelleddownthelengthofthestreet,focusingonalarge, walledestateatthefarend.Foursoldiersloungedbeforeitsgate,watching passersbywithlittleinterestandtalkingamongthemselves.Gear'shead lifted,hisstudyfindingashutteredwindowontheestate'ssecondfloor. AnticipationandpleasuresurgedthroughtheHound.Hehadfoundthe trail'send.Loweringhisheadagain,hemoved,hisgazeunwaveringonthe fourguards. Theshifthadended.Asthenewmarinesapproachedtheybothnoticed thatthegatewasunlocked,ajar. 'What'sthis?'oneasked,eyeingthetwodrawnfacesofthesoldierswho stoodagainstthewall. 'It'sbeenthatkindofnight,'theelderresponded.'Thekindwhereyou don'taskquestions.' Thetwonewmenexchangedglances,thentheonewhohadspokengave theoldermananodandagrin.'Iknowthekind.Well,geton,then.Yourcots arewaiting.' Theoldermanshiftedhispikeandseemedtosag.Hisgazeflickedtohis partner,buttheyoungmanhadhisattentiononsomethingupthestreet.'I'd guessit'stoolatenow,'theoldermansaidtothenewcomers,meaningit won'thappenandsoitdon'tmatter,butifawomanshowsup,a Bridgeburner,youletherthroughandkeepyoureyesonthewalls.' 'Lookatthatdog,'theyoungersoldiersaid. 'Wehearyou,'saidthenewman.'LifeintheSecond' 'Lookatthatdog,'theyoungmarinerepeated. Theothersturnedtolookupthestreet.Theoldguardstared,hiseyes widening,thenhehissedacurseandfumbledwithhispike.Noneofthe othersmanagedeventhatmuchbeforetheHoundwasuponthem. Sleepless,Tattersaillayflatonherbackonthebedintheouterroom. Herexhaustionhadreachedapointwhereevensleepeludedhersoshe staredattheceiling,herthoughtswanderinginadisorderedreviewofthe pastsevendays.Despiteherinitialangeratbeingembroiledinthe Bridgeburners'schemes,shehadtoacknowledgetheexcitementshefelt. ThedesiretocollectherpossessionsandopenaWarren,awayfromthe Empire,awayfromHairlock'smadnessandhunger,awayfromthefieldofan endlesswar,nowseemedanancientone,bornofadesperationshenolonger felt. Butitwasmorethanjustarenewedsenseofhumanitythatcompelledher tostaytoseeitthroughtheBridgeburners,afterall,hadshownagainand againthattheycouldtakecareoftheirownaffairs.No,shewantedtosee Tayschrennpulleddown.Itwasatruththatfrightenedher.

Hungerforvengeancepoisonedthesoul.Anditwaslikelythatshewould havetowaitalongtimetoseeTayschrenn'sjustdemise.Shewonderedif, havingfedonthatpoisonforsolong,shemightnotendupviewingtheworld withHairlock'sshiningbrightmadeyes. 'Toomuch,'shemuttered.'Toomuchallatonce.' Asoundatthedoorstartledher.Shesatup.'Oh,'shesaid,scowling,'you've returned.' 'Safeandsound,'Hairlocksaid.'Sorrytodisappointyou,'Sail.'The marionettewavedonetiny,glovedhandandthedoorbehindhimclosed,its latchfallingintoplace.'Muchfeared,theseHoundsofShadow,'hesaid, saunteringintotheroom'scentreandpirouettingoncebeforesittingdown, legssplayedandarmshanginglimp.Hesniggered.'Butintheendnothing morethanglorifiedmutts,stupidandslowandsniffingateverytree.Finding naughtofslyHairlock.' Tattersailleanedbackandclosedhereyes.'QuickBenwasdispleasedby yoursloppiness.' 'Fool!'Hairlockspat.'Ileavehimtohiswatching,Ileavehimconvinced thatsuchknowledgehaspowerovermewhileIgowhereIchoose.He eagerlylaysclaimtocommandingme,afoolishnessIgivehimnow,tomake myvengeancesweeter.' Shehadhearditallbeforeandknewhewasworkingonher,seekingto weakenherresolve.Unfortunatelyhewassucceedinginpart,forshefelt doubt.MaybeHairlockwastellingthetruth:maybeQuickBenhadalready losthim,yetremainedignorantofthefact.'Keepyourvengeancefortheman whostoleyourlegsandthenyourbody,'Tattersailsaiddrily.'Tayschrenn stillmocksyou.' 'He'llpayfirst!'Hairlockshrieked.Thenhehuncheddown,grippinghis sides.'Onethingatatime,'hewhispered. Fromthecompoundbeyondthewindowcamethefirstscreams. TattersailbolteduprightasHairlockshouted:'Found!Imustn'tbeseen, woman!' Themarionetteleapedtohisfeetandscurriedtohisboxagainstthefar wall.'DestroytheHoundyou'venochoice!'Scrambling,heopenedthebox andclimbedinside.Thelidthuddedintoplaceandthenimbusofaprotective spellsuffusedit. Tattersailstoodbythebed,hesitating.Woodshatteredbelowandthe buildingshook.Menshrieked,weaponsclanged.Thesorceresspushed herselfupright,terrorseepingintoherlimbslikemoltenlead.Destroya HoundofShadow?Heavythumpsrattledthewindow,asofbodiesbeing flungasideonthefloorbelow,thenthethumpsreachedthefootofthestairs, andthescreamingstopped.Fromthecompoundsheheardsoldiersshouting. TattersaildrewonherThyrWarren.Powersweptintoherandpushed asidetheparalysingfear.Shestraightened,allexhaustiongone,andswung hergazeonthedoor.Woodcreaked,thenthetimberpanelexplodedinwards, asifflungfromacatapult,andwasinstantlybuffetedasidebyTattersail's magicalshield.Thetwinimpactsshatteredit,flingingshardsandsplinters

againsttheceilingandwalls.Glassbrokebehindher,thewindow'sshutters springingopen.Anicywindroiledintotheroom. TheHoundappeared,itseyesyellowflames,themusclesofitshigh shoulderstaut,ripplingunderitsskin.Thecreature'spowersweptlikea waveoverTattersailandshedrewasharpbreath.TheHoundwasold,older thananythingshehadeverencountered.Itpausedinthedoorway,sniffing theair,blooddrippingfromitsblacklips.Thenitsgazefixedontheiron boundboxagainstthewalltoTattersail'sleft.Thebeaststeppedforward. 'No,'shesaid. TheHoundfroze.Itsmassiveheadswungslowandmeasuredtoher,asifit wasnoticingherforthefirsttime.Itslipspeeledbacktorevealthe luminescentgleamofcaninesthelengthofaman'sthumb. Damnyou,Hairlock!Ineedyourhelp!Please! AwhitestripflashedabovetheHound'seyesasthelidssnappedback. Itcharged. TheattackwassoswiftthatTattersailwasunabletoraiseherhands beforethebeastwasuponher,surgingthroughheroutermagicasifitwas nomorethanabriskwind.Herclosestdefences,alayeringofHighWards, mettheHound'schargelikeastonewall.Shefeltcracksstreakoutwards, deepfissuresreachingthroughtoherarmsandchestwithasnappingsound immediatelyreplacedbyspurtingblood.This,andtheHound'smomentum, flungherbackthroughtheair.Thewardsatherbackcushionedtheblowas shehitthewallbesidethewindow.Mortarpuffedintotheairaroundher, andfragmentsofcrushedbrickscatteredacrossthefloor. TheHoundhadfallentoitsknees.Shakingitshead,itregaineditsfeet, snorted,thenattackedagain. Tattersail,herwitsrockedbythefirstcharge,weaklyliftedone bloodstreakedarmbeforeherface,unabletodoanythingelse. AstheHoundsprangintotheair,jawsopenandreachingforherhead,a waveofgreylightstruckthebeastintheside,throwingitintothebedto Tattersail'sright.Woodcrunched.WithagrunttheHoundwasupagain, wheelingthistimetofaceHairlock,whostoodperchedatophisbox, glisteningwithsweatandarmsraised.'Oh,yes,Gear,'heshrilled.'I'myour quarry!' Tattersailslumped,thenleanedtoonesideandvomitedonthefloor. AchaoticWarrenswirledintheroom,amiasmathatchurnedintoherlike riotouspestilence.ItradiatedfromHairlockinvisiblepulsesofgrainygrey shotthroughwithblack. TheHoundeyedHairlock,itssidesheaving.Itwasasifitwastryingto dispelthewavesofpowerfromitsbrain.Alowgrowlrumbledinitschest itsfirstsound.Thewideheadsagged. Tattersailstared,thenunderstandingstruckahammerblowtoherchest. 'Hound!'shescreamed.'He'sreachingforyoursoul!Escape!Getoutofhere!' Thebeast'sgrowldeepened,butitdidnotmove. Noneofthethreenoticedthedoortotheinnerbedroomopeningofftothe left,orthehaltingappearanceofCaptainParan,wrappedinthecolourless

woollenblanketthatcoveredhimdowntohisankles.Paleanddrawn,the manmovedforward,ablankcasttohiseyes,whichwerefixedontheHound. AstheinvisiblebattleofwillscontinuedbetweenGearandHairlock,Paran steppedcloser. ThemovementcaughtTattersail'seye.Sheopenedhermouthtoshouta warning,butParanmovedfirst.Theblanketpartedtorevealalongsword, pointflashingoutwardasheextendedintoafulllunge.Theswordsankinto Gear'schest,evenasthemanleapedback,withdrawingthelunge,twisting theweaponashepulleditclear.AbellowthunderedfromGear'sthroat.The Houndstaggeredbackintotheruinsofthebed,bitingatthewoundgushing bloodfromitsside. Hairlockscreamedinrageandjumpedforward,closinginonGear. Tattersailscythedonefootintothepuppet'spath,flinginghimagainstthe farwall. Gearhowled.Adarkriftopenedaroundhimwiththesoundoftearing burlap.Hewhirledandplungedintothedeepeningshadow.Therentclosed andwasgone,leavinginitswakearipplingofcoldair. Astonishedbeyondherpain,TattersailswungherattentiontoCaptain Paranandthebloodiedswordinhishands.'How?'shegasped.'Howcould youhavepiercedtheHound'smagic?Yoursword' Thecaptainlookeddownatit.'Justlucky,Isuppose.' 'Oponn!'Hairlockhissed,asheregainedhisfeet,andglaredatTattersail. 'Hood'sCurseontheFools!Andyou,woman,thisI'llnotforget.Youwill payIswearit!'Tattersaillookedawayandsighed.Asmiletouchedherlips aswordsutteredearliernowreturnedwithnew,grimmeaning.'You'llbetoo busystayingalive,Hairlock,tostartonme.You'vegivenShadowthrone somethingtothinkabout.Andyou'lllivetoregrethisattention,puppet.Deny thatifyoudare.' 'I'mreturningtomybox,'Hairlocksaid,scrambling.'ExpectTayschrenn hereinminutes.You'llsaynothing,Sorceress.'Heclamberedinside. 'Nothing.'Thelidslammedshut. Tattersail'ssmilebroadened,thetasteofbloodinhermouthlikeanomen, asilent,visiblewarningtoHairlockofthingstocomeawarningsheknew hecouldn'tsee.Thatmadethetastealmostsweet. Shetriedtomove,butitseemedthatachillhadcometoherlimbs. Withinhermindvisionsfloated,butwallsofdarknessclosedinaround thembeforetheycouldregister.Shefeltherselffading. Aman'svoicespokecloseby,urgent.'Whatdoyouhear?' Shefrowned,tryingtoconcentrate.Thenshesmiled.'Aspinningcoin.I hearaspinningcoin.' BOOKTWODARUJHISTAN Whatwindfallhasbrushedoursenses? Thisrockingthunderheadthatscrapedthelake'splacidwatersandspuna singleday'sshadowslikeawheelthatrolledusfromdawntodusk,whilewe

totteredourtenderways Whatwindlasscracklesdirewarnings? Thereinthegentleswellsthattossedabobbingcorkourwaywithitsfine magentascentwaftinglikeapanoplyofpetalsthatmightbeashesin twilight'scrimsonsmear RumourBornFisher(b.?) CHAPTERFIVE Andifthismanseesyouinhisdreamswhileyourockintheseason's broodingnight'neathatree'sstoutbranch,andyourshadowishooded abovetheknottedrope,sowillthewindsofhispassingtwitchyourstiffened limbsintosomesemblanceofrunning907thYearineThirdMillennill RumourBornFisher(b.?) TheSeasonofFanderayintheyearoftheFiveTusksTwothousandyears sincethebirthofDarujbistan,thecity INHISDREAMTHESMALLROUNDMANFOUNDHIMSELFLEAVINGTHE CITYofDarujhistanthroughTwoOxGateasheheadedtowardsthesetting sun.Thetatteredtailsofhisfadedredwaistcoatflappedinhishaste. Hehadnoideahowfarhewouldhavetowalk.Alreadyhisfeetached. Thereweremiseriesintheworld,andthentherewasmisery.Intimesof conscienceheheldtheworld'sconcernsabovehisown.Fortunately,he reflected,suchtimeswerefew,andthis,hetoldhimself,wasnotoneofthem. 'Alas,theverysamedreampropelsthesemanytoedimplementsbeneath thesewobblyknees.'Hesighed.'Everthesamedream.'Andsoitwas.Hesaw beforehimthesunridingthedistanthilltop,acopperdiscthrough woodsmokehaze.Hisfeetcarriedhimdownthewindingdirtstreetof GadrobiShantytowntheshacksandhutsoneithersidecrouchinginthe gatheringgloom.Oldmenwrappedinthedingyyellowragsoflepers squattedovernearbycookfires,fallingsilentashepassed. Similarlycladwomenstoodbythemuddywell,pausingintheirendless dunkingofcatsabemusingactivity,itssymbolismlostonthemanashe hurriedpast. HecrossedMaitenRiverbridge,passedthroughthedwindlingGadrobi Herdercamps,outontotheopenroadflankedbyvineyardplantations.He lingeredhere,thinkingofthewinethesesucculentgrapeswouldproduce. Butdreamscarriedonwiththeirownmomentum,andthethoughtwasbut fleetinginitspassage. Heknewhismindwasinflightfleeingthedoomedcityathisback, fleeingthedark,broodingsmudgeintheskyaboveit;butmostofall,fleeing allthatheknewandallthathewas. Forsome,thetalenttheypossessedfounditschannelthroughatossof knucklebones,thereadingofheatfracturesinscapulae,ortheFatidofthe DeckofDragons.ForKruppe,hehadnoneedofanysuchaffectations.The powerofdivinationwasinhisheadandhecouldnotdenyit,nomatterhow

hardhetried.Withinthewallsofhisskullrangthedirgeofprophecy,andit echoedthroughhisbones. Hemutteredunderhisbreath.'Ofcoursethisisadream,theflightofsleep. Perhaps,thinksKruppe,hewillintruthescapethistime.Nonecouldcall Kruppeafool,afterall.Fatwithslothandneglect,yes;inclinedtoexcesses, indeed,somewhatclumsywithabowlofsoup,mostcertainly.Butnotafool. Suchtimesareuponuswhenthewisemanmustchoose.Isitnotwisdomto concludethatotherlivesareoflessimportancethanone'sown?Ofcourse, verywise.Yes,Kruppeiswise.' Hepausedtocatchhisbreath.Thehillsandthesunbeforehimseemedno closer.Suchweredreamslikethehasteningofyouthintoadulthood,a precipitouscourseonecouldneverturnbackonbutwhomentionedyouth? Oroneyouthinparticular?'SurelynotwiseKruppe!Hismindwanders Kruppeexcusesthepunmagnanimouslyrackedbythemiseryofhissoles, whicharetired,nay,halfwornoutfromthisrecklesspace.Blistershave alreadyappeared,nodoubt.Thefootcriesoutforawarm,soapybalm.Its companionjoinsinthechorus.Ah!Suchalitany!Suchawailofdespair! Ceasecomplaining,dearwingsofflight.Howfaristhesun,anyway?just beyondthehills,Kruppeiscertain.Nomorethanthat,surely.Yes,ascertain asaneverspinningcoinbutwhospokeofcoins?Kruppeproclaimshis innocence!'Abreezesweptintohisdream,downfromthenorthcarrying withitthesmellofrain.Kruppebeganfasteninghisthreadbarecoat.He drewinhisbellyinanefforttosecurethelasttwobuttons,butsucceededin claspingonlyone.'Eveninsleep,'hegroaned,'guiltmakesitspoint.' Heblinkedagainstthewind.'Rain?Buttheyearhasjustbegun!Doesit raininthespring?Kruppehasneverbeforeconcernedhimselfwithsuch mundanematters.Perhapsthisscentisnomorethanthelake'sownbreath. Yes,indeed.Thequestionissettled.'Hesquintedatthedarkridgeofclouds aboveLakeAzur. 'MustKrupperun?Nay,whereishispride?Hisdignity?Notoncehavethey showntheirfacesinKruppe'sdreams.Istherenoshelteronyonroad?Ah, Kruppe'sfeetareflailed,hissolesbloodiedshredsofthrobbingflesh!What's this?' Upaheadwasacrossroads.Abuildingsquattedonalowrisejustbeyond. Candlelightbledfromitsshutteredwindows. Kruppesmiled.'Ofcourse,aninn.Farhasthejourneybeen,cleartheneed foraplaceofrestandrelaxationforthewearytraveller.SuchasKruppe, wizenedadventurerwithmorethanafewleaguesunderhisbelt,notto mentionspanningit.'Hehurriedforward. Abroad,barelimbedtreemarkedthecrossroads.Fromoneheavybranch somethinglongandwrappedinburlapswungcreakinginthewind.Kruppe spareditbutthebriefestglance.Hecametothepathandbeganhisascent. 'Illjudgement,pronouncesKruppe.Innsforthedustyjourneymanshould notsitatophills.Thecurseofclimbingisdiscoveringhowgreatthedistance yettoclimb.Awordtotheproprietorshallbenecessary. 'Oncesweetalehassoothedthethroat,slabsofjuicyredmeatandbroiled

yamseasedthegullet,andclean,anointedbandagesclothedthefeet.Such repairsmusttakeprecedenceoverflawsinplanningsuchasKruppesees here.' Hismonologuefellaway,replacedbygaspsashestruggledupthepath. WhenhearrivedatthedoorKruppewassowindedthathedidnotevenso muchaslookup,merelypushedagainsttheweatheredpaneluntilitswung inwardwithasquealofrustyhinges.'Alas!'hecried,pausingtobrushthe sleevesofhiscoat.'Afoamytankardforthis' Hisvoicediedashesurveyedthearrayofgrimyfacesturnedtohim. 'Methinksthebusinessispoor,'hemumbled.Theplacewasindeedan innorithadbeen,perhapsacenturypast.''Tisraininthenightair,'hesaid, tothehalfdozenbeggarscrouchedaroundathicktallowcandlesetonthe earthenfloor. Oneofthefellowsnodded.'Wewillgrantyouaudience,haplessone.' Hewavedatastrawmat.'Beseatedandentertainourpresence.' Krupperaisedaneyebrow.'Kruppeisgracedbyyourinvitation,sire.' Hedippedhishead,thenstrodeforward.'But,please,donotthinkheis bereftofcontributionstothishonouredgathering.'Hesatdowncrosslegged, gruntingwiththeeffort,andfacedtheonewhohadspoken.'Hewouldbreak breadwithyouall.'FromasleevehewithdrewasmallryeloafAbreadknife appearedinhisotherhand.'KnowntofriendsanstrangersalikeisKruppe, themannowseatedbeforeyou.InhabitantofyonglitteringDarujhistan,the mysticjewelofGenabackis,thejuicygraperipeforpicking.'Heproduceda chunkofgoatcheeseandsmiledbroadlyatthefacesbeforehim.'Andthisis hisdream.' 'Soitis,'thebeggars'spokesmansaid,hislinedfacecrinklingwith amusement.'Iteverpleasesuswhenwetasteyourparticularflavour,Kruppe ofDarujhistan.Andalwaysarewepleasedatyourtravellingappetites.' Kruppelaiddowntheryeloafandcutslices.'Kruppehasalways consideredyoumereaspectsofhimself,ahalfdozenHungersamongmany, asitwere.Yet,forallyourneeds,youwouldurgewhatofyourmaster?That heturnbackfromhisflight,ofcourse.Thatone'sownskullistooworthya chamberfordeceptiontoreignandyetKruppeassuresyoufromlong experiencethatalldeceitisborninthemindandthereitisnurturedwhile virtuesstarve.' Thespokesmanacceptedasliceofbreadandsmiled.'Perhapsweareyour virtues,then.' Kruppepausedtostudythecheeseinhishand.'AthoughtKruppehasnot consideredbeforenow,minglingwiththesilentobservationofmouldonthis cheese.Butalas,thesubjectisindangerofbeinglostwithinthemazeofsuch semantics.Norcanbeggarsbechooserswhenitcomestocheese.Youhave returnedonceagain,andKruppeknowswhy,ashehasalreadyexplained withadmirableequanimity.' 'TheCoinspins,Kruppe,stillspins.'Thespokesman'sfacelostitshumour. Kruppesighed.Hehandedthechunkofgoatcheesetothemanseatedon hisright.'Kruppehearsit,'heconcededwearily.'Hecannothelpbuthearit.

Anendlessringingthatsingsinthehead.AndforallthatKruppehasseen,for allthathesuspectstobe,heisjustKruppe,amanwhowouldchallengethe godsintheirowngame.' 'PerhapsweareyourDoubts,'thespokesmansaid,'whichyouhavenever beenafraidtofacebefore,asyoudonow.Yetevenweseektoturnyouback, evenwedemandthatyoustriveforthelifeofDarujhistan,forthelifeofyour manyfriends,andforthelifeoftheyouthatwhosfeettheCoinshallfall.' 'Itfallsthisverynight,'Kruppesaid.Thesixbeggarsnoddedatthisthough mostlytheyremainedintentonthebreadandcheese.'ShallKruppeaccept thischallenge,then?Whataregods,afterall,ifnottheperfectvictims?'He smiled,raisinghishandsandflutteringhisfingers'ForKruppe,whosesleight ofhandismatchedonlybyhissleightofmind?Perfectvictimsofconfidence, claimsKruppe,everblindedbyarrogance,everconvincedofinfallibility.Isit notawonderthattheyhavesurvivedthislong?' Thespokesmannoddedandsaid,aroundamouthfulofcheese,'Perhaps weareyourGifts,then.Wastingaway,asitwere.' 'Possibly,'Kruppesaid,hiseyesnarrowing.'Yetonlyoneofyouspeaks.' Thebeggarpausedtoswallow,thenhelaughed,hiseyesdancinginthe candlelight.'Perhapstheothershaveyettofindtheirvoice,Kruppe. Theyawaitonlytheirmaster'scommand.' 'My,'Kruppesighed,ashepreparedtostand,'butKruppeisfullof surprises.' Thespokesmanlookedup.'YoureturntoDarujhistan?' 'Ofcourse,'Kruppereplied,gaininghisfeetwithaheartfeltgroan.'He merelysteppedoutforabreathofnightair,somuchcleanerbeyondthe city'scrumblingwalls,don'tyouagree?Kruppemustneedsexercisetohone hisalreadyprodigiousskills.Awalkinhissleep.Thisnight,'hesaid,hitching histhumbsinhisbelt,'theCoinfalls.Kruppemusttakehisplaceinthecentre ofthings.Hereturnstohisbed,thenightstillyoung.' Hiseyestravelledamongthebeggars.Allseemedtohavegainedweight,a healthyrobustcolourtotheirupturnedfaces.Kruppesighedwith satisfaction.'Ithas,pronouncesKruppe,beenapleasure,gentlemen.Next time,however,letussettleonaninnthatisnotonahilltop.Agreed?' Thespokesmansmiled.'Ah,but,Kruppe,Giftsarenoteasilyattained,nor areVirtues,norareDoubtseasilyovercome,andHungersareeverthe impetustoclimbing.' Kruppe'seyesnarrowedontheman.'Kruppeistoocleverbyfar,'he muttered. Helefttheircompanyandshutthecreakingdoorsoftlybehindhim. Returningdownthepathhecametothecrossroadsandstoppedinfrontof theburlapwrappedfigureswingingfromthebranch.Kruppeplantedhis fistsonhishipsandstudiedit.'Iknowwhoyouare,'hesaidjovially. 'ThefinalaspectofKruppetocompletethisdream'sarrayofthosefaces facinghimwhichareKruppe'sown.Orsoyouwouldproclaim.Youare Humilitybut,aseveryoneknows,HumilityhasnoplaceinKruppe'slife, rememberthat.Sohereyouwillstay.'Withthathemovedhisgazetothe

greatcitylightingtheeasternskyblueandgreen.'Ah,thiswondrousfiery gemthatisDarujhistanishometoKruppe.Andthat,'headded,ashebegan towalk,'isasitshouldbe.' Fromthewharfsprawledalongtheshoreofthelake,upwardalongthe steppedtiersoftheGadrobiandDaruDistricts,amongthetemplecomplexes andtheHigherEstates,tothesummitofMajestyHillwheregathersthecity's Council,therooftopsofDarujhistanpresentedflattops,archedgables,coned towers,belfriesandplatformscrowdedinsuchchaoticprofusionastoleave allbutthemajorstreetsforeverhiddenfromthesun. Thetorchesmarkingthemorefrequentedalleywayswerehollowshafts thatgrippedpumicestoneswithfingersofblackenediron.Fedthrough ancientpittedcopperpipes,gashissedballsofflamearoundtheporous stones,anunevenfirethatcastablueandgreenlight.Thegaswasdrawn fromgreatcavernsbeneaththecityandchannelledbymassivevalves. AttendingtheseworksweretheGreyfaces,silentmenandwomenwho movedlikespectresbeneaththecity'scobbledstreets. Forninehundredyearsthebreathofgashadfedatleastoneofthecity's districts.Thoughpipeshadbeensunderedbyragingtenementfiresand goutsofflamereachedhundredsoffeetintothesky,theGreyfaceshadheld on,twistingtheshacklesanddrivingtheirinvisibledragontoitsknees. Beneaththerooftopswasanunderworldforeverbathedinablueglow. Suchlightmarkedthemajoravenuesandtheoftfrequented,narrowand crookedthoroughwaysofthemarkets.Inthecity,however,overtwenty thousandalleys,barelywideenoughforatwowheeledcart,remainedin shadowbrokenonlybytheoccasionaltorchbearingcitizenBydaythe rooftopswerebrightandhotbeneaththesun,crowdedwiththefluttering flagsofdomesticlifedryinginthelakewind.Bynightthestarsandmoon illuminatedaworldwebbedwithemptyclotheslines. Onthisnightafigurewovearoundthehempropesandthroughthefaint shadows.Overhead,asicklemoonsliceditswaybetweenthincloudslikea god'sscimitar.Thefigureworesootstainedclothwrappedsnuglyaboutits torsoandlimbs,anditsfacewassimilarlyhidden,leavingonlyspaceenough foritseyes,whichscannedthenearbyrooftops.Ablackleatherharnesscriss crossedthefigure'schest,bearingpocketsandtight,stiffloopsholdingtools ofthetrade:coilsofcopperwire,ironfiles,threemetalsawseachwrappedin oiledparchment,rootgumandasquaredlumpoftallow,aspooloffishing string,athinbladeddaggerandathrowingknifebothsheathedunderthe figure'sleftThetipsofthethief'smoccasinshadbeensoakedinpitch.Ashe crossedtheflatrooftophewascarefulnottolowerhisfullweightonhistoes, leavingmostlyintactthehalfinchstripofstickytar.Hecametothe building'sedgeandlookeddown.Threeflightsbelowcrouchedasmall garden,faintlylitbyfourgaslampssetateachcornerofaflagstonedpatio thatencircledafountain.Apurpleglowclungtothefoliageencroachingon thepatio,andglimmeredonthewatertricklingdownaseriesofstonetiers tothefountain'sshallowpool.Onabenchbesidethefountainsataguard reclinedinsleep,aspearacrosshisknees.

TheD'Arleestatewasapopulartopicamongthehighercirclesof Darujhistan'snobility,specificallyfortheeligibilityofthefamily'syoungest daughter.Manyhadbeenthesuitors,manythegiftsofgemsandbaublesthat nowresidedintheyoungmaiden'sbedroom. Whilesuchstorieswerepassedlikethesweetestbreadintheuppercircles, fewofthecommonrypaidattentionwhenthetalestrickleddownintotheir company.Buttherewerethosewholistenedcarefullyindeed,possessiveand mutewiththeirthoughtsyetoddlyeagerfordetails. Hisgazeonthedozinghouseguardinthegardenbelow,themindof CrokusYourighandpickeditswaycarefullythroughspeculationsofwhat wastocome.Thekeylayinfindingoutwhichroomamongtheestate'sscore ofchambersbelongedtothemaiden.Crokusdidnotlikeguesswork,buthe'd foundthathisthoughts,carriedalmostentirelyoninstinct,movedwiththeir ownlogicwhendeterminingthesethings. Topfloormostassuredlyfortheyoungestandfairestdaughterofthe D'Arles.Andwithabalconyoverlookingthegarden. Heturnedhisattentionfromtheguardtothewallimmediatelybeneath him.Threebalconies,butonlyone,offtotheleft,wasonthethirdfloor. Crokuspulledbackfromtheedgeandslippedsilentlyalongtheroofuntilhe judgedhewasdirectlyabovethebalcony,thenheapproachedagainand lookeddown. Tenfeet,atthemost.Oneithersideofthebalconyroseornatelycarved columnsofpaintedwood.Ahalfmoonarchspannedthemanarm'slength down,completingthefancyframe.Withafinalglanceatthehouseguard, whohadnotmoved,andwhosespeardidnotseemindangerofclatteringto theflagstonesatanymoment,Crokusslowlyloweredhimselfdownthewall. Hismoccasins'pitchgrippedtheeaveswithsnugassurance.Therewere plentyofhandholds,asthecarverhadcutdeepintothehardwood,andsun, rainandwindhadweatheredthepaint.Hedescendedalongoneofthe columnsuntilhisfeettouchedthebalcony'shandrailwhereitabuttedthe wall.Amomentlaterhecrouchedontheglazedtilesintheshadowofa wroughtirontableandpillowedchair. Nolightleakedbetweentheshuttersoftheslidingdoor.Twosoftsteps broughthimnexttoit.Amoment'sexaminationidentifiedthestyleofthe latch'slock.Crokuswithdrewafinetoothedsawandsettowork.Thesound thetoolmadewasminimal,nomorethantheshiveringofalocust'sleg.A finetool,rareandprobablyexpensive.Crokuswasfortunateinhavingan unclewhodabbledinalchemyandhadneedofsuchmagicallyhardened toolswhenconstructinghisbizarrecondensingandfilteringmechanisms. Betteryet,anabsentmindedunclepronetomisplacingthings. Twentyminuteslaterthesaw'steethsnippedthelastrestrainingbolt. Hereturnedthetooltohisharness,wipedthesweatfromhishands,then nudgedthedooropen. Crokuspokedhisheadintotheroom.Inthegreydimnesshesawalarge fourposterbedafewfeettohisleft,itsheadboardagainsttheouterwall. Mosquitonettingdescendedaroundit,endinginpiledheapsonthefloor.

Fromwithincametheevenbreathsofsomeonedeepinsleep.Theroomwas redolentofexpensiveperfume,somethingspicyandprobablyfromCallows. Immediatelyacrossfromhimweretwodoors,oneajarandleadingintoa bathingchamber;theotheraformidablebarrierofbandedoaksportingan enormouslock.Againstthewalltohisrightstoodaclothescupboardanda makeupstandoverwhichstoodthreepolishedsilvermirrorshinged together.Thecentreoneroseflushonthewall,theoutertwoangledonto thetabletoptoprovideaninfinityofadmiringvisages. Crokusturnedsidewaysandedgedintotheroom.Heroseslowlyand stretched,relievinghismusclesofthetensionthathadheldthemforthepast halfhour.Heswunghisgazetothemakeupstand,thentiptoedtowardsit. TheD'ArleestatewasthirdfromthesummitofOldK'rul'sAvenue,which climbedthefirstoftheinnercity'shillstoacircularcourttangledwithweeds andirregular,halfburieddolmens.OppositethecourtroseK'rulTemple,its ancientstoneslatticedwithcracksandentombedinmoss. ThelastmonkoftheElderingGodhaddiedgenerationspast.Thesquare belfrythatrosefromthetemple'sinnercourtborearchitecturalstylingsofa peoplelongdead.Fourrosemarblepostsmarkedthecornersofthehigh platform,stillholdingaloftapeakedroofwithsidesthatwerescaledin greenstainedbronzetiles. Thebelfryoverlookedadozenflatroofs,ofhousesthatbelongedtogentry. Onesuchstructurecrowdedclosetooneofthetemple'sroughhewnwalls, andacrossitsrooflaytheheavyshadowofthetower.Onthisroofcrouched anassassinwithbloodonhishands. TaloKrafarofJurigDenatte'sClandrewbreathinhissinggasps.Sweat trickledmuddystreaksdownhisbrowanddropletsfellfromhisbroad, crookednose.Hisdarkeyeswerewideashestareddownathishands,for thebloodstainingthemwashisown. HismissionthisnighthadbeenasaRoamer,patrollingthecity'srooftops which,exceptfortheoccasionalthief,weretheassassins'soledomain,the meansbywhichtheytravelledthecityforthemostpartundetected.The rooftopsprovidedtheirroutesonmissionsofunsanctionedpolitical activitiesorthecontinuationofafeudbetweentwoHouses,orthe punishmentforbetrayal.TheCouncilruledbydayunderpublicscrutiny;the Guildruledbynight,unseen,leavingnowitnesses.Ithadalwaysbeenthis way,sinceDarujhistanfirstroseontheshoresofLakeAzur. Talohadbeencrossinganinnocuousrooftopwhenacrossbowquarrelhad drivenahammerblowtohisleftshoulder.Hewasflungforwardbythe concussion,andforanunknownlengthoftimestareddumbfoundedatthe cloudwreathedskyoverhead,wonderingwhathadhappened. Finally,asnumbnessslowlygavewaytoagony,hetwistedontohisside. Thequarrelhadgoneentirelythroughhim.Itlayonthetarredtilesafew feetaway.Herolleduntilhewasbesidethebloodiedbolt. Oneglancehadbeenenoughtoconfirmthatthiswasnothief'squarrel.It hadcomefromaheavyweaponanassassin'sweapon.Asthisfactworked itswaythroughtheconfusedjumbleofTalo'sthoughts,hedrewhimselfup

tohisknees,andthentohisfeet.Anunsteadyjogbroughthimtothe building'sedge. Bloodstreamedfromthewoundasheclimbeddowntotheunlitalley below.Hismoccasinsrestingfinallyontheslick,rubbishlittered cobblestones,hepaused,forcingclarityintohishead.Anassassinwarhad begunthisnight.ButwhichClanLeaderwasfoolenoughtobelieveheorshe couldusurpVorcan'smasteryoftheGuild?Inanycase,hewouldreturnto hisclan'snest,ifpossible.Withthisinmind,hebegantorun. Hehaddashedintotheshadowsofhisthirdalleywhenicetrickleddown hisspine.Breathcatching,Talofroze.Thesensationcreepingoverhimwas unmistakable,ascertainasinstinct:hewasbeingstalked.Heglanceddown atthebloodsoakedfrontofhisshirtandrealizedthattherewasnohopeof outrunninghishunter.Nodoubthisstalkerhadseenhimenterthealleyand evennowhadacrossbowtrainedonitsmouthatthefarend.Atleast,thatis howxxx.He'dhavetoturnthegameround,setatrap.Andforthathe'dneed mouthhehadjustenteredtherooftops.Taloturnedbacktothealleyand studiedthenearbybuildings.TwostreetstohisrightsquattedtheK'rul Temple.Hisgazefixedonthedarkedificethatwasthebelfry. There. Theclimblefthimclosetounconsciousness,andhenowcrouchedinthe belfry'sshadowonebuildingawayfromthetemple.Hisexertionshad pumpedbloodfromhisshoulderinhorrifyingvolume.He'dseenblood before,ofcourse,butneversomuchofhisownatonetime.Hewonderedfor thefirsttimeseriouslyifhewoulddie.Anumbnessspreadinhisarmsand legs,andheknewifheremainedwherehewasanylongerhemightnever leave.Withasoftgrunthepushedhimselfupright. Thejumpdowntothetempleroofwasonlyamatterofafewyards,but theimpactjarredhimtohisknees. Gasping,Talodrovethoughtsoffailurefromhismind.Allthatwasleftwas toclimbdownthetemple'sinnerwalltothecourt,thenascendthebelfry's spiralstaircase.Twotasks.Twosimpletasks.And,oncewithinthebelfry's shadows,hecouldcommandeverynearbyrooftop. Andthestalkerwouldcometohim.Talopausedtocheckhisown crossbow,whichwasstrappedtohisback,andthethreequarrelssheathed onhisleftthigh. Heglaredintothedarknessaroundhim.'Whoeveryouare,youbastard,' hewhispered,'Iwantyou.' Hebegantocrawlacrossthetempleroof. Thelockonthejewelboxhadprovedsimpletopick.Tenminutesafter enteringtheroomCrokushadsweptitclean.Asmallfortune'sworthofgold, gemandpearlstuddedjewellerynowresidedinasmallleatherbagtiedto hisbelt. Hesquattedbythedressingtableandheldinhishandshisfinalprize. This,I'llkeep.Theitemwasaskybluesilkturbanwithgoldbraided tassels,nodoubtintendedforthe,upcomingRite.Heendedhislongminute ofadmiration,tuckedtheturbanunderanarm,thenrose.Hisgazelingered

onthebedacrossfromhim,andhemovedcloser. Thenettingobscuredtheformhalfburiedbeneathsoftblankets. Anotherstepbroughthimtothebedframe'sedge.Fromthewaistupthe girlwasnaked.Anembarrassedflushroseinthethief'scheeks,buthedid notlookaway.QueenofDreams,butshe'slovely!Atseventeenyearsofage, Crokushadseenenoughwhoresanddancersnottotrembleagapeata woman'sexposedvirtues;evenstillhisgazelingered.Then,grimacing,he headedbacktothebalconydoor.Amomentlaterhewasoutside.Hedrewa deepbreathofthecoolnightairtoclearhishead.Intheblanketofdarkness overheadahandfulofstarsshonesufficientlybrighttopiercethegauzeof clouds.Notclouds,butsmoke,driftingacrossthelakefromthenorth.The wordofPale'sfalltotheMalazanEmpirehadbeenonthetonguesof everyoneforthepasttwodays. Andwe'renext. HisunclehadtoldhimthattheCouncilstillfranticallyproclaimed neutrality,desperateintheireffortstoseparatethecityfromthenow destroyedFreeCitiesalliance.ButtheMalazansdidn'tseemtobelistening. Andwhyshouldthey?UncleMammothadasked.Darujhistan'sarmyisa contemptiblehandfulofnoblesonswhodonothingbutstrutbackandforth onWhoreStreet,grippingtheirjewelledswords Crokusclimbedtotheestate'sroofandpaddedsilentlyacrossitstiles. Anotherhouse,ofequalheight,wasbeforehim,itsflattoplessthansixfeet away.Thethiefpausedattheedgeandlookeddowntothealleythirtyfeet below,seeingonlyapoolofdarkness,thenhejumpedtolandsoftlyonthe nextroof. Hebegantocrossit.OfftohisleftrosethestarksilhouetteofK'rul'sbelfry tower,gnarledlikeabonyfistthrustintothenightsky.Crokusbroughtone handdowntotheleatherbagtiedtohisbelt,probingwithhisfingersthe knotandtheconditionofthedrawstrings.Satisfiedthatallwassecure,he checkedtheturbantuckedbeneathastrapofhisharness.Allwaswell.He continuedhissoundlesswayacrosstherooftop.Afinenightindeed.Crokus smiledtohimself. TaloKrafaropenedhiseyes.Dazedanduncomprehending,hestaredabout himself.Wherewashe?Whydidhefeelsoweak?Thenmemoryreturned, andagroanslippedfromhislips.Hehadblackedout,leaninghereagainst thismarblepillar.Butwhathadawokenhim?Stiffening,theassassinpushed himselfuponthedustycolumnandscannedtherooftopsbelow.There!A figuremovedacrosstheflattopofabuildinglessthatfiftyfeetaway. Now,youbastard.Now.Heraisedhiscrossbow,anchoringoneelbow againstthepillar.Hehadalreadycockedhisweapon,thoughhehadno memoryofhavingdoneso.Atthisdistancetherewasnochanceofmissing. Insecondshisstalkerwouldbedead.Talobaredhisteethandtookcareful aim. Crokuswashalfwayacrosstherooftop,onehandtracingthesilkfineryof theturbansnugoverhisheart,whenacoinclatteredloudlyathisfeet. Instinctivelyhepounceddownandtrappeditbeneathbothhands.

Somethinghissedthroughtheairimmediatelyabovehishead,andhe lookedup,startled,thenduckedagainasaceramictileshatteredtwentyfeet away. Hemoanedwithsuddenrealization.Asheclamberedtohisfeetonehand absentlycollectedthecoinandtuckeditunderhisbelt. Talocursedindisbelief.Heloweredthecrossbowandstareddownatthe figure,dumbfounded,untilhisinstinctfordangerasserteditselfonelasttime. Whirling,hecaughtablurredglimpseofacloakedfigurestandingbeforehim, armsraised.Thenthearmsflasheddownandtwolong,grooveddaggersslid intoTalo'schest.Withafinalbaffledgrunt,theassassindied. AgratingsoundreachedCrokus'searsandhespuntofacethebelfry.A blackshapetumbledfrombetweenthepillarsandlandedwithathump fifteenfeetaway.Momentslateracrossbowclangeddownbesideit. Crokuslookeduptoseeasilhouetteframedbetweenthepillars,glittering longbladedknivesinitshands.Thefigureseemedtobestudyinghim. 'Oh,Mowri,'thethiefprayed,thenturnedandran. IntheK'rulbelfrythekiller'soddlyshapedeyeswatchedthethiefscamper towardstherooftop'sfarside.Withaslightliftingofitsheadthekillersniffed theair,thenfrowned.Aburstofpowerhadjustfrayedthefabricofnight,like afingerpokingthroughrottedcloth.And,throughtherent,somethinghad come. Thethiefreachedthefaredgeanddisappearedoverit.Thekillerhisseda spellinalanguageolderthanthebelfryandthetemple,alanguagethathad notbeenheardinthislandformillennia,thensprangfromthetower. Enwreathedinmagic,thekiller'sdescenttotherooftopbelowwasslow, controlled.Thelandingcameasalightbrushonthetiles. Asecondfigureappeared,itscloakspreadlikeablackwing,fromthe abovedarknesstojointhefirst.Thenathird,alsodescendinginsilence, landedontherooftop.Theyspokebriefly.Thelasttoarrivemuttereda command,thenmovedoff.Theremainingtwoexchangedafewlastwords, thensetoutonthethief'strail,thesecondonepreparingitscrossbow. TenminuteslaterCrokusleanedagainsttheslopedroofofamerchant's housetoregainhisbreath.He'dseennoone,heardnothing.Eitherthekiller hadn'tpursuedorhehadmanagedtolosehim.Orher.Inhismindreturned hissinglevisionofthefigureasitstoodinthebelfry.No,unlikelythatit couldbeawomantootall,perhapssixandahalffeet,andthin. Atremorranthroughtheyoungthief.Whathadhestumbledon?An assassinhadalmostskeweredhim,andthenhadhimselfbeenmurdeied. AGuildwar?Ifso,itmadetherooftopsariskyplacetobe. Warily,Crokusroseandlookedabouthim. Atilefurtheralongtheroofclattereddowntheslopedside.Crokuswhirled toseethekillerdashingtowardshim.Onelookatthetwodaggersflashingin theairandthethiefdartedtotheroof'sedgeandleapedoutintodarkness. Thebuildingacrossfromhimwastoodistant,butCrokushadchosenhis restingplaceonfamiliarterritory.Ashefellintotheshadowshereachedout graspinghands.Theguidewirecaughthisarmsneartheelbowsandhe

scrambledfranticallyforasecuregrip,thenhungdanglingtwentyfeetabove thealley. Whilemostoftheclotheslinesspanningthecity'sstreetswerejustthin, unreliablehemp,amongthemwerewrappedwires.Placedbythieves generationspasttheyweresecurelyboltedtothewalls.BydayMonkeyRoad, asthethievescalledit,lookednodifferentfromanyotherline,festooned withundergarmentsandsheets.Withthesun'ssetting,however,cameits truepurpose. WithhandsburnedrawCrokusmadehiswayalongthewiretowardsthe farwall.Hechancedtoglanceupthen,andfroze.Ontheroof'sedgebefore himstoodasecondhunter,takingcarefulaimwithaheavy,antique crossbow. Crokusletgoofthewire.Aquarrelwhizzeddirectlyabovehisheadashe fell.Frombehindandbelowawindowshattered.Hisdropwascutshortby thefirstofaseriesofclotheslines,tugginghislimbsandtwitchinghimabout beforesnapping.Afterwhatseemedaneternityofbonewrenchingjerksand thewhipofcordslicingthroughhisclothesandflayinghisskin,Crokus struckthealley'scobblestones,straightleggedandleaningfarforward.His kneesbuckled.Hedippedashoulderenoughtoearnaslightlycushionedroll, broughtupshortwhenhisheadstruckawall. Dazedandgroaning,Crokuspushedhimselfupright.Helookedup. Throughvisionblurredwithpainhesawafiguredescendinginseeming slowmotionimmediatelyoverhead.Thethief'seyeswidened.Sorcery! Heturnedandstaggereddizzilybeforemanagingalimpingrundownthe alleyway.Hereachedthecornerand,brieflylitbygaslight,hurriedacrossa widestreetthenenteredthemouthofanotheralley.Onceinitsshadow, Crokusstopped.Cautiously,hepokedhisheadoutfromthewall'sedgefora look.Aquarrelstruckthebrickbesidehisface.Hejumpedbackintothealley, spunandsprinted. AbovehimCrokusheardtheflappingofacloak.Aburningspasminhisleft hipmadehimstumble.Anotherquarrelwhippedpasthisshoulderand skiddedonthecobblestones.Thespasmpassedasquicklyasithadcomeand hestaggeredon.Ahead,atthealleymouth,wasthelitdoorwayofa tenement.Anoldwomansatonthestonestepspuffingonapipe.Hereyes glitteredasshewatchedthethiefapproach.AsCrokusboundedpastherand upthestepssherappedthepipeagainstthesoleofhershoe.Sparksrained ontothecobbles. Crokuspushedopenthedoorandplungedinside.Hepaused.Anarrow, poorlylithallwaywasbeforehim,astaircasecrowdedwithchildrenatthe farend.Hiseyesonthestairs,hejoggedupthehall.Fromthecurtained doorwaysoneithersidecameacacophonyofnoise:voicesraisedin argument,wailingbabies,theclatterofcookware. 'Don'tyoupeopleeversleep?'Crokusshoutedasheran.Thechildrenon thestairsscamperedoutofhiswayandhetookthewarpedstepstwoata time.Onthetopfloorhestoppedatadoorathirdofthewaydownthehall, thisonesolidoak.Hepusheditopenandenteredtheroomwithin.

Anoldmansittingbehindamassivedesklookedupbrieflyfromhiswork, thenresumedhisfranticscrawlonasheetofcrinkledparchment. 'Evening,Crokus,'hesaiddistractedly. 'Andtoyou,Uncle,'Crokusgasped. OnUncleMammot'sshouldersquattedasmallwingedmonkey,whose glittering,halfmadgazefollowedtheyoungthief'sdartacrosstheroomto thewindowoppositethedoor.FlingingopentheshuttersCrokusclimbedup ontothesill.Belowwasasqualid,overgrowngardenmostlylostinshadows. Alone,gnarledtreeroseupward.Heeyedthebranchesacrossfromhim, thengrippedthewindowframeandleanedback.Hedrewadeepbreath, thenpropelledhimselfforward. Ashepassedthroughtheinterveninggapheheardasurprisedgruntcome fromdirectlyabove,thenawildscratchingagainststone.Aninstantlater someonecrasheddownintothegardenbelow.Catsshriekedandavoice groanedoutasinglepainedcurse. Crokusclungtoabowingbranch.Hetimedeachbounceoftheresilient woodthenextendedhislegsasthebranchpulledhimup.Hismoccasins landedonawindowsillandheld.Grunting,heswunghimselfontoitandlet goofthebranch.Hepunchedatthewoodenshutters. TheyspranginwardandCrokusfollowedheadfirst,downontothefloor androllingtohisfeet. Heheardmovementfromanotherroomintheapartment.Scramblingto hisfeet,heboltedforthehallwaydoor,flungitopenandslippedoutjustasa hoarsevoiceshoutedacursebehindhim.Crokusrantothefarendofthe passage,wherealadderledtoahatchontheceiling. Soonhewasontheroof.Hecrouchedinthedarknessandtriedtocatchhis breath.Theburningsensationreturnedtohiship.Hemusthavedamaged somethinginhisfallfromtheguidewire.Hereacheddowntomassagethe spotandfoundhisfingerspressingsomethinghard,roundandhot.Thecoin! Crokusreachedforit. Justthenheheardasuddenwhistlingsound,andchipsofstonespattered him.Ducking,hesawaquarrel,itsshaftsplitbytheimpact,bounceonceon therooftopthenplummetovertheedge,spinningwildly. Asoftmoanescapedhislipsandhescrambledacrosstherooftothefar side.Withoutpausehejumped.Tenfeetdownwasanawning,saggedand stretchedoutofshape,onwhichhelanded.Theironsparsframingthe canvasdippedbutheld.Fromthereitwasaquickclimbdowntothestreet. Crokusjoggedtothecorner,whereanoldbuildingsquattedwithyellow lightbleedingthroughdirtywindows.Awoodensignhungabovethedoor, bearingthefadedimageofabirddeadonitsback,feetjuttingupward.The thiefboundedupthestepsandpushedopenthedoor. Arushoflightandnoisewashedoverhimlikebalm.Heslammedthedoor behindhimandleanedagainstit.Heclosedhiseyes,pullingthedisguising clothfromhisfaceandhead,revealingshoulderlengthblackhairnow drippingwithsweatandregularfeaturessurroundinglightblueeyes. Ashereacheduptowipehisbrowamugwaspushedintohishand.

CrokusopenedhiseyestoseeSultyhurryby,carryingononehandatray loadedwithpewtertankards.Sheglancedathimoverhershoulderand grinned.'Roughnight,Crokus?' Hestaredather,thensaid,'No,nothingspecial.'Heraisedthemugtohis lipsanddrankdeep. AcrossthestreetfromtheramshacklePhoenixInn,ahunterstoodatthe roof'sedgeandstudiedthedoorthroughwhichthethiefhadjustpassed. Thecrossbowlaycradledinitsarms. Thesecondhunterarrived,sheathingtwolongknivesasitcamealongside thefirst. 'Whathappenedtoyou?'thefirsthunteraskedquietly,initsnativetongue. 'Hadanargumentwithacat.' Thetwoweresilentforamoment,thenthefirsthuntersighedworriedly. 'Allinall,tooawrytobenatural.' Theotheragreed.'Youfeltthepartingtoo,then.' 'AnAscendantmeddled.Toocautioustoshowitselffully,however.' 'Unfortunate.It'sbeenyearssinceIlastkilledanAscendant.' Theybegantochecktheirweapons.Thefirsthunterloadedthecrossbow andslippedfourextraquarrelsinitsbelt.Thesecondhunterremovedeach longknifeandcleaneditcarefullyofsweatandgrime. Theyheardsomeoneapproachfrombehind,andturnedtoseetheir commander. 'He'sintheinn,'thesecondhuntersaid. 'We'llleavenowitnessestothissecretwarwiththeGuild,'thefirstadded. ThecommanderglancedatthedoorofthePhoenixInn.Then,tothe hunters,shesaid,'No.Thewaggingtongueofawitnessmightbeusefultoour efforts.' 'Therunthadhelp,'thefirsthuntersaidmeaningfully. Thecommandershookherhead.'Wereturntothefold.' 'Verywell.' Thetwohuntersputawaytheirweapons.Thefirstglancedbackattheinn andasked,'Whoprotectedhim,doyouthink?' Thesecondhuntersnarled.'Someonewithasenseofhumour.' CHAPTERSIX Thereisacabalbreathingdeeperthanthebellowsdrawinguptheemerald firesbeneathrainglistenedcobbles,whileyoumayhearthegroaningfrom thecavernsbelow,thewhisperofsorceryislessthanthedyingsighofathief stumblingunwillingintoDarujhistan'ssecretwebCabal(fragment) Puddle(b.1122?) THESPLAYEDTIPOFHERRIGHTWINGBRUSHEDTHESCARREDBLACK rockasCroneclimbedthewhistlingupdraughtsofMoon'sSpawn.Fromthe pockedcavesandstarlitledgesherrestlessbrothersandsisterscalledoutto herasshepassed.'Dowefly?'theyasked.ButCronemadenoreply.Her

glitteringblackeyeswerefixedonheaven'svault.Herenormouswingsbeat athunderingrefrainoftaut,unrelentingpower.Shehadnotimeforthe nervouscacklingoftheyounglings;notimeforansweringtheirsimplistic needswiththewisdomherthousandyearsoflifehadearnedher. Thisnight,Croneflewforherlord. AssheroseabovetheshatteredpeaksoftheMoon'screstahighwind sweptherwings,raspingdryandcoldalongheroilyfeathers.Aroundher, thinwispsofshreddedsmokerodethecurrentsofnightairlikelostspirits. Cronecircledonce,hersharpgazecatchingtheglimmerofthefewremaining firesamongthecragsbelow,thenshedippedawingandsailedoutonthe wind'stideasitrollednorthwardtoLakeAzur. ThefeaturelessexpanseoftheDwellingPlainwasbeneathher,thegrass sweepingingreywavesunbrokenbyhouseorhill.Directlyaheadlaythe glitteringjewelledcloakthatwasDarujhistan,castingintotheskyasapphire glow.Asshenearedthecityherunnaturallyacutevisiondetected,hereand thereamongtheestatescrowdingtheuppertier,theaquamarineemanation ofsorcery. Cronecackledaloud.MagicwasambrosiatoGreatRavens.Theywere drawntoitbythescentofbloodandpower,andwithinitsauratheir lifespanslengthenedintocenturies.Itsmuskhadothereffectsaswell.Crone cackledagain.Hergazefixedononeparticularestate,aroundwhichgloweda profusionofprotectivesorcery.Herlordhadimpartedtoherathorough descriptionofthemagicalsignatureshemustfind,andnowshehadfoundit. Crookingherwings,shesankgracefullytowardstheestate. InlandfromGadrobiDistrict'sharbourthelandroseinfourtiersclimbing eastward.Rampedcobblestonestreets,worntoapolishedmosaic,marked GadrobiDistrict'sTradeStreets,fiveinall,whichweretheonlyroutes throughMarshDistrictandintothenexttier,LakefrontDistrict. BeyondLakefront'scrookedaislestwelvewoodengatesopenedontoDaru District,andfromDaruanothertwelvegatestheseonesmannedbytheCity Watchandbarredbyironportcullisconnectedtheloweranduppercities. OnthefourthandhighesttierbroodedtheestatesofDarujhistan'snobility aswellasitspubliclyknownsorcerers.AttheintersectionofOldKing'sWalk andViewStreetroseaflattoppedhillonwhichsatMajestyHall,whereeach daytheCouncilgathered.Anarrowparkencircledthehill,withsandstrewn pathwayswindingamongcenturiesoldacacias.Atthepark'sentrance,near HighGallowsHill,stoodamassiveroughhewnstonegate,thelastsurviving remnantofthecastlethatoncecommandedMajestyHill. ThedaysofkingshadlongsinceendedinDarujhistan.Thegate,knownas Despot'sBarbican,stoodstarkandunadorned,itslatticeofcracksafading scriptofpasttyranny. IntheshadowoftheBarbican'ssinglemassivelintelstonestoodtwomen. One,hisshoulderagainstthepittedrock,worearingedhauberkandaboiled leathercapbearingtheCityWatchinsignia.Scabbardedtohisbeltwasa plainshortsword,itsgripofwrappedleatherwornsmooth.Apikeleaned againstoneshoulder.Hewasnearingtheendofhismidnightguarddutyand

patientlyawaitedthearrivalofthemanwhowouldofficiallyrelievehim.The guard'seyesflickedonoccasiontothesecondman,withwhomhehad sharedthisplacemanyanothernightoverthepastyear.Theglanceshecast atthewelldressedgentlemanweresurreptitious,emptyofexpression. AswitheveryothertimeCouncilmanTurbanOrrcametothegateatthis deadhourofnight,thenoblemanhadscarcelydeemedtheguardworthyof notice;norhadheevergivenanindicationthatherecognizedtheguardas beingthesamemaneachtime. TurbanOrrseemedamanshortonpatience,foreverpacingandfretting, pausingeverynowandthentoadjusthisjewelledburgundycloak.The councilman'spolishedbootsclickedashepaced,throwingasoftechounder theBarbican.Fromtheshadowtheguard'sgazecaughtOrr'sglovedhand whereitrestedonthesilverpommelofaduellingsword,notingtheindex fingertappingintimewiththebootclicks. Attheearlypartofhiswatch,longbeforethearrivalofthecouncilman,the guardwouldwalkslowlyaroundtheBarbican,reachingoutonoccasionto touchtheancient,grimstonework.Sixyears'worthofnightwatchatthis gatehadbredacloserelationshipbetweenthemanandtheroughcutbasalt: hekneweverycrack,everychiselscar;heknewwherethefittingshad weakened,wheretimeandtheelementshadsqueezedmortarfrombetween thestonesthengnawedittodust.Andhealsoknewthatitsapparent weaknesseswerebutadeception.TheBarbican,andallitstoodfor,patiently waitedstill,aspectreofthepast,hungrytobebornyetagain. Andthat,theguardhadlongagovowed,hewouldneverletitdoifsuch thingswerewithinhispower.Despot'sBarbicanprovidedthemanwith everyreasonheneededtobewhathewas:CircleBreaker,aspy. Bothheandthecouncilmanawaitedthearrivaloftheother;theonewho neverfailedtoappear.TurbanOrrwouldgrowlhisusualcomplaint, disgustedwithtardiness;thenhewouldgrasptheother'sarmandthey wouldwalksidebysidebeneaththeBarbican'sbroodinglintelstone.And, witheyeslongaccustomedtodarkness,theguardwouldmarktheother's face,burningitindeliblyinthesuperbmemoryhiddenbehindexpressionless, unmemorablefeatures. BythetimethetwoCouncilmembersreturnedfromtheirwalk,theguard wouldhavebeenrelievedandwellonhiswaytodeliveringamessage accordingtohismaster'sinstructions.IfCircleBreaker'sluckheld,hemight survivethecivilwarintowhichDarujhistan,hefelt,wasabouttoplunge andnevermindtheMalazannemesis.Onenightmareatatime,heoftentold himself,particularlyonnightslikethese,whenDespot'sBarbicanseemedto breatheitspromiseofresurrectionwithmockingcertainty. 'Asthismaybeinyourinterest,'HighAlchemistBarukreadaloudfromthe parchmentnoteinhisplumphands.Alwaysthesameopeningline,hintingof disquietingknowledge.AnhourearlierhisservantRoaldhaddeliveredthe note,which,likealltheothersthathadcometohimoverthepastyear,had beenfoundtuckedintooneoftheornamentalmurderholesintheestate's rearposterngate.

Recognizingthepattern,Barukhadimmediatelyreadthemissivethen dispatchedhismessengersoutintothecity.Suchnewsdemandedaction,and hewasoneofthefewsecretpowerswithinDarujhistancapableofdealing withit. Nowhesatinaplushchairinhisstudy,musing.Hisdeceptivelysleepy gazeflickeddownagaintothewordsontheparchment.'CouncilmanTurban OrrwalksinthegardenwithCouncilmanFeder.Iremainknownonlyas CircleBreaker,aservantoftheEel,whoseinterestscontinuetocoincidewith yourown.'OnceagainBarukfelttemptation.Withhistalentsitwouldbea smallthingtodiscoverthewriter'sidentitythoughnottheEel's,ofcourse: thatwasanidentitysoughtbymany,alltonoavailbut,asalways, somethingheldhimback. Heshiftedhisbulkonthechairandsighed.'Verywell,CircleBreaker,I'll continuetohonouryou,thoughclearlyyouknowmoreofmethanIofyou, andfortunateitisindeedthatyourmaster'sinterestscoincidewithmyown. Still.'Hefrowned,thinkingabouttheEel,abouttheman'sorwoman's undisclosedinterests.Heknewenoughtorecognizethattoomanyforceshad comeintoplayagatheringofAscendantpowerswasafellthing.To continuetostepunseenindefenceofthecitywasbecomingincreasingly difficult.So,thequestioncameyetagain:WasthisEelusinghimaswell? Oddlyenough,hedidnotfeeltooconcernedaboutthispossibility.Somuch vitalinformationhadbeenpassedintohishandsalready. Hefoldedtheparchmentcarefullyandmutteredasimplecantrip.Thenote vanishedwithasmallplopofdisplacedair,joiningtheothersinasafeplace. Barukclosedhiseyes.Behindhimthebroadwindowshuttersrattledina gustofwind,thensettledagain.Amomentlatertherecameasharprap againstthesmokyglass.Baruksatupright,hiseyesstartledopen.Asecond rap,louderthanthefirst,broughthimroundwithaswiftalacritysurprising foroneofhisgirth.Onhisfeet,hefacedthewindow. Somethingcrouchedontheledge,visiblethroughtheshuttersonlyasa bulkyblackshape. Barukfrowned.Impossible.Nothingcouldpenetratehismagicbarriers undetected.Thealchemistgesturedwithonehand,andtheshutterssprang open.BehindtheglasswaitedaGreatRaven.ItsheadsnappedtoviewBaruk withoneeye,thentheother.Itpushedboldlyagainstthethinglasswithits massive,ridgedchest.Thepanebulged,thenshattered. HisWarrenfullyopen,Barukraisedbothhands,asavagespellonhislips. 'Don'twasteyourbreath!'theRavenrasped,swellingitschestandruffling itsmangyfeatherstoriditselfofglassshards.Itcockeditshead. 'You'vecalledyourguards,'itobserved.'Noneed,Wizard.'Asinglehop broughttheenormousbirdontothefloor.'Ibringwordsyouwillvalue. Haveyouanythingtoeat?' Barukstudiedthecreature.'I'mnotinthehabitofinvitingGreatRavens intomyhome,'hesaid.'Youarenodisguiseddemon,either.' 'Ofcoursenot.I'mnamedCrone.'Herheadbobbedmockingly.'Atyour pleasure,Lord.'

Barukhesitated,considering.Afteramomenthesighedandsaid,'Very well.I'vereturnedmyguardstotheirposts.MyservantRoaldcomeswiththe leavingsofsupper,ifthat'sagreeabletoyou.' 'Excellent!'Cronewaddledacrossthefloortosettleontherugbeforethe fireplace.'There,Lord.Now,acalmingcrystalofwine,don'tyouthink?' 'Whohassentyou,Crone?'Barukasked,walkingovertothedecanteron hisdesk.Normallyhedidnotdrinkaftersunset,fornightwaswhenhe worked,buthehadtoacknowledgeCrone'sperceptiveness.Acalmingbalm wasexactlywhatheneeded. TheGreatRavenhesitatedslightlybeforeanswering,'TheLordofMoon's Spawn.' Barukpausedinthefillingofhisglass.'Isee,'hesaidquietly,strugglingto controlhissurgingheart.Hesetthedecanterdownslowlyand,withgreat concentration,raisedthegoblettohislips.Theliquidwascoolonhistongue, anditspassagedownhisthroatindeedcalmedhim.'Well,then,'hesaid, turning,'whatwouldyourlordhaveofapeacefulalchemist?' Crone'schippedbeakopenedinwhatBarukrealizedwassilentlaughter. Thebirdfixedasingleglitteringeyeonhim.'Youranswerrodethevery breathofyourwords,Lord.Peace.Mylordwishestospeakwithyou.He wishestocomehere,thisverynight.Withinthehour.' 'Andyou'retoawaitmyanswer.' 'Onlyifyoudecidequickly,Lord.Ihavethingstodo,afterall.I'mmore thanasimplemessagebearer.Thosewhoknowwisdomwhentheyhearit holdmedear.IamCrone,eldestoftheMoon'sGreatRavens,whoseeyes havelookeduponathousandyearsofhumanfolly.Hencemytatteredcoat andbrokenbeakasevidenceofyourindiscriminatedestruction.Iambuta wingedwitnesstoyoureternalmadness.' InquietmockeryBaruksaid,'Morethanjustawitness.It'swellknown howyouandyourkindfeastedontheplainoutsidePale'swalls.' 'Yetwewerenotthefirsttofeastonfleshandblood,Lord,lestyouforget.' Barukturnedaway.'Farbeitformetodefendmyspecies,'hemuttered, moretohimselfthantoCrone,whosewordshadstunghim.Hiseyesfellon theshardsofglasslitteringthefloor.Hevoicedamendingspellandwatched astheyreassembled.'Iwillspeakwithyourlord,Crone.'Henoddedasthe glasspanerosefromthefloorandreturnedtothewindowframe.'Tellme, willheaseasilydisdainmywardsasyoudid?' 'Mylordispossessedofhonourandcourtesy,'Cronerepliedambiguously. 'Ishallcallhim,then?' 'Doso,'Baruksaid,sippinghiswine.'Anavenuewillbeprovidedforhis passage.' Therecameaknockatthedoor. 'Yes?' Roaldsteppedinside.'Someoneisatthegatewishingtospeakwithyou,' thewhitehairedservantsaid,settingdownaplateheapedwithroastpork. BarukglancedatCroneandraisedaneyebrow. Thebirdruffledherfeathers.'Yourguestismundane,arestlesspersonage

whosethoughtsarethickwithgreedandtreachery.Ademoncrouchesonhis shoulder,namedAmbition.' 'Hisname,Roald?'Barukasked. Theservanthesitated,hissofteyesflickeduneasilyatthebirdnow amblingtowardsthefood. Baruklaughed.'Mywiseguest'scounselindicatesshewellknowsthe man'sname.Speakon,Roald.' 'CouncilmanTurbanOrr.' 'Iwouldremainforthis,'Cronesaid.'Ifyouwouldseekmycounsel.' 'Pleasedo,and,yes,Iwould,'thealchemistreplied. 'Iamnomorethanapetdog,'theGreatRavencroonedslyly,anticipating hisnextquestion.'Tothecouncilman'seyes,thatis.Mywordsabeast's whimpertohisears.'Shespearedapieceofmeatandswalloweditquickly. Barukfoundhimselfbeginningtolikethismangyoldwitchofabird. 'Bringthecouncilmantous,Roald.' Theservantdeparted. Archaictorcheslitanestate'shighwalledgardenwithaflickeringlight thatthrewwaveringshadowsacrossthepavestones.Asanightwindsweptin fromthelake,rustlingleaves,theshadowsdancedlikeimps.Onthesecond floorofthebuildingwasabalconyoverlookingthegarden. Behindthecurtainedwindow,twofiguresmoved. RallickNomlayproneonthegardenwallinanicheofdarknessbeneath theestate'sgabledcornice.Hestudiedthefemininesilhouettewiththe patienceofasnake.Itwasthefifthnightinarowthathehadoccupiedhis hiddenvantagepoint.TheLadySinital'sloversnumberedasmany,buthe hadidentifiedtwoinparticularworthyofattention. Bothwerecitycouncilmen. Theglassdooropenedandafigurewalkedoutontothebalcony. RallicksmiledasherecognizedCouncilmanLim.Theassassinshifted positionslightly,slippingoneglovedhandunderthestockofhiscrossbow; reachingupwiththeothertoswingbacktheoiledcrank.Hiseyesontheman leaningagainstthebalconyrailingacrossfromhim,Rallickcarefullyinserted aquarrel.Aglancedownatthebolt'sironheadreassuredhim. Thepoisonglitteredwetlyalongtherazorsharpedges.Returninghis attentiontothebalconyhesawthatLadySinitalhadjoinedLim. Nowonderthere'snoshortageofloversforthatone,Rallickthought,his eyesnarrowinginstudy.Herblackhair,nowunpinned,floweddownsleek andshinytothesmallofherback.Sheworeagauzethinnightdressand, withthelampsoftheroombehindher,herbody'sroundcurveswereclearly visible. AstheyspoketheirvoicescarriedtowhereRallicklayhidden. 'Whythealchemist?'LadySinitalwasasking,evidentlyresuminga conversationbeguninside.'Afatoldmansmellingofsulphurandbrimstone. Hardlysuggestiveofpoliticalpower.Notevenacouncilmember,ishe?' Limlaughedsoftly.'Yournaiveteisacharm,Lady,acharm.' Sinitalpulledbackfromtherailingandcrossedherarms.'Educateme,

then.'Herwordscamesharp,tightlybridled. Limshrugged.'Wehavenaughtbutsuspicions,Lady.Butitisthewisewolf thatfollowseveryspoor,nomatterhowslight.Thealchemistwouldhave peoplethinkasyoudo.Adodderingoldfool.'Limpaused,asifinthought, perhapsweighinghowmuchheshouldreveal.'Wehavesources,'he continuedcautiously,'amongthemagery.Theyinformusofonecertainfact heavywithimplications.Agoodmanyofthewizardsinthecityfearthe alchemist,andtheynamehimbyatitlethatalonesuggestsasecretcabalof somesort.Agatheringofsorcerers,Lady,isafellthing.' LadySinitalhadreturnedtothecouncilman'sside.Bothnowleanedonthe railingstudyingthedarkgardenbelow.Thewomanwassilentforatime, thenshesaid,'HehasCouncilties?' 'Ifhehas,theevidenceisburieddeep.'Limflashedagrin.'Andifhehasn't, thenthatmightchangethisverynight.' Politics,Rallicksnarledsilently.Andpower.Thebitchspreadsherlegsto theCouncil,offeringavicefewcanignore.Rallick'shandstwitched. Hewouldkillthisnight.Notacontract:theGuildhadnopartinthis. Thevendettawaspersonal.Shewasgatheringpoweraroundher, insulatingherself,andRallickthoughtheunderstoodwhy.Theghostsof betrayalwouldnotleaveheralone. Patience,heremindedhimself,ashetookaim.Forthelasttwoyearsthe lifeofLadySinitalhadbeenoneofindolence,therichesshehadstolenhad servedtowhethereverygreed,andtheprestigeassoleowneroftheestate haddonemuchtogreasethehingesofherbedroomdoor. Thecrimeshe'dcommittedhadnotbeenagainstRallickbut,unlikeher victim,Rallickhadnopridetohaltvengeance. Patience,Rallickrepeated,hislipsmovingtothewordashesighteddown thecrossbow'slength.Aqualitydefinedbyitsreward,andthatrewardwas butmomentsaway. 'Afinelookinghound,'CouncilmanTurbanOrrsaid,ashehandedRoald hiscloak. IntheroomBarukwastheonlyonecapableofdiscerningtheauraof illusionsurroundingtheblackhuntingdoglyingcurledontherugbeforethe fireplace.Thealchemistsmiledandgesturedtoachair.'Pleasebeseated, Councilman.' 'Iapologizefordisturbingyousolateatnight,'Orrsaid,ashelowered himselfintotheplushchair.Baruksatdownoppositehim,Cronebetween them.'It'ssaid,'Orrcontinued,'thatalchemyflowersbestindeepdarkness.' 'Henceyougambledonmybeingawake,'Baruksaid.'Awellplacedwager, Councilman.Now,whatwouldyouhaveofme?' OrrreacheddowntopatCrone'shead. Baruklookedawaytokeephimselffromlaughing. 'TheCouncilvotesintwodays,'Orrsaid.'Withaproclamationofneutrality suchasweseek,warwiththeMalazanEmpirewillbeavertedsowe believe,buttherearethoseintheCouncilwhodonot.Pridehasmadethem belligerent,unreasonable.'

'Asitdoesusall,'murmuredBaruk. Orrleanedforward.'ThesupportofDarujhistan'ssorcererswoulddo muchtofavourourcause,'hesaid. 'Careful,'Cronerumbled.'Thismannowhuntsinearnest.' Orrglanceddownatthedog. 'Abadleg,'Baruksaid.'Payitnomind.'Thealchemistleanedbackinhis chairandpluckedataloosethreadonhisrobe.'Iadmittosomeconfusion, Councilman.YouappeartobeassumingsomethingsIcannotcountenance.' BarukspreadhishandsandmetOrr'seyes.'Darujhistan'ssorcerers,forone. YoucouldtraveltheTenWorldsandnotfindamorespitefulrabidcollection ofhumanity.Idon'tsuggestthattheyarealllikethistherearethosewhose onlyinterest,indeed,obsession,liesinthepursuitoftheircraft.Theirnoses havebeenburiedinbookssolongtheycouldnoteventellyouwhatcentury thisis.Theothersfindbickeringtheironlytruepleasureinlife.' AsmilehadcometoOrr'sthinlipsasBarukspoke.'But,'hesaidwitha cunninggleaminhisdarkeyes,'thereisonethingtheyallacknowledge.' 'Oh?WhatisthatCouncilman?' 'Power.We'reallawareofyoureminenceamongthecity'smages,Baruk. Yourwordalonewouldbringothers.' 'I'mflatteredthatyouwouldthinkso,'Barukreplied.'Unfortunately, thereinliesyourseconderroneousassumption.EvenifIhadsuchinfluence asyousuggest,'CronesnortedandBarukflickedasavageglareather,then continued,'whichIdonot,forwhatpossiblereasonwouldIsupportsucha wilfullyignorantpositionasyours?Aproclamationofneutrality?Mightas wellwhistleagainstthewind,Councilman.Whatpurposewoulditserve?' Orr'ssmilehadtightened.'Surely,Lord,'hepurred,'youhavenowishto sharethesamefateasthewizardsofPale?' Barukfrowned.'Whatdoyoumean?' 'AssassinatedbyanEmpireClaw.Moon'sDawnwasentirelyonitsown againsttheEmnire.' 'Yourinformationcontradictsmine,'Baruksaidstiffly,thencursedhimself. 'Leannottooheavilyonthisone,'Cronesaidsmugly.'Youarebothwrong.' Orr'seyebrowshadrisenatBaruk'swords.'Indeed?Perhapsitmight profitusbothtoshareourinformation?' 'Unlikely,'Baruksaid.'ThrowingthethreatoftheEmpireatmeimplies what?Thatiftheproclamationisvoteddown,thecity'ssorcererswillalldie attheEmpire'shand.Butifitwins,you'refreetojustifyopeningthegatesto theMalazansinpeacefulcoexistence,andinsuchascenariothecity's mageryliveson. 'Astute,Lord,'Cronesaid. BarukstudiedtheangernowvisiblebeneathOrr'sexpression. 'Neutrality?Howyou'vemanagedtotwistthatword.Yourproclamation servesthefirststeptowardstotalannexation,Councilman.Fortunateforyou thatIcastnoweight,novote,noinfluence.'Barukrose'Roaldwillseeyou out.' TurbanOrralsorose.'You'vemadeagraveerror,'hesaid.

'Theproclamation'swordingisnotyetcomplete.Itseemswewoulddo welltoremoveanyconsiderationregardingDarujhistan'smagery.' 'Toobold,'Croneobserved.'Prodhimandseewhatmorecomesforth.' Barukstrodetowardsthewindow.'Onemayonlyhope,'hesaiddrilyover ashoulder,'thatyourvotefailstowintheday.' Orr'sreplywashotandrushed.'Bymycountwe'vereachedamajoritythis verynight,Alchemist.Youcouldhaveprovidedthehoneyonthecream.Alas,' hesneered,'we'llwinbyonlyonevote.Butthatwillsuffice.' BarukturnedtofaceOrrasRoaldquietlyenteredtheroom,bearingthe councilman'scloak. Cronestretchedoutontherug.'Onthisnightofallnights,'shesaid,in mockdismay,'totemptmyriadfateswithsuchwords.'TheGreatRaven cockedherhead.Faintly,asfromagreatdistance,shethoughtshecouldhear thespinningofacoin. Therewasatrembleofpowercomingfromsomewherewithinthecity, andCroneshivered. RallickNomwaited.NomoreindolencefortheLadySinital.Theendof suchluxuriescamethisnight.Thetwofiguresmovedawayfromtherailing andfacedtheglassdoor.Rallick'sfingertightenedonthetrigger. Hefroze.Awhirring,spinningsoundfilledhishead,whisperingwordsthat lefthimbathedinsuddensweat.Allatonceeverythingshifted,turnedover inhismind.Hisplanforquickvengeancetumbledintodisarray,andfromthe ruinsarosesomethingfarmoreelaborate. Allthishadcomebetweenbreaths.Rallick'sgazecleared.LadySinitaland CouncilmanLimstoodatthedoor.Thewomanreachedouttoslidethepanel tooneside.Rallickswervedhiscrossbowaninchtotheleft,thensqueezed thetrigger.Theblackenedironribofthebowbuckedwiththereleaseof tension.Thequarrelspedoutward,sofastastobeinvisibleuntilithithome. Afigureonthebalconyspunwiththequarrel'simpact,armsthrownoutas itstumbled.Theglassdoorshatteredasthefigurefellthroughit. LadySinitalscreamedinhorror. Rallickwaitednolonger.Rollingontohisbackhereachedupandslidthe crossbowintothenarrowledgebetweenthecorniceandtheroof. Thenheslippeddowntheoutsideofthewall,hungwithhishandsbriefly asshoutsofalarmfilledtheestate.Amomentlaterhedropped,spinningas hefell,andlandedcatlikeinthealley. Theassassinstraightened,adjustedhiscloak,thencalmlywalkedintothe sidestreet,awayfromtheestate.NomoreindolencefortheLadySinital.But noquickdemise,either.Averypowerful,verywellrespectedmemberofthe CityCouncilhadjustbeenassassinatedonherbalcony. Lim'swifenowwidowwouldcertainlyhavesomethingtosayabout this.Thefirstphase,RallicktoldhimselfashestrodethroughOsserc'sGate anddescendedthewiderampleadingdownintotheDaruDistrict,justthe firstphase,anopeninggambit,ahinttoLadySinitalthatahunthasbegun, withtheeminentmistressherselfasthequarry.Itwon'tbeeasy:the woman'snoslouchintheintriguegame.

'There'llbemoreblood,'hewhisperedaloud,asheturnedacornerand approachedthepoorlylitentrancetothePhoenixInn.'Butintheendshe'll fall,andwiththatfallanoldfriendwillrise.'Ashenearedtheinnafigure steppedfromtheshadowsofanadjacentalleyway.Raffickstopped.The figuregestured,thensteppedbackintothedarkness. Rallickfollowed.Inthealleyhewaitedforhiseyestoadjust. Themaninfrontofhimsighed.'Yourvendettaprobablysavedyourlife tonight,'hesaid,histonebitter. Rallickleanedagainstawallandcrossedhisarms.'Oh?' ClanLeaderOcelotsteppedclose,hisnarrow,pittedfacetwistedintoits habitualscowl.'Thenight'sbeenashambles,Nom.You'veheardnothing?' 'No. Ocelot'sthinlipscurledintoahumourlesssmile.'Awarhasbegunonthe rooftops.Someoneiskillingus.WelostfiveRoamersinlessthananhour, meaningthere'smorethanonekilleroutthere.' 'Undoubtedly,'Rallickreplied,fidgetingasthedampstonesoftheinn's wallreachedthroughhiscloakandtouchedhisfleshwithchill.Asalways, Guildaffairsboredhim. Ocelotcontinued,'Welostthatbullofaman,TaloKrafar,andaClan Leader.'Themansnappedaglanceoverhisshoulderasifexpectingasudden daggertocomeflashingathisownback. DespitehislackofinterestRallick'seyebrowsliftedatthislastbitofnews. 'Theymustbegood.' 'Good?Allofoureyewitnessesaredead,goesthesourjokethisnight. Theydon'tmakemistakes,thebastards.' 'Everyonemakesmistakes,'Rallickmuttered.'HasVorcangoneout?' Ocelotshookhishead.'Notyet.She'stoobusyrecallingalltheClans.' Rallickfrowned,curiousinspiteofhimself.'Couldthisbeachallengeto herGuildmastery?Perhapsaninsidething,afaction' 'Youthinkwe'reallfools,don'tyou,Nom?ThatwasVorcan'sfirst suspicion.No,it'snotinternal.Whoever'skillingourpeopleisfromoutside theGuild,outsidethecity.' ToRallicktheanswerseemedobvioussuddenly,andheshrugged.'An EmpireClaw,then.' Thoughhisexpressionborereluctance,Ocelotneverthelessacknowledged agreement.'Likely,'hegrated.'They'resupposedtobethebest,aren'tthey? ButwhygoaftertheGuild?You'dthinkthey'dbetakingoutthenobles.' 'AreyouaskingmetoguesstheEmpire'sintentions,Ocelot?' TheClanLeaderblinked,thenhisscowldeepened.'Icametowarnyou. Andthat'safavour,Nom.Withyouwrappedupinthisvendettathing,the Guild'snotobligedtospreaditswingoveryou.Afavour.' Rallickpushedhimselffromthewallandturnedtothealleymouth. 'Afavour,Ocelot?'Helaughedsoftly. 'We'resettingatrap,'Ocelotsaid,movingtoblockRallick'sway.Hejerked hisscarredchinatthePhoenixInn.'Makeyourselfvisible,andleavenodoubt astowhatyoudoforaliving.'

Rallick'sgazeonOcelotheldsteady,impassive.'Bait.' 'Justdoit.' Withoutreplying,Rallickleftthealley,climbedthestepsandenteredthe PhoenixInn. 'Thereisashapinginthenight,'Cronesaid,afterTurbanOrrhadleft. Theairaroundhershimmeredassheassumedhertrueshape. Barukstrodetohismaptable,handsclaspedbehindhisbacktostillthe tremblingthathadseizedthem.'Youfeltittoo,then.'Hepaused,thensighed. 'Allinall,theseseemthebusiesthours.' 'Aconvergenceofpowereveryieldsthus,'Cronesaid,assheroseto stretchherwings.'Theblackwindsgather,Alchemist.Bewaretheirflaying breath.' Barukgrunted.'Whileyouridethem,aharbingerofourtragicills.' Cronelaughed.Shewaddledtothewindow.'Mymastercomes.I'veother tasksbeforeme.' Barukturned.'Permitme,'hesaid,gesturing.Thewindowswungclear. Croneflappedupontothesill.Sheswivelledherheadroundandcocked aneyeatBaruk.'Iseetwelveshipsridingadeepharbour,'shesaid.'Eleven standtallinflames.' Barukstiffened.Hehadnotanticipatedaprophecy.Nowhewasafraid. 'Andthetwelfth?'heasked,hisvoicebarelyawhisper.'Onthewinda hailstormofsparksfillthenightsky.Iseethemspinning,spinningaboutthe lastvessel.'Cronepaused.'Stillspinning.'Thenshewasgone. Baruk'sshouldersslumped.Heturnedbacktothemaponthetableand studiedtheelevenonceFreeCitiesthatnowboretheEmpireflag. OnlyDarujhistanremained,thetwelfthandlastmarkedbyaflagthatwas notburgundyandgrey.'Thepassingoffreedom,'hemurmured. Suddenlythewallsaroundhimgroaned,andBarukgaspedasan enormousweightseemedtopressdownonhim.Thebloodpoundedinhis head,lancinghimwithpain.Hegrippedtheedgeofthemaptabletosteady himself.Theincandescentglobesoflightsuspendedfromtheceilingdimmed, thenflickeredout.Inthedarknessthealchemistheardcrackssweeping downthewalls,asifagiant'shandhaddescendedonthebuilding.Allatonce thepressurevanished.Barukraisedashakinghandtohissweatslicked brow. Asoftvoicespokebehindhim.'Greetings,HighAlchemist.IamtheLordof Moon'sSpawn.' Stillfacingthetable,Barukclosedhiseyesandnodded.'Thetitleisn't necessary,'hewhispered.'PleasecallmeBaruk.' 'I'mathomeindarkness,'theLordsaid.'Willthisproveaninconvenience, Baruk?' Thealchemistmutteredaspell.Beforehimthedetailsofthemaponthe tabletookondistinction,emanatingacoolblueglow.HefacedtheLordand wasstartledtodiscoverthatthetall,cloakedfigurereflectedaslittleheatas theroom'sinanimateobjects.Nevertheless,hewasabletodistinguishquite clearlytheman'sfeatures.'You'reTisteAnd,'hesaid.

TheLordbowedslightly.Hisangled,multihuedeyesscannedtheroom. 'Haveyouanywine,Baruk?' 'Ofcourse,Lord.'Thealchemistwalkedovertohisdesk. 'Myname,asbestasitcanbepronouncedbyhumans,isAnomanderRake.' TheLordfollowedBaruktothedesk,hisbootsclickingonthepolished marblefloor. Barukpouredwine,thenturnedtostudyRakewithsomecuriosity.Hehad heardthatTisteAndwarriorswerefightingtheEmpireupnorth, commandedbyasavagebeastofamannamedCaladanBrood.Theyhad alliedwiththeCrimsonGuardand,together,thetwoforcesweredecimating theMalazans.So,therewereTisteAndinMoon'sSpawn,andtheman standingbeforehimwastheirlord. ThismomentmarkedthefirsttimeBarukhadeverseenaTisteAndface toface.Hewasmorethanalittledisturbed.Suchremarkableeyes,he thought.Onemomentadeephueofamber,catlikeandunnerving,thenext greyandbandedlikeasnake'safellrainbowofcolourstomatchanymood. Hewonderediftheywerecapableoflying. Inthealchemist'slibrarylaycopiesofthesurvivingtomesofGothos'Folly, Jaghutwritingsfrommillenniapast.InthemTisteAndwerementioned hereandthereinanauraoffear,Barukrecalled.Gothoshimself,aJaghut wizardwhohaddescendedthedeepestwarrensofElderMagic,hadpraised thegodsofthetimethattheTisteAndweresofewinnumber.Andif anything,themysteriousblackskinnedracehaddwindledsincethen. AnomanderRake'sskinwasjetblack,befittingGothos'descriptions,but hismaneflowedsilver.Hestoodclosetosevenfeettall.Hisfeatureswere sharp,asifcutfromonyx,aslightupwardtilttothelargeverticalpupilled eyes. AtwohandedswordwasstrappedtoRake'sbroadback,itssilver dragonskullpommelandarchaiccrosshiltjuttingfromawoodenscabbard fullysixandahalffeetlong.Fromtheweaponbledpower,stainingtheair likeblackinkinapoolofwater.AshisgazerestedonitBarukalmostreeled, seeing,forabriefmoment,avastdarknessyawningbeforehim,coldasthe heartofaglacier,fromwhichcamethestenchofantiquityandafaint groaningsound.Barukwrenchedhiseyesfromtheweapon,lookeduptofind Rakestudyinghimfromoveroneshoulder. TheTisteAndquirkedaknowingsmile,thenhandedBarukoneofthe winefilledgoblets.'WasCroneherusualmelodramaticself?' Barukblinked,thencouldnothelpbutgrin. Rakesippedhiswine.'She'sneverbeenmodestindisplayinghertalents. Shallwesit?' 'Ofcourse,'Barukreplied,relaxinginspiteofhistrepidation.Fromhis yearsofstudythealchemistknewthatgreatpowershapeddifferentsouls differently.HadRake'sbeentwistedBarukwouldhaveknownimmediately. ButtheLord'scontrolseemedabsolute.Thataloneengenderedawe.The manshapedhispower,nottheotherwayaround. Suchcontrolwas,well,inhuman.Hesuspectedthatthiswouldnotbethe

firstinsighthe'dhaveregardingthiswarriormagethatwouldleavehim astonishedandfrightened. 'Shethreweverythingshehadatme,'Rakesaidsuddenly.TheTisteAnd's eyesshonegreenasglacialice. Startledbythevehemenceofthatoutburst,Barukfrowned.She?Oh,the Empress,ofcourse. 'Andeventhen,'Rakecontinued,'shecouldn'tbringmedown.' Thealchemiststiffenedinhischair.'Yet,'hesaidcautiously,'youwere drivenback,batteredandbeaten.Icanfeelyourpower,AnomanderRake,'he added,grimacing.'Itpulsesfromyoulikewaves.SoImustask:howisityou weredefeated?IknowsomethingoftheEmpire'sHighMageTayschrenn.He haspowerbutit'snomatchtoyours.SoagainIask,how?' Hisgazeonthemaptable,Rakereplied,'I'vecommittedmysorcerersand warriorstoBrood'snorthcampaign.'HeturnedahumourlessgrinonBaruk. 'Withinmycityarechildren,priestsandthreeelderly,exceedinglybookish warlocks.' City?TherewasacitywithinMoon'sSpawn? AduntonehadenteredRake'seyes.'IcannotdefendanentireMoon.I cannotbeeverywhereatonce.AndasforTayschrenn,hedidn'tgiveadamn aboutthepeoplearoundhim.Ithoughttodissuadehim,makethepricetoo high'Heshookhisheadasifperplexed,thenhelookedtoBaruk.'Tosave thehomeofmypeople,Iretreated.' 'LeavingPaletofall'Barukshuthismouth,cursinghislackoftact. ButRakemerelyshrugged.'Ididn'tanticipatethatI'dfaceafullassault.My presencealonehadbeenkeepingtheEmpireatbayforalmosttwoyears.' 'I'veheardtheEmpressisshortofpatience,'murmuredBarukthoughtfully. Hiseyesnarrowed,thenhelookedup.'Youhaveaskedtomeetwithme, AnomanderRake,andsohereweare.Whatisityouwishfromme?' 'Analliance,'theMoon'slordanswered. 'Withme?Personally?' 'Nogames,Baruk.'Rake'svoicewassuddenlycold.'I'mnotfooledbythat CouncilofidiotsbickeringatMajestyHall.Iknowthatit'syouandyour fellowmageswhoruleDarujhistan.'Heroseandglareddownwitheyesof grey.'I'lltellyouthis.FortheEmpressyourcityisthelonepearlonthis continentofmud.Shewantsitandwhatshewantssheusuallygets.' Barukreacheddownandpluckedatthefrayededgeofhisrobe.'Isee,'he said,inalowvoice.'Palehaditswizards.' Rakefrowned.'Indeed.' 'Yet,'Barukcontinued,'whenthebattlewasbeguninearnest,yourfirst thoughtwasnotfortheallianceyoumadewiththecitybutforthewellbeing ofyourMoon.' 'Whotoldyouthis?'Rakedemanded. Baruklookedupandraisedbothhands.'Someofthosewizardsmanaged toescape.' 'They'reinthecity?'Rake'seyeshadgoneblack. Seeingthem,Barukfeltsweatbreakoutbeneathhisclothes.'Why?'he

asked. 'Iwanttheirheads,'Rakerepliedcasually.Herefilledhisgobletandtooka sip. AnicyhandhadslippedaroundBaruk'sheartandwasnowtightening.His headachehadincreasedtenfoldinthelastfewseconds.'Why?' heaskedagain,thewordcomingoutalmostasagasp. IftheTisteAndknewofthealchemist'ssuddendiscomforthemadeno signofit.'Why?'Heseemedtorollthewordinhismouthlikewine,alight smiletouchinghislips.'WhentheMorantharmycamedownfromthe mountains,andTayschrennrodeattheheadofhiswizardcadre,andwhen wordspreadthatanEmpireClawhadinfiltratedthecity,'Rake'ssmile twistedintoasnarl,'thewizardsofPalefled.'Hepaused,asifreliving memories.'IdispatchedtheClawwhentheywerebutadozenstepsinside thewalls.'Hepausedagain,hisfacebetrayingaflashofregret.'Hadthecity's wizardsremained,theassaultwouldhavebeenrepelled.Tayschrenn,it seemed,waspreoccupiedwithotherimperatives.He'dsaturatedhis positionahilltopwithdefensivewards.Thenheunleasheddemonsnot againstmebutagainstsomeofhiscompanions.Thatbaffledmebut,rather thanallowsuchconjurings;towanderatwill,Iexpendedvitalpower destroyingthem.'Hesighedandsaid,'IpulledtheMoonbackmereminutes fromitsdestruction.Ileftittodriftsouthandwentafterthosewizards.' 'Afterthem?' 'Itrackeddownallbuttwo.'RakegazedatBaruk.'Iwantthosetwo, preferablyalive,buttheirheadswillsuffice.' 'Youkilledthoseyoufound?How?' 'Withmysword,ofcourse.' Barukrecoiledasifstruck.'Oh,'hewhispered.'Oh. 'Thealliance,'Rakesaid,beforedraininghisgoblet. 'I'llspeaktotheCabalonthismatter,'Barukanswered,risingshakilytohis feet.'Wordofthedecisionwillbesenttoyousoon.'Hestaredatthesword strappedtotheTisteAnd'sback.'Tellme,ifyougetthosewizardsalive,will youusethatonthem?' Rakefrowned.'Ofcourse.' Turningaway,Barukclosedhiseyes.'You'llhavetheirheads,then.' BehindhimRakelaughedharshly.'There'stoomuchmercyinyourheart, Alchemist.' Thepalelightbeyondthewindowsignifiedthedawn.WithinthePhoenix Innonlyonetableremainedoccupied.Arounditsatfourmen,oneasleepin hischairwithhisheadlyinginapoolofstalebeer.Hesnoredloudly.The otherswereplayingcards,tworedeyedwithexhaustionwhilethelastone studiedhishandandtalked.Andtalked. 'AndthentherewasthetimeIsavedRallickNom'slife,atthebackofAll Eve'sStreet.Four,no,fivenefarioushoodlumshadbackedtheboytoawall. Hewasbarelystanding,wasRallick,gushingbloodfromahundredknife wounds.Cleartomewasthegrimfactthatitcouldn'tlastmuchlonger,that tussle.Icomeuponthemsixassassinsfrombehind,oldKruppewithfire

dancingonhisfingertipsamagicalspelloffrightfulviolence.Iutteredthe cantripinasinglebreathandlo!SixpilesofashatRallick'sfeet.Sixpilesof ashaglitterwiththecoinfromtheirwalletshah!Aworthyreward!' Murillioleanedhislong,elegantframeclosetoCrokusYounghand.'Isthis possible?'hewhispered.'ForaturntolastaslongasKruppe's?' Crokusgrinnedwearilyathisfriend.'Idon'tmind,really.It'ssafeinhere, andthat'swhatcountsforme.' 'Assassin'swar,bosh!'Kruppesaid,leaningbacktomophisbrowwitha wiltedsilkhandkerchief.'Krupperemainsentirelyunconvinced.Tellme,did younotseeRallickNominhereearlier?SpokelongwithMurilliohere,the laddid.Ascalmasever,washenot?' Murilliogrimaced.'Nomgetslikethateverytimehe'sjustkilledsomebody. Laydownacard,dammit!I'veearlyappointmentstoattendto.' Crokusasked,'SowhatwasRallicktalkingtoyouabout?' Murillio'sanswerwasamereshrug.HecontinuedglaringatKruppe. Thesmallman'spencilthineyebrowsrose.'IsitKruppe'sturn?' Closinghiseyes,Crokusslumpedinhischair.Hegroaned.'Isawthree assassinsontherooftops,Kruppe.Andthetwothatkilledthethirdwent afterme,eventhoughit'sobviousI'mnoassassin.' 'Well,'saidMurillio,eyeingtheyoungthief'statteredclothingandthecuts andscrapesonhisfaceandhands,'I'minclinedtobelieveyou.' 'Fools!Kruppesitsatatableoffools.'Kruppeglanceddownatthesnoring man.'AndCollhereisthebiggestofthemall.Butsadlygiftedwithself knowledge.Hencehispresentstate,fromwhichmanyprofanetruthsmight bedrawn.Appointments,Murillio?Kruppedidn'tthinkthecity'smultitudeof mistressesawokesoearlyintheday.Afterall,whatmighttheyseeintheir mirrors?Kruppeshiversatthethought.' Crokusmassagedthebruisehiddenbeneathhislong,brownhair.He winced,thenleanedforward.'Comeon,Kruppe,'hemuttered.'Playacard.' 'Myturn?' 'Seemsselfknowledgedoesn'textendtowhoseturnitis,'Murillio commenteddrily. Bootssoundedonthestairs.ThethreeturnedtoseeRallickNom descendingfromthefirstfloor.Thetall,darkskinnedmanlookedrested. Heworehisdaycloak,adeeproyalpurple,claspedattheneckbyasilver clamshellbrooch.Hisblackhairwasfreshlybraided,framinghisnarrow, cleanshavenface.Raffick.walkeduptothetableandreacheddowntograsp Coll'sthinninghair.Heraisedtheman'sheadfromthepoolofbeerandbent forwardtostudyColl'sblotchedface.Thenhegentlysetdowntheman's head,andpulledupachair. 'Isthisthesamegameaslastnight?' 'Ofcourse,'Kruppereplied.'Kruppehasthesetwomenbackedtothevery wall,indangeroflosingtheirveryshirts!It'sgoodtoseeyouagainfriend Rallick.Theladhere,'KruppeindicatedCrokuswithalimphandfingers fluttering,'speaksendlesslyofmurderaboveourheads.Averitable downpourofblood!HaveyoueverheardsuchnonsenseRallick,Kruppe's

friend?' Rallickshrugged.'Anotherrumour.Thiscitywasbuiltonrumours.' Crokusscowledtohimself.Itseemedthatnoonewaswillingtoanswer questionsthismorning.Hewonderedyetagainwhattheassassinand Murilliohadbeentalkingaboutearlier;hunchedasthey'dbeenoveradimly littableinonecorneroftheroom,Crokushadsuspectedsomesortof conspiracy.Notthatsuchathingwasunusualforthem,thoughmosttimes Kruppewasatitscentre. Murillioswunghisgazetothebar.'Sulty!'hecalledout.'Youawake? Therewasamumbledresponsefrombehindthewoodencounter,the Sulty,herblondehairdishevelledandplumpfacelookingplumper,stoodup. 'Yah,'shemumbled.'What?' 'Breakfastformyfriendshere,ifyouplease.'Murillioclimbedtohisfeet andcastacritical,obviouslydisapprovingeyeoverhisclothing.Thesoft billowingshirt,dyedabrightgreen,nowhungonhislankyframewiltedand beerstained.Hisfinetannedleatherpantaloonswerecreaseandpatchy. Sighing,Murilliosteppedawayfromthetable.'Imustbathandchange.Asfor thegame,IsurrenderconsumedbyhopelessnessKruppe,Inowbelieve,will neverplayhiscard,thusleavingustrappedintheunlikelyworldofhis recollectionsandreminiscences,potentiallyforever.Goodnight,oneandall.' HeandRallicklockedgazes,theMurilliogaveafaintnod. Crokuswitnessedtheexchangeandhisscowldeepened.Hewatched Murillioleave,thenglancedatRallick.TheassassinsatstaringdownaColl, hisexpressionasunreadableasever. Sultywanderedintothekitchen,andamomentlatertheclankingofpots echoedintotheroom. Crokustossedhiscardsintothetable'scentreandleanedback,closinghis eyes. 'Doestheladsurrenderaswell?'Kruppeasked. Crokusnodded. 'Hah,Krupperemainsundefeated.'Hesetdownhiscardsandtuckedina napkinathisthick,jigglingneck. Inthethief'smindsuspicionsofintrigueranwild.Firsttheassassin'swar nowRallickandMurilliohadsomethingcooking.Hesighedmentallyand openedhiseyes.Hiswholebodyachedfromthenight'sadventuresbuthe knewhe'dbeenlucky.HestareddownatCollwithoutseeinghimThevision ofthosetall,blackassassinsreturnedtohimandheshivered. Yet,forallthedangershoundinghisbackupontherooftopsthispastnight, hehadtoadmithowexcitingit'dallbeen.Afterslammingthatdoorbehind himandquaffingthebeerSultyhadthrustintohishand,hiswholebodyhad trembledforanhourafterwards. HisgazefocusedonColl.Coll,Kruppe,MurillioandRallick.Whatastrange groupadrunkard,anobesemageofdubiousabilities,adandifiedfopanda killer. Still,theywerehisbestfriends.HisparentshadsuccumbedtotheWinged Plaguewhenhe'dbeenfouryearsold.SincethenhisuncleMammothad

raisedhim.Theoldscholarhaddonethebesthecould,butithadn'tbeen enough.Crokusfoundthestreet'sshadowsandmoonlessnightsonrooftops farmoreexcitingthanhisuncle'smouldybooks. Now,however,hefeltverymuchalone.Kruppe'smaskofblissfulidiocy neverdropped,notevenforaninstantallthroughtheyearswhenCrokus hadbeenapprenticedtothefatmanintheartofthievery,he'dneverseen Kruppeactotherwise.Coll'slifeseemedtoinvolvetherelentlessavoidance ofsobriety,forreasonsunknowntoCrokusthoughhesuspectedthat,once, Collhadbeensomethingmore.AndnowRallickandMurilliohadcounted himoutofsomenewintrigue. Intohisthoughtscameanimagethemoonlitlimbsofasleeping maidenandheangrilyshookhishead. Sultyarrivedwithbreakfast,husksofbreadfriedinbutter,achunkofgoat cheese,astemoflocalgrapesandapotofCallowsbittercoffee.Sheserved Crokusfirstandhemutteredhisthanks. Kruppe'simpatiencegrewwhileSultyservedRallick.'Suchimpertinence,' themansaid,adjustinghiscoat'swide,stainedsleeves. 'KruppeisofamindtocastathousandhorriblespellsonrudeSulty.' 'Kruppehadbetternot,'Rallicksaid. 'Oh,no,ofcoursenot,'Kruppeamended,wipinghisbrowwithhis handkerchief.'Awizardofmyskillswouldneverbelittlehimselfonamere scullion,afterall.' Sultyturnedtohim.'Scullion?'Shesnatchedabreadhuskfromtheplate andslappeditdownonKruppe'shead.'Don'tworry,'shesaid,asshewalked backtothebar.'Withhairlikeyoursnobody'dnotice.' Kruppepulledthehuskfromhishead.Hewasabouttotossitdownonthe floor,thenchangedhismind.Helickedhislips.'Kruppeismagnanimousthis morning,'hesaid,breakingintoawidesmileandsettingthebreaddownon hisplate.Heleanedforwardandlacedtogetherhispudgyfingers.'Kruppe wishestobeginhismealwithsomegrapes,please.' CHAPTERSEVEN Iseeamancrouchedinafirewholeavesmecoldandwonderingwhathe isdoingheresoboldlycrouchedinmypyre GadrobiEpitaphAnonymous THISTIME,KRUPPE'SDREAMTOOKHIMOUTTHROUGHMARSHGAPalong SouthRoad,thenleftontoCutterLakeRoad.Overheadtheskyswirleda mostunpleasantpatternofsilverandpalegreen.'Allisinflux,'Kruppe gasped,hisfeethurryinghimalongthedustbarrenroad.'TheCoinhas enteredachild'spossession,thoughitknowsitnot.IsitforKruppetowalk thisMonkeyRoad?FortunatetlyKruppe'sperfectlyroundbodyisanexample ofperfectsymmetry.Onenotonlybornskilledatsaidbalance,onemust

learnitthrougharduospractice.Ofcourse,Kruppeisuniqueinnever requiringpracticeinanything.' Offinthefieldstohisleft,withinacircleofyoungtrees,asmallfirecasta hazyredglowupamongthebuddingbranches.Kruppe'ssharpeyecould makeoutasinglefigureseatedthere,seeminglyholdingitshandstheflames. 'Toomanystonestoturnunderfoot,'hegasped,'onthisrockruttedroad. Kruppewouldtrytheribbedearth,whichisyettoogreenwiththeseason's growth.Indeed,yonfirebeckons.'Helefttheroadatapproachedthecircleof trees. Ashestrodebetweentwoslimbolesandsteppedintothepooloflightthe hoodedfigureturnedslowlytostudyhim,itsfacehiddeninshadowdespite thefirebeforeit.Thoughithelditshandsintheflame,theywithstoodthe heat,thelong,sinuousfingersspreadwide. 'Iwouldpartakeofthiswarmth,'Kruppesaid,withaslightbow.'Sorare withinKruppe'sdreamsoflate.' 'Strangerswanderthroughthem,'thefiguresaid,inathin,oddlyaccented voice.'SuchasI.Haveyousummonedme,then?Ithasbeenalongtimesince Iwalkedonsoil.' Kruppe'sbrowsrose.'Summoned?Nay,notKruppewhoisalsoavictimof hisdreams.Imagine,afterall,thatKruppesleepsevennowbeneathwarm blanketssecureinhishumbleroom.Yetseeme,stranger,forIamcold,nay, chilled.' TheotherlaughedsoftlyandbeckonedKruppetothefire.'Iseeksensation onceagain,'itsaid,'butmyhandsfeelnothing.Tobeworshippedistoshare thesupplicant'spain.Ifearmyfollowersarenomore.' Kruppewassilent.Hedidnotlikethesombremoodofthisdream.Heheld hishandsbeforethefireyetfeltlittleheat.Achillachehadsettledintohis knees.Finallyhelookedovertheflamestothehoodedfigureoppositehim. 'KruppethinksyouareanElderGod.Haveyouaname?' 'IamknownasK'rul.' Kruppestiffened.Hisguesshadbeencorrect.ThethoughtofanElderGod awakenedandwanderingthroughhisdreamssenthisthoughtsscampering likefrightenedrabbits.'Howhaveyoucometobehere,K'rul?'heasked,a tremorinhisvoice.Allatoncethisplaceseemedtoohot.Hepulledhis handkerchieffromhissleeveandmoppedsweatfromhisbrow. K'rulconsideredbeforeanswering,andKruppehearddoubtinhisvoice. 'Bloodhasbeenspilledbehindthewallsofthisglowingcity,Kruppe,upon stoneonceholyinmyname.Thisthisisnewtome. 'OnceIreignedinthemindsofmanymortals,andtheyfedmewellwith bloodandsplitbones.Longbeforethefirsttowersofstonerosetomortal whims,Iwalkedamonghunters.'ThehoodtiltedupwardandKruppefelt immortaleyesfixinguponhim.'Bloodhasbeenspilledagain,butthatalone isnotenough.IbelieveIamheretoawaitonewhowillbeawakened.OneI haveknownbefore,longago.' Kruppedigestedthislikesourbile.'AndwhatdoyoubringKruppe?' TheElderGodroseabruptly.'Anancientfirethatwillgiveyouwarmthin

timesofneed,'hesaid.'ButIholdyoutonothing.SeektheT'lanImasswho willleadthewoman.TheyaretheAwakeners.Imustprepareforbattle,I think.OneIwilllose.' Kruppe'seyeswidenedwithsuddencomprehension.'Youarebeingused,' hebreathed. 'Perhaps.Ifso,thentheChildGodshavemadeagraveerror.Afterall,'a ghastlysmileseemedtocomeintohistone,'Iwillloseabattle.ButIwillnot die.'K'rulturnedawayfromthefirethen.HisvoicedriftedbacktoKruppe. 'Playon,mortal.Everygodfallsatamortal'shands.Suchistheonlyendto immortality.' TheElderGod'swistfulnesswasnotlostonKruppe.Hesuspectedthata greattruthhadbeenrevealedtohimwiththosefinalwords,atruthhewas nowgivenleavetouse.'AnduseitKruppeshall,'hewhispered. TheElderGodhadleftthepooloflight,headingnortheastacrossthe fields.Kruppestaredatthefire.Itlickedthewoodhungrily,butnoashwas born,andthoughunfedsincehe'darriveditdidnotdim.Heshivered. 'Inthehandsofachild,'hemuttered.'Thisnight,Kruppeistrulyalonein theworld.Alone.' AnhourbeforedawnCircleBreakerwasrelievedofhisvigilatDespot's Barbican.Thisnightnonehadcometorendezvousbeneaththegate. LightningplayedamongthejaggedpeaksoftheTahlynMountainstothe northasthemanwalkedinsolitudedownthewindingCharmsofAnise StreetintheSpiceQuarter.AheadandbelowglitteredtheLakefront,the merchanttradershipsfromdistantCallows,ElingarthandKepler'sSpite huncheddarkandgloamingbetweengaslitstonepiers. Acoollakebreezecarriedtothemanthesmellofrain,thoughoverhead thestarsglistenedwithstartlingclarity.Hehadremovedhistabard,foldingit intoasmallleathersatchelnowslungononeshoulder.Onlytheplain shortswordstrappedathishipmarkedhimasasoldier,yetasoldierwithout provenance. Hehaddivestedhimselfofhisofficialduties,andashewalkeddown towardsthewater,theyearsofserviceseemedtosloughfromhisspirit. Brightwerethememoriesofhischildhoodatthesedocks,towhichhehad beeneverdrawnbytheallureofthestrangetradersastheyswungintotheir berthslikewearyandweatheredheroesreturnedfromsomeelementalwar. InthosedaysitwasnotuncommontoseethegalleysoftheFreemen Privateerseaseintothebay,sleekandridinglowwithbooty. TheyhailedfromsuchmysteriousportsasFilmanOrras,FortByaHalf, DeadMan'sStoryandExile;namesthatrangofadventureintheearsofalad whohadneverseenhishomecityfromoutsideitswalls. Themanslowedashereachedthefootofthestonepier.Theyears betweenhimandthatladmarchedthroughhismind,apossessionofmartial imagesgrowingevergrimmer.Ifhesearchedoutthemanycrossroadshe hadcometointhepast,hesawtheirskiesstormwarped,thelandsragged andwindtorn.Theforcesofageandexperienceworkedonthemnow,and whateverchoiceshehadmadethenseemedfatedandalmostdesperate.

Isitonlytheyoungwhoknowdesperation?hewondered,ashemovedto sitonthepier'sstoneseawall.Beforehimrippledthebay'ssootywaters. Twentyfeetbelow,therockstuddedshorelaysheathedindarkness,the glitterofbrokenglassandcrockeryhereandtherewinkinglikestars. Themanturnedslightlytofacetheright.Hisgazetravelledtheslopethere asitclimbedtothesummit,onwhichloomedthesquatbulkofMajestyHall. Neverreachtoofar.Asimplelessonoflifehehadlearnedlongagoonthe burningdeckofacorsair,itsbellyfillingwiththeseaasitdriftedoutsidethe pinnaclefortificationsofacitynamedBrokenjaw. Hubris,thescholarswouldcallthefieryendoftheFreemenPrivateers. Neverreachtoofar.Theman'seyesheldonMajestyHall.Thedeadlock thathadcomewiththeassassinationofCouncilmanLimstillheldwithin thosewalls.TheCouncilracedaflurryincircles,moreprecioushoursspent oneagerspeculationandgossipthanonthemattersofstate. TurbanOrr,hisvictoryonthevotingfloorsnatchedfromhishandsinthe lastmoment,nowflunghishoundsdowneverytrail,seekingthespieshe wasconvincedhadinfiltratedhisnest.Thecouncilmanwasnofool. Overheadaflockofgreygullssweptlakeward,cryingintothenightchilled air.Hedrewabreath,hunchedhisshouldersandpulledhisgazewithan effortfromMajestyHill. Toolateto,concernhimselfaboutreachingtoofar.SincethedaytheEel's agenthadcometohim,theman'sfuturewassealed;tosomeitwouldbe calledtreason.Andperhaps,intheend,itwastreason.Whocouldsaywhat layintheEel'smind?Evenhisprincipalagenttheman'scontact professedignoranceofhismaster'splans. HisthoughtsreturnedtoTurbanOrr.He'dsethimselfagainstacunning man,amanofpower.HisonlydefenceagainstOrrlayinanonymity.It wouldn'tlast. Hesatonthepier,awaitingtheEel'sagent.Andhewoulddeliverintothat man'shandsamessagefortheEel.Howmuchwouldchangewiththe deliveryofthatmissive?Wasitwrongforhimtoseekhelp,tothreatenhis frailanonymitythesolitudethatgavehimsomuchinnerstrength,that stiffenedhisownresolve?Yet,tomatchwitswithTurbanOrrhedidnot thinkhecoulddoitalone. Themanreachedintohisjerkinandwithdrewthescroll.Acrossroads markedwherehenowstood,herecognizedthatmuch.Inanswertohisill measuredfear,he'dwrittenthepleaforhelponthisscroll. Itwouldbeaneasythingtodo,tosurrendernow.Heheftedthefrail parchmentinhishands,feelingitsslightweight,thevagueoilinessofthe coating,theroughweaveofitstiestring.Aneasy,desperatethingtodo. Themanliftedhishead.Theskyhadbeguntopale,thelakewindpicking uptheday'smomentum.Therewouldberain,comingfromthenorthasit oftendidatthistimeofyear.Acleansingofthecity,afresheningofitsspice ladenbreath.Heslippedthestringfromthescrollandunfurledthe parchment. Soeasy.

Withslow,deliberatemovements,themantoreupthescroll.Heletthe raggedpiecesdriftdown,scatteringintothegloomofthelake'sshadowed shore.Therisingwavessweptthemoutwardtodottheturgidswellslike flecksofash. Comingfromsomewhereinthebackofhismind,hethoughthehearda coinspinning.Itseemedasadsound. Afewminuteslaterheleftthepier.TheEel'sagent,outonhismorning stroll,wouldinpassingnotehiscontact'sabsenceandsimplycontinueonhis way. HemadehiswayalongtheLakefrontStreetwiththesummitofMajesty Hilldwindlingbehindhim.Ashepassed,thefirstofthesilkmerchants appeared,layingouttheirwaresonthewidepavedwalk. Amongthesilksthemanrecognizedthedyedlavendertwistsandboltsof Illem,thepaleyellowsofSettaandLesttwocitiestothesoutheasthe knewhadbeenannexedbythePannionSeerinthelastmonthandthe heavyboldtwistsofSarrokalle.Adwindledsampling:alltradefromthe northhadendedunderMalazandominion. HeturnedfromthelakeattheentrytotheScentedWoodandheadedinto thecity.Fourstreetsaheadhissingleroomwaitedonthesecondfloorofa decayingtenement,greyandsilentwiththecomingdawn,itsthin,warped doorlatchedandlocked.Inthatroomheallowednoplaceformemories; nothingtomarkhiminawizard'seyeortellthesharpwittedspyhunter detailsofhislife.Inthatroom,heremainedanonymouseventohimself. TheLadySinitalpaced.Theselastfewdaystoomuchofherhardwongold hadbeenspentsmoothingthewaters.ThatdamnbitchofLim'shadnotlet griefgetinthewayofhergreed.Barelytwodaysshroudedinblackandthen outonthecourtshangingonthatfopMurillio'sarm,smugasatartataball. Sinital'spencilledbrowsknittedslightly.Murillio:thatyoungmanhada wayofbeingseen.Hemightbeworthcultivation,allthingsconsidered. Shestoppedpacingandfacedthemansprawledonherbed.'So,you've learnednothing.'Ahintofcontempthadslippedintohertoneandshe wonderedifhe'dcaughtit. CouncilmanTurbanOrr,hisheavilyscarredforearmcoveringhiseyes,did notmoveashereplied,'I'vetoldyouallthis.There'snoknowingwherethat poisonedquarrelcamefrom,Sinital.Hell,poisoned!Whatassassinuses poisonthesedays?Vorcan'sgotthemsostuddedwithmagiceverythingelse isobsolete.' 'You'redigressing,'shesaid,satisfiedthathe'dmissedthecareless unveilingofhersentiments. 'It'slikeIsaid,'Orrcontinued.'Limwasinvolvedinmorethanone,uh, delicateventure.Theassassination'sprobablyunconnectedwithyou.It couldhavebeenanyone'sbalcony,itjusthappenedtobeyours.' LadySinitalcrossedherarms.'Idon'tbelieveincoincidence,Turban.Tell me,wasitcoincidencethathisdeathbrokeyourmajoritythenightbefore thevote?'Shesawtheman'scheektwitchandknewshe'dstunghim.She smiledandmovedtothebed.Shesatandranahandalonghisbaredthigh.

'Inanycase,haveyoucheckedonhimlately?' 'Him?' Sinitalscowled,withdrawingherhandandstanding.'Mybeloved dispossessed,youidiot.' TurbanOrr'smouthcurvedintoasmugsmile.'Ialwayskeepacheckon himforyou,mydear.Nothing'schangedinthatarea.Hehasn'tsoberedup sinceyouthrewhimoutonhisarse.'Themansatupandreachedtothe bedpostwherehisclotheshung.Hebegandressing. Sinitalwhirledtohim.'Whatareyoudoing?'shedemanded,hervoice strident. 'What'sitlooklike?'Turbanpulledonhisbreeches.'Thedebaterageson atMajestyHall.Myinfluenceisrequired.' 'Todowhat?Bendyetanothercouncilmantoyourwill?' Heslippedonhissilkshirt,stillsmiling.'That,andotherthings.' Sinitalrolledhereyes.'Oh,ofcoursethespy.I'dforgottenabouthim.' 'Personally,'Orrresumed,'Ibelievetheproclamationofneutralitytothe Malazanswillgothroughperhapstomorroworthenextday.' Shelaughedharshly.'Neutrality!You'rebeginningtobelieveyourown propaganda.Whatyouwant,TurbanOrr,ispower,thenakedabsolutepower thatcomeswithbeingaMalazanHighFist.Youthinkthisthefirststepto pavingyourroadintotheEmpress'sarms.Atthejo,'city'sexpense,butyou don'tgiveadamnaboutthat.' TurbansneeredupatSinital.'Stayoutofpolitics,woman.Darujhistan'sfall totheEmpireisinevitable.Betterapeacefuloccupationthanaviolentone.' 'Peaceful?AreyoublindtowhathappenedtoPale'snobility?Oh,the ravensfeastedondelicatefleshfordays.ThisEmpiredevoursnobleblood.' 'WhathappenedatPaleisn'tassimpleasyoumakeit,'Turbansaid.'There wasaMoranthreckoninginvolved,aclauseinthealliancewrit.Suchculling willnotoccurhereandwhatifitdoes?WecoulduseitasfarasI'm concerned.'Hisgrinreturned.'Somuchforyourhearbleedingtothecity's woes.Allthatinterestsyouisyou.Savetherighteouscitizenoffalforyour fawns,Sinital.'Headjustedhisleggings.Sinitalsteppedtothebedpost, reachingdowntotouchthesilvepommelofOrr'sduellingsword.'You shouldkillhimandbedonewithit,'shesaid. 'Backtohimagain?'Thecouncilmanlaughedasherose.'Yourbrainworks withallthesubtletyofamaliciouschild.'Hecollectedhisswordand strappediton.'It'sawonderyouwrestedanythingfromthatidiothusband ofyoursyouweresoevenlymatchedinmattersofcunning.' 'Theeasiestthingtobreakisaman'sheart,'Sinitalsaid,withaprivate smile.Shelaydownonthebed.Stretchingherarmsandarchingheback,she said,'WhataboutMoon'sSpawn?It'sstilljusthangingthere.'Gazingdownat herhiseyestravellingalongherbody,thecouncilmanreplieddistractedly, 'We'veyettoworkoutawaytogetamessageupthere.We'vesetupatentin itsshadowandstationedrepresentativesinitbutthatmysteriouslordjust ignoresus.' 'Maybehe'sdead,'Sinitalsaid,relaxingwithasigh.'MaybetheMoon'sjust

sittingtherebecausethere'snobodyleftaliveinside.Haveyouthoughtof that,dearCouncilman?' TurbanOrrturnedtothedoor.'Wehave.I'llseeyoutonight?' 'Iwanthimkilled,'Sinitalsaid. Thecouncilmanreachedforthelatch.'Maybe.I'llseeyoutonight?'he askedagain. 'Maybe.' TurbanOrr'shandrestedonthelatch,thenheopenedthedooranleftthe room. Lyingonherbed,LadySinitalsighed.Herthoughtsshiftedtoacertain dandy,whoselosstoacertainwidowwouldbeamostdeliciouscoup. Murilliosippedspicedwine.'Thedetailsaresketchy,'hesaid,makinga faceasthefieryalcoholstunghislips. Inthestreetbelowabrilliantlypaintedcarriageclatteredpast,drawby threewhitehorsesinblackbridles.Themangrippingthereinswasrobedin blackandhooded.Thehorsestossedtheirheads,earspinnedbackandeyes rolling,butthedriver'sbroad,veinedhandsheldthemincheck.Oneither sideofthecarriagewalkedmiddleagedwomen.Bronzcupssatontheir shavedheadsfromwhichunfurledwaveringstreamsofscentedsmoke. Murillioleanedagainsttherailingandlookeddownuponthetroupe. 'ThebitchFander'sbeingcartedout,'hesaid.'Bloodygrimrituals,ifyou askme.'Hesatbackintheplushchairandsmiledathiscompanion,raising thegoblet.'TheWolfGoddessofWinterdiesherseasonaldeath,onacarpet ofwhite,noless.Andinaweek'stimetheGedderoneFtefillsthestreets withflowers,soontoclogguttersandblockdrainsthroughoutthecity.' Theyoungwomanacrossfromhimsmiled,hereyesonherowngobletof wine,whichsheheldinbothhandslikeanoffering.'Whichdetailswereyou referringto?'sheasked,glancingupathimbriefly. 'Details?' Shesmiledfaintly.'Thesketchyones.' 'Oh.'Murilliowavedoneglovedhanddismissively.'LadySinital'sversion heldthatCouncilmanLimhadcomeinpersontoacknowledgeherformal invitation.' 'Invitation?Doyoumeantothefestiveshe'sthrowingonGedderone's Eve?' Murillioblinked.'Ofcourse.Surelyyourhousehasbeeninvited?' 'Oh,yes.Andyou?' 'Alas,no,'Murilliosaid,smiling. TfwxxTnmnn11silenthereyelidsloweringinthought.Murillioglanced backtothestreetbelow.Hewaited.Suchthings,afterall,movedoftheirown accord,andevenhecouldnotguessthepaceortrackofawoman'sthoughts, especiallywhenithadtodowithsex.Andthiswasmostassuredlyaplayfor favoursMurillio'sbestgame,andhealwaysplayeditthrough.Never disappointthem,thatwasthekey.Theclosestheldsecretistheonethat neversourswithage. Fewoftheothertablesonthebalconywereoccupied,theestablishment's

noblepatronspreferringthescentedairsofthediningroomwithin.Murillio foundcomfortinthebuzzinglifeofthestreets,andheknewhisguestdid tooatleastinthisinstance.Withallthenoiserisingfrombelow,their chancesofbeingoverheardwereslight. AshisgazewanderedaimlesslyalongMorul'sStreetofjewels,hestiffened slightly,eyeswideningastheyfocusedonafigurestandinginadoorway oppositehim.Heshiftedinhisseat,droppinghislefthandpastthestone railing,outofthewoman'ssight.Thenhejerkeditrepeatedly,glaringdown atthefigure. RallickNom'ssmilebroadened.Hesteppedawayfromthedoorwayand strolledupthestreet,pausingtoinspectanarrayofpearlslaidoutonan ebonytableinfrontofastore.Theproprietortookanervousstepforward thenrelaxedasRallickmovedon. Murilliosighed,leaningbackandtakingamouthfulofliquor.Idiot! Theman'sface,hishands,hiswalk,hiseyes,allsaidonething:killer. Hell,evenhiswardrobehadallthewarmthandvitalityofanexecutioner's uniform. WhenitcametosubtletyRallickNomwassorelylacking.Whichmadethis wholethingratherodd,thatsuchacomplexschemecouldhavebeenborn fromtheassassin'srigidlygeometricbrain.Still,whateveritsorigins,itwas puregenius. 'Doyoudearlywishtoattend,Murillio?'thewomanasked. Murilliosmiledhiswarmestsmile.Helookedaway.'It'salargeestate,isn't it?' 'LadySinital's?Indeed,fraughtwithrooms.'Thewomandippedonedainty fingerintothepungent,fieryliquid,thenraisedittoherlips,insertingitinto hermouthasifinafterthought.Shecontinuedstudyingthegobletinher otherhand.'Iwouldexpectagoodmanyoftheservants'quarters,though lackinginthesimplestneedsofluxury,willremainemptyformuchofthe night.' NoclearerinvitationdidMurilliorequire.Rallick'splancentredonthis verymoment,anditsconsequences.Still,adulteryhadonedrawback. Murillio,hadnodesiretomeetthiswoman'shusbandontheduellingpiste. Hedrovesuchdisturbingthoughtsawaywithanothermouthfulofwine.'I wouldlovetoattendtheLady'sfestival,ononecondition.'Helookedupand lockedgazeswiththewoman.'Thatyouwillgracemewithyourcompany thatnightforanhourortwo,thatis.'Hisbrowassumedatroubledfurrow. 'Iwouldnotwishtoimpingeonyourhusband'sclaimonyou,ofcourse.' Whichisexactlywhathewouldbedoing,andtheybothknewit. 'Ofcourse,'thewomanreplied,suddenlycoy.'Thatwouldbeunseemly. Howmanyinvitationsdoyourequire?''Two,'hesaid.'BestthatIbeseen withacompanion.' 'Yes,it'sbest.' Murillioglanceddownathisnowemptygobletwitharuefulexpression. Thenhesighed.'Alas,Imustbetakingmyleave.' 'Iadmireyourselfdiscipline,'thewomansaid.

Youwon'tonGedderone'sEve,Murillioansweredsilently,asherosefrom hischair.'TheLadyofChancehasgracedmewiththismeetingofours,'he said,bowing.'Untiltheeve,LadyOrr.' 'Untilthen,'thecouncilman'swifeanswered,seemingalreadytolose interestinhim.'Goodbye.' Murillio,bowedagain,thenleftthebalcony.Amongthecrowdedtables morethanafewnoblewomen'sheavyliddedeyeswatchedhimleave. Morul'sStreetofjewelsendedatSickleGate.Rallickfeltthewideeyesof thetwoguardsbesidetherampfollowinghimashepassedthroughthe passagebetweenthemassivestonesoftheThirdTierWall.Ocelothadtold himtomakeitplain,andwhileMurilliowasoftheopinionthatonlyablind mancouldevermistakehimforanythingotherthanakiller,Rallickhad takenpainstoachievetheobvious. Theguardsdidnothing,ofcourse.Givingtheappearanceofbeinga murdererwasn'tthesameasbeingoneintruth.Thecity'slawswerestrictin suchthings.Heknewhemightfindhimselfbeingfollowedashestrodedown theopulentstreetsofHigherEstates,buthe'dleavethemtoit,makingno efforttolosethem.Darujhistan'snoblespaidgoodmoneytoloosespiesonto thestreetsdayafterday.Mightaswellmakethemearntheirbread. Rallickhadnosympathyforthem.Hedidnot,however,sharethe commoner'shatredforthenobility.Theirconstantairs,pricklyhonoursand endlesssquabblesmadeforgoodbusiness,afterall. WhentheMalazanEmpirecamethatwouldend,hesuspected.Inthe Empire,assassinguildswereillegal,andthoseofthetradewhoweredeemed worthywereenlistedintothesecretranksoftheClaw.Asforthosewho weren'tconsideredworthy,theysimplydisappeared.Thenoblesdidn'tfare muchbetter,iftherumoursfromPaleheldanytruth. ItwouldbeadifferentworldwhentheEmpirecame,andRallickwasn't surehewantedtobepartofit. Still,therewerethingslefttoachieve.HewonderedifMurilliohad succeededingettingtheinvitations.Everythinghingedonthat.There'dbeen alongdrawnoutargumentaboutitthenightbefore.Murilliopreferred widows.Adulteryhadneverbeenhisstyle.ButRallickhadremained insistent,andfinallyMurilliohadgivenin. Theassassinstillwonderedabouthisfriend'sreluctance.Hisfirstthought wasthatMurilliofearedthepossibilityofaduelwithTurbanOrr.But Murilliowasnoslouchwitharapier.Rallickhadpractisedwithhimin secludedplacesenoughtimestosuspectthathewasanAdeptandtothat evenTurbanOrrcouldnotmakeclaim. No,itwasn'tfearthatmadeMurillioshyfromthispartoftheplan.It dawnedonRallickthattherewasamoralissueatstake.Awholenewsideof MurilliohadrevealeditselftoRallickthen. Hewasponderingtheimplicationswhenhisgazefoundafamiliarface amongthestreet'scrowd.Hestoppedandstudiedthesurroundingbuildings, andhiseyeswidenedasherealizedwherehiswanderingshadtakenhim.His attentionsnappedbacktothefamiliarfigureappearingeveryfewmoments

onthestreet'soppositeside.Theassassin'seyesnarrowedthoughtfully. Beneaththemidmorning'sblueandsilverhue,Crokuswalkedalong LakefrontStreetsurroundedbythebedlamofmerchantsandshoppers. AdozenstreetsaheadrosethecityhillsbeyondtheThirdTierWall.Onthe easternmosthillstoodtheK'rulbelfry,itsgreenpatchedbronzescales glimmeringinthesun'slight. TohismindthetowerchallengedMajestyHall'sbrightmien,gazingover theestatesandbuildingscrouchedonthelowerhillswithitsrheumedeyes andhistoryscarredfaceajadedcasttoitsmockinggleam. Crokussharedsomethingofthetower'simaginedsardonicreserveforthe pretencesorifeinMajestyHall,anemotionofhisuncle'sthathadseeped intotheladovertheyears.Addingfueltothisfirewasahealthydoseof youthfulresentmenttowardsanythingthatsmackedofauthority. Andthoughhegaveitlittlethought,theseprovidedtheprimaryimpulses forhisthievingactivities.Yethe'dneverbeforeunderstoodthemostsubtle andhurtfulinsulthistheftsdeliveredtheinvasionandviolationofprivacy. Againandagain,inhisdreamywanderingsbothdayandnight,thevisionof theyoungwomanasleepinherbedreturnedtohim. EventuallyCrokusgraspedthatthevisionhadeverythingtodowith everything.He'dcomeintoherroom,aplacewherethenoblebratsdrooling atherheelscouldn'tenter,aplacewhereshemighttalktotheraggeddollsof herchildhood,wheninnocencedidn'tjustmeanaflowernotyetplucked.Her sanctuary.Andhe'ddespoiledit,he'dsnatchedfromthisyoungwomanher mostpreciouspossession:herprivacy. NomatterthatshewasthedaughteroftheD'Arles,thatshewasbornto thepureblooduntaintedbytheLadyofBeggars'touchthatshewould flowthroughlifeprotectedandshieldedfromthedegradationsofthereal world.Nomatteranyofthesethings.ForCrokus,hiscrimeagainstherwas tantamounttorape.Tohavesoboldlyshatteredherworld Histhoughtsastormofselfrecrimination,theyoungthiefturnedupthe CharmsofAniseStreet,pushingthroughthecrowds. Inhismindtheoncestalwartwallsofrighteousoutragewerecrumbling. Thehatednobilityhadshownhimafacethatnowhauntedhimwithits beauty,andtuggedhiminahundredunexpecteddirections. Thesweetscentsofthespicestores,waftinglikeperfumeonthewarming breeze,hadunaccountablylodgedanamelessemotioninhisthroat. TheshoutsofDaruchildrenplayinginthealleysbrimmedhiseyeswh sentimentalmaundering. CrokusstrodethroughCloveGateandenteredOssercNarrow. DirectlyaheadrosetherampleadingintoHigherEstates.Ashe approachedhehadtomovequicklytoonesidetoavoidalargecarriage cominguponhimfrombehind.Hedidn'tneedtoseethecrestadorningthe carriage'ssidepaneltorecognizeitshouse.Thehorsessnappedandkicked, surgingforwardheedlessofanyoneoranythingintheirpath. Crokuspausedtowatchthecarriageclatteruptheramp,peoplescattering toeitherside.Fromwhathe'dheardofCouncilmanTurbanOrr,itseemed

theduellist'shorsesmatchedhiscontemptforthosehesupposedlyserved. BythetimehereachedtheOrrestatethecarriagehadalreadypassed throughtheoutergate.Fourburlyprivateguardshadresumedtheirstation toeitherside.Thewallattheirbacksroseafullfifteenfeet,toppedwithrusty ironcuttingssetinsunbakedclay.Pumicetorcheslinedthewallattenfoot intervals.Crokusstrolledpastthegate,ignoringtheguards.Atthebasethe walllookedtobeaboutfourfeetinbreadth,theroughhewnbricksa standardsquaredfoot.Hecontinuedonalongthestreet,thenturnedrightto checkthewallfrontingthealley. Asingleservicedoor,tarredoakbandedinbronze,wassetinthiswallat thenearestcorner. Andnoguard.Theshadowsoftheoppositeestatedrapedaheavycloak acrossthenarrowaisle.Crokusenteredthedamp,mustydarkness. Hehadtravelledhalfthelengthofthealleywhenahandclosedaroundhis mouthfrombehindandadagger'ssharppointpressedagainsthisside. Crokusfroze,thengruntedasthehandpulledhisfaceround.Hefound himselflookingintofamiliareyes. RallickNomwithdrewhisdaggerandsteppedback,aseverefrown marringhisbrow.Crokusgapedthenlickedhislips.'Rallick,Beru'sHeart, youscaredme!' 'Good,'theassassinsaid.Hecameclose.'Listencarefully,Crokus. You'llnottryOrr'sestate.You'llnotgonearitagain.' Thethiefshrugged.'Itwasjustathought,Nom.' 'Killit,'Rallicksaid. Hislipsthinningintoastraightline,Crokusnodded.'Allright.'Heturned andheadedtowardsthestripofbrightsunlightmarkingthenextstreet.He feltRallick'seyesonhimuntilhesteppedoutontoTraitor'sTrack.He stopped.OfftohisleftclimbedHighGallowsHill,itsimmaculateflowered slopeaburstofcolourssurroundingthefiftythreeWindingSteps.Thefive noosesabovetheplatformswungslightlyinthebreeze,theirshadows streaksofblackreachingdowntheslopetothecobblesofthestreet.Ithad beenalongtimesincethelastHighCriminalwashanged,whileoffinthe GadrobiDistricttheLowGallows'ropeswerereplacedweeklydueto stretching.Anoddcontrasttomarkthesetensetimes. Abruptly,heshookhishead.Avoidingtheturmoilofquestionswastoo muchofaneffort.HadNomfollowedhim?No,alesserlikelihoodthanthe assassinhavingmarkedOrrorsomeoneintheestateformurder. Aboldcontract.Hewonderedwhohadhadthegutstoofferitafellow noble,nodoubt.Butthecourageofthecontract'sofferingpaledwhen comparedtoRallick'sacceptingit. Inanycase,theweightoftheassassin'swarningwasenoughtocrushany ideaofthievingOrr'sestateatleastfornow.Crokusjammedhishandsinto hispockets.Ashewalked,histhoughtslostinamazeofdeadends,he frownedwiththerealizationthatoneofhishands,probingdeepinthe pocket,hadclosedaroundacoin. Hewithdrewit.Yes,itwasthecoinhe'dfoundonthenightofthe

assassinations.Herecalleditsinexplicableappearance,clatteringathisfeet aninstantbeforetheassassin'scrossbowquarrelwhizzedpast. BeneaththebrightmorninglightCrokusnowtookthetimetoexamineit. Thefirstsideheheldupbeforehimdisplayedtheprofileofayoungman, withanamusedexpression,wearingsomekindoffloppyhat.Tinyrunelike letteringranaroundtheedgealanguagethethiefdidn'trecognizeasitwas soverydifferentfromthecursiveDaruscriptwithwhichhewasfamiliar. Crokusturnedthecoin.Howodd!Anotherhead,thisoneawoman'sfacing theotherway.Theetchedscriptherewasofastyledifferentfromthe oppositeside,akindofleftslantinghatchwork.Thewomanlookedyoung, withfeaturessimilartotheman's;herexpressionheldnothingof amusement,seemingtothethief'seyescoldandunyielding. Themetalwasold,streakedhereandtherewithrawcopperandpitted aroundthefaceswithroughtin.Thecoinfeltsurprisinglyheavy,thoughhe concludedthatitsonlyworthlayinitsuniqueness.He'dseenthecoinageof Callows,Genabackis,AmatEland,once,theridgedbarsoftheSeguleh,but nonehadlookedlikethisone. Wherehaditfallenfrom?Hadhisclothingpickeditupsomewhere,orhad hekickeditintomotionwhilecrossingtheroof?Orhaditbeenamongthe D'Arlemaiden'streasure?Crokusshrugged.Inanycase,itsarrivalhadbeen timely. BythistimehiswalkhadtakenhimtotheEastGate.Justoutsidethecity wallandalongtheroadcalledJatem'sWorry,crouchedthehandfulof saggingbuildingsnamedWorrytown:thethief'sdestination.Thegate remainedopenduringdaylighthours,andaslowploddinglineofvegetable cartscrowdedthenarrowpassage.Amongthem,hesawashepushedhis wayalongoneedge,werethefirstwagonloadsofrefugeesfromPale,those who'dmanagedtoslipthroughthesiegelinesduringthebattleandhad crossedthesouthRhiviPlainandthenthroughtheGadrobiHillsandfinally ontoJatem'sWorry.Scanningtheirfaceshesawafierydesperationdulled byexhaustion:theylookeduponthecitywithajadedeyetowardsitsmeagre defences,realizingthatthey'dboughtonlyashortmeasureoftimewiththeir flight,yettootiredtocare. Disturbedbywhathesaw,Crokushurriedthroughthegateand approachedWorrytown'slargeststructure,aramblingwoodentavern. Overthedoorhungaboardonwhichhadbeenpainted,decadesago,a threeleggedram.Tothethief'smind,thepaintinghadnothingtodowiththe tavern'sname,whichwastheBoar'sTears.Thecoinstillinonehand,Crokus enteredandpausedjustinside. Afewdesultoryfacesturnedtoregardhimbriefly,thenswungbackto theircups.Atatableinagloomycorneropposite,Crokussawafamiliar figure,itshandsraisedaboveitsheadandgesticulatingwildly.Agrintugged thethief'slips,andhestrodeforward. 'andthendidKruppesweepwithmotionsoswiftastobeunseenbyany theking'scrownandsceptrefromthesarcophaguslid.Toomanypriestsin thistomb,thinksKruppethen,oneless'twouldbearelieftoalllestthedead

king'smustybreathshortenandsoawakenhiswraith. 'ManytimesaforethishadKruppefacedawraith'swrathinsomedeeppit ofD'rek,droningitslistoflifecrimesandbemoaningitsneedtodevourmy soulharrah!Kruppewasevertooelusiveforsuchsundryspiritsandtheir knockkneedchatter' CrokuslaidahandonKruppe'sdampshoulder,andtheshinyroundface swunguptoobservehim.'Ah!'Kruppeexclaimed,wavingahandtowardshis lonecompanionatthetableandexplaining,'Anapprenticepastcomesto fawninduefashion!Crokus,beseatedbyallmeanspossible.Wench!Some moreofyourfinestwine,haste!'Crokuseyedthemanseatedopposite Kruppe.'Seemsyoutwomightbebusyrightnow.' Hopeflaredintheman'sexpressionandherosequickly.'Oh,no,'he exclaimed.'Byallmeansinterrupt.'HiseyesdartedtoKruppethenbackto Crokus.'Imustbeleavinginanyevent,Iassureyou!Gooddaytoyou,Kruppe. Untilsomeothertime,then.'Themanbobbedhisheadthendeparted. 'Precipitouscreature,'Kruppemuttered,reachingforthemugofwinethe manhadleftbehind.'Ah,lookatthis,'hesaid,frowningupatCrokus,'nigh twothirdsfull.Apotentialwaste!'Kruppedrankitdowninoneswiftgulp, thensighed.'Saidpotentialaverted,Dessembraebepraised.' Crokussat.'Wasthatmanyourtradercontact?'heasked. 'Heavens,no.'Kruppewavedahand.'ApoorrefugeefromPale,wandering lost.FortunateforhimwasKruppe,whosebrilliantinsightshavesenthim' 'Straightoutthedoor,'Crokusfinished,laughing. Kruppescowled. Theservingwomanarrivedwithanearthencarafeofsoursmellingwine. Krupperefilledthemugs.'Andnow,wondersKruppe,whatwouldthis expertlytrainedladseekfromthisonetimemasterofallartsnefarious?Or haveyoutriumphedyetagainandcomewithbootyatucked,seekingproper dispensationandthelike?' 'Well,yesImean,no,notquite.'Crokusglancedaround,thenleaned forward.'It'saboutlasttime,'hewhispered.'Iknewyou'dbeoutheretosell thestuffIbroughtyou.' Kruppeleanedforwardtomeetthelad,theirfacesinchesapart.'The D'Arleacquisition?'hewhisperedback,wagglinghiseyebrows. 'Exactly!Haveyousolditoffyet?' Kruppepulledahandkerchieffromasleeveandmoppedhisbrow. 'Whatwithallthistalkofwar,thetraders'routesareallamiss.So,to answeryourquestion,uhm,notquiteyet,admitsKruppe' 'Great!' Kruppestartedatthelad'sshout,hiseyessqueezingshut.Whenthey openedagaintheywerethinslits.'Ah,Kruppeunderstands.Theladwishes theirreturntohispossessionsothathemightseekhigherrecompense elsewhere?' Crokusblinked.'No,ofcoursenot.Imean,yes,Iwantitback.ButI'mnot planningonfencingitanywhere.Thatis,I'mstilldealingwithyouon everythingelse.Onlythisone'sspecial.'AshespokeCrokusfeltheatriseto

hisface,andwasthankfulforthegloom.'Aspecialcase,Kruppe.' AbroadsmilebrokeonKruppe'sroundface.'Why,mostcertainly,then, lad.ShallIdeliversaiditemstoyouthiseve?Excellent,considerthematter closed.Pray,tell,whatdoyouhaveinyonhandthere?' Crokusstaredinconfusion,thenheglanceddownathishand.'Oh,justa coin,'heexplained,showingittoKruppe.'IpickeditupthesamenightI thievedD'Arle's.Twoheaded,see?' 'Indeed?MayKruppeexaminethepeculiaritemmoreclosely?' Crokusobliged,thenreachedforthemugofwine.Heleanedback.'Iwas thinkingofOrr'sestatenext,'hesaidcasually,hiseyesfixedonKruppe. 'Mmm.'Kruppeturnedthecoininhishandagainandagain.'Poorest qualitycast,'hemuttered.'Crookedstamping,too.Orr'sestate,yousay? Kruppeadvisescaution.Thehouseiswellprotected.Themetallurgistwho foundriedthisshouldhavebeenhanged,indeed,probablywas,thinks Kruppe.Blackcopper,noless.Cheaptin,temperaturesalltoocool.Favour me,Crokus?Perusethesceneinthestreetfromyondoor.Ifyouspyared andgreenmerchant'swagonwobblingintotown,Kruppewouldbemuch obligedforsuchinformation.' Crokusroseandcrossedtheroomtothedoor.Openingithestepped outsideandglancedaround.Seeingnowagoninsight,theyouthshrugged againandwentbackinside.Hereturnedtothetable.'Nomerchantwagon.' 'Ah,well,'Kruppesaid.Hesetdownthecoinonthetable.'Altogether worthless,judgeswiseKruppe.Youmaypartwithitatyourleisure.' Crokuscollectedthecoinandslippeditintohispocket.'No,I'mkeepingit. Forgoodluck.' Kruppelookedup,hiseyesbright,butCrokushadhisattentiononthemug inhishands.Thefatmanglancedaway,sighing.'Kruppemustneedsdepart immediately,ifthiseve'srendezvousistobepropitiousforallinvolved.' Crokusdrainedhiswine.'Wecanheadbacktogether.' 'Excellent.'Krupperose,pausingtobrushcrumbsfromhischest. 'Shallwebeoff,then?'HelookeduptoseeCrokusfrowningdownathis hand.'Hassomethingsmittenthelad?'heaskedquickly. Crokusstarted.Helookedawayguiltily,thecolourrisinginhisface. 'No,'hemumbled.Heglancedagainathishand.'Imust'vepickedupsome waxsomewhere,'heexplained.Herubbedhishandonhislegandgrinned sheepishly.'Let'sgo.' 'Itwillbeafinedayforawalk,pronouncesKruppe,whoiswiseinall things.' WhiteGold'sRoundencircledanabandonedtowerwithapanoplyof brightlydyedawnings.Thegoldsmithmerchantshops,eachwiththeirown securityguardsloiteringoutside,facedoutontheroundstreet,theaisles betweenthemnarrowcracksleadingtothetower'sruinedcompound. ThemanytalesofdeathandmadnesssurroundingHinter'sTowerandits environskeptitemptyand,uppermostinthemindsofthegoldsmiths,an unlikelyapproachtotheirpreciousstores. Astheafternoonwanedtowardsdusk,theRound'scrowdsthinnedand

theprivateguardsgrewmorewary.Irongrillesrattledintoplaceover storefrontshereandthere,andamongthefewthatremainedopen,torches wereignited. MurillioenteredtheRoundfromtheThirdTierRoad,pausingeverynow andthentoexamineashopkeeper'swares.Wrappedinashimmeringblue cloakfromtheMalleWaste,Murillioknewhisostentatiousdisplayofwealth woulddomuchtoallaysuspicion. Hecametooneshopinparticular,framedoneithersidebyunlitstores. Thegoldsmith,narrowfacedandpebblenosed,leanedhawkishlyonhis counter,hisweatheredhandsbeforehimbearingtinygreyscarsthatlooked likeraventracksonmud.Onefingertappedarestlessbeat.Murillio approached,meetingtheman'sbeetleeyes. 'IsthistheshopofKruteofTalient?' 'I'mKrute,'thegoldsmithgratedsourly,asifdisgruntledwithhislotinlife. 'Talientpearls,setinBloodgoldfromtheminesofMoapandBelt,noneother tobefoundinallDarujhistan.'HeleanedforwardandspatpastMurillio,who involuntarilysteppedtooneside. 'Nocustomersthisday?'heasked,pullingahandkerchieffromhissleeve andtouchinghislips. Krute'sgazetightened.'Onlyone,'hesaid.'PerusedacacheofGoalissgems, rareasdragon'smilkandsuckledfromrockasgrim.Ahundredslaveslostto eachstoneprisedfromtheangryveins.'Krute'sshouldersjerkedandhis eyesdarted.'OutthebackIkeepthem,lesttemptationspatterthestreetwith blood,andlike.' Murillionodded.'Soundpractice.Didhepurchaseany?' Krutegrinned,revealingblackenedstumpsforteeth.'One,butnotthebest. Come,I'llshowyou.'Hewenttothesidedoorandopenedit. 'Throughhere,then.' Murillioenteredtheshop.Blackcurtainscoveredthewalls,andtheairwas mustywitholdsweat.Kruteledhimintothebackroom,whichifanything wasmorerankandstiflingthanthefirst.Thegoldsmithdroppedthecurtain betweenthetworoomsandfacedMurillio. 'Movequickly!I'velaidoutahordeoffool'sgoldandworthlessstoneson thecounteroutfront.Ifanysharpeyedcustomermarksthemthisholewill befinished.'Hekickedatthebackwallandapanelswungfromitshinges. 'Crawlthrough,dammit,andtellRallickthattheGuildisnotpleasedwithhis generosityregardingoursecrets.Go!' Murilliofelltohiskneesandpushedhiswaythroughtheportal,the earthenfloordampbeneathhishandsandstaininghisknees.Hegroanedhis distasteasthedoorswungdownbehindhim,thenclimbedtohisfeet. BeforehimroseHinter'sTower,itsmouldriddenstonewallsglisteningin thedyinglight.Anovergrowncobbledpathwayleduptothearchedentrance bereftofadoorandheavywithshadows.OfthechamberwithinMurilliosaw onlydarkness. Rootsfromthescraggyscruboaksliningthepathhadpushedmostofthe cobblesupfromtheearth,makingthewaytreacherous.Afteracautious

minuteMurillioarrivedatthedoorway.Henarrowedhisgazeandtriedto piercethedarkness.'Rallick?'hehissed."Wherethehellareyou?'Avoice spokebehindhim.'You'relate.' Murilliospun,along,thinduellingrapierinhislefthandraspingfromits sheathandsweepinglowintoguardposition,amaingaucheappearinginhis righthandashedroppedintoadefensivecrouch,thenrelaxed. 'Dammit,Rallick!' Theassassingruntedinamusement,eyeingtherapier'srazorsharptip, whichhadbutamomentearlierhoveredinchesfromhissolarplexis. 'Goodtoseeyourreflexeshavenotdulled,friend.Allthatwineandthose pastriesseemnottohavegirdledyoumuch.' Murillioresheathedhisweapons.'Iexpectedtofindyouinthetower.' Eyeswidening,Rallicksaid,'Areyoumad?Theplaceishaunted.' 'Youmeanthat'snotjustastoryyouassassinsmadeuptokeeppeople away?' Rallickturnedandmadehiswaytoalowerterracethathadonce overlookedthegarden.Whitestonebenchessquattedinthewiryyellow grasslikethestainedbonesofsomegargantuanbeast.Belowtheterrace, Murilliosawashejoinedtheassassin,sprawledamuddy,algaefilledpond. Frogscroakedandmosquitoesbuzzedinthetepidair.'Somenights,'Rallick saidashebrusheddeadleavesfromoneofthebenches,'wraithscrowdthe entranceyoucanwalkrightuptothem,listentotheirpleasandthreats. Theyallwantout.'Hesatdown. Murillioremainedstanding,hisgazeonthetower.'WhatofHinterhimself? Doeshiswraithnumberamongthem?' 'No.Themadmansleepswithin,orsoit'ssaid.Thewraithsaretrappedin thesorcerer'snightmaresheholdsontothem,andevenHoodcannotdraw themtohiscoldbosom.Doyouwishtoknowwherethosewraithshave comefrom,Murillio?'Rallickgrinned.'Enterthetower,andyou'lldiscoverit firsthand.' MurilliohadbeenabouttogointothetowerwhenRallickhadsurprised him.'Thanksforthewarning,'hesnappedsarcastically,gatheringhiscloak andsittingdown. Rallickwavedthemosquitoesfromhisface.'Well?' 'Ihavethem,'Murilliosaid.'LadyOrr'smosttrustedhandservant deliveredthemthisafternoon.'Heremovedfrominsidehiscloakabamboo tubetiedinblueribbon.'TwoinvitationstoLadySinital'sFte,aspromised.' 'Good.'Theassassinlookedquicklyathisfriend.'You'venotseenKruppe's nosetwitch?' 'Notyet.Ranintohimthisafternoon.SeemsCrokusismakingsome bizarredemands.Ofcourse,'Murillioadded,scowling,'whocantellwhen Kruppe'scaughtwindofsomething?Inanycase,I'veseennothingtosuggest theslipperylittlegnomesuspectswe'reuptoanything.' 'WhatwasthatyousaidaboutCrokusmakingbizarredemands?' 'Apeculiarthing,that,'Murilliomused.'WhenIdroppedbythePhoenix InnthisafternoonKruppewasdeliveringtotheladthepickingsfromhislast

job.Now,surelyCrokushasn'tabandonedKruppeashisfenceweall would'vecaughtwindofthat.' 'Thatwasfromanestate,wasn'tit?Whose?'Rallickasked. 'D'Arle's,'Murillioanswered,thenhiseyebrowsrose.'KissofGedderone! TheD'Arlemaiden!Theripeonewiththecheeksshe'sbeingshownat damnneareverygathering,allthefrillyladsleavingatrailforthemopboys. Oh,my!Ouryoungthiefisperchancesmitten,andnowkeepsherbaublesfor himself.Ofallthehopelessdreamsaboycouldhave,he'sreachedforthe worst.' 'Maybe,'Rallicksaidquietly.'Maybenot.Awordtohisuncle...' Murillio'spainedexpressionlifted.'Anudgeintherightdirection?Yes, finally!Marnmotwillbepleased' 'Patience,'Rallickinterjected.'Turningathievingchildintoamanof standingandlearningwillrequiremoreworkthanaswooningheartwill manage.' Murilliofrowned.'Well,forgivemeforbeingsoexcitedattheprospectof savingthelad'slife.' Rallick'ssmilewassoft.'Neverregretsuchpleasure,'hesaid. Catchingtheassassin'stone,Murilliosighed,thesharpedgesofhis sarcasmsinkingaway.'It'sbeenmanyyearssincewehadsomanythingsof hopetostrivefor,'hesaidquietly. 'Thepathtoonewillbebloody,'Rallicksaid.'Don'tforgetthat.But,yes,it's beenalongtime.IwonderifKruppeevenrememberssuchdays.' Murilliosnorted.'Kruppe'smemoryisrevisedhourly.Allthatholdshim togetherisfearofbeingdiscovered.' Rallick'seyesdarkened.'Discovered?' Hisfriendseemedfarawaybutthenhecollectedhimselfandsmiled. 'Oh,wornsuspicions,nomore.He'saslipperyone,isKruppe.' RallickchuckledatMurillio'smockingsyntax.Hestudiedthepondbefore them.'Yes,'heagreed,afteratime,'he'stheslipperyone,allright.'Hestood. 'Krutewillbewantingtocloseup.TheRound'sasleepbynow.' 'Right.' Thetwomenlefttheterrace,methanemistsswirlingaroundtheirlegs. AstheyreachedthepathMurillioturnedforalookatthetower'sdoorway, wonderingifhecouldseethegibberingwraiths,butallhesawbeneaththe saggingarchwasawallofdarkness.Insomestrangewayhefoundthatmore disturbingthananyhordeoflostsoulshemightimagine. BrightmorningsunlightflowedinfromthebroadwindowsofBaruk's study,andawarmwindslippedintotheroomcarryingthesmellsandnoises fromthestreetbelow.Thealchemist,stilldressedinhisnightclothes,satona highstoolatthemaptable.Heheldabrushinonehand,dippingitnowand againintoanornatesilverinkwell. Theredinkhadbeenwatereddown.Hepaintedwashonthemap, coveringtheareasnowheldbytheMalazanEmpire.Fullyonehalfofthe mapthenorthhalfwasred.AsmallclearstripjustsouthofBlackdog

ForestmarkedCaladanBrood'sforces,flankedoneithersidebytwosmaller patchesindicatingtheCrimsonGuard.Theredwashsurroundedtheseclear spotsandextendeddowntoengulfPale,endingonthenorthedgeofthe TahlynMountains. Thestreetnoiseshadbecomequiteloud,Baruknoted,asheleanedclose tothemaptopainttheredtide'ssouthernborder.Constructionwork,he concluded,hearingthesquealofwinchesandavoicebellowingatpassersby. Thesoundsdiedaway,thentherecamealoudcrack! Barukjumped,hisrightforearmjerkingoutandknockingovertheinkwell. Theredinkpouredacrosshismap. Cursing,Baruksatback.Hiseyeswidenedashewatchedthespreading staincoverDarujhistanandcontinuesouthtoCatlin.Hesteppeddownfrom thestool,reachingforaclothtowipehishands,morethanalittleshakenby whatcouldeasilybetakenasanomen.Hewalkedacrossthechambertothe window,bentforwardandlookeddown. Acrewofworkerswasbusytearingupthestreetdirectlybelow.Two burlymenswungpickswhilethreeothersformedalinepassingthe shatteredcobblestonestoagrowingpileonthepavement.Theforeman stoodnearby,hisbacktoawagon,studyingaparchmentscroll. Barukfrowned.'Who'sinchargeofroadmaintenance?'hewondered aloud. Asoftknockdivertedhisattention.'Yes?' Hisservant,Roald,tookasinglestepintotheroom.'Oneofyouragentshas arrived,Lord.' Barukflickedaglanceatthemaptable.'Havehimwaitamoment,Roald.' 'Yes,Lord.'Theservantsteppedbackandclosedthedoor. Thealchemistwalkedovertothetableandrolleduptheruinedmap. Fromthehallwaycamea1"uavoicei6kkovieA'bYamurmur.Barukslid themapontoashelfandturnedintimetoseetheagententer,onhistraila xxx.WavingatRoaldtoleave,Barukgazeddownatthegaudilydressedman. 'Goodday,Kruppe.' Roaldsteppedoutandsoftlyshutthedoor. 'Morethangood,Baruk,dearfriendofKruppe.Trulywonderful!Haveyou partakenofthemorn'sfreshair?' Barukglancedatthewindow.'Unfortunately,'hesaid,'theairoutsidemy windowhasbecomeratherdusty.' Kruppepaused.Hisarmsreturnedtohissides,thenhereachedintoa sleeveandwithdrewhishandkerchief.Hepattedhisbrow.'Ah,yes,theroad workers.Kruppepassedthemonhiswayin.Aratherbelligerentlot,thinks Kruppe.Indeed,rude,buthardlyexceptionalforsuchmeniallabourers.' Barukgesturedtoachair. WithabeatificsmileKruppesat.'Suchahotday,'hesaid,eyeingthecarafe ofwineonthemantelpiece. Ignoringthis,Barukstrodetothewindowthenturnedhisbacktoit. Hestudiedtheman,wonderingifhewouldevercatchaglimpseofwhat laybeyondKruppe'scherubicdemeanour.'Whathaveyouheard?'heasked

softly. 'WhathasKruppeheard?Whathasn'tKruppeheard!' Barukraisedaneyebrow.'Howaboutbrevity?' Themanshiftedinthechairandmoppedhisforehead.'Suchheat.' SeeingBaruk'sexpressionharden,hecontinued,'Now,asfornews.'He leanedforward,hisvoicefallingtoawhisper.''Tismutteredincornersinthe bars,indarkdoorwaysofdankstreets,inthenefariousshadowsofnocturnal night,in' 'Getonwithit!' 'Yes,ofcourse.Well,Kruppehascaughtwindofarumour.Anassassin's war,noless.TheGuildistakinglosses,'tissaid.' Barukturnedbacktothewindow,hiseyesonthestreetbelow.'Andwhere dothethievesstand?' 'Therooftopsaregettingcrowded.Throatsarebeingslit.Profitshave plummeted.' 'Where'sRallick?' Kruppeblinked.'He'sdisappeared,'hesaid.'Kruppehasnotseenhimin days.' 'Thisassassin'swar,itisn'tinternal?' 'No.' 'Hasthisnewforcebeenidentified,then?' 'No.' Baruk'sgazeintensified.Below,thestreetworkersseemedtospendmore timearguingthanworking.Anassassin'swarcouldbetrouble. Vorcan'sGuildwasstrong,buttheEmpirewasstronger,ifindeedthese newcomerswereClaws.Butsomethingfeltdecidedlyoddaboutthewhole thing.InthepasttheEmpressusedsuchlocalguilds,oftenrecruitedfrom them.Thealchemistcoulddiscernnopurposebehindsuchawar,andthat wasevenmoredisturbingtohimthanthewaritself. Hearingashufflingbehindhim,herememberedhisagent.Heturnedand smiled.'Youcangonow.' SomethingflashedinKruppe'seyesthatstartledBaruk.Thefatmanrose inasinglefluidmotion.'Kruppehasmoretotell,MasterBaruk.' Bemused,thealchemistnoddedforKruppetocontinue. 'Thetaleisarduousandconfused,alas,'hesaid,stridingtojoinBarukat thewindow.Hishandkerchiefhaddisappeared.'Kruppecanonlysurmiseas bestamanofinnumerabletalentsmay.Inmomentsofleisure,duringgames ofchanceandthelike.IntheauraoftheTwinsanAdeptmayhear,see,smell, andtouchthingsasinsubstantialasthewind.AtasteofLadyLuck,thebitter warningoftheLord'sLaughter.'Kruppe'sgazesnappedtothealchemist.'Do youfollow,Master?' Hiseyesrivetedontheman'sroundface,Baruksaidquietly,'Youspeakof Oponn.' Kruppelookedbackdownatthestreet.'Perhaps.Perhapsagrimfeint meanttomisleadsuchasfoolishKruppe' Foolish?Baruksmiledinwardly.Notthisman.

'Whowhocansay?'Krupperaisedahand,showinginhispalmaflatdiscof wax.'Anitem,'hesaidsoftly,hiseyesonthedisc,'thatpasseswithout provenance,pursuedbymanywhothirstforitscoldkiss,onwhichlifeand allthatlaywithinlifeisoftengambled.Alone,abeggar'scrown.Ingreat numbers,aking'sfolly.Weightedwithruin,yetbloodwashesfromitbeneath thelightestrain,andtothenextnohintofitscost.Itisasitis,saysKruppe, worthlessbutforthosewhoinsistotherwise.' Barukwasholdinghisbreath.Hislungsburned,yetitwasaneffortto releasethem.Kruppe'swordshaddrawnhimintosomethingaplace, hintingofvaststoresofknowledgeandthesure,unfailing,epreci_ehandthat hadgatheredit,markeditonparchment.Alibrary,shelvesofblackwoodin sharprelief,tomesboundtoshinyleather,yellowedscrolls,apitted,stained deskBarukfelthehadbutstolenasingleglanceintothischamber. Kruppe'smind,thesecretplacewithitsdoorlockedtoallbutone.'You speak,'Baruksaidslowly,fightingtopullbackintorealitybyfocusingonthe waxdiscinKruppe'shand,'ofacoin.' Kruppe'shandsnappedshut.Heturnedandsetthediscdownonthe windowsill.'Examinethissemblance,MasterBaruk.Itmarksbothsidesofa singlecoin.'ThehandkerchiefreappearedandKruppesteppedback,dabbing hisbrow.'My,butitishot,saysKruppe!' 'Helpyourselftosomewine,'Barukmurmured.Asthemanlefthissidethe alchemistopenedhisWarren.Hegesturedandthewaxdiscroseintotheair, slowlymovingtohoverbeforehimateyelevel.Hestudiedtheimprintfacing him.'TheLady,'hemuttered,nodding.Thediscturned,revealingtohimthe Lord.Thediscturnedagain,andBaruk'seyeswidenedasitbeganspinning.A whirringsoundfilledthebackofhishead.HefelthisWarrenresistinga pressurethatgrewwiththesound,thenhissourcecollapsed. Faintly,asiffromagreatdistance,heheardKruppespeak.'Eveninthis semblance,MasterBaruk,blowstheTwins'breath.Nomage'sWarrencan withstandthatwind.' ThediscstillspunintheairinfrontofBaruk,asilverblur.Afinemist expandedaroundit.Hotdropletsspatteredhisfaceandhesteppedback. Bluefireflickeredfromthemeltingwax,thediscdwindlingrapidly.A momentlateritvanished,andthespinningsoundanditsaccompanying pressurestoppedabruptly. ThesuddensilencefilledBaruk'sheadwithpain.Helaidatremblinghand onthewindowsillforsupport,thenclosedhiseyes.'WhocarriestheCoin, Kruppe?'Hisvoiceraspedfromhisconstrictedthroat.'Who?' Kruppeonceagainstoodathisside.'Alad,'heansweredcasually.'Known toKruppe,assuredlyso,aswellastoyourotheragents,Murillio,Rallickand Coll.' Baruk'seyesreopened.'Thatcan'tbeacoincidence,'hehissed,adesperate hoperisingtostruggleagainsttheterrorhefelt.Oponnhadenteredthe gambit,andinsuchreachesofpowerthelifeofacityandthosewithinit meantnothing.HeglaredatKruppe.'Gatherthegroup,then.Allyou've named.They'veservedmyinterestsforalongtime,andtheymustdosonow,

aboveallotherconcerns.Doyouunderstandme?' 'Kruppewillconveyyourinsistence.RallickperchanceisboundtoGuild duties,whileColl,givenpurposeinlifeonceagain,mightwellsteadyhisgaze andtreadandtakethismissiontoheart.MasterBaruk?Whatisthemission, bytheway?' 'ProtecttheCoinbearer.Watchhim,markwhosefacerestsonhimbenign orfoul.ImustknowiftheLadyhashim,ortheLord.And,Kruppe,forthis, findRallick.IftheLordclaimstheCoinbearer,theassassin'stalentswillbe required.' Kruppeblinked.'Understood.Alas,maymercysmileuponyoungCrokus.' 'Crokus?'Barukfrowned.'That'sanameIknow.' Kruppe'sfaceremainedblank. 'Nevermind.Verywell,Kruppe.'Heturnedbacktothewindowonceagain. 'Keepmeinformed.' 'Asalways,Baruk,Kruppe'sfriend.'Themanbowed.'Andthankyoufor thewine,itwasmostdelicious.' Barukheardthedooropenthenclose.Hegazeddownthestreet.He'd managedtoclampaholdonhisfear.Oponnhadawayofmakingruinsofthe mostfinelywroughtplans.Barukdespisedthatprospectofchanceoperating inhisaffairs.Hecouldnolongerrelyonhisabilitytopredict,toprepare contingencies,toworkouteverypossibilityandseekouttheonebestsuited tohisdesires.AstheCoinspun,thusthecity. AddedtothisthemysteriouswaysoftheEmpress.Barukrubbedhisbrow. He'dhavetoinstructRoaldtobringhimsomehealingtea.Hisheadachewas reachingdebilitatingproportions.Ashebroughthishanddownpasthisface hiseyescaughtaflashofred.Heraisedbothpalmsintoview.Redinkstained them.Heleanedforwardonthewindowsill. Throughasparklingcloudofdust,Darujhistan'srooftopssprawled,and theharbourbeyond.'Andyou,Empress,'hewhispered.'Iknowyou'rehere, somewhere.Yourpawnsmoveunseenasyet,butIwillfindthem. Besureofthat,withorwithoutOponn'sdamnedluck.' BOOKTHREETHEMISSION Marionettesdanceafieldbeneathmasterlyhands Istumbleamongthemcrossedbythestringsintangledtwostepandcurse allthesefoolsintheirmadpirouette Ishallnotliveastheydooh,no,leavemeinmycircleddance theseunbiddentwitchingsyouseeIswearonHood'sGraveisartistryin motion SayingsoftheFoolThenyBule(b?) CHAPTEREIGHT Hesteppeddownthenamongwomenandmen,thesigilstrippedinher foulcleansingofEmperorandFirstSwordsotragicthistreachery... HewasoftheOldGuardcommandingthehonededgeofEmpire'sfury,and

soinsteppingdownbutnotawayheremainedtheremembrancebeforeher eyes,thecurseofconscienceshewouldnotstand. Apricewasplacedbeforehimthatheglancedoverinfirstpassing unknowingandsounpreparedinsteppingdownamongwomenandmen,he foundwhathe'dsurrenderedanddamned AQUARTERHOURBEFOREDAWNTHESKYHELDTHECOLOUROFIRON, shotthroughwithstreaksofrust.SergeantWhiskeyjacksquattedupona domeofbedrockupfromthepebblebeachgazingoutoverthemistycalm surfaceofLakeAzur.Fartothesouthonthelake'soppositeshore,rosethe faintglowofDarujhistan. Themountaincrossingofthenightjustpasthadbeenhell,theQuorl tossedaboutinthemidstofthreewarringthunderheads.Itwasamiracleno onehadbeenlost.Therainhadsincestopped,leavingtheaircooland clammy. Heheardthesoundofbootsaccompaniedbyaclickingnoisebehindhim. Whiskeyjackturnedandstraightened.KalamandaBlackMoranth approached,pickingtheirwaythroughthemossytumbleofrocksatthebase oftheslope.Behindthemrosetheshadowedredwoodforest,thepatched trunksstandinglikebeardedsentinelsagainstthemountainside. Thesergeantdrewadeepbreathofthechillmorningair. 'Everything'sfine,'Kalamsaid.'TheGreenMoranthdeliveredasordered, andmore.FiddlerandHedgearetwohappysappers.' Whiskeyjackraisedaneyebrow.HeturnedtotheBlackMoranth.'Ithought yourmunitionsweregettingscarce.' Thecreature'sfaceremainedinshadowbeneaththehingedhelmet. Thewordsthatcamefromitseemedbornfromacavern,hollowand faintlyechoing.'Selectively,BirdThatSteals.Youarewellknowntous, Bridgeburner.Youtreadtheenemy'sshadow.FromtheMoranth,assistance willneverbescarce.' Surprised,Whiskeyjacklookedaway,theskintighteningaroundhiseyes. TheMoranthcontinued.'Youaskedofthefateofoneofourkind.Awarrior withbutonearm,whofoughtatyoursideinthestreetsofNathilogmany yearsago.Helivesstill.' Thesergeanttookadeepbreathofthesweetforestair.'Thankyou,'he said. 'Wewishthatthebloodyounextfindonyourhandsisyourenemy's,Bird ThatSteals.' Hefrowned,thengaveabrusquenodandturnedhisattentionbackto Kalam.'Whatelse?' Theassassin'sfacebecameexpressionless.'QuickBen'sready,'hesaid. 'Good.Gathertheothers.I'llbelayingoutmyplan.' 'Yourplan,Sergeant?' 'Mine,'Whiskeyjacksaidfirmly.'TheonedevisedbytheEmpressandher tacticiansisbeingrejected,asofnow.We'redoingitmyway.Getgoing, Corporal.'

Kalamsalutedthenleft. Whiskeyjacksteppeddownfromtherock,hisbootssinkingintothemoss. 'Tellme,Moranth,mightasquadronofyourBlackbepatrollingthisareatwo weeksfromnow?' TheMoranth'sheadswivelledaudiblytowardsthelake.'Suchunscheduled patrolsarecommon.Iexpecttocommandonemyselfintwoweeks'time.' Whiskeyjackgazedsteadilyattheblackarmouredwarriorstandingbeside him.'I'mnotquitesurehowtotakethat,'hesaideventually. Thewarriorfacedhim.'Wearenotsounalike,'hesaid.'Inoureyesdeeds havemeasure.Wejudge.Weactuponourjudgements.AsinPale,wematch spiritwithspirit.' Thesergeantfrowned.'Whatdoyoumean?' 'Eighteenthousandsevenhundredandthirtyninesoulsdepartedinthe purgeofPale.OneforeachMoranthconfirmedasavictimofPale'shistoryof enmitytowardsus.Spiritwithspirit,BirdThatSteals.' Whiskeyjackfoundhehadnoresponse.TheMoranth'snextwordsshook himdeeply. 'Therearewormswithinyourempire'sflesh.Butsuchdegradationis naturalinallbodies.Yourpeople'sinfectionisnotyetfatal.itcanbescoured clean.TheMoranthareskilledatsuchefforts.' 'Howexactly,'Whiskeyjackpaused,choosinghiswordscarefully,'doyou intendthisscouring?'Herecalledthewagonspiledwithcorpseswindingout ofPale,andstruggledagainsttheicetinglingalonghisspine. 'Spiritwithspirit,'theMoranthanswered,returninghisattentiontothe cityonthesouthshore.'Wedepartfornow.Youwillfindushereintwo weeks'time,BirdThatSteals.' WhiskeyjackwatchedtheBlackMoranthwalkaway,pushingthroughthe thicketsurroundingtheclearingwherehisriderswaited.Amomentlaterhe heardtherapidthudofwings,thentheQuorlroseabovethetrees.The Moranthcircledonceoverhead,thenturnednorth,slippingbetweenthe beardedbolesandheadingupslope. Thesergeantsatdownonthebedrockagain,hiseyesonthegroundasthe membersofhissquadarrived,hunkeringdownaroundhim.Heremained silent,seemingunawarethathehadcompany,hisbrowfurrowedandjaw bunchingashegroundhismolarswithaslow,steadyprecision. 'Sarge?'Fiddlersaidquietly. Startled,Whiskeyjacklookedup.Hedrewadeepbreath.Everyonehad gatheredwiththeexceptionofQuickBen.He'dleaveKalamtofillinthe wizardlater.'Allright.Theoriginalplan'sbeenscrapped,sinceitwas intendedtogetusallkilled.Ididn'tlikethatpart,sowe'lldoitmywayand hopefullygetoutalive.' 'Weain'tgoingtominethecitygates?'Fiddlerasked,glancingatHedge. 'No,'thesergeantanswered.'We'llputthoseMoranthmunitionstobetter use.Twoobjectives,twoteams.Kalamwillleadone,andwithhimwillbe QuickBenand'hehesitated'andSorry.I'llleadtheotherteam.Thefirst taskistogetintothecityunnoticed.Outofuniform.'HelookedtoMallet.'I

takeittheGreendelivered?' Thehealernodded.'It'salocalmake,allright.Eighteenfootfisher,four oars,shouldgetusacrossthelakeeasyenough.Evenacoupleofnets included.' 'Sowe'lldosomefishing,'Whiskeyjacksaid.'Comingintotheharbour withoutacatchwouldlooksuspect.Anybodyhereeverfished?' Therewassilence,thenSorryspokeup.'Ihave,alongtimeago.' Whiskeyjackstaredather,thensaid,'Right.Pickwhoeveryouneedfor that.' Sorrysmiledmockingly. Whiskeyjackpulledhisgazefromherswithanoathunderhisbreath. Heeyedhistwosaboteurs.'Howmuchmunitions?' 'Twocrates,'Hedgereplied,adjustinghisleathercap.'Cussersalltheway downtoSmokers.' 'Wecouldcookapalace,'Fiddleradded,shiftingaboutexcitedly. 'Goodenough,'Whiskeyjacksaid.'Allright,everyonelistenandpay attention,orwewon'tcomeoutofthisalive' Inasecludedgladeintheforest,QuickBenpouredwhitesandinacircle andsatdowninitscentre.Hetookfivesharpenedsticksandsetthemina rowbeforehim,pushingthemtovariousdepthsintheloam.Thecentrestick, thehighest,roseaboutthreefeet;theonesoneithersidestoodattwofeet andtheouteronesatafoot. Thewizarduncoiledayard'slengthofthingutstring.Hetookoneendand fashionedascaleddownnoose,whichhetightenedoverthecentresticknear thetop.Heranthelinetotheleft,loopingitonceoverthenextshaft,then crossedovertotherightsideandloopeditagain.Hebroughtthestring acrosstothefarleftstick,mutteringafewwordsashedidso. Hewrappedittwiceandbroughtitovertothefarrightstick,wherehetied aknotandcutthetrailingstring. QuickBenleanedbackandfoldedhishandsonhislap.Afrowncreasedhis brow.'Hairlock!'Anoutersticktwitched,turnedslightly,thenfellstill. 'Hairlock!'hebarkedagain.Allfiveshaftsjerked.Thecentreonebent towardsthewizard.Thestringtautenedandalowpitchedhumemanated fromit. AcoldwindsweptacrossQuickBen'sface,strippingawaythebeadsof sweatthathadgatheredinthelastminute.Arushingsoundfilledhishead, andhefelthimselffallingthroughdarkcaverns,theirunseenwallsringingin hisearsasifironhammersclangedagainsttherock.Flashesofblinding silverlightstunghiseyesandthewindpulledattheskinandfleshofhisface. Insomeshieldedpartofhismindheretainedasenseofdistance,of control.Withinthiscalmhecouldthink,observe,analyse.'Hairlock,'he whispered,'you'vegonetoofar.Toodeep.ThisWarrenhasswallowedyou andwillneverspityouout.You'relosingcontrol,Hairlock.'Butthese thoughtswereforhimalone;heknewthepuppetwasstilldistant. Hewatchedhimselfcontinue,spinning,whirlingthroughtheCavernsof Chaos.Hairlockwascompelledtomatchhim,onlyupward.Abruptlyhe

foundhimselfstanding.Beneathhisfeettheblackrockseemedtoswirl, crackedhereandthereinitsslowconvolutionsbybright,glowingred. Lookingaround,hesawthathestoodonasparofrock,risingatanangle, itsjaggedapexadozenfeetinfrontofhim.Turning,hisgazefollowedthe sparasitsankdownandoutofsight,losttobillowingyellowclouds.A momentofvertigogrippedQuickBen.Hetottered,then,asheregainedhis balanceheheardachucklebehindhim.HeturnedtoseeHairlockperched atoptheapex,hiswoodenbodysmearedandscorched,thedoll'sclothing rippedandfrayed. QuickBenasked,'ThisistheSparofAnd,isn'tit?' Hairlock'sroundheadbobbed.'Halfway.NowyouknowhowfarIhave gone,wizard.TotheveryfootoftheWarren,wherepowerfindsitsfirst shape,andallispossible.' 'Justnotverylikely,'QuickBensaid,eyeingthemarionette.'Howdoesit feel,standinginthemiddleofallthatcreationbutunabletotouchit,touseit? It'stooalien,isn'tit?Itburnsyouwitheveryreach.' 'I'llmasterit,'Hairlockhissed.'Youknownothing.Nothing.' QuickBensmiled.'I'vebeenherebefore,Hairlock.'Hescannedthe swirlinggasesaroundthem,scuddingoncontrarywinds.'You'vebeenlucky,' hesaid.'Thoughtheyarefewinnumber,therearecreatureswhocallthis realmhome.'Hepausedandturnedhissmileonthepuppet. 'Theydislikeintrudershaveyouseenwhattheydotothem?Whatthey leavebehind?'Thewizard'ssmilebroadenedatseeingHairlock'sinvoluntary jerk.'Soyouhave,'hesaidquietly. 'Youaremyprotector,'Hairlocksnapped.'I'mboundtoyou,Wizard!The responsibilityisyours,norwillIhidethefactifIamtaken.' 'Boundtome,indeed.'QuickBenloweredhimselftohishaunches. 'Goodtohearyourmemory'scomeback.Tellme,howfaresTattersail?' Thepuppetslumped,lookingaway.'Herrecoveryisadifficultone.' QuickBenfrowned.'Recovery?Fromwhat?' 'TheHoundGeartrackedme.'Hairlockshifteduneasily.'Therewasa skirmish.' Ascowlgrewonthewizard'sface.'And?' Thepuppetshrugged.'Gearfled,sorelywoundedbyamundaneswordin thehandsofthatcaptainofyours.Tayschrennthenarrived,butTattersail hadslippedintounconsciousnessbythen,sohissearchforanswerswas thwarted.Butthefireofsuspicionhasbeenstokedbeneathhim.Hesends outhisservants,andtheystalktheWarrens.Theyhuntforsignsofwhoand whatIam.Andwhy.Tayschrennknowsyoursquadisinvolved,heknows you'retryingtosaveyourownskins.'Thepuppet'smadgazeflickered.'He wantsyoualldead,Wizard.AndasforTattersail,perhapshehopesherfever willkillhersohewon'thavetobutthereismuchhe'dloseifshedied withouthisquestioningherfirst.Nodoubthe'dseekouthersoul,he'd pursuewhatsheknowsintoHood'sownrealm,butshe'dknowenoughtobe elusive.' 'Shutupforaminute,'QuickBenordered.'Backtothebeginning.Yousaid

CaptainParanstabbedGearwithhissword?' Hairlockscowled.'Idid.Amortalweaponitshouldn'thavebeenpossible. HemaywellhavedealttheHoundafatalwound.'Thepuppetpaused,then growled,'You'venottoldmeeverything,Wizard.Therearegodsinvolvedin this.IfyoukeepmeinsuchignoranceImightwellstumbleintothepathof oneofthem.'Hespat.'Aslavetoyouisbadenough.Doyouthinkyoucould challengeagodformasteryofme?I'dbetaken,turned,perhapseven' Hairlockunsheathedoneofhissmallknives,'usedagainstyou.'Headvanced astep,adarkglitterinhiseyes. QuickBenraisedaneyebrow.Inside,hisheartlurchedinhischest.Wasit possible?Wouldhenothavedetectedsomething?Aflavour,ahintof immortalpresence? 'Onelastthing,Wizard,'Hairlockmurmured,takinganotherstep. 'Tattersail'sfevercrestedjustthisnightpast.Shescreamedsomethingabout acoin.Acointhathadspun,butnowithasfallen,ithasbounced,ithas enteredsomeone'shand.YoumusttellmeaboutthiscoinImusthaveyour thoughts,Wizard.'Thepuppetstoppedsuddenlyandlookeddownatthe knifeinhishand.Hairlockhesitated,seemingconfused,thensheathedthe weaponandsquatted.'What'ssoimportantaboutacoin?'hegrowled. 'Nothing.ThebitchravedshewasstrongerthanIhadthought.' QuickBenfroze.Thepuppetseemedtohaveforgottenthatthewizardwas present.ThethoughtshenowheardwereHairlock'sown.Herealizedhewas lookingthroughtheshatteredwindowintothepuppet'sinsanemind.Andit wastherethatallthedangerlay.ThewizardheldhisbreathasHairlock continued,itseyesfixedonthecloudsbelow. 'Gearshouldhavekilledherwouldhave,ifnotforthatidiotcaptain. Whatirony,henowtendstoherandputshishandtohisswordwheneverI seektocomenear.HeknowsIwouldsnuffherlifeinaninstant.Butthat sword.Whatgodplayswiththisfoolnoble?'Thepuppetspokeon,buthis wordsdwindledintoinaudiblemumbles. QuickBenwaited,hopingformore,thoughwhathe'dalreadyheardwas enoughtosethisheartpounding.Thismadcreaturewasunpredictable,and allthatheldhimincheckwasatenuouscontrolthestringsofpowerhe'd attachedtoHairlock'swoodenbody.Butwiththiskindofmadnesscame strengthenoughstrengthtobreakthosestrings? Thewizardwasnolongerassureofhiscontrolashehadbeen. Hairlockhadfallensilent.Hispaintedeyesstillflickeredwithblack flametheleakingofChaoticpower.QuickBentookastepforward. 'PursueTayschrenn'splans,'hecommanded,thenhekickedhard.Thetoe ofhisbootstruckHairlock'schestandsentthepuppetspinning. Hairlockflewoutovertheedge,thenfelldownward.Hisoutragedsnarl dwindledashedisappearedintotheyellowclouds. QuickBendrewadeepbreathofthethick,staleair.Hehopedthathis abruptdismissalhadbeenenoughtoskewHairlock'srecollectionsofthe pastfewminutes.Still,hefeltthosestringsofcontrolgrowingevermoretaut. ThemorethisWarrentwistedHairlock,themorepowerhewouldcommand.

Thewizardknewwhathe'dhavetodoHairlockhadgivenittohim,in fact.Still,QuickBenwasn'tlookingforwardtoit.Thetasteofsourbilerose intohismouthandhespatovertheledge.Theairstankofsweatanditwasa momentbeforeherealizeditwashisown.Hehissedacurse.'Timetoleave,' hemuttered.Heraisedhisarms. Thewindreturnedwitharoar,andhefelthisbodyflungup,upintothe cavernabove,thenthenext.Asthecavernsblurredby,asinglewordclungto histhoughts,awordthatseemedtotwistaroundtheproblemofHairlock likeaweb. QuickBensmiled,butitwasasmilerespondingtoterror.Andtheword remained,Gear,andwiththatnamethewizard'sterrorfoundaface. Whiskeyjackroseamidsilence.Theexpressionsarrayedaroundhimwere sober,eyesdowncastorfixedelsewhere,closedintosomepersonal,private placewhereswamtheheaviestthoughts.TheloneexceptionwasSorry,who staredatthesergeantwithbright,approvingeyes. Whiskeyjackwonderedwhowasdoingtheapprovingwithinthoseeyes thenheshookhishead,angrythatsomethingofQuickBenandKalam's suspicionshadslippedintohisthoughts. Heglancedaway,toseeQuickBenapproaching.Thewizardlookedtired, anashentinttohisface.Whiskeyjack'sgazesnappedtoKalam. Theassassinnodded.'Everyone,lookalive,'hesaid.'Loaduptheboatand getitready.' Malletleadingtheway,theothersheadeddowntothebeach. WaitingforQuickBentoarrive,Kalamsaid,'Thesquadlooksbeat, Sergeant.Fiddler,TrottsandHedgemovedenoughdirtinthosetunnelsto burytheEmpire'sdead.I'mworriedaboutthem.Malletheseemstobe holdingtogether,sofarStill,whateverSorryknowsaboutfishing,Idoubt anyoneofuscouldrowtheirwayoutofabathtub.Andwe'reabouttotry crossingalakedamnnearbigasasea?' 'Whiskeyjack'sjawtightened,thenheforcedacasualshrugintohis shoulders.'YouknowdamnwellthatanyWarrenopeninganywherenearthe citywilllikelybedetected.Nochoice,Corporal.Werow.Unlesswecanrigup asail.' Kalamgrunted.'Sincewhendoesthegirlknowaboutfishing?' Thesergeantsighed.'Iknow.Cameoutofnowhere,didn'tit?' 'Bloodyconvenient.' QuickBenreachedthedomeofrock.Bothmenfellsilentatseeinghis expression. 'I'mabouttoproposesomethingyou'regoingtohate,'thewizardsaid. 'Let'shearit,'Whiskeyjackreplied,inavoiceemptyoffeeling. Tenminuteslaterthethreemenarrivedontheslickpebbledbeach,both WhiskeyjackandKalamlookingshaken.Adozenyardsfromthewater'sedge satthefisherboat.Trottswasstrainingontheropeattachedtotheprow hook,gaspingandmoaningasheleanedforwardwithallhisweight. Therestofthesquadstoodinaclumpofftooneside,quietlydiscussing Trotts'futileefforts.Fiddlerchancedtolookup.SeeingWhiskeyjack

marchingtowardsthem,heblanched. 'Trotts!'thesergeantbellowed. TheBarghast'sface,woadtattoosstretchedintoillegibility,turnedto Whiskeyjackwithwideeyes. 'Letgooftherope,soldier.' KalamreleasedanamusedsnortbehindWhiskeyjack,whoglaredatthe others.'Now,'hesaid,hisvoiceharsh,'sinceoneofyouidiotsconvinced everyoneelsethatloadingalltheequipmentintotheboatwhenit'sstillon shorewasagoodidea,youcanallmantheropeanddragitintothelake notyou,Trotts.Yougetinside,getcomfortable,thereatthestern.' Whiskeyjackpaused.HestudiedSorry'sexpressionlessface. 'FromFiddlerandHedgeIexpectthis,butIthoughtIputyouinchargeof settingthingsup.' Sorryshrugged. Whiskeyjacksighed.'Canyourigusasail?' 'There'snowind.' 'Well,maybetherewillbe.'Whiskeyjacksaid,exasperated. 'Yes,'Sorryanswered.'Wehavesomecanvas.We'llneedamast.' 'TakeFiddlerandmakeone.Now,therestofyou,getthisboatintothe water.' Trottsclimbedinsideandsatdownatthestern.Hestretchedouthislong legsanddrapedanarmoverthesplashboard.Hebaredhisfiledteethinwhat mighthavebeenasmile. WhiskeyjackturnedtoagrinningKalamandQuickBen.'Well?'he demanded.'What'reyouwaitingfor?' Thegrinsdied. CHAPTERNINE Haveyouseentheonewhostandsapartcursedinaritualsealinghiskind beyonddeaththehostamassedandwhirlinglikeaplagueofpollen hestandsaparttheFirstamongalleverveiledintimeyetoutcastand aloneaT'lanImasswanderinglikeaseedunfallen LayofOnosT'oolanToctheYounger TOCTHEYOUNGERLEANEDFORWARDINHISSADDLEANDSPAT.ITWAS histhirddayoutfromPale,andhelongedforthecity'shighwallaroundhim. TheRhiviPlainstretchedoutonallsides,cloakedinyellowgrassthatrippled intheafternoonwind,butotherwisefeaturelessHescratchedtheedgesof thewoundthathadtakenhislefteye,andmutteredunderhisbreath. Somethingwaswrong.Heshouldhavemethertwodayspast.Nothingwas goingasplannedthesedays.WhatwithCaptainParanvanishingbeforeeven meetingWhiskeyjackandthestorymakingtheroundsaboutaHound attackingthe2nd'slastsurvivingmageandleavingfourteendeadmarinesin itswake,hesupposedheshouldn'tbesurprisedthatthisrendezvoushad goneawryaswell.

Chaosseemedasignofthetimes.Tocstraightenedandroseinhissaddle. ThoughtherewasnotrueroadassuchonthePlain,merchantcaravanshad mappedaroughtrackrunningnorthsouthalongthewesternedge.Trade hadsincediedout,butthepassingofgenerationsofwagonsandhorsetrains hadleftitsmark.ThecentreofthePlainwashometotheRhivi,thosesmall brownskinnedpeoplewhomovedwiththeherdsinaseasonalcycle. Thoughnotwarlike,theMalazanEmpirehadforcedtheirhand,andnowthey foughtandscoutedalongsideCaladanBrood'sTisteAndlegionsagainstthe Empire. MoranthreportsplacedtheRhivifartothenorthandeast,andTocwas thankfulforthat.Hewasfeelingveryaloneoutinthiswasteland,yet lonelinesswasalesserevil,allthingsconsidered. Toc'ssingleeyewidened.Itseemedhewasn'tsoalone,afterall. Perhapsaleagueaheadravenswheeled.Themancursedandloosenedthe scimitarsheathedathiship.Hefoughttheurgetopushhishorseintoa gallopandsettledforaquicktrot. Ashenearedhesawtrampledgrassofftoonesideofthetrader'strack. Thecacklinglaughteroftheravenswastheonlysoundtobreakthestillness. Theyhadalreadybegunfeeding.Tocreinedinhishorseandsatunmovingin hissaddle,hunchedforward.Noneofthebodieshesawlookedasifthey wereapttostartmoving,andtheravens'preoccupiedsquabblingwasgood evidencethatanysurvivorshadlonggone.Still,heabadfeelingaboutthis. Somethinghungintheair,somethingbetweenasmellandataste. Hewaited,forwhathewasn'tcertain,butareluctancetomovegripped him.Allatonceheidentifiedthestrangenesshefelt:magic.Ithadbeen unleashedhere.'Ihatethis,'hemuttered,thendismounted. Theravensgavehimroom,butnotmuch.Ignoringtheiroutragedshrieks heapproachedthebodies.Theynumberedtwelveinall.Eightworethe uniformsofMalazanMarinesbuttheseweren'taveragesoldiers.Hisgaze narrowedonthesilversigilsontheirhelmets. 'Jakatakan,'hesaid.tlites.They'dbeencuttopieces. Heturnedhisattentiontotheremainingbodiesandfeltatremoroffear runthroughhim.NowondertheJakatakanhadtakensuchabeating.Toc strodetooneofthebodiesandcrouchedbesideit.Heknewsomethingofthe clanmarkingsamongtheBarghast,howeachhuntergroupwasidentified throughtheirwoadtattooing.Thebreathhissedbetweenhisteethandhe reachedouttoturnthesavage'sfacetowardshim,thenhenodded.These wereIlgresClan.BeforetheCrimsonGuardhadenlistedthem,theirhome territoryhadbeenfifteenhundredleaguestotheeast,amongthemountains justsouthofthePorule.SlowlyTocrose.TheIlgresnumberedamongthe strongestofthosewhohadjoinedtheCrimsonGuardatBlackdogForest,but, thatwasfourhundredleaguesnorth.Sowhathadbroughtthemhere? Thestenchofspilledmagicwaftedacrosshisfaceandheturned,hiseye fixingonabodyhehadn'tnoticedbefore.Itlaybesidescorchedgrass.'So,'he said,'myquestion'sanswered.'ThisbandhadbeenledbyaBarghastshaman. Somehow,they'dstumbledontoatrailandthisshamanhadrecognizeditfor

whatitwas.Tocstudiedtheshaman'sbody.Killedbyaswordwoundinthe throat.Theunleashingofsorceryhadbeentheshaman's,butnomagichad opposedhim.Andthatwasodd,particularlysinceitwastheshamanwho haddied,ratherthanwhomeverhe'dattacked. Tocgrunted.'Well,she'ssaidtobehellonmages.'Hewalkedaslowcircle aroundthekillsite,andfoundthetrailwithlittledifficulty.Someofthe Jakatakanhadsurvived,andfromthesmallersetofbootprints,sohadtheir charge.Andoverlayingthesetrackswerehalfadozenmoccasinprints.The trailveeredwesterlyfromthetrader'strack,yetstillledsouth. Returningtohishorse,Tocmountedandswungtheanimalaround. Heremovedtheshortbowfromitssaddleholsterandstrungit,then nockedanarrow.TherewasnohopeofcomingupontheBarghast undetected.Outonthisplainhe'dbevisiblealongtimebeforeentering arrowrangeandthatrangehadbecomemuchclosernowthathe'dlostan eye.Sothey'dbewaitingforhim,withthosedamnlances.Butheknewhe hadnochoice;hehopedonlytotakedownoneortwoofthembeforethey skeweredhim. Tocspatagain,thenwrappedthereinsaroundhisleftforearmand adjustedhisgriponthebow.Hegavethewideredscarcrossinghisfacea vigorous,painfulscratch,realizingthatthemaddeningitchwouldreturnin momentsanyway.'Ohwell,'hesaid,thendrovehisheelsintothehorse's flanks. ThelonehillthatroseupbeforeAdjunctLornwasnotanaturalone.The topsofmostlyburiedstonesencircleditsbase.Shewonderedwhatmightbe entombedwithinit,thendismissedhermisgivings.Ifthosestandingstones wereofthesizeshe'dseenrisingaroundthemysteriousbarrowsoutside Genabaris,thismounddatedbackmillennia.Sheturnedtothetwoexhausted marinesstumblinginherwake.'We'llmakeourstandhere.Youwiththe crossbow,Iwantyoulyinguptop.' Themanduckedhisheadinanswerandstaggeredtothemound'sgrassy summit.Bothheandhiscomradeseemedalmostrelieved,thashe'dcalleda halt,thoughtheyknewtheirdeathwasbutminutesaway. Lorneyedtheothersoldier.He'dtakenalancebarbinhisleftshoulder andthebloodstillflowedprofuselydownthefrontofhisbreastplate.Howhe hadstayedonhisfeetinthelasthourwasbeyondLorn'sunderstanding.He lookeduponherwitheyesdulledbyresignation,showingnothingofthepain hemustbefeeling. 'I'llholdyourleft,'hesaid,shiftinghisgriponthecurvedtulwarinhis righthand. Lornunsheathedherownlongswordandfixedherattentionnorthwards. OnlyfourofthesixBarghastwerevisible,approachingslowly. 'We'rebeingflanked,'shecalledouttohercrossbowman.'Taketheoneon yourleft.' Thesoldierbesidehergrunted.'Mylifeneednotbesheltered,'hesaid. 'Wewerechargedwithyourprotection,Adjunct' 'Quiet,'Lorncommanded.'ThelongeryoustandthebetterprotectedI'll

be,'shesaid. Thesoldiergruntedagain. ThefourBarghastwerelingeringnow,justoutofbowshotrange.Twostill carriedtheirlances;theothertwogrippedshortaxes.Thenavoicecriedout fartoLorn'srightandshewhirledtoseealancespeedingtowardsher,and behinditachargingBarghast. Lornbroughtherbladeacrossherbodyanddroppedintoacrouchasshe raisedtheweaponoverherhead.Herswordcaughtthelance'sshaftand evenasitdidsoshewasturning,pullingherweapontooneside. Thedeflectedlancespedpastandcrackedintothehillsideofftoherright. Behindhersheheardthecrossbowmanreleaseaquarrel.Asshespun backtothefourchargingBarghasttherecameascreamofpainfromthe othersideofthemound.Thesoldierbesideherseemedtohaveforgottenhis wound,ashegrippedhistulwarwithbothhandsandplantedhisfeetwide. 'Attend,Adjunct,'hesaid. TheBarghastofftotherightcriedoutandsheturnedtoseehimspinning withtheimpactofaquarrel. Thefourwarriorsbeforethemwerenomorethanthirtyfeetaway. Thetwowithlancesnowlaunchedthem.Lornmadenomove,realizing almostimmediatelythattheoneaimedatherwouldflywide.Thesoldier besideherdroppedawaytohisleft,butnotenoughtoavoidthelanceasit thuddedintohisrightthigh.Itstruckwithsuchforceastodriveright throughhislegandembeditselfintheearth.Thesoldierwaspinned,buthis onlyresponsewasasoftgasp,andheraisedhisswordtoparryanaxe swingingathishead. InthistimeLornhadalreadyclosedwiththeBarghastrushingather. Hisaxewasashorterweapon,andshetookadvantageofthiswithathrust beforehecameintohisownrange.Hebroughtthecoppersheathedhaftupto parry,butLornhadalreadyflickedherwrist,completingthefeintand dippingundertheaxe.HerlungeburiedtheswordpointintheBarghast's chest,slicingtheleatherarmourasifwerecloth. Herattackhadcommittedher,andherswordwasnearlywrenchedfrom herhandasthesavagetoppledbackwards.Offbalance,shestaggeredastep, expectingthecrushingblowofanaxe.Butitdidn't,arrive.Regainingher balanceshespunround,tofindhercrossbowmannowwieldinghistulwar, engagingtheotherBarghast.Lornsnappedherattentiontoseehowher otherguardfared. Somehow,hestilllived,thoughhefacedtwoBarghast.He'dmanagedto dragthelanceoutoftheearth,buttheweapon'sshaftremainedinhisleg. Thathewasabletomoveatall,muchlessdefendhimself,spokeeloquently ofJakatakandisciplineandtraining. LornrushedtoengagetheBarghastontheman'sright,nearesther.Even asshedidso,anaxeslippedpastthesoldier'sguardandstruckhimacross thechest.Scalesnappedastheheavyweapon'sedgerippedthrougharmour. Thesoldiergroanedandfelltooneknee,bloodsprurtingontotheground. Lornwasinnopositiontodefendhimandcouldonlywatchinhorroras

theaxeswungagain,thistimestrikingthemaninthehead.Hishelmet collapsedinwardandhisneckbroke.Hetoppledsideways,layingatLorn's feet.Herforwardmomentumcarriedherrightoverhim. Acursebrokefromherlipsasshesprawled,crashingintotheBarghin frontofher.Shetriedtobringthepointofherswordupbehindbuthe twistedlithelytoonesideandleapedaway.Lorntookaswingathim, missing,evenasshefell.Shefelthershoulderdislocateasshehitthehard ground,andthesworddroppedfromhernumbedhand.Now,shethought, theonlythinglefttodoisdie.Sherolledontoback. WithagrowltheBarghastwasstandingbesideher,axeraisedhigh.Lorn wasinagoodpositiontoseetheskeletalhandburstingfromearthbeneath theBarghast.Itgraspedanankle.Bonessnapped,thewarriorscreamed. Vaguely,asshewatched,shewonderedwheretheothertwosavageshad gone.Allsoundsoffightingseemedtobestopped,butthegroundrumbled withagrowing,urgentthunder. TheBarghaststareddownatthehandcrushinghisshin.Hescreamed againasthewide,rippledbladeofaflintswordshotupbetweenhislegs.The axeleftthewarrior'shandsashefranticallybroughtthemdowninaneffort todeflectthesword,twistingtoonesideandkickingouthisfreeleg.Itall cametoolate.Theswordimpaledhim,jammingagainsthishipboneand liftinghimfromtheground.Hisdyingshriekroseward. Lornclimbedtoherfeetwithdifficulty,herrightarmhanginguselessat herside.Sheidentifiedthethunderingsoundasthebeatofhoofs,andturned inthedirectionfromwhichtheycame.AMalazan.Asthatfactsankin,she swungherattentionfromtheriderandlookedaround.Bothherguardswere dead,andarrowsjuttedfromtwoBarghastbodies. Shetookashallowbreathallshecouldmanageaspainspreadacrossher chestandgazeduponthecreaturethathadrisenfromtheearth.Itwas cloakedinrottingfurs,anditstoodoverthewarrior'sbody,onelegstill clutchedinitshand.Theotherhandgrippedthesword,whichhadbeen pushedthelengthoftheBarghast'sbody,thepointemergingfromhisneck. 'Iwasexpectingyoudaysago,'Lornsaid,glaringatthefigure. Itturnedtoregardher,itsfacehiddeninshadowbeneaththeyellowed boneshelfofitshelmet.Thehelmet,shesaw,wastheskullcapofsome hornedbeast,onehornbrokenoffatitsbase. Theriderarrivedbehindher.'Adjunct!'hecalledout,dismounting.He cametoherside,bowstillinhishandandarrownocked.Hisloneeye glancedacrossLornand,seemingsatisfiedthatherwoundwasnotmortal, fixedonthemassivebutsquatcreaturefacingthem.'Hood'sBreath,aT'lan Imass.' LorncontinuedglaringattheT'lanImass.'Iknewyouwereabout.It'sthe onlythingthatexplainsaBarghastshamanbringinghimselfandhishand pickedhuntersintothearea.HemusthaveusedaWarrentogethere.So wherewereyou?' ToctheYoungerstaredattheAdjunct,amazedatheroutburst.Hisgaze flickedbacktotheT'lanImass.Thelasttimehe'dseenonewasinSeven

Cities,eightyearspast,andthenithadbeenfromadistanceastheundead legionsmarchedoutintothewesternwastelandsonsomemissioneventhe Empresscouldlearnnothingabout.Atthiscloserange,Toceagerlystudied theT'lanImass.Notmuchleftofit,heconcluded. Despitethesorcery,threehundredthousandyearshadtakentheirtoll. Theskinthatstretchedacrossthesquatman'srobustboneswasashiny nutbrownincolour,thetextureofleather.Whateverfleshithadonce coveredhadcontractedtothinstripstheconsistencyofoakrootssuch musclesshowedthroughtornpatcheshereandthere.Thecreature'sface, whatToccouldseeofit,boreaheavychinlessjawbone,highcheeksanda pronouncedbrowridge.Theeyesocketsweredarkholes. 'Iaskedyouaquestion,'Lorngrated.'Wherewereyou?' TheheadcreakedastheImasslookeddownatitsfeet.'Exploring,'itsaid quietlyinavoicebornofstonesanddust. Lorndemanded,'Yourname,T'lan?' 'OnosT'oolan,onceoftheTaradClan,oftheLogrosT'lan.Iwasbirthedin theautumnoftheBleakYear,theninthsontotheClawhettedaswarriorin theSixthJaghutWar' 'Enough,'Lornsaid.ShesaggedwearilyandTocmovedtoherside Glancingupathimshescowled,'Youlookgrim.'Thenasmallsmilecameto herlips.'Butgoodtome.' Tocgrinned.'Firstthingsfirst,Adjunct.Aplaceforyoutorest.'Shedidnot protestasheguidedhertoagrassyknollnearthebarrowandgentlypushed hertoherknees.HeglancedbacktoseetheT'lanImasstillstandingwhereit hadfirstemergedfromtheground.Ithadturnedhowever,andseemedtobe studyingthebarrow.'Wemustmakeyouarmimmobile,'Tocsaidtothe worn,weatheredwomankneelingbeforhim.'IamnamedToctheYounger,' hesaid,squattingdown. Sheraisedhergazeatthis.'Iknewyourfather,'shesaid.Hersmile returned.'Alsoagreatbowman.' Heduckedhisheadinreply. 'Hewasafinecommandertoo,'Lorncontinued,studyingtheravaged youthwhowasnowtendingtoherarm.'TheEmpresshasregrettedhis death' 'Notdeadforsure,'Tocinterrupted,histonetightandhissingleeye avertedashebeganremovingthegauntletfromherhand.'Disappeared. 'Yes,'Lornsaidsoftly.'DisappearedsincetheEmperor'sdeath.'Shewinced ashepulledawaythegauntletandtosseditaside. 'I'llneedsomestripsofcloth,'hesaid,rising. LornwatchedhimstridetooneoftheBarghastbodies.Shehadnotknown whoherClawcontactwouldbe,onlythathewasthelastleftaliveamong Dujek'sforces.Shewonderedwhyhehadveeredsosharplyfromhisfather's path.Therewasnothingpleasant,orproud,inbeingClaw.Onlyefficiency andfear. Hetookaknifetothebody'stannedleatherarmour,slicingitbackto revealaroughwoollenshirt,intowhichhecut.Thenhereturnedtoherside,

ahandfuloflongstripsinonehand.'Ididn'tknowyouhadaImassfor company,'hesaid,ashecrouchedbesideheragain. 'Theychoosetheirownmodesoftravel,'Lornsaid,ahintofangerinher voice.'Andcomewhentheyplease.Butyes,he'sanintegralplayerinmy mission.Shefellsilent,grittingherteethinpainasTocslippedthrudesling overhershoulderandunderherarm. 'Ihavelittlegoodtoreport,'Tocsaid,andhetoldherofParan's disappearance,andofWhiskeyjackandhissquaddepartingwithouttheyJI captaininattendance.Bythetimehehadfinishedhehadadjustedthesling tohisownsatisfaction,andsatbackonhishauncheswithsigh. 'Damn,'Lornhissed.'Helpmetomyfeet.' Afterhe'ddoneso,shewobbledabitandgrippedhisshouldertosteady herself.Thenshenodded.'Getmemysword.' Tocstrodetothespotshe'dindicated.Afterabriefsearchhefoundthe longswordinthegrass,andhiseyethinnedtoaslituponseeingthe weapon'sdustyredblade.Hebroughtittoher,andsaid,'AnOtataralsword, Adjunct,theorethatkillsmagic.' 'Andmages,'Lornsaid,takingtheweaponawkwardlyinherlefthandand sheathingit. 'Icameuponthedeadshaman,'Tocsaid. 'Well,'Lornsaid,'OtataralisnomysterytoyouoftheSevenCities,butfew hereknowit,andIwouldkeepitthatway.' 'Understood.'TocturnedtoregardtheimmobileImass. Lornseemedtoreadhisthought.'Otataralcannotquenchtheirmagic believeme,it'sbeentried.TheWarrensoftheImassaresimilartothoseof theJaghutandtheForkrulAssailElder,bloodandearthboundthat flintswordofhiswillneverbreak,anditcutsthroughthefinestironaseasily asitwillfleshandbone.' Tocshiveredandspat.'I'llnotenvyyouyourcompany,Adjunct.' Lornsmiled.'You'llbesharingitforthenextfewdays,ToctheYounger. We'vealongwalktoPale.' 'Six,sevendays,'Tocsaid.'Iexpectedyoutobemounted.' Lorn'ssighwasheartfelt.'TheBarghastshamanworkedhistalentson them.Adiseasetookthemall,evenmystallion,whichIbroughtwithme throughtheWarren.'Herlinedfacesoftenedmomentarily,andToccouldfeel hergenuinesorrow. Itsurprisedhim.Allthathe'dheardoftheAdjuncthadpaintedforhima pictureofacoldbloodedmonster,thegauntletedhandofdeaththatcould descendfromanywhereatanytime.Perhapsthissideofherexisted;he hopedhewouldnothavetoseeit.Thenagain,hecorrectedhimself,she'dnot sparedhersoldiersasecondglance.Tocspoke,'You'llridemymare,Adjunct. She'snowarhorse,butshe'squickandlongonendurance.' Theywalkedtowherehe'dlefthishorse,andLornsmiled.'That'sa Wickanbreed,ToctheYounger,'shesaid,asshelaidahandonthemare's neck,'soceasethemodesty,elseIlosetrustinyou.Afineanimal.' Tochelpedherintothesaddle.'DoweleavetheImasswhereitis?'he

asked. Lornnodded.'He'llfindhisownway.Now,let'sgivethismarethe opportunitytoproveherself.Wickanbloodissaidtosmellofiron.'She reacheddownandofferedherleftarm.'Mountup,'shesaid. Tocbarelymanagedtohidehisshock.SharethesaddlewiththeAdjunctof theEmpire?Thenotionwassoabsurdthathecameneartolaughing.'Ican walk,Adjunct,'hesaidgruffly.'Withsuchlittletimetowaste,youwouldbe bettertorideon,andridehard.You'llseePale'swallsinthreedays.Ican manageajogattenhourstretches.' 'No,ToctheYounger.'Lorn'stonebrookednoargument.'Ineedyouin Pale,andIneedtohearallthereisabouttheoccupyinglegions,andDujek, andTayschrenn.Bettertoarriveafewdayslatethanunprepared.Now, graspmyarmandlet'sbeonwithit.' Toccomplied. AshesankintothesaddlebehindLorn,hismaresnortedandstepped quicklytooneside.BothheandtheAdjunctalmostfell.Theyturnedtosee theT'lanImassstandingbesidethem.ItraiseditsheadtoLorn. 'Thebarrowhasyieldedatruth,Adjunct,'OnosT'oolansaid. Tocfeltherstiffen.'Andthatis?' 'Weareupontherightpath,'theT'lanImassreplied. SomethingtoldTocthatthepaththecreaturereferredtohadnothingto dowiththetrader'strackleadingsouthtoPale.Hecastonefinalglanceback atthebarrowasLornsilentlyswungthehorsearound,andthenatOnos T'oolan.Neitherseemedlikelytounveiltheirsecrets,butLorn'sreactionhad raisedthehairsonthebackofhisneck,andtheitcharoundhislosteye rouseditself.Tocmutteredacurseunderhisbreathandbegantoscratch. 'Somethingthematter,ToctheYounger?'Lornasked,notturning. Hethoughtabouthisreply.Hesaid,'Thepriceofbeingblind,Adjunct. Nothingmore.' CaptainParanpacedinthenarrowroom.Thiswasmadness!Allheknew wasthathewasbeinghidden,buttheonlyanswerstohisquestionswould comefromabedriddensorceresslockedinsomestrangefever,andanasty puppetwhosepaintedeyesseemedtofixonhimwithintensehatred. Vaguememorieshauntedhimaswell,thefeelofslick,coldstonesscraping beneathhisfingernailsatamomentwhenallhisstrengthhadpouredfrom hisbody;andthenthehazyvisionofamassivedogaHound?intheroom, adogthatseemedtobreathedeath.Ithadbeenseekingtokillthewoman, andhe'dstoppeditsomehow,hewasn'tsureofthedetails. Asuspicionnaggedhimthatthedogwasn'tdead,thatitwouldbeback. Thepuppetignoredmostofhisquestions,andwhenitdidspeaktohimit wastovoicedirethreats.Apparently,thoughtheSorceresswasill,her presencealonehercontinuedexistencewasallthatkeptHairlockfrom fulfillingthosethreats. WherewasWhiskeyjack?Hadthesergeantleftwithouthim?Whatwould thatdotoAdjunctLorn'splan? Heceasedpacingandturnedaglareonthesorceresslyinginthebed.

HairlockhadtoldParanthatshe'dsomehowhiddenhimwhenTayschrenn arrived,theHighMagehavingsensedthedog'spresence. Paranhadnomemoryofanyofthat,buthewonderedhowthewoman couldhavemanagedanythingafterthebeatingshe'dtaken.Hairlockhad scoffedthatthesorceresshadn'tevenbeenawareofopeningherWarren thatonelasttime;thatshe'ddoneitalloninstinct.Paranhadthefeelingthat themarionettehadbeenscaredbythatunveilingofpower.Hairlockseemed mosteagerforthewoman'sdeath,butwaseitherunabletoachieveithimself ortoofrightenedtotry.Thecreaturehadmutteredsomethingaboutwards she'draisedaboutherperson. YetParanfoundnothingtoimpedehisministrationswhenthefeverhad beenatitsworst.Ithadbrokenthepreviousnight,andnowParanfelthis impatiencereachingsomekindofthreshold.Thesorceressslept,butifshe didn'tawakensoonhe'dtakemattersintohisownhandsleavethishiding place,perhapsseekoutToctheYounger,providedhecouldavoid Tayschrennoranyofficersonhiswayoutofthebuilding. Paran'sunseeingglareremainedfixedonthesorceress,histhoughts racing.Slowly,anewawarenesstickledtheedgesofhismind,andhe abruptlyblinked.Thewoman'seyeswereopen,andtheystudiedhim. Hetookahalfstepforwardbutwasstoppeddeadbyherfirstwords. 'IheardtheCoindrop,Captain.' TheblooddrainedfromParan'sface.Anechoflitteredthroughhismemory. 'Acoin?'heasked,hisvoicebarelyawhisper.'Aspinningcoin?' Thevoicesofgods,ofdeadmenandwomen.HowlsofHoundsallpieces ofmymemory'storntapestry. 'Spinsnolonger,'thewomanreplied.Shepushedherselfintoasitting position.'Howmuchdoyouremember?' 'Scant,'thecaptainadmitted,surprisedathimselffortellingthetruth.'The puppetwillnoteventellmeyourname,'hesaid. 'Tattersail.I'vebeen,uh,inthecompanyofWhiskeyjackandhissquad.'A veilofcautionseemedtoslipoverhersleepygaze.'Iwastotakecareofyou untilyourhealthreturned.' 'Ibelieveyoudid,'Paransaid.'AndIreturnedthefavour,whichevensthe scales,Sorceress.' 'Soitdoes.Well,nowwhat?' Paran'seyeswidened.'Youdon'tknow?' Tattersailshrugged. 'Butthisisridiculous,'Paranexclaimed.'Iknownothingofwhat's happeninghere.Iawakentofindahalfdeadwitchandatalkingpuppetfor company,andofmynewcommandnotasinglesign.Havetheyleftfor Darujhistanalready?' 'Ican'tgiveyoumuchinthewayofanswers,'Tattersailmurmured'AllI cantellyouisthesergeantwantedyoualive,becauseheneedstoknowwho triedtoassassinateyou.We'dallliketoknow,infact.'Shefellsilent, expectant. Paranstudiedherround,ghostlypaleface.Therewassomethingabouther

thatseemedtodisregardherphysicalmundanity,overwhelmedit,infact,so thatthecaptainfoundhimselfrespondinginwaysthatsurprisedhim.Itwas, hesaw,afriendlyface,andhecouldn'trecallthelasttimehe'dexperienced suchathing.Itlefthimoffbalance,withonlyTattersailtosteadyhim.And thatmadehimfeelasifheweredescendingaspiral,withthesorceressinthe centre.Descending?Perhapsitwasanascent.Hewasn'tsure,andthe uncertaintymadehimwary. 'Irecallnothingofit,'hesaid.Andthatwasn'tentirelyalie,thoughitfelt likeitwithherheavyliddedeyessteadyuponhim. 'Ithink,'Paranadded,despitehismisgivings,'thereweretwoofthemI recallaconversation,thoughIwasdead.Ithink.' 'Butyouheardaspinningcoin,'Tattersailsaid. 'Yes,'heanswered,bewildered.AndmoreIwenttoaplaceyellow, infernallight,achorusofmoans,adeath'shead Tattersailnoddedtoherselfasifconfirmingasuspicion.'Agodintervened, CaptainParan.Returnedthelifetoyou.Youmightthinkitwasonyourbehalf, butI'mafraidtherewasn'tanyaltruisminvolvedAreyoufollowingme?' 'I'mbeingused,'Paranstatedflatly. Sheraisedaneyebrow.'Thatdoesn'tbotheryou?' Paranshruggedandturnedaway.'It'snothingnew,'hemuttered. 'Isee,'shesaidquietly.'SoWhiskeyjackwasright,then.You'renotjust somenewcaptain,you'resomethingalotmore.' 'That'smyconcern,'Paransnapped,stillavoidinghergaze.Thenhefaced her,hisexpressiondark.'Andwhat'syourroleinallthis?Youtookcareof me.Why?Servingyourgod,areyou?' Tattersailbarkedalaugh.'Notlikely.NordidIdomuchforyouinanycase. Oponntookcareofthat.' Paranstiffened.'Oponn?'TheTwins,sisterandbrother,theTwinsof Chance.Hewhopushes,shewhopulls.Havetheybeeninmydreams?Voices, mentionofmysword.Hewasstillforamoment,thenhestrodeovertothe dresser.Onitlayhissheathedsword.Helaidahandonthegrip.'Ipurchased thisswordthreeyearsago,thoughitsfirstusecamejustafewnightspast againstthedog.' 'Yourecallthat?' SomethinginTattersail'svoicebroughthimaround.Inhereyeshenow sawfear.Shemadenoattempttohideit.Henodded.'YetInamedthe weaponthedayIboughtit.' 'Thename?' Paran'sgrinwasghastly.'Chance.' 'Thepatternhasbeenlongintheweaving,'Tattersailsaid,closinghereyes andsighing.'ThoughIsuspectevenOponncouldnothaveimaginedyour bladetastingitsfirstbloodonaHoundofShadow.' Paranclosedhiseyes,thenhesighed.'ThedogwasaHound.' Shelookedathimandnodded.'You'vemetHairlock?' 'Ihave.' 'Bewarehim,'Tattersailsaid.'ItwashisunleashingofaWarrenofChaos

thatleftmefevered.IfWarrensareindeedstructured,thenHairlock'sis diametricallyopposedtomine.He'smad,Captain,andhevowedtokillyou.' Paranstrappedonhissword.'What'shisroleinallofthis?' 'I'mnotsure,'Tattersailsaid. Thatsoundedlikealie,butParanletitpass.'Hewascominginnightlyto checkonyourprogress,'hesaid.'ButIhaven'tseenhimthepasttwonights.' 'HowmanydayshaveIbeenout?' 'Six,Ithink.I'mnomorecertainoftime'spassagethanyouare,I'mafraid.' Hestrodetothedoor.'AllIknowis,Ican'tjusthidehereforever.' 'Wait!' Paransmiled.'Verywell.'Hefacedheragain.'Tellmewhyshouldn'tI leave?' Thesorceresshesitated,thenspoke.'Istillneedyouhere,'shesaid. 'Why?' 'It'snotmethatHairlock'safraidof,'sheanswered,seemingtofindthe wordsdifficult.'It'syouyourswordthat'skeptmealive.Hesawwhatyou managedtodototheHound.' 'Damn,'hehissed.Thoughessentiallystillastrangertohim,she'dreached throughtohimwithheradmission.Hetriedtofightthecompassionwelling upinsidehim.Hetoldhimselfthathismissionoverrodeallotherconcerns, thathe'drepaidhisdebttoher,ifevertherewasone,thatshehadn'tgiven himallthereasonshesuspectedexistedforhisstayinghidden,meaningshe didn'ttrusthimhetoldhimselfallthesethings,butnoneofitwasenough. 'Ifyougo,'shesaid,'Hairlockwillkillme.' 'Whatofthewardsaboutyou?'hedemanded,almostdesperately. 'Hairlocksaidyou'vewardsaboutyou.' Tattersail'ssmilewasdrawn.'Youthinkhe'djustcomerightoutandtell youhowdangerousyoureallyare?Wards?'Shelaughed.'I'vebarelythe strengthtositstraight.IfIattemptedtoopenmyWarreninthisstatethe powerwouldconsumeme,burnmetoashes.Hairlockwantsyoukeptinthe darkabouteverything.Thepuppetlied.' EventhisranglikeahalftruthinParan'sears.Buttherewasenoughthere thatmadesense,thatgavereasontoHairlock'shatredofhim,andthe puppet'sobviousfear.ThegreaterdeceitwouldcomefromHairlock,not Tattersail,orsohebelieved,thoughtherewaslittletosupportthatbelief onlyatleastTattersailwashuman.Hesighed.'Soonerorlater,'hesaid, unclippinghisswordbeltandreturningittothedresser,'YouandIwillhave tocutpastallthismisleadinggameplaying.Oponnorno,we'veacommon enemy.' Tattersailsighed.'Thankyou.CaptainParan?' Heeyedherwarily.'What?' Shesmiled.'Itisgoodtomeetyou.' Hescowled.Shewasatitagain. 'Thisseemsanunhappyarmy,'Lornsaid,astheywaitedoutsidePale's northgate.Oneoftheguardshadenteredthecityinsearchofanotherhorse, whiletheremainingthreestoodmutteringashortdistanceaway.

ToctheYoungerhaddismounted.Hemovedclosetohishorseandsaid,'It is,Adjunct.Veryunhappy.AlongwiththedismantlingoftheSecondandSixth Armiescameashufflingofcommands.Nobody'swheretheywerebefore, rightdowntothegreenestrecruit.Squadssplitupeverywhere.Andnow there'stherumourthattheBridgeburnersaregoingtoberetired.'He glancedoveratthethreemarines,sawtheirhardeyesonhimandthe Adjunct.'Peoplearoundheredon'tlikethat,'hesaidquietly. Lornleanedbackinhersaddle.Thepaininhershoulderhadbecomea steadythrob,andshewasgladthejourneywasdoneatleastforthetime being.They'dseennothingoftheT'lanImasssincethebarrow,thoughshe oftensensedhispresence,inthedustywind,beneaththeplain'scrackedpan. WhileinthecompanyofToctheYoungershe'dsensedtherestlessanger churningamongtheMalazanforcesonthiscontinent. InPale,tenthousandsoldierscrowdedtheedgeofrevolt,thespiesamong thembrutallyremoved,awaitingonlyHighFistDujek'sword. AndtheHighMageTayschrennwasn'teasingthesituationbyopenly countermandingDujek'sinstructionstohisofficers.Yetwhattroubledthe AdjunctthemostwasthisvaguetaleofaHoundofShadowdoingbattlewith the2nd'slastcadremagetherewasamysterythere,andshesuspectedit wasvital.Therestcouldbedealtwith,providedshetookcharge. TheAdjunctwaseagerforhermeetingwithTayschrennandthissorceress Tattersailthenamewasfamiliar,tuggingatmemoriesthatseemedbornin herchildhood.Andaroundsuchevasivehintsrustledacloakoffear.Butshe wasdeterminedtodealwiththatwhenthetimecame. Thegateswungopen.Shelookeduptoseethemarinewithawarhorse, andtheyhadcompany.ToctheYoungersnappedasalute,theenergybehind itmakingLornwonderathisloyalty.TheAdjunctdismountedslowly,then noddedatHighFistDujek. Themanseemedtohaveagedadozenyearssinceshe'dlastseenhim, thirteenmonthsagoinGenabaris.AsmallsmilecametoLorn'smouthasthe sceneemergedinhermind:theHighFistaworn,wearyonearmedman,the Empress'sAdjunct,herswordarminasling,andToctheYounger,last representativeoftheClawonGenabackis,oneeyedandhalfhisfacescarred byfire.Heretheywere,representativesofthreeofthefourEmpirepowers onthecontinent,andtheyalllookedlikehell. Misreadinghersmile,Dujekgrinned.'Goodtoseeyou,too,Adjunct.Iwas overseeingtheresupplywhenthisguardbroughtwordofyourarrival.'His gazegrewthoughtfulashestudiedher,thegrinfading.'I'llfindyouaDenul healer.Adiunct.' 'Sorcerydoesn'tworkonme,HighFist.Ithasn'tinalongtime.Amundane healerissufficient.'HergazenarrowedonDujek.'AssumingI'llhavenoneed tounsheathmyswordwithinthewallsofPale.' 'Imakenoguarantees,Adjunct,'Dujeksaidcasually.'Come,letuswalk.' LornturnedtoToctheYounger.'Thankyoufortheescortsoldier.' Dujeklaughed,hiseyesbrightonToc.'Unnecessary,Adjunct.Iknowwho, andwhat,ToctheYoungerisasdoesvirtuallyeveryoneelse.Ifhe'sasgood

aClawasheisasoldier,you'ddowelltokeephim.Dujekgesturedthatthey walk.'MeaningthathisreputationasasoldieroftheSecondistheonlything preventingaknifeacrossthethroat.MeaninggethimoutofPale.' TheAdjuncteyedToc.'Iwillseeyoulater.'shesaidjoiningDujek,whohad passedbeneaththegate'smassivearch,Lornmatchedhispaceasthey enteredthecity.Soldierscrowdedthestreets,directingmerchantwagons andthemobsofcitizenry.Evidenceoftherainofdeathstillscarredmanyof thebuildings,butlabourershadbeen 'Thenobilityareabouttobeculled,'Dujeksaidatherside. 'Empirepolicy,'Lornrepliedstiffly.'You'rewellawareofthat,HighFist.' Dujekglaredather.'Nineoutoftennoblestohang,Adjunct?Children included?' Lornstaredathim.'Thatseemsexcessive.' Dujekwassilentforatime,leadingherdownthemainavenuethen headinguphilltowardstheEmpireheadquarters.Manyfacesturnedto regardthemstonilyastheypassed,itseemedDujek'sidentitywasknown amongPale'scitizens.Lorntriedtosensetheatmospherehispresence created,butcouldn'tbecertainifitwasfearorrespect,orboth. 'Mymission,'Lornsaid,astheyapproachedathreestoreystonebuilding, itsentranceblockedbyadozenwatchfulmarines,'willtakemeoutofthecity soon' 'Idon'twantanydetails,Adjunct,'Dujekcutin.'Youdowhatyouhaveto doandjuststayoutofmyway.' Histonewasunthreatening,almostpleasant,butLornfelthermuscles tense.Thismanwasbeingpushed,andTayschrennwasdoingthepushing. WhatwastheHighMageupto?Thewholesituationstankofincompetence. 'AsIwassaying,'Lorncontinued,'Iwon'tbeherelong.WhenIamhere, however,'andhervoicehardened,'IwillmakeplaintotheHighMagethat hisinterferenceinthecity'smanagementwillnotbetolerated.Ifyouneed backing,youhaveit,Dujek.' Theystoppedjustoutsidethebuilding'sentrance,andtheoldmangazed steadilyather,asifweighinghersincerity.Butwhenhespoke,hiswords surprisedher.'Icantakecareofmyownproblems,Adjunct.Dowhatyouwill, butI'mnotaskingforanything.' 'You'llpermittheexcessivecullingofthenobility,then?' Dujek'sexpressionsetintostubbornlines.'Battletacticscanbeappliedin anysituation,Adjunct.AndtheHighMageisnotactician.'Heturnedandled herupthesteps.Twoguardsopenedthedoors,whichlookednewandwere bandedinbronze.TheHighFistandtheAdjunctentered. Theystrodedownalong,widehallwaymarkedbydoorsoneitherside everydozenfeetorso.Marinesstoodguardbeforeeachone,handsontheir weapons.ItwascleartoLornthattheincidentwiththeHoundhad heightenedwarinesstoanalmostabsurddegree.Thenathoughtstruckher. 'HighFist,havetherebeenattemptsonyourlife?' Dujek'sgruntwasamused.'Fourinthelastweek,Adjunct.Yougetusedto it.Allthesemarinesherevolunteeredthemselvestheydon'tevenlistento

meanymore.ThelastassassinwassobadlychoppedupIcouldn'teven makeoutifitwasamanorawornan.' 'YouhavealotofSevenCitiesnativesinyourlegions,HighFist?' 'Aye.Loyaltoafaultwhentheywanttobe.' Loyaltowhat,Lornwondered,andtowhom?SevenCitiesrecruitswere beingsentelsewherethesedays.TheEmpressdidnotwishDujek'ssoldiers tobecomeawarethattheirhomelandwasonthebrinkofopenrebellion. SuchnewsmightwelltipthescaleshereonGenabackis,andthatinturn wouldtriggerSevenCitiesitself.BothLornandtheEmpresswerewellaware howdangerousthingshadbecome,andtheyhadtotreadcarefullyindeedin theireffortstorepairthedamage.Anditwasnowbecomingobviousthat Tayschrennpresentedamajorproblem. SherealizedthatsheneededDujek'ssupportmorethanheneededhers. Theyarrivedatthehall'sendwherestoodmassivedoubledoors.The soldiersateithersidesalutedtheHighFistthenopenedthem.Beyondwasa largechamberdominatedbyahardwoodtableinitscentre.Maps,scrolls,ink andpaintjarscrowdeditssurface.DujekandLornenteredandthedoors wereshutbehindthem. 'Tayschrennhasbeeninformedofyourarrival,butwillbedelayed somewhat,'Dujeksaid,sittingontheedgeofthetable.'Ifyouhavequestions regardingtherecenteventsatPale,askthemnow.' Sheknewhewasgivinghertheopportunitytohearanswersthatdidn't comefromTayschrenn.Thoughastowhoseversionofthetruthshewould acceptwasuptoher.LornbegantoappreciateDujek'scommentaboutbattle tactics.Shestrodetoanearbychairandsettledslowlyintoitscushions.'Very well,HighFist.Smallmattersfirst.Haveyouencounteredanydifficultywith theMoranth?' Dujekscowled.'Funnyyoushouldask.They'regettingprettyhighminded aboutsomethings.IhadahellofatimegettingtheGoldlegionstheire1ite warriorstofightCaladanBrood.Seemstheyconsiderhimtoohonourable totreatasanenemy.Thewholealliancewasonshakygroundforawhile there,butintheendtheymarched.SoonI'llsendtheBlacktojointhern.' Lornnodded.'SimilarproblemswiththeGreenandtheBlueinGenabaris,' shesaid,'whichexplainswhyIcameoverland.TheEmpresssuggestswe makethemostofthealliance,sinceitmaynotlast.' 'Wehaven'tmuchchoice,'Dujekgrowled.'HowmanylegionswillIhavein thespringlanding?' Lornhesitated,thensaid,'Two.AndaregimentofWickanlancers.The WickansandtheEleventhLegionwilldisembarkatNathilog.TheNinthwill landinNisstandjoinwiththeconscriptforcestheEmpresstruststhelatter reinforcementswillbesufficienttobreaktheCrimsonGuardatFoxPass, thusopeningBrood'sflank.' 'ThentheEmpressisafool,'Dujeksaid,histonehard.'Theconscriptsare nexttouseless,Adjunct,andbythistimenextyeartheCrimsonGuardwill haveliberatedNisst,Treet,OneEyeCat,Porule,Garaltand' 'Iknowthelist.'Lornroseabruptly.'You'llreceivetwomorelegionsnext

year,HighFist.That'sit.' Dujekthoughtforatime,hisgazeonthemappeggedtothetabletop. Lornwaited.Sheknewhewaslostinreordering,reevaluatinghisplans fornextseason'scampaign,thathe'denteredaworldofmaterieland divisions,insecondguessingCaladanBroodandthecommanderofthe CrimsonGuard,PrinceK'azz.Finallyheclearedhisthroat.'Adjunct,isit possibletoreversethelandings?TheEleventhandtheWickanlancers disembarkingontheeastcoast,southofApple.TheNinthonthewestcoast, toTulips.' Lornstrodetothetableandstudiedthemap.Tulips?Whythere?That madenosenseatall.'TheEmpresswouldbecuriousastoyourrevisedplans, HighFist.' 'Meaning"maybe".'Dujekrubbedthestubbleonhisjaw,thengaveasharp nod.'Allright,Adjunct.First,theconscriptswillnotholdFoxPass.The CrimsonGuardwillbeintothenorthlandsbythetimeourreinforcements arrive.Muchofthatareaisfarmland,pasture.Asweretreat,pullingthe conscriptsbacktoNisst,werazethecountryside.Nocrops,nolivestock. WhateversuppliesK'azzwillneedhe'llhavetobringwithhim.Now,Adjunct, anyarmyonthemove,anyarmypursuingaroutedarmy,isboundtoleave itssupplytrainbehind,stringitoutinitshastetocatchitsenemyanddeliver thekillingblow.Andthat'swheretheWickanlancerscomein.' TheWickanwerebornraiders,Lornknew.Insuchcountrysidethey'dbe elusive,strikingquicklyandwithdeadlyconsequences.'AndtheEleventh? Wherewilltheybeinallthis?' 'AthirdwillbestationedinNisst.Therestwillbeonthequickmarchto FoxPass.' 'WhileCaladanBroodremainssouthofBlackdogForest?Thatdoesn't makesense,HighFist.' 'YousuggestedusingtheMoranthforallit'sworth,didn'tyou?Well,from TulipstheMoranthandtheirQuorlwillbestagingamassivelift.' Dujek'sgazenarrowedashestudiedthemap.'IwanttheNinthsouthof BlackdogSwampbythetimeIbringupmyforcesfromhereandplacethem southofBrood.AconcertedpushfromtheGoldandBlackshouldpushhim rightintoourlaps,whilehisallies,theCrimsonGuard,arestuckonthe wrongsideofFoxPass.' 'Youintendtotransportanentirelegionbyair?' 'DoestheEmpresswantthiswarwoninherlifetimeornot?'Hepushed himselfawayfromthetableandpaced.'Mindyou,'hesaid,asifstruckby suddendoubts,'itmayallbeacademic.IfIwereBroodI'd' Hisvoicetrailedaway,andhefacedtheAdjunct.'Willthetransportorders bereversed?' Lornsearchedhisface.SomethingtoldherthattheHighFisthadjustmade anintuitiveleap,andithadtodowithCaladanBrood,andthatasfaras Dujekwasconcerned,itwasindeednowacademic.Shealsorealizedthatthis wassomethinghewouldn'tsharewithher.Shescannedthemapagain, tryingtoseewhatDujekhadseen.Butitwashopeless,shewasnotactician.

TryingtoguessDujek'sthoughtswashardenough;buttotrythesamewith CaladanBroodwasimpossible.'Yourplan,althoughbrash,isnowofficially acceptedonbehalfoftheEmpress.Yourrequestwillbefulfilled.' Dujeknoddedhalfheartedly. 'Onething,HighFist,beforeTayschrennarrives.TherewasaHoundof Shadowhere?' 'Yes,'themansaid.'Iwasn'thereatthetime,butIsawthemessthebeast leftbehind.IfnotforTattersailitwould'vebeenfarworse.' LornsawaglintofhorrorinDujek'seyesandintohermindreturnedthe scenefromthecoastroadwestofItkoKan,twoyearsago.'I'veseenthework ofHoundsbefore,'shesaid,meetinghiseyes. Inthatmomentoflockedgazestheysharedsomethingprofound.Then Dujekpulledhiseyesaway.'ThisTattersail,'Lornsaid,tohideapangof regret,'Mustbeaverycapablesorceress.' 'TheonlycadremagetohavesurvivedTayschrenn'sassaultonMoon's Spawn,'Dujekreplied. 'Indeed?'ToLorn,thatrevelationwasevenmoreremarkable.She wonderedifDujeksuspectedanything,buthisnextwordsputheratease. 'Shecalleditluck,onbothcounts,andshemightberight.' 'Hasshebeenacadremageforalongtime?'Lornasked. 'EversinceItookcommand.Perhapseight,nineyears.' ThefamiliarityofTattersail'snamereturnedtoLornthen,likeamailedfist clenchingherheart.Shefoundherselfsittingdownagain,andDujekhad takenasteptowardsher,genuineconcerninhiseyes. 'Yourinjuryneedsattendingto,'hesaidgruffly.'Ishouldn'thavewaited.' 'No,no,it'sallright.Weariness,that'sall.' Hestudiedherquizzically.'Wouldyoulikesomewine,Adjunct?' Shenodded.Tattersail.Wasitpossible?Shewouldknowwhenshesawthe woman.Shewouldknowthen.'Nineyears,'shemurmured,'theMouse.' 'Ibegyourpardon?' ShelookeduptofindDujekbeforeher.Heofferedheragobletofwine. 'Nothing,'shesaid,assheacceptedit.'Thankyou.' Asthedoubledoorsswungopenbothturned.InstrodeTayschrenn,his facedarkwithfuryasheconfrontedDujek. 'Damnyou,'theHighMagegrated.'IfyouhadahandinthisI'llfindit,and thatisapromise.' Dujekraisedaneyebrow.'Ahandinwhat,HighMage?'heaskedcoolly. 'I'vejustbeentotheHallofRecords.Afire?Theplacelooksliketheinside ofanoven.' Lornroseandsteppedbetweenthem.'HighMageTayschrenn,'shesaid,in alow,dangeroustone,'perhapsyoucouldtellmewhythismatterofsome fireinsomebureaucrat'schambershouldoverrideallotherconsiderations?' Tayschrennblinked.'Ibegyourpardon,Adjunct,'hesaidtightly,'but withintheHallofRecordswerethecity'scensuslists.'Hisdarkeyesswung pasthertofixonDujek.'WhereinallthenamesofPalesnobilitycouldbe found.'

'Unfortunate,'theHighFistsaid.'Haveyoubegunaninvestigation?My staffsservicesare,ofcourse,entirelyatyourdisposal.' 'Unnecessary,HighFist,'thewizarddrawledsardonically.'Whymakeall yourotherspiesredundant?'Tayschrennpaused,thensteppedbackand bowedtoLorn.'Greetings,Adjunct.Iapologizeforthisungraciousseeming reunion' 'Saveyourapologiesforlater,"Lornsaidlevelly.ShefacedDujek. 'Thankyouforthewineandconversation,'shesaid,notingwith satisfactionTayschrenn'sstiffeningatthat.'Itrustthere'llbeaformaldinner thisevening?' Dujeknodded.'Ofcourse,Adjunct.' 'WouldyoubesokindastorequestTattersail'sattendanceaswell?' ShefeltyetanotherflinchcomefromtheHighMage,andsawinDujek's gazeanewrespectashelookeduponher,asifacknowledgingherownskills inthisbrandoftactics. Tayschrenninterrupted.'Adjunct,thesorceresshasbeenillasaresultof herencounterwiththeHoundofShadow,'heturnedasmileonDujek,'which I'msurehasbeendescribedtoyoubytheHighFist.' Notwellenough,Lornthoughtruefully,butletTayschrennimaginethe worst.'I'minterestedinawizard'sevaluationofthatevent,HighMage,'she said. 'Whichyoushallhaveshortly.' Dujekbowed.'IwillinquireastoTattersail'shealth,Adjunct.Ifyouwill excuseme,then,Icanbeonmyway.'HeturnedtoTayschrennandgavea curtnod. Tayschrennwatchedtheonearmedoldmanleavetheroom,thenwaited forthedoorstocloseonceagain.'Adjunct,thissituationis' 'Absurd,'Lornfinishedhotly.'Dammit,Tayschrenn,where'syoursense? You'vetakenonthecraftiestbastardtheEmpiremilitaryhaseverhadthe privilegeofpossessingandhe'seatingyoualive.'Shespuntothetableand refilledhergoblet.'Andyoudeserveit.' 'Adjunct' Shefacedhim.'No.Listen,Tayschrenn.IspeakdirectlyfromtheEmpress. ShereluctantlyapprovedyourcommandeeringtheassaultonMoon's Spawnbutifshe'dknownyousothoroughlylackedsubtlety,shewould neverhavepermittedit.Doyoutakeeveryoneelseforfools?' 'Dujekisjustoneman,'Tayschrennsaid. Lorntookalargemouthfulofwine,thensetdownthegobletandrubbed herbrow.'Dujek'snottheenemy,'shesaidwearily.'Dujek'sneverbeenthe enemy.' Tayschrennsteppedforward.'HewastheEmperor'sman,Adjunct.' 'Challengingthatman'sloyaltytotheEmpireisinsulting,andit'sthatvery insultthatmaywellturnhim.Dujekisnotjustoneman.Rightnowhe'sten thousand,andinayear'stimehe'llbetwentyfivethousand.Hedoesn'tyield whenyoupush,doeshe?No,becausehecan't.He'sgottenthousandsoldiers behindhimand,believeme,whentheygetangryenoughtopushback,

you'llnotbeabletowithstandthem.AsforDujek,he'lljustendupbeing carriedonthetide.' 'Thenheisatraitor.' 'No.He'samanwhocaresforthoseheisresponsibleforandto.He'sthe bestoftheEmpire.Ifhe'sforcedtoturn,Tayschrenn,thenwe'rethetraitors. AmIgettingthrough?' TheHighMage'sfacewaslinedwithadeep,disturbedfrown.'Yes, Adjunct,'hesaidquietly.'Youare.'Helookedup.'ThistasktheEmpresshas commandedofme,itweighsheavily,Adjunct.Thesearenotmystrengths.It woulddowellifyoudismissedme.' Lorngavethatseriousconsideration.Magesbynaturenevercommanded loyalty.Fear,yes,andtherespectbornoffear,buttheonethingamagefound difficulttounderstandorcopewithwasloyalty.Andyettherehadbeenone mage,longago,whohadcommandedloyaltyandthatwastheEmperor. Shesaid,'HighMage,weareallagreedononething.Theoldguardmust disappear.AllwhostoodwiththeEmperorandstillclingtohismemorywill everworkagainstus,whetherconsciouslyorunconsciously.Dujekisan exception,andthereisahandfulofotherslikehim.Thosewemustnotlose. Asfortheothers,theyhavetodie.Theriskliesinalertingthemtothatfact.If we'retooopenwemayendupwithaninsurrectionthesizeofwhichcould destroytheEmpire.' 'ApartfromDujekandTattersail,'Tayschrennsaid,'we'vecleanedout everyoneelse.AsforWhiskeyjackandhissquad,he'sallyours,Adjunct.' 'Withluck,'Lornsaid,thenfrownedastheHighMagewinced. 'What'sthematter?' Herose.'IperusemyDeckofDragonsnightly,'hesaid.'AndI'mcertain thatOponnhasenteredtheworldofmortalaffairs.Tattersail'sownreading didmuchtoconfirmmysuspicions.' Lornlookedathimsharply.'She'sanAdept?' 'FarmoreadeptthanI,'Tayschrennadmitted. Lornthought.'WhatcanyoutellmeofOponn'sinvolvement?' 'Darujhistan,'Tayschrennreplied. Lornclosedhereyes.'Iwasafraidyou'dsaythat.WeneedDarujhistan desperately.Itswealth,comingintoourhands,wouldbreakthiscontinent's back.' 'Iknow,Adjunct.Butthematterisevenworsethanyourealize.Ialso believethat,somehow,WhiskeyjackandTattersailareinleaguewithone another.' 'AnywordofwhathappenedtoCaptainParan?' 'None.Someoneishidinghim,orhisbody.I'minclinedtobelievehe'sdead, Adjunct,buthissoulhasyettopassthroughHood'sGateandonlyamage couldpreventthat.' 'Tattersail?' TheHighMageshrugged.'Possibly.Iwouldknowmoreofthiscaptain's roleinallthis.' Lornhesitated,thensaid,'Hewasengagedinalong,arduoussearch.'

Tayschrenngrowled,'Perhapshefoundwhateverhewasseeking.' Lorneyedhim.'Perhaps.Tellme,howgoodisTattersail?' 'GoodenoughtobeaHighMage,'Tayschrennsaid.'Goodenoughto surviveaHound'sattackandtodriveitaway,thoughIwouldnotthinksuch athingpossible.EvenIwouldhavedifficultymanagingthat.' 'Maybeshehadhelp,'Lornmurmured. 'Ihadn'tthoughtofthat.' 'Thinkonitnow,'Lornsaid.'Butbeforeyoudo,theEmpressrequeststhat youcontinueyourefforts,thoughnotagainstDujek. 'You'reneededhereasaconduitincasemymissiongoeswrongin Darujhistan.DonotinvolveyourselfwithmanagingtheoccupationofPale. Further,youaretoprovideDujekwithdetailsonOponn'sappearance.Ifa godhasenteredthefray,hehasarighttoknowandtoplanaccordingly.' 'HowcanoneplananythingwithOponninthegame?' 'LeavethattoDujek.'Shestudiedhisface.'Doyouhavedifficultywithany oftheseinstructions?' Tayschrennsmiled.'Intruth,Adjunct,I'mgreatlyrelieved.' Lornnodded.'Good.Now,Ineedamundanehealerandquarters.' 'Ofcourse.'Tayschrennstrodetothedoors,thenpausedandturned. 'Adjunct,Iamgladyou'rehere.' 'Thankyou,HighMage.'Afterheleft,Lornsankintoherchairandher mindtravelledbacknineyears,tothesightsandsoundsexperiencedbya child,toanight,oneparticularnightintheMouse,wheneverynightmarea younggirl'simaginationcouldholdbecamereal.Sherememberedblood, bloodeverywhere,andtheemptyfacesofhermother,herfatherandolder brotherfacesnumbedbytherealizationthatthey'dbeenspared,thatthe bloodwasn'ttheirown.Asthememoriesstalkedonceagainthroughher mind,anamerodethewinds,rustlingintheairasifclawingthroughdead branches.Lorn'slipsparted,andshewhispered,'Tattersail.' Thesorceresshadfoundthestrengthtoleaveherbed.Shenowstoodat thewindow,leaningwithonehandagainsttheframeforsupport,andlooked downonastreetcrowdedwithmilitarywagons.Thesystematicplunderthat quartermasterscalled'resupply'waswellunderway.Theevictionofnobility andgentryfromtheirfamilialestatesforthestationingoftheofficercorps,of whichshewasone,hadendeddaysago,whiletherepairingoftheouter walls,therefittingofsunderedgates,andtheclearingof'Moonrain' continuedapace. Shewasgladshe'dmissedtheriverofcorpsesthatmusthavefilledthecity streetsduringtheinitialphaseofcleanupwagonafterwagongroaning beneaththeweightofcrushedbodies,whitefleshsearedbyfireandslashed bysword,ratgnawedandravenpeckedmen,women,andchildren.Itwas asceneshehadwitnessedbefore,andshehadnowishevertoseeitagain. Now,shockandterrorhadseepeddownandoutofsight.Scenesof normalityreappearedasfarmersandmerchantsemergedfromhidingto meettheneedsofoccupiersandoccupiedalike.Malazanhealershadswept thecity,rootingoutthebirthingofplagueandtreatingcommonailments

amongallthosetheytouched.Nocitizenwouldhavebeenturnedfromtheir path.Andsentimentsbeganthelong,perfectlyplannedswing. Soon,Tattersailknew,there'dbethecullingofthenobility,ascourgethat wouldraisetothegallowsthegreediest,leastlikednobles.Andthe executionswouldbepublic.Atriedandtrueprocedurethatswelled recruitmentonatideofbasevengeancewitheveryhandstainedbya righteousglee.Aswordinsuchhandscompletedtheconspiracyandincluded allplayersinthehuntforthenextvictimtothecausetheEmpire'scause. She'dseenitrunitscourseinahundredsuchcities.Nomatterhowbenign theoriginalrulers,nomatterhowgenerousthenobility,thewordofEmpire, weightedbymight,twistedthepastintoatyrannyofdemons.Asad commentonhumanity,abitterlessonmadefoulbyherownroleinit. InhermindreturnedthefacesoftheBridgeburners,astrange counterpointtothecynicismwithwhichsheviewedallaroundher. Whiskeyjack,amanpushedtotheedge,or,rather,theedgecreepingon himonallsides,acrumblingofbeliefs,afailingoffaiths,leavingashislast claimtohumanityhissquad,ashrinkinghandfuloftheonlypeoplethat matteredanymore.Butheheldon,andhepushedbackpushedbackhard. Shelikedtothinkno,shewantedtobelievehewouldwinoutintheend, thathe'dlivetoseehisworldstrippedoftheEmpire. QuickBenandKalam,seekingtotaketheresponsibilityfromtheir sergeant'sshoulders.Itwastheironlymeansoflovingtheman,though they'dneverputitinsuchterms.Intheothers,barringSorry,shesawthe same,yetwiththemtherewasadesperationthatshefoundendearing,a childlikeyearningtorelieveWhiskeyjackofeverythingtheirgrimplacehad laiduponhim. Sherespondedtotheminawaydeeperthanshe'dthoughtpossible,froma coreshe'dlongbeenconvincedwasburnedout,theashesscatteredinsilent lamentacorenomagecouldafford.Tattersailrecognizedthedanger,but thatonlymadeitallthemorealluring. Sorrywasanothermatter,andshefoundherselfavoidingeventhinking aboutthatyoungwoman. AndthatleftParan.Whattodoaboutthiscaptain?Atthemomenttheman wasintheroom,seatedonthebedbehindherandoilinghissword,Chance. They'dnotspokenmuchsinceshe'dawakenedfourdaysago. Therewasstilltoomuchdistrust. Perhapsitwasthatmystery,thatuncertainty,thatmadethemsoattracted tooneanother.Andtheattractionwasobvious:evennow,withherbackto theman,shesensedatautthreadbetweenthem.Whateverenergyburned betweenthem,itfeltdangerous.Whichmadeitexciting. Tattersailsighed.Hairlockhadappearedthisverymorning,eagerand agitatedaboutsomething.Thepuppetwouldnotanswertheirqueries,but thesorceresssuspectedthatHairlockhadfoundatrail,anditseemedit mighttakethepuppetoutofPaleandontoDarujhistan. Thatwasnotahappythought. Shestiffenedasthewardshe'dplacedoutsideherdoorwastripped.

TattersailwhirledtoParan.'Avisitor,'shesaid. Herose,Chanceinhishands. Thesorceresswavedherhandoverhim.'You'renolongervisible,Captain. Norcananyonesenseyourpresence.Makenosound,andwaithere.'She strodeintotheouterroomjustasasoftknocksoundedonthedoor. Sheopenedittoseeayoungmarinestandinginthehallway.'Whatisit?' shedemanded. Themarinebowed.'HighFistDujekisinquiringastoyourhealth, Sorceress.' 'Muchbetter,'shesaid.'That'skindofhim.Now,ifyou'll' Themarineinterrupteddiffidently.'Ifyouansweredasyoujusthave,Iam toconveytheHighFist'srequestthatyouattendaformalsupperthis eveninginthemainbuilding.' Tattersailcursedsilently.Sheshouldn'thavetoldthetruth.Now,itwastoo late.A'request'fromhercommanderwasnotsomethingthatcouldbe denied.'InformtheHighFistthatIwillbehonouredtosharehiscompany oversupper.'Athoughtstruckher.'MayIaskwhoelsewillbepresent?' 'HighMageTayschrenn,amessengernamedToctheYounger,andAdjunct Lorn.' 'AdjunctLornishere?' 'Arrivedthismorning,Sorceress.' Oh,Hood'sBreath.'Conveymyreply,'Tattersailsaid,strugglingagainsta risingtideoffear.Sheshutthedoor,thenheardthemarine'sbootshurrying downthehallway. 'What'swrong?'Paranasked,fromtheoppositedoorway. Shefacedhim.'Putthatswordaway,Captain.'Shewalkedovertothe dresserandbeganrummagingthroughthedrawers.'I'mtoattendadinner,' shesaid. Paranapproached.'Anofficialgathering.' Tattersailnoddeddistractedly.'WithAdjunctLornthereaswell,asif Tayschrennisn'tbadenough.' TheCaptainmurmured,'Soshe'sfinallyarrived.' Tattersailfroze.Sheturnedtohimslowly.'You'vebeenexpectingher, haven'tyou?' Paranstartedandlookedatherwithfrightenedeyes. Sherealizedhismumblinghadn'tbeenmeantforherears.'Dammit,'she hissed.'You'reworkingforher!' Thecaptain'sanswerwasclearashespunround.Shewatchedhimvanish intothebedroom,herthoughtsastormoffury.Thethreadsofconspiracy nowthrummedinhermind.So,QuickBen'ssuspicionshadbeenaccurate:a planwasafoottokillthesquad.Didthatmakeherlifeatriskaswell?Shefelt herselfnearingadecision.Whatthatdecisionwasshewasn'tsure,butthere wasadirectiontoherthoughtsnow,andithadtheinevitablemomentumof anavalanche. TheseventhbellwasringingfromsomedistanttowerasToctheYounger passedintotheEmpireheadquarters.

Heshowedhisinvitationtoyetanothergrimfaced,intenseguard,andwas grudginglyallowedtocontinueondownthemainhalltothediningchamber. UneasechurnedinToc'sstomach.HeknewtheAdjunctwasbehindthe request,butshecouldbeasunpredictableandasmanipulativeastherest. Beyondthedoorshenowapproachedmightaswellbeapitfilledwithvipers, allhungrilyawaitinghisarrival. Tocwonderedifhe'dbeabletokeepanythingdown,andknowingthe conditionofhisfacialwound,hethenwonderedgrimlyifanyoneelsewould beabletokeepanythingdown.Amonghisfellowsoldiershisscarswere barelynoticed:rarewasthesoldierinDujek'sarmywhodidnotcarryascar orthree.Thosefewfriendshehadseemedsimplythankfulthathestilllived. IntheSevenCities,superstitionheldthatlossofaneyewasalsothebirth ofinnersight.He'dbeenremindedofthatbeliefatleastadozentimesinthe lastcoupleofweeks.Therehadbeennosecretgiftgrantedhiminexchange forhiseye.Flashesofsearinglightrippedthroughhismindeverynowand then,buthesuspectedthatwasnomorethanamemoryofthelastthinghis eyehadseen:fire. AndnowhewasabouttositamongtheloftiestcompanyintheEmpire, barringtheEmpressherself.Suddenlythewoundwasathingofshame.He'd sitthereastestamenttothehorrorsofwarTocstiffenedjustoutsidethe diningroomdoor.WasthatwhytheAdjuncthadinvitedhim?Hehesitated, thenshruggedandentered. Dujek,TayschrennandtheAdjunctturnedasonetoregardhim.Tocthe Youngerbowed. 'Thankyouforcoming,'AdjunctLornsaid.Shestoodwiththetwomen nearthelargestofthreefireplaces,inthewalloppositetheentrance'Please, joinus.We'renowawaitingbutonemoreguest.' Tocstrodetothem,thankfulforDujek'sgrin.TheHighFistsethiscrystal gobletdownonthemantelanddeliberatelyscratchedthestumpofhisleft arm. 'Betit'sdrivingyouhalfcrazed,'theoldmansaid,hisgrinbroadening. 'Iscratchwithbothhands,'Tocsaid. Dujekbarkedalaugh.'Joinusinadrink?' 'Thankyou.'HenoticedLorn'sappraisalasheacceptedagobletfrom Dujek.Takingthedecanterfromanearbytable,hisglancecrossedtheHigh Mage,butTayschrenn'sattentionwasfixedontheroaringfirebehindLorn. 'Hasyourhorserecovered?'theAdjunctasked. Tocnoddedashefilledhisgoblet.'DoinghandstandsthelasttimeIlooked inonher,'hesaid. Lornsmiledtentatively,asifunsurewhetherhewasmockingher.'I've explainedyourvitalroleinkeepingmealive,ToctheYounger,howyou loosedfourarrowsonthefly,andbroughtdownfourBarghast.' Helookedathersharply.'Ididn'tknowIhadthelasttwoshotsinme,'he said.Hesippedwine,resistingtheurgetoscratchhiswound. Dujekgrunted.'Yourfatherwasalsointhehabitofsurprisingpeople. There'samanImiss.'

'I,too,'Tocreplied,lookingdown. Theawkwardsilencethatfollowedthisexchangewasmercifullybrokenby thearrivalofthelastguest.Tocturnedwiththeothersasthedoorswung open.Hegazedatthewomanstandingintheentrance,thenstarted.Wasthat Tattersail?He'dneverseenherwearinganythingbutbattlegarb,andwas nowstunned.My,hethoughtwonderingly,she'snotbad,ifyoulikethembig, thatis.Hehalfgrinned. Lorn'sresponsetoTattersail'sappearancehadsoundedmuchlikeagasp, thenshespoke.'Wehavemetbefore,thoughIdoubtyou'dremember.' Tattersailblinked.'IthinkIwouldhaverecalledthat,'shesaidcautiously. 'Ithinknot.Iwasbutelevenyearsoldatthetime.' 'Thenyoumustbemistaken.I'mrarelyinthecompanyofchildren.' 'TheyburnedtheMouseQuarteraweekafteryousweptthroughit, Tattersail.'Lorn'svoicemadeeveryonestiffenwithitsbarelycontrolledrage. 'Thosesurvivors,theonesyouleftbehind,wereresettledinMock'sHole.And inthoseplagueriddencavernsmymother,myfatherandmybrotherdied.' TheblooddrainedfromTattersail'sroundface. Bewildered,Tocglancedattheothers.Dujek'sexpressionwasmasked,but therewasastormbehindhiseyesashestudiedLorn.OnTayschrenn'sface, ashelookeduponthesorceress,theredawnedasuddenlight. 'Itwasourfirstcommand,'Tattersailsaidquietly. TocsawLorntremblingandheldhisbreath.Butwhenshespokeitwas controlled,thewordsprecise.'Anexplanationisrequired.'Sheturnedto HighFistDujek.'Theywererecruits,acadreofmages.TheywereinMalaz City,awaitingtheirnewcommander,whentheMasteroftheClawissuedan edictagainstsorcery.TheyweresentintotheOldCitytheMouseto cleanseit.Theywere'hervoicecaught'indiscriminate.'Sheswungher attentionbacktoTattersail.'Thiswomanwasoneofthosemages.Sorceress, thatnightwasmylastwithmyfamily.IwasgiventotheClawtheverynext day.Thenewsofmyfamily'sdeathwaskeptfrommeforyears.Yet,'her wordsfelltoawhisper,'Iwellrememberthatnighttheblood,thescreams.' Tattersailseemedunabletospeak.Theairintheroomhadgrownthick, stifling.FinallythesorceressprisedhergazefromtheAdjunctandsaidto Dujek,'HighFist,itwasourfirstcommand.Welostcontrol.Iresignedfrom theofficercorpstheverynextdayandwaspostedwithanotherArmy.'She gatheredherself.'IfitistheAdjunct'swishtoconveneacourt,Iofferno defenceandwillacceptmyexecutionasajustpenalty.' Lornreplied,'Thatisacceptable.'Shelaidherlefthanduponhersword andpreparedtowithdrawit. 'No,'HighFistDujeksaid.'Itisnotacceptable.' Lornfroze.Sheglaredattheoldman.'Youseemtoforgetmyrank.' 'No,Ihaven't.Adjunct,ifitisyourwillthatthosewithintheEmpirewho havecommittedcrimesintheEmperor'snamemustbeexecuted,hestepped forward,'thenyoumustincludeme.Indeed,IbelieveHighMageTayschrenn alsohashisshareofhorrorcommittedontheEmperor'sbehalf.And,finally, thereistheEmpressherselftoconsider.

Laseen,afterall,commandedtheEmperor'sClawshecreatedit,infact. More,theEdictwashers,thankfullyshortlivedasitwas.'Heturnedto Tattersail.'Iwasthere,Tattersail.UnderWhiskeyjack'scommandIwassent downtoreinyouin,whichIdid.' Sheshookherhead.'Whiskeyjackcommanded?'Hereyesnarrowed'This hasthetasteofagod'sgame.' DujekswungbacktotheAdjunct.'TheEmpirehasitshistory,andweeach areinit.' 'Inthis,'Tayschrennrasped,'ImustagreewiththeHighFist,Adjunct. 'There'snoneedtohaveallthisofficial,'Tattersailsaid,hereyesonLorn.'I herebychallengeyoutoaduel.OnmybehalfIshallemployallmymagical skillsinanefforttodestroyyou.Youmaydefendwithyoursword,Adjunct.' Toctookastepforward.Heopenedhismouth,thencloseditagain.He'd beenabouttotellTattersailthatLorncarriedanOtataralswordthattheduel wouldbegrosslyunfair,thatshe'ddiewithinseconds,asthesword devouredhereveryspell.Thenhesawthatthesorceressknewallthat. DujekroundedonTattersail.'Dammit,woman!Doyouthinkeverything hingesonhowit'sworded?Execution.Duel.Noneofitmattersonewhit!All thattheAdjunctdoes,allthatshesays,isonbehalfofEmpressLaseen.'He spuntoLorn.'YouarehereasLaseen'svoice,asherwill,Adjunct.' Tayschrennspokesoftly,'ThewomannamedLorn,thewomanwhoonce wasachild,whooncehadafamily,'helookedupontheAdjunctwithanguish inhiseyes,'thatwomandoesnotexist.Sheceasedtoexistthedayshe becametheAdjunct.' Lornstaredatthetwomen,hereyeswide. Standingbesideher,Tocwatchedthosewordsbatteringherwill,crushing theanger,shatteringintodusteverylastvestigeofidentity.Andfromher eyesrosetheicy,clinicalreposeoftheAdjuncttotheEmpress. Tocfelthisheartpoundinghardagainsthischest.He'djustwitnessedan execution.ThewomannamedLornhadrisenfromtheturgidmistsofthe past,risentorightAwrong,tofindjusticeandinthatlastactreclaimits lifeandshehadbeendenied.NotbythewordsofDujekorTayschrenn,but bythethingknownastheAdjunct. 'Ofcourse,'shesaid,removingherhandfromhersword.'Pleaseenter, SorceressTattersail,anddinewithus.' TheflattoneofhervoicetoldTocthatherinvitationhadnotcost anythingandthishorrifiedhim,shookhimtohisverycore.Aquickglance showedasimilarresponsefromTayschrennandDujek,thoughthelatter veiledit. Tattersaillookedpositivelyill,butshenoddedshakilyinanswertothe Adjunct'sinvitation. Tocfoundthedecanterandasparecrystalgoblet.Hewalkeduptothe sorceress.'IamToc:theYounger,'hesaid,smiling,'andyouneedadrink.'He pouredtheglassfullandhandedittoher.'Often,whenwecampedonthe march,I'dseeyouluggingthattravellingwardrobeofyoursaround.NowI finallyseewhatwasinit.Sorceress,you'reasightforasoreeye.'

AlookofgratitudeenteredTattersail'sgaze.Sheraisedaneyebrow.'I hadn'trealizedmytravellingwardrobegarneredsuchattention.' Tocgrinned.'I'mafraidyou'veprovidedastandingjokeintheSecond. Anythingsurprising,beitanambushoranunplannedskirmishthe enemyinvariablycamefromyourtravellingwardrobe,Sorceress.' Dujekguffawedbehindhim.'I'veoftenwonderedwherethatphrasecame from,anddamn,Ihearditalotevenfrommyofficers.' Theatmosphereintheroomrelaxedsomewhat;thoughundercurrentsof tensionstillswirled,theyseemedtobebetweenTattersailandHighMage Tayschrenn.ThesorceressturnedhergazeuponLornwheneverthe Adjunct'sattentionwaselsewhere,andToccouldseethecompassionthere, andhisrespectforherroseconsiderably.Inhershoes,anylookhegaveLorn wouldhavebeenfilledwithfear.Andwhateverstormthreatenedbetween TattersailandTayschrennseemedbornofadifferenceinopinioncoupled withsuspicion;itdidn'tlookpersonal. Thenagain,Tocconsidered,Dujek'ssteadypresencemayhavebeen providingthelevellinginfluence.HisfatherhadspokenmuchofDujek,ofa manwhoneverlosthistouchwiththepowerlessorthelesspowerful.In dealingwiththeformer,healwaysmadehisownfailingsaneasyrecognition; andwiththelatterhehadanunerringeyethatcutawaypersonalambition withtheprecisionofasurgeonremovingsepticflesh,leavinginitsplace someonewhotreatedtrustandhonestyasgivens. StudyingDujek'seasy,relaxedrapportwiththeothersinattendance, includinghimself,andthenwiththeservantswhofiledinbearingtraysof food,itstruckTocthatthemanhadnotchangedperceptiblyfromtheone ToctheElderhadcalledfriend.AndthatimpressedTocdeeply,knowingas hedidthepressuresthatburdenedtheHighFist. Assoonaseveryonewasseatedandthefirstcoursepresented,itwas AdjunctLornwhotookcommand,however.Dujekrelinquisheditwithouta wordoragesture,evidentlyconfidentthattheearlierincidentwasnowover asfarastheAdjunctwasconcerned. LornaddressedTattersailinthatuncanny,flatvoice.'Sorceress,permitme tocomplimentyouonbestingaHoundofShadow,andonyourtimely recovery.IknowthatTayschrennhasquestionedyouregardingthisincident, butIwouldliketohearthetalefromyoudirectly.' Tattersailsetdownhergobletandregardedherplatebrieflybefore meetingtheAdjunct'ssteadygaze.'AstheHighMagemayhaveexplained,it's nowclearthatthegodshaveenteredthefray.Specifically,they'vebecome involvedwiththeEmpire'splansforDarujhistan' Tocrosequickly.'Ibelieve,'hesaid,'Ishouldexcusemyselfnow,aswhat willbediscussedhereexceeds' 'Beseated,ToctheYounger,'Lorncommanded.'YouaretheClaw representativehere,andassuchyouareresponsibleforspeakingonits behalf.' 'Iam?' 'Youare.'

Slowly,Tocsat. 'Pleasecontinue,Sorceress.' Tattersailnodded.'Oponniscentraltothisgambit.TheTwinjesters' openingmovehascreatedripplesI'msuretheHighMagewouldagreewith thisandthusattractedtheattentionofothergods.' 'Shadowthrone,'Lornsaid.ShelookedtoTayschrenn. TheHighMageconcurred.'Onecouldexpectsuchathing.I,however,have sensednothingofShadowthrone'sattentionuponus,eventhoughIpursued thatpossibilityvigorouslyaftertheHound'sattack.' Lornexhaledslowly.'Sorceress,pleasegoon.' 'TheHound'spresencewastriggeredentirelybyaccident,'Tattersailsaid, flickingaglanceatTayschrenn.'IwasdoingareadingfrommyDeckof Dragons,andcameuponthecardoftheHound.AswithallAdepts,Ifound theimageanimatetoacertainextent.WhenIgaveitmyfullconcentration,it felt,'sheclearedherthroat,'asifaportalopened,createdentirelyfromthe othersideofthatcardfromHighHouseShadowitself.'Sheraisedher handsandgazedsteadilyattheHighMage.'Isthispossible?TheShadow RealmisnewamongtheHouses,itsfullpowernotyetexpressed.Well, whateverhappenedaportal,arenttheHoundGearappeared.' 'Thenwhy,'Tayschrennasked,'diditappearinthestreet?Whynotinyour room?' Tattersailsmiled.'Icanspeculate.' 'Pleasedo,'theAdjunctsaid. 'Ihavewardsaboutmyroom,'Tattersailsaid.'Theinnermostoftheseare HighThyr.' Tayschrennstartedatthat,clearlysurprised. 'Suchwards,'Tattersailcontinued,'createaflux,atideofpowerthat surgesandebbslikeapulsingheart,onethatisbeatingveryfast.Isuspect thatthesewardsweresufficienttobouncetheHoundawayfrommy immediatearea,sinceinitstransitionalstatehalfwaybetweenitsrealm andourstheHoundcouldnotfullyexpressitspowers.Onceithadarrived, however,itcould,anditdid.' 'HowdidyoumanagetofendoffaHoundofShadow?'Tayschrennasked. 'Luck,'Tattersailreplied,withouthesitation.Heranswerhungintheair, anditseemedtoTocthateveryonehadforgottentheirmeal. 'Inotherwords,'Lornsaidslowly,'youbelievethatOponnintervened.' 'Ido.' 'Why?' Tattersailbarkedalaugh.'IfIcouldworkthatout,Adjunct,I'dbeahappy woman.Asitis,'herhumourfellaway,'itseemswe'rebeingused.The Empireitselfhasbecomeapawn.' 'Isthereawayout?'Dujekasked,hiswordsagrowlthatstartledeveryone. Tattersailshrugged.'Ifthereis,itliesinDarujhistan,sincethat'swhere Oponn'sgambitseemscentred.Mindyou,HighFist,drawingusinto DarujhistanmightwellbewhatOponnseekstoachieve.' Tocsatback,absentlyscratchinghiswound.Therewasmoretoit,he

suspected,thoughhecouldfindnodiscerniblesourceforhissuspicion. Hescratchedharder.Tattersailcouldbeglibwhenshewantedtobe;her storyhadastraightforwardnesstoit.Thebestlieswerethesimpleones. Still,nobodyelseseemedundulysuspicious.Thesorceresshadshifted attentionfromherstorytoitsimplicationsforfutureaction.Shehad everyonethinkingpasther,andthefastertheirthoughtsraced,thefurther behindtheylefttheirdoubtsabouther. Hewatchedherwatchingtheothers,andwastheonlyonetonoticethe flashoftriumphandreliefinhereyeswhenLornspoke. 'OponnisnotthefirstgodseekingtomanipulatetheMalazanEmpire,'the Adjunctsaid.'Othershavefailed,comeawaybloodied.It'sunfortunatethe lessonwaslostonOpornnandonShadowthrone,forthatmatter.'She sigheddeeply.'Tattersail,whateveryourdifferenceswiththeHighMage,itis necessary,no,vital,thatyouworktogetherinseekingtodiscoverthedetails ofOponn'sintervention.Inthemeantime,HighFistDujekwillcontinue preparinghislegiontomarch,aswellassolidifyingourholdonPale.For myself,Iwillbeleavingthecityshortly.Restassured,mymissionhasgoals identicaltoyours.Now,onelastthing,'sheturnedtoToc,'Iwishtohearthe Claw'sevaluationofthewordsthathavebeenexchangedhere.' Hestaredinsurprise.He'dassumedtheroleshehadexpectedofhim withoutevenrealizingit.HesatstraightandglancedatTattersail.Shenow lookednervous,drawingherhandsbeneaththetable.Hewaiteduntiltheir gazeslockedandheldbeforeheturnedtotheAdjunct. 'Insofarassheknowsit,thesorceressspeaksthetruth,'hesaid.'Her speculationsweregenuine,althoughconcerningthedynamicsofmagicI'mat aloss.PerhapsHighMageTayschrenncouldcommentonthat.' LornseemedvaguelydisappointedwithToc'sevaluation,butshenodded anywayandsaid,'Accepted,then.HighMage?' Tayschrennreleasedaslowbreath.'Accurate,'hesaid.'Speculationis sound.' Tocrefilledhisgoblet.Thefirstcoursewasremovedalmostuntouched, butasthesecondcoursearrivedeveryoneturnedtheirfullattentiontoitand conversationceased.Tocateslowly,avoidingTattersail'seyes,thoughhe sensedthemuponhimtimeandagain.Hewonderedathisownactions: deceivingtheAdjuncttotheEmpress,theHighMageandtheHighFistallin oneshotstruckhimasrash,ifnotsuicidal.Andhisreasonsfordoingsowere notentirelyrational,whichmadeitallthemoredistressing. hen. eres. dad,heceforcesine,imersheisstfullHethenot.ch.The2ndhadalong, bloodyhistory.MoretimesthanToccouldcountsomeonehadcomethrough forsomeoneelsewhatevertheodds.And,moreoftenthannot,ithadbeen themagecadre.He'dbeenthereontheplainoutsidePale,andhe'dwatched withathousandothersthecadrebeingtornapart,hopelesslyoutmatched. Thatkindofwastedidn'tsitwellwiththe2nd.And,thoughhewasaClaw, thefacesthatsurroundedhim,thefacesthatlookeduponhiminhope,

despair,andattimesfatalresignation,thosefaceshadbeenmirrorsofhis own,andtheydefiedtheClawateveryturn.TheyearsintheClawwhere feelingandcaringhadbeensystematicallyassailed,thoseyearsfailedto withstandthedayin,dayoutrealitythatwasthe2ndArmy. Thisnight,andwithhiswords,TochadgivensomethingbacktoTattersail, notjustforherbutforthecadre.Itdidn'tmatterifsheunderstood,andhe knewshemustbefeelingbewilderedbyhisactions;noneofthatmattered. Whathe'ddonehe'ddoneforhimself. Hesatup.Nowthat'sodd,hethought,mywound'sstoppeditching. Feelinglightheaded,Tattersailwobbledeverynowandthenasshe walkeddownthehalltowardsthedoortoherroom.Sheknewitwasn'tthe wine.Withhernervesasfrayedastheywere,thatfinevintagehadtastedlike water,andhadhadasmucheffect. AdjunctLornhadraisedinthesorceressmemoriesshe'dspentyears burying.ForLorn,ithadbeenapivotalevent.ButforTattersail,ithadbeen justonenightmareamongmany.Still,ithadpushedherwhereothercrimes hadnot,andasaresultshe'dfoundherselfattachedtothe2ndArmythe Armyshe'dbeensenttoasarecruit,theclosingofacircle,butinthattime shehadchanged. Thatattachment,thosetwentyoddyearsofservice,hadthisnightsaved herlife.SheknewthatToctheYoungerhadliedforher,andthelookhehad givenherpriortostatinghisevaluationhadbeenamessageshe'd understood.Thoughhehadcometothe2ndasaClaw,asaspy,notevenhis yearsoftrainingwithinthatsecretorganizationcouldwithstandthenew worldinwhichhe'dfoundhimself. Tattersailunderstoodthisalltooclearly,forthesamehadhappenedtoher. ThesorceressinacadreofmageswhohadenteredtheMouseQuarterso longagohadcarednaughtforanyonebutherself.Evenherattempttocut herselfawayfromthehorrorsofwhichshe'dbeenparthadbeenbornofa selfishdesiretoflee,toabsolveherownconsciencebuttheEmpirehad deniedherinthis.Anoldsoldierhadcometoherthedayaftertheslaughter intheMouseQuarter.Old,nameless,aveteransenttoconvincethesorceress thatshewasstillneeded.Shewellrememberedhiswords.'Shouldyouever outruntheguiltwithinyourpast,Sorceress,youwillhaveoutrunyoursoul. Whenitfindsyouagainitwillkillyou.'Andthen,ratherthandenyher desperateneedsabsolutely,he'dsentherintoaveteranarmy,the5th,until thetimecameforhertoreturntothe2nd,toaplaceunderthecommandof DujekOnearm.Withthat,she'dbeengivenasecondchance. Tattersailcametoherdoorandpausedtosensetheconditionofherwards. Allwaswell.Sighing,sheenteredherroom,thenleanedagainstthedoorasit closedbehindher. CaptainParansteppedoutfromthebedroom,hisexpressionwanand somehowshy.'Notunderarrest?I'msurprised.' 'SoamI,'shereplied. 'Hairlockwashere,'Paransaid.'Heinstructedmetogiveyouamessage.' Tattersailstudiedtheman'sface,seekingahintofwhathewasaboutto

deliver.Heavoidedhergazeandremainedstandingnearthedoorwayinto thebedroom.'Well?'shedemanded. Paranclearedhisthroat.'First,hewas,uh,excited.HeknewofAdjunct's arrival,andsaidshewasn'talone.' 'Notalone?Didheexplainthat?' Paranshrugged.'SaidthedustwalksaroundtheAdjunct,thedshifts beneathherboots,andthewindwhispersoffrostandfire.'Heraisedhis eyebrows.'Doesthatexplainanything?DamnedifIknow.' Tattersailstrodetoherdresser.Shebegantoremovethescantjewellery she'ddonnedforthedinner.'Ithinkitdoes,'shesaidslowly.'Didhesay anythingelse?' 'Hedid.HesaidthattheAdjunctandhercompanionwereleavingPale soon,andthatheintendedtotrackthem.Sorceress' ShesawthatParanwasstrugglingwithsomething,asiffightinghisevery instinct.Tattersaillaidonearmonthedresserandwaited.Whenhemether gaze,herbreathcaught.'Youwereabouttosaysomething,'shesaid,her voicelow.Herheartwaspoundingalltoofast,andshefeltherbody respondingasifofitsownaccord.Thelookshe'dseeninhiseyeshadbeen clearinitsmeaning. 'IknowsomethingoftheAdjunct'smission,'hesaid.'Iwastobeher contactinDarujhistan.' WhateverhadbeenbuildingbetweenthemdisintegratedasTattersail's eyeswenthardandangerdarkenedherface.'She'sgoingtoDarujhistanis she?Andyouandsheweretooverseethelongawaiteddemiseofthe Bridgeburners.Together,youthoughtyou'dbeabletokillWhiskeyjack,to cutdownhissquadfromwithin.' 'No!'Parantookastepforward,butwhenTattersailshotoutherhand, palmfacinghim,hefroze.'Wait,'hewhispered.'Beforeyoudoanything,just hearmeout.' HerThyrWarrensurgedintoherhand,eagerforrelease.'Why?Damn Oponnforlettingyoulive!' 'Tattersail,please!'Shescowled.'Speak.' Paransteppedbackandturnedtoanearbychair.Handsheldoutathis sides,hesatdownandlookedupather. 'Keepthosehandsthere,'Tattersailcommanded.'Awayfromyoursword.' 'ThishasbeentheAdjunct'spersonalmission,fromtheverystart.Three yearsagoIwasstationedinItkoKan,OfficersCorps.Onedayeveryavailable soldierwasmusteredoutandmarchedtoasectionofthecoastroad.'Paran's handshadbeguntoshake,andthemusclesofhisjawstoodout.'Whatwe sawthere,Tattersail,youwouldnotbelieve.' SherecalledQuickBenandKalam'sstory.'Amassacre.Acompany cavalry.' AstonishmentshowedonParan'sface.'Howdidyouknow?' 'Goon,Captain,'shegrated. 'AdjunctLornarrivedfromthecapitalandtookcharge.Sheguessedthat themassacrehadbeenaadiversion.Webeganuponatrail.Itwasnota

clearone,notatfirst.Sorceress,mayIlowermyarms?' 'Slowly.Onthechairarms,Captain.' Hesighedgratefullyandsetdownhistremblingforearmsasshe'd instructed.'Anyway,theAdjunctdeterminedthatagirlhadbeentaken, possessedbyagod.' 'Whichgod?' Paranmadeaface.'Come,now,ifyouknowofthemassacre,isithardto guess?ThatcompanywaskilledbyShadowHounds.Whichgod?Well, Shadowthronecomestomind,'hesaidsarcastically.'TheAdjunctbelieves Shadowthronewasinvolved,butthegodthatpossessedthegirlwasthe RopeIknowofnoothernameforhimthePatronofAssassins, Shadowthrone'scompanion.' Tattersaildroppedherarm.She'dclosedherWarrenaminuteearlier, sinceithadbeguntopushhardandshehadfearedshedidn'thavethe strengthtoresistitmuchlonger.'You'vefoundthegirl,'shestateddully. Vacanta%atforward.'Yes!' "AttnamesSorry.' 'You'reawareofthis,'Paransaid,sinkingbackintothechair.'Which meansthatWhiskeyjackisalsoaware,sincewhoelsecouldhavetoldyou?' Helookedupintohereyeswithacloudedexpression.'I'mnowvery confused.' 'You'renotalone,'Tattersailsaid.'Soallthisyourarrival,theAdjunct's itwasallahuntforthegirl?'Sheshookherhead.'That'snotenough,itcan't beenough,Captain.' 'It'sallthatI'mawareof,Tattersail.' Shestudiedhimforamoment.'Ibelieveyou.Tellme,whatarethedetails oftheAdjunct'smission?' 'Idon'tknow,'Paransaid,tossinguphishands.'Somehow,Iwastheone she'dbeabletofind,somybeingwiththesquadwouldbringhertothegirl.' 'TheAdjunct'stalentsaremany,'Tattersailmused.'Throughtheantithesis ofsorcery,shemightwellpossesstheabilitytohavelinkedwithyou, especiallyifyou'vebeeninhercompanyforthepasttwoyears.' 'Thenwhyisn'tshebreakingdownyourdoor?' Tattersail'seyeswereonthejewelleryscatteredonthedresser.'Oponn severedthelink,Captain.' 'Idislikethethoughtofexchangingonesetofshacklesforanother,'Paran grumbled. 'There'smoretothis,'Tattersailinsisted,moretoherselfthantothe captain.'LornhasaT'lanImasswithher.' Paranjerkedupright. 'Hairlock'ssnidehints,'sheexplained.'Ibelievethemissionwastwofold. KillSorry,yes,butalsokillWhiskeyjackandhissquad.TheT'lanwouldnot beinvolvedifherplanconcernedjustyou.HerOtataralswordissufficientto destroySorry,andpossiblykilltheRopeaswell,assumingthat'swho's possessingthegirl.' 'Iwouldnotliketobelievethat,'Paransaid.'Theyaremycommand.My

responsibility.TheAdjunctwouldnotbetraymeso' 'Wouldn'tshe?Whynot?' Thecaptainseemedatalosstoanswerher,buttherewasastubborn glowerinhiseyes. Tattersailreachedthedecisionshehadsensedwascoming,anditlefther cold.'Hairlocklefttooearly.Thepuppetwaseager,tooeagertopursuethe AdjunctandthatT'lanImass.Hemusthavediscoveredsomethingabout them,aboutwhatthey'reupto.' 'WhoisHairlock'smaster?'Paranasked. 'QuickBen,Whiskeyjack'smage.'Shelookedtohim.'He'sthebestI'veseen. Notthemostpowerful,mindyou,butsmart.Still,iftheT'lanImasscomeson himunawareshewon'tstandachance,andneitherwilltherest.'Shepaused, hereyesholdingonthecaptain.'IhavetoleavePale,'shesaidabruptly. Paranshottohisfeet.'Notalone.' 'Alone,'Tattersailinsisted.'IhavetofindWhiskeyjack,andifyou're taggingalongthenLornwillfindhimtoo.' 'IrefusetobelievetheAdjunctpresentsanyrisktothesergeant,'Paran said.'Tellme,canyousucceedinkillingSorry?EvenwithQuickBen'shelp?' Thesorceresshesitated.'I'mnotsureIwantto,'shesaidslowly. 'What?' 'IthastobeWhiskeyjack'sdecision,Captain.AndIdon'tthinkIcangive anygoodreasonforconvincingyouofthat.Ijustfeelit'sright.' Shefeltherselfrelyingoninstinctinthismatter,butvowedtoholdtrueto it. 'Evenso,'Paransaid,'Ican'tremainhidinghere,canI?WhatdoIeat?The bedding?' 'Icangetyououtintothecity,'Tattersailsaid.'Nonewillrecognizeyou. Takearoominaninnandstayoutofyouruniform.IfallgoeswellI'llbeback intwoweeks.Youcanwaitthatlong,can'tyou,Captain?' Paranstared.'AndwhathappensifIjustwalkoutofhereandintroduce myselftoDujekOnearm?' 'TheHighMageTayschrermwouldshredyourbrainwithtruthseeking sorcery,Captain.You'veOponn'stouch,andaftertonightOponnisnowan officialenemyoftheEmpire.AndwhenTayschrenn'sdonehe'llleaveyouto die,whichispreferabletothemadnessthatwouldgripyouifhekeptyou alive.He'llshowthatmercy,atleast.'TattersailanticipatedParan'sthoughts. 'Dujekmightwellseektoprotectyou,butinthisTayschrennoutrankshim. You'vebecomeatoolofOponn,andforDujekthesafetyofhissoldierstakes precedenceoverhispleasureinfrustratingTayschrenn.So,infact,hemight notprotectyouatall.I'msorry,Captain,butyou'retrulyaloneifyouwalk.' 'I'llbealonewhenyouleave,too,Sorceress.' 'Iknow,butitwon'tbeforever.'Shesearchedhiseyesandfeltcompassion wellingbehindherown.'Paran,'shesaid,'it'snotallbad.Despiteallthe distrustbetweenus,I'mfeelingthingsforyouIhaven'tfeltforanyonein well,insometime.'Shesmiledsadly.'Idon'tknowwhatthat'sworth,Captain, butI'mgladIsaiditanyway.'

Parangazedatherforalongminute,thensaid,'Verywell,Tattersail,I'lldo asyouask.Aninn?Doyouhavesomelocalcoin?' 'Easilyacquired.'Hershouldersslumped.'I'msorry,butI'mexhausted.'As sheturnedtothebedroomhergazefellonthedressertoponelasttime. AmidasmallpileofunderclothingshesawherDeckofDragons.Itwouldbe foolishnottodoareading,consideringthedecisionshe'dmade. Paranspokeclosebehindher.'Tattersail,howthoroughisyour exhaustion?' Shefelttheheatinhiswordstriggeringasmoulderingfirebeneathher stomach,andhergazeslidawayfromtheDeckassheturnedtofacethe captain.Thoughshevoicednoreplytohisquestion,heranswerwasclear.He tookherhand,surprisingherwithsuchaninnocentgesture.Soyoung,she thought,andnowhe'sleadingmeintothebedroom.Shewouldhavelaughed iftheacthadn'tbeensosweet. FalsedawnplayedtheeasternhorizonasAdjunctLornguidedhermount andpackhorseoutfromPale'sEastGate.TruetoDujek'swordstheguards werenowhereinsight,andthegatehadbeenleftopen.Shehopedthefew sleepyeyesthathadfollowedherthroughthestreetshadonlymildcuriosity behindthem.Inanycase,shewasdressedinsimple,unadornedleather armour;herfacewasmostlyhiddenintheshadowcastbytheplainbronze helmet'sbrowguard.Evenherhorseswerealocalbreed,sturdyandplacid, muchsmallerthantheMalazanwarhorseswithwhichshewasmostfamiliar, butacomfortingridenonetheless.Itseemedunlikelythatshewouldhave attractedundueattention.Morethanoneunemployedmercenaryhadleft PalesincetheEmpire'sarrival. Thesouthhorizonwasajaggedlineofsnowcappedmountains.The TahlynMountainswouldremainonherrightforsometime,beforetheRhivi PlainsweptpastthemandbecametheCatlinPlain.Fewfarmsbrokethe flatlandsaroundher,andthosethatdidcrowdedthecity'sownlands.The Rhivipeoplewerenottolerantofsuchencroachments,andsinceeverytrade routethatledtoandfromPalecrossedtheirtraditionalterritory,thoseofthe citywiselyrefrainedfromangeringtheRhivi. Ahead,asshewalkedherhorses,thedawnshoweditsfacewithastreakof crimson.Therainhadpassedafewdaysback,andtheskyoverheadwas silverblueandclear,afewstarsdwindlingaslightcametotheworld. Thedaypromisedtobehot.TheAdjunctloosenedtheleatherthongs betweenherbreasts,revealingthefinemailhauberkbeneath.Bymiddayshe wouldreachthefirstwellspring,whereshewouldreplenishhersupplyof water.Sheranahandacrossthesurfaceofoneofthebladdersstrappedto hersaddle.Itcameawaywetwithcondensation.Shepassedherhandacross herlips. Thevoicethatspokebesideherjoltedherinthesaddleandhermount snortedinfearandsidestepped. 'Iwillwalkwithyou,'OnosT'oolansaid,'foratime.' LornglaredattheT'lanImass.'Iwouldratheryouannouncedyour arrival,'shesaidtightly,'fromadistance.'

'Asyouwish.'OnosT'oolansankintothegroundlikesomuchdust. TheAdjunctcursed.Thenshesawhimwaitingahundredyardsaheadof her,backlitbytherisingsun.Thecrimsonskyseemedtohavecastared flameaboutthewarrior.Theeffectjangledhernerves,asifshelookedupon ascenethattouchedherdeepest,oldestmemoriesmemoriesthatwent beyondherownlife.TheT'lanImassstoodunmovinguntilshereachedhim, thenfellintostepbesideher. Lorntightenedherkneesaboutthehorse'sshouldersandclosedthereins untilthemaresettleddown.'Doyouhavetobesoliteralminded,Tool?'she asked. Thedesiccatedwarriorseemedtoconsider,thennodded.'Iacceptthat name.Allofmyhistoryisdead.Existencebeginsanew,andwithitshallbea newname.Itissuitable.' 'Whywereyouselectedtoaccompanyme?'theAdjunctasked. 'InthelandswestandnorthofSevenCities,Ialoneamongmyclan survivedtheTwentyeighthJaghutWar.' Lorn'seyeswidened.'Ithoughtthosewarsnumberedtwentyseven,'she saidquietly.'WhenyourlegionsleftusafterconqueringSevenCities,andyou marchedintothewastelands' 'OurBoneCasterssensedanenclaveofsurvivingJaghut,'Toolsaid.'Our commanderLogrosT'landeterminedthatweexterminatethem.Thuswe did.' 'Whichexplainsyourdecimatednumbersuponreturning,'Lornsaid. 'YoucouldhaveexplainedyourdecisiontotheEmpress.Asitwas,shewas leftwithouthermostpowerfularmy,andnoknowledgeofwhenitmight return.' 'Returnwasnotguaranteed,Adjunct,'Toolsaid. Lornstaredatthetatteredcreature.'Isee.' 'Thecessationofmyclan'schieftain,KigAven,wasaccompaniedbyallmy kin.Thusalone,IamunboundtoLogro.KigAven'sBoneCasterwasKilava Onass,whohasbeenlostsincelongbeforetheEmperorreawakenedus.' Lorn'smindraced.AmongtheMalazanEmpire,theT'lanImasswerealso knownastheSilentHost.She'dneverknownanImassasloquaciousasthis Tool.Perhapsithadsomethingtodowiththis'unbounding'.Withinthe Imass,onlyCommanderLogroseverspoketohumansonaregularbasis.As fortheBoneCastersImassshamanstheystayedoutofsight.Theonlyone thathadeverappearedwasonenamedOlarEthil,whostoodalongsidethe clanchieftainEitholosIlmduringthebattleofKartool,whichhadseenan exchangeofsorcerythatmadeMoon'sSpawnlooklikeachild'scantrip. Inanycase,she'dalreadylearnedmoreoftheImassfromthisbrief conversationwithToolthanwaspresentintheEmpireAnnals.TheEmperor hadknownmore,muchmore,butmakingrecordsofsuchknowledgehad neverbeenhisstyle.ThathehadreawakenedtheImasshadbeenatheory arguedamongscholarsforyears.Andnowsheknewittobetrue.Howmany othersecretswouldthisT'lanImassrevealincasualconversation? 'Tool,'shesaid,'hadyouevermettheEmperorpersonally?'

'IawakenedbeforeGaladKetanandafterOnakShendokand,aswithall theT'lanImass,IkneltbeforetheEmperorashesatupontheFirstThrone.' 'TheEmperorwasalone?'Lornasked. 'No.HewasaccompaniedbytheonenamedDancer.' 'Damn,'shehissed.DancerhaddiedbesidetheEmperor.'Whereisthis FirstThrone,Tool?' Thewarriorwassilentforatime,thenitsaid,'UpontheEmperor'sdeath theLogrosT'lanImassgatheredmindsararethingthatwaslastdone beforetheDiasporaandabindingresulted.Adjunct,theanswertoyour questioniswithinthisbinding.Icannotsatisfyyou.ThisholdsforallLogros T'lanImassandforallKronT'lanImass.' 'WhoaretheKron?' 'Theyarecoming,'Toolreplied. SuddensweatsprangoutontheAdjunct'sbrow.Logros'legions,when theyfirstarrivedonthescene,numberedaroundnineteenthousand.They werebelievednowtonumberfourteenthousand,andthemajorityofthose losseshadcomebeyondtheEmpire'sborders,inthislastJaghutWar.Were anothernineteenthousandImassabouttoarrive?WhathadtheEmperor unleashed? 'Tool,'sheaskedslowly,almostregrettingherneedtopersistin questioninghim,'whatisthesignificanceoftheseKroncoming?' 'TheYearoftheThreeHundredthMillenniumapproaches,'thewarrior replied. 'Whathappensthen?' 'Adjunct,theDiasporaends.' TheGreatRavencalledCronerodethehighwindsaboveRhiviPlain.The northernhorizonwasnowagreentingedcurve,growingmoresubstantial witheveryhourofflight.Wearinessweigheddownherwings,butthe heaven'sbreathwasastrongone.Andmore,nothingcouldassailher certaintythatchangeswerecomingtothisworld,andshedrewagainand againuponhervastreservesofmagicalpower. Ifevertherewasadireconvergenceofgreatforces,itwasnow,andinthis place.Thegodsweredescendingtothemortalsoiltodobattle,shapings werebeingforgedoffleshandbone,andthebloodofsorcerynowboiled withamadnessbornofinevitablemomentum.Cronehadneverfeltmore alive. Withtheseunveilingofpowers,headshadturned.AndtooneCroneflew inanswertoasummonsshewaspowerlesstoignore.LordAnomanderRake wasnotheronlymaster,andforherthisonlymadethingsmoreinteresting. Asforherownambitions,shewouldkeepthemtoherself.Fornow, knowledgewasherpower. Andiftherewasonesecretmorealluringthananyothershemightcovet, itwasthemysterysurroundingthehalfhumanwarriorcalledCaladanBrood. AnticipationliftedCrone'swingswithrenewedstrength. Steadily,BlackdogForestspreaditsverdantcloakoverthenorth.

CHAPTERTEN Kallorsaid:'IwalkedthislandwhentheT'lanImasswerebutchildren.I havecommandedarmiesahundredthousandstrong.Ihavespreadthefireof mywrathacrossentirecontinents,andsataloneupontallthrones. 'Doyougraspthemeaningofthis?' 'Yes,'saidCaladanBrood,'youneverlearn.' ConversationsofWar(SecondinCommandKallorspeakingwithWarlord CaladanBrood),recordedbyOutriderHurlochel,6thArmy JIMKAROSINNSTOODJUSTBEYONDELTROSANSQUAREINTHEOPAL QuarterofPale.ThatmuchTocknewfromhiswanderingsthroughthecity. Butforthelifeofhimhecouldnotthinkofanyonestayingtherewhomhe knew.Yettheinstructionsforthismysteriousmeetinghadbeenclear. Henowapproachedtheostentatiousstructurewarily.Hesawnothing suspicious.Thesquarewascrowdedwiththeusualgentryandmerchant shops;ofMalazanguardstherewerefew.Thecullingofthenobilityhaddone muchtocloakPale'satmospherewithashockedstillnessthathungabout peoplelikeinvisibleyokes. ThepastfewdaysTochadkeptmuchtohimself,carousingwithhisfellow soldierswhenthemoodtookhim,thoughthosetimesseemedrarerthese days.WiththeAdjunctgone,andTattersailreportedmissing,Dujekand Tayschrennwereinvolvedinmutuallyexclusiveresponsibilities.TheHigh FistwasbusyrestructuringPale,andhisnewlyformed5thArmy;whilethe HighMagesoughtTattersail,evidentlywithoutmuchsuccess. Tocsuspectedthatthepeacebetweenthetwomenwouldnotlast. Sincethedinner,hehadstayedawayfromanythingofficial,choosingtoeat withhiscomradesratherthandinewiththeofficersaswasnowhisprivilege asrankingClaw.Thelessnoticedhemadehimselfthebetter,asfarashewas concerned. HeenteredVimkarosInnandpaused.Beforehimwasarooflesscourtyard withpathswindingamongarichgarden.Clearly,theinnhadsurvivedthe siegeunscathed.Awidecentralpathleddirectlytoabroadcounterbehind whichstoodacorpulentoldmaneatinggrapes.Afewguestswalkedtheside paths,movingamongtheplantsandconversinginlowtones. Themessagehadinsistedhecomedressedinlocalgarb.Thus,Tocdrew littleattentionashestrodetothecounter. Theoldmanpausedinhissnackingandbowedwithhishead.'Atyour service,sir,'hesaid,wipinghishands. 'Ibelieveatablehasbeenreservedinmyname,'Tocsaid.'IamRender Kan.' Theoldmanstudiedawaxtabletbeforehim,thenlookedupwithasmile. 'Ofcourse.Followme.' AminutelaterTocsatatatableonabalconyoverlookingthegardencourt. HisonlycompanywasadecanterofchilledSaltoanwine,whicharrived whenhedid,andhenowsippedfromagoblet,hisloneeyesurveyingthe

peopleinthegardenbelow. Aservantarrivedandbowedbeforehim.'Kindsir,'themansaid,'Iamto deliverthefollowingmessage.Agentlemanwillsoonjoinyouwhohasbeen outofhisdepthyetnotawareofit.Heis,now.' Tocfrowned.'That'sthemessage?' 'Itis.' 'Hisownwords?' 'Andyours,sir.'Theservantbowedagainanddeparted. Toc'sfrowndeepened,thenhesatforward,hiseverymuscletensing. Heturnedtothebalcony'sentranceintimetoseeCaptainParanstride through.Hewasdressedinthemannerofthelocalgentry,unarmed,and lookingquitefit.Tocrose,grinning. 'Notundulyshocked,Ihope,'Paransaid,ashearrived.Theysatdownand thecaptainpouredhimselfsomewine.'Didthemessageprepareyou?' 'Barely,'Tocreplied.'I'mnotsurehowtoreceiveyou,Captain.Isthis accordingtotheAdjunct'sinstructions?' 'Shebelievesmedead,'Paransaid,hisbrowwrinkling.'AndIwas,fora time.Tellme,ToctheYounger,amIspeakingtoaClaw,ortoasoldierofthe Second?' Toc'seyenarrowed.'That'satoughquestion.' 'Isit?'Paranasked,hisgazeintenseandunwavering. Tochesitated,thengrinnedagain.'Hood'sBreath,no,itdamnwellisn't!All right,Captain,welcometothedefunctSecond,then.' Paranlaughed,clearlyrelieved. 'Nowwhat'sallthisaboutyoubeingdeadbutnotdead,Captain?' Paran'shumourvanished.Hetookamouthfulofwineandswallowed, lookingaway.'Anattemptedassassination,'heexplained,grimacing.Ishould havedied,ifnotforMalletandTattersail.' 'What?Whiskeyjack'shealerandthesorceress?' Parannodded.'I'vebeenrecoveringuntilrecentlyinTattersail'squarters. WhiskeyJack'sinstructionsweretokeepmyexistencesecretthetimebeing. Toc,'heleanedforward,'whatdoyouknowoftheAdjunct'splans?' Tocexaminedthegardenbelow.Tattersailhadknownshemanagedto keepitfromeveryoneatthedinner.Remarkable.'Now,'saidquietly,'youask questionsofaClaw.' 'Ido.' 'Where'sTattersail?'Tocswunghisgazetothecaptainandheldtheman's eyes. Thecaptainjerkedhishead.'Verywell.ShetravelsoverlandDarujhistan. SheknowsaT'lanImassaccompaniestheAdjunct,andshebelievesLorn's planincludeskillingWhiskeyjackandhissquad.Idonotagree.Myroleinthe missionwastokeepaneyeononememberofthesergeant'ssquad,andthat personwastobetheonlyonetodie.Shegavemethecommandafterthree yearsofservicetoherit'sareward,andIcan'tbelieveshewouldtakeit fromme.There,thatiswhatIknow.Canyouhelpme,Toc?' 'TheAdjunct'smission,'Tocsaid,afterreleasingalongbreath,'asfaras

I'mawareofit,involvesfarmorethanjustkillingSorry.TheT'lanImassis withherforsomethingelse.Captain,'Toc'sexpressionwasgrim,'thedaysof theBridgeburnersarenumbered.Whiskeyjack'snameisdamnnearsacred amongDujek'smen.ThisissomethingofwhichIcouldn'tconvincethe Adjunctinfactsheseemstothinktheoppositebutifthesergeantandthe Bridgeburnersareeliminated,thisarmywon'tbepulledbackinline,itwill mutiny.AndtheMalazanEmpirewillbeagainstHighFistDujekwithnota singlecommanderwhocanmatchhim.TheGenabackanCampaignwill disintegrate,andcivilwarmaywellsweepintotheheartoftheEmpire.' ThebloodhaddrainedfromParan'sface.'Ibelieveyou,'hesaid.'Verywell, you'vetakenmydoubtsandmadeofthemconvictions.Andtheyleaveme withbutonechoice.' 'Andthatis?' Paranturnedtheemptygobletinhishands.'Darujhistan,'hesaid.'With luckI'llcatchTattersail,andtogetherwe'llattempttocontactWhiskeyjack beforetheAdjunctdoes.'HeglancedatToc.'EvidentlytheAdjunctcanno longersensemywhereabouts.Tattersailforbademetoaccompanyher, arguingthatLornwouldbeabletodetectme,butshealsoletslipthatmy "death"hadseveredthebondsbetweenmeandtheAdjunct.Ishouldhave madetheconnectionsooner,butshedistractedme.' IntoToc'smindreturnedthememoryofhowshe'dlookedthatevening, andhenoddedknowingly.'I'msureshedid.' Paransighed.'Yes,well.Inanycase,Ineedatleastthreehorses,and supplies.TheAdjunctisproceedingonsomekindoftimetable.Iknowthat much.Soshe'snottravellingwithmuchhaste.Ishouldcatchupwith Tattersailinadayortwo,thentogetherwecandrivehardtotheedgeofthe TahlynMountains,skirtthemandslippasttheAdjunct.' TochadleanedbackduringParan'selaborationofhisplan,ahalfsmileon hislips.'You'llneedWickanhorses,Captain,sincewhatyou'vedescribed requiresmountssuperiortothosetheAdjunct'sriding.Now,howdoyou plantogetpastthecitygatesdressedasalocalbutleadingEmpirehorses?' Paranblinked. Tocgrinned.'I'vegotyouranswer,Captain.'Hespreadhishands.'I'llgo withyou.Leavethehorsesandsuppliestome,andIguaranteewe'llgetout ofthecityunnoticed.' 'But' 'Thosearemyconditions,Captain.' Parancoughed.'Verywell.AndnowthatIthinkonit,thecompanywould bewelcome.' 'Good,'Tocgrunted.Hereachedforthedecanter.'Let'sdrinkonthedamn thing,then.' Thewaywasbecomingmoreandmoredifficult,andTattersailfeltherfirst tremoroffear.ShetravelledaWarrenofHighThyrandnotevenTayschrenn possessedtheabilitytoassailit,yetunderattackitwas.Notdirectly.The powerthatopposedherwaspervasive,anditdeadenedhersorcery. TheWarrenhadbecomenarrow,chokedwithobstacles.Attimesit

shudderedaroundher,thedarkwallstoeithersidewrithingasifunder tremendouspressure.Andwithinthetunnelshestruggledtoshape,theair stankofsomethingshehaddifficultyidentifying.Therewasatingeofsour brimstoneandamustinessthatremindedherofunearthedtombs.Itseemed todrainthepowerfromherwitheverybreathshetook. Sherealizedthatshecouldnotcontinue.Shewouldhavetoenterthe physicalworldandfindrest.Onceagainshecursedherowncarelessness. ShehadforgottenherDeckofDragons.Withthemshewouldhaveknown whattoexpect.Sheentertainedonceagainthesuspicionthatanoutside forcehadacteduponher,severingherfromtheDeck.Thefirstdistraction hadcomefromCaptainParan,andwhileithadbeenpleasant,shereminded herselfthatParanbelongedtoOponn.Afterthat,she'dexperiencedan unaccountableurgencytobeonherway,somuchsothatshe'dleft everythingbehind. BereftofherWarren,shewouldfindherselfaloneontheRhiviPlain, withoutfood,withoutevenabedroll.Themindlessneedforhasteshe'd experiencedrancontrarytohereveryinstinct.Shewasgrowingcertainthat ithadbeenimposeduponher,thatsomehowshe'dletherdefencesdown, leftherselfexposedtosuchmanipulations.Andthatreturnedherthoughtsto CaptainParan,totheservantofOponn'swill. Finally,shecouldgonofurther.Shebegantowithdrawherstrainedpower, collapsingtheWarrenlayerbylayerabouther.Thegroundbeneathher bootsbecamesolid,cloakedinspareyellowgrass,andtheairaroundher shiftedintothedulllavenderofdusk.Awindbrushedherfacesmellingof soil.Thehorizonsteadieditselfonallsidesfarofftoherrightthesunstill bathedtheTalhynMountains,thepeaksglitteringlikegoldand immediatelyaheadroseanenormoussilhouettedfigure,turningtofaceher andvoicingasurprisedgrunt. Tattersailsteppedbackinalarm,andthevoicethatemergedfromthe figurepushedtheairfromherlungsinawhooshingbreathofrelief,then terror. 'Tattersail,'Bellurdansaidsadly,'Tayschrenndidnotexpectyou'dmanage tocomethisfar.Thus,Iwasanticipatingdetectingyoufromadistance.'The Thelomengiantliftedhisarmsinanexpansive,childlikeshrug.Athisfeet wasafamiliarburlapsack,thoughthebodywithinhadshrunksinceshe'd lastseenit. 'HowhastheHighMagemanagedtodenymyWarren?'sheasked. Ontheheelsofherterrorhadcomeweariness,almostresignation. 'Hecouldnotdothat,'Bellurdananswered.'Hesimplyanticipatedthatyou wouldattempttotraveltoDarujhistan,andasyourThyrWarrencannot functionoverwater,heconcludedyouwouldtakethispath.' 'ThenwhathappenedwithmyWarren?' Bellurdangrunteddistastefully.'TheT'lanImasswhoaccompaniesthe Adjuncthascreatedaroundthemadeadspace.Oursorceryisdevouredby thewarrior'sElderingpowers.Theeffectiscumulative.Ifyouweretoopen yourWarrenentirely,youwouldbeconsumedutterly,Tattersail.'

TheThelomensteppedforward.'TheHighMagehasinstructedmeto arrestyouandreturnyoutohim.' 'AndifIresist?' Bellurdananswered,inatonefilledwithsorrow,'ThenIamtokillyou.' 'Isee.'Tattersailthoughtforatime.Herworldseemedtohaveclosedin now,hereverymemoryirrelevantanddiscarded.Herheartpoundedlikea thunderingdruminherchest.Allthatremainedofherpast,andheronlytrue senseofherlife,wasregretanunspecified,yetoverwhelmingregret.She lookedupattheThelomen,compassionbrimminginhereyes.'Sowhereare thisT'lanandtheAdjunct,then?' 'Perhapseighthourstotheeast.TheImassisnotevenawareofus.The timeforconversationisended,Tattersail.Willyouaccompanyme?' Hermouthdry,shesaid,'Ididnotthinkyouonetobetrayalongstanding friend.' Bellurdanspreadhishandswiderandsaidinapainedvoice'Iwillnever betrayyou,Tattersail.TheHighcantherebebetrayal?' 'Notthat,'Tattersailrepliedquickly.'IonceaskedifIcouldspeakwithyou atlength.Remember?Yousaidyes,Bellurdan.Yetnowyoutellme conversationisended.Ihadnotimaginedyourwordtobesoworthless.' InthedyinglightitwasimpossibletoseetheThelomen'sface,butthe anguishinhistonewasplain.'Iamsorry,Tattersail.Youarecorrect.Igave youmywordthatwewouldspeakagain.Canwenotdothiswhilewereturn toPale?' 'No,'Tattersailsnapped.'Iwishitnow.' Bellurdanbowedhishead.'Verywell.' Tattersailforcedthetensionfromhershouldersandneck.'Ihavesome questions,'shesaid.'First,TayschrennsentyoutoGenabarisforatime, didn'the?Youweresearchingthroughsomescrollsforhim?' 'Yes.' 'MayIaskwhatwerethosescrolls?' 'Isitofvitalsignificancenow,Tattersail?' 'Itis.Thetruthwillhelpmeindecidingwhethertogowithyou,ordie here.' Bellurdanhesitatedonlyamoment.'Verywell.Amongthearchives collectedfromthecity'smagesallofwhomwereexecuted,asyouknow werefoundsomecopiedfragmentsofGothos'Folly,anancientJaghut tome' 'Iknowofit,'Tattersailinterjected.'Goon.' 'AsaThelomen,IpossessJaghutblood,thoughofcourseGothosIMage commandsbothofus.HowIwoulddenyit.TheHighMageentrustedthe examinationofthesewritingstome.Iwastoseekoutinformation concerningtheburialofaJaghutTyrant,aburialthatwasinfactaprison.' 'Wait,'Tattersailsaid,shakingherhead.'TheJaghuthadnogovernment. WhatdoyoumeanbyaTyrant?' 'Onewhosebloodwaspoisonedbytheambitiontoruleoverothers.This JaghutTyrantenslavedthelandarounditalllivingthingsforcloseto

threethousandyears.TheImassofthetimesoughttodestroyit,andfailed.It waslefttootherJaghuttoattendtothesunderingandimprisoningofthe TyrantforsuchacreaturewasasabominabletothemasitwastoImass.' Tattersail'sheartnowhammeredinherchest.'Bellurdan.'Shehadtofight topushthewordsfromher.'WherewasthisTyrantburied?' 'Iconcludedthatthebarrowliessouthofhere,intheGadrobiHillsdirectly eastofDarujhistan.' 'Oh,QueenofDreams.Bellurdan,doyouknowwhatyou'vedone?' 'IhavedoneasIwascommandedbyourHighMage.' 'Andthat'swhytheT'lanImassiswiththeAdjunct.' 'Idon'tunderstandwhatyouaresaying,Tattersail.' 'Dammit,youbrainlessox!'sherasped.'TheyplantofreetheTyrant! Lorn'sswordherOtataralsword' 'No,'Bellurdanrumbled.'Theywouldnotdosuchathing.Rather,theyseek topreventsomeoneelsereleasingit.Yes,thatismorelikely.Itisthetruthof things.Now,Tattersail,ourconversationisdone.' 'Ican'tgoback,'thesorceresssaid.'Imustgoon.Please,don'tstopme.' 'WearetoreturntoPale,'Bellurdansaidstubbornly.'Yourconcernhas beensatisfied.PermitmetotakeyoubacksothatImaycontinueseekingthe properburialplaceforNightchill.' TherewasnochoiceleftinTattersail'smind,buttherehadtobeawayout. Theconversationhadboughthertime,timetorecoverfromtheordealof travellingbyWarren.Bellurdan'swordsreturnedtoher:ifsheaccessedher ThyrWarrennowshewouldbeconsumed.Incineratedbythereactive influenceoftheT'lanImass.Hereyesfellontheburlapsackbesidethe Thelomenandsawfromitafaintgleamofsorcery.Aspell. Myownspell.Sherecallednow:agestureofcompassion,aspellof preservation.Isthismywayout?Hood'sBreath,isitevenpossible?She thoughtofHairlock,thejourneyfromthedyingbodytoalifelessvessel. Shedenul,havemercyonus ThesorceresssteppedbackandopenedherWarren.HighThyrmagic blazedaroundher.ShesawBellurdanstaggerbackthensteadyhimself.He screamedsomething,butshecouldnothearhim.Thenhechargedather. SheregrettedtheThelomen'sfatalcourageasthefireblackenedtheworld aroundher,evenassheopenedherarmsandembracedhim. LornstrodetoTool'sside.TheT'lanImassfacedwest,andatension swirledabouthimthatshecouldalmostsee. 'Whatisit?'sheasked,hereyesonthewhitefountainoffirerisingabove thehorizon.'I'veneverseenanythinglikethat.' 'NorI,'Toolreplied.'ItiswithinthebarrierIhavecastaroundus.' 'Butthat'simpossible,'theAdjunctsnapped. 'Yes,impossibletolastthislong.Itssourceshouldhavebeenconsumed almostinstantly.Yet'TheT'lanImassfellsilent. TherewasnoneedforTooltofinishhissentence.Thepillaroffirestill ragedinthenightskyasithadforthepasthour.Thestarsswamintheinky darknessaroundit,magicswirlinginafrenzyasiffromabottomlesswell.On

thewindwasasmellthatleftLornslightlynauseous.'Doyourecognizethe Warren,Thol?' 'Warrens,Adjunct.Tellann,Thyr,Denul,Uriss,Tennes,ThelomenToblakai, StarvaldDemelain' 'StarvaldDenielain,whatinHood'sNameisthat?' 'Elder.' 'IthoughttherewerebutthreeElderWarrens,andthat'snotoneofthem.' 'Three?No,thereweremany,Adjunct,allbornofone.StarvaldDemelain.' Lornwrappedhercloaktighteraboutherself,eyesonthecolumnoffire. 'Whocouldmanagesuchaconjuring?' 'Therewasoneonce.Ofworshipperstherearenoneleft,soheisnomore. Ihavenoanswertoyourquestion,Adjunct.'TheImassstaggeredasthepillar bloomedoutwards,thenwinkedout.Adistantthunderingrumblereached them. 'Gone,'Lornwhispered. 'Destroyed,'Toolsaid.Thewarriorcockedhishead.'Strange,thesourceis indeeddestroyed.Butsomethinghasalsobeenborn.Isenseit,anew presence.' Lorncheckedhersword.'Whatisit?'shedemanded. Toolshrugged.'New.Itflees.' Wasthiscauseforworry?LornscowledandturnedtotheT'lanImass,but hehadalreadyleftherside,andwasnowstridingbacktotheircampfire.The Adjunctglancedoncemoreatthewesternhorizon.Therewasacloud, blottingoutthestars.Itlookedhuge.Sheshivered. Itwastimetosleep.TheImasswouldstandguard,sosheneednotworry aboutsurprisevisitors.Thedayhadbeenlong,andshe'doverrationedher water;shefeltweak,anunfamiliarsensation.Herscowldeepenedasshe walkedtothecamp.Tool,standingimmobilebesidetheflames,remindedher ofhisarrivaltwodaysago.Thefieryglimmerthatjumpedalonghiswithered fleshandbonehelmonceagaintriggeredsomethingprimordialinhermind, andwithitcameadeep,unreasoningfearofdarkness.Shesteppedcloseto theImass.'Fireislife,'shewhispered,thephraseseemingtorisefromthe depthsofinstinct. Toolnodded.'Lifeisfire,'hesaid.'WithsuchwordswasborntheFirst Empire.TheEmpireofImass,theEmpireofHumanity.'Thewarriorturned totheAdjunct.'You'vedonewell,mychild.' ThegreypallofsmokehungunmovingoverBlackdogForestadozen leaguesnorthofherasCronedippedhersplayedtailandsankwearily towardsthearmyencampedontheRhiviPlain. Thetentsmarchedoutwardlikespokesfromacentralfortifiedhubwhere stoodalargecanopy,ripplinginthemorningbreeze.Towardsthiscentrethe GreatRavendescended.HersharpgazemarkedRhiviplainsmenmoving amongtheaisles.OffontheeasternrimflutteredthebannersoftheCatlin Horse,greenandsilvertomarkthemercenarycontingentofCaladanBrood's mainarmy.Byfarthegreatestproportionofsoldiers,however,wereTiste AndAnomanderRake'speople,dwellersofthecitywithinMoon's

Spawntheirtall,darkcladformsmovinglikeshadowsbetweenthetents. Wheeledtrackslednorthtotheforestfringes:supplyroutesto entrenchmentsonceheldbytheMalazansandnowmarkingBrood'sfront lines.Rhividrivencartsmovedforward;anendlessstreamofsupplies,while otherwagons,ladenwiththedeadandthewounded,enteredthecampina grimflow. Cronecackled.Magicbledfromthemaintentandstainedthedustyair withaheavy,turgidmagenta,thecolouroftheUrissWarren,earthmagic. Herwingsnowfeltlightandheldayouthfulspringasshebeattheair.'Ahhh,' Cronesighed,'magic.'Sweepingthroughthewardsandtraps,theGreat Ravenglidedoverthetentandthrummedrapidlyasshedroppedoutsidethe entrance. Noguardbarredthedoorway,whichhadbeenleftpulledbackandtiedto asupportpole.Cronehoppedinside. Withtheexceptionofasmallhangingatthefarend,behindwhich squattedanarmycot,nootherdivisionshadbeenmadewithinthetent. Inthecentrestoodamassivetable,itssurfaceetchedwiththecontoursof thesurroundingland.Onemanstoodalone,leaningoverit,hisbacktothe doorway.Anenormousironhammerwasslungacrosshisbroadback; despiteitssizeandevidentweight,itlookedalmosttoylikeagainstthatspan ofmuscleandbone.Powerrolledfromhiminmuskywaves. 'Delays,delays,'Cronemuttered,assheflappeduptolandonthetabletop. CaladanBroodgrunteddistractedly. 'Yousensedthestormofsorcerylastnight?'sheasked. 'Sensed?Wecouldseeit.TheRhivishamansseemsomewhatdisturbed, buttheyhavenoanswers.We'lldiscussthatlater,Crone.NowImustthink.' Cronecockedherheadatthemap.'Thewestflankfallsbackintotal disarray.WhocommandsthatBarghastmob?' Broodasked,'Whendidyouflywithinsightofthem?' 'Twodayspast.Isawbutathirdoftheoriginalforceleftalive.' Broodshookhishead.'JorrickSharplance,underhimfivethousand BarghastandsevenBladesoftheCrimsonGuard.' 'Sharplance?'Cronehissedlaughter.'Fullofhimself,ishe?' 'Heis,buttheBarghastsonamedhim.AsIwassaying,fivelegionsofGold Moranthdroppedintohislapthreedaysago.Jorrickretreatedundercoverof night,andbledofftwothirdsofhisarmyeastandwesthisBarghasthavea knackofdisappearingwherenocoverseemspossible.Yesterdayhis panickedmobdidanaboutfaceandmettheGold.HisBarghastmovedinas pincers.TwoMoranthlegionswipedout,theotherthreeretreatingtothe forestwithhalftheirsuppliesscatteredontheplain.' Cronecockedherheadagain.'Jorrick'splan?' Broodinclinedhishead.'He'sCrimsonGuard,thoughtheBarghastcallhim theirown.Young,thusfearless.' Theravenstudiedthemap.'Andtheeast?HowholdsFoxPass?' 'Well,'Broodsaid.'MostlyStannisconscriptsontheothersidethe Malazansarefindingthemareluctantally.We'llseetheCrimsonGuard's

mettleintwelvemonths'time,whenthenextwaveofMalazanmarines disembarkatNisst.' 'Whynotdrivenorthward?'Croneasked.'PrinceK'azzcouldliberatethe FreeCitiesoverthewinter.' 'ThePrinceandIagreeonthis,'Broodsaid.'Hestayswhereheis.' 'Why?'Cronedemanded. Broodgrunted.'Ourtacticsareourbusiness.' 'Suspiciousbastard,'Cronemuttered.Shehoppedalongthesouthedgeof themap.'Yourunderbellyremainsforfinalgrimscrutiny.NaughtbutRhivi plainsmenbetweenyouandPale.Andnowforceswalktheplainthateven theRhiviknownothingofyetyoushowlittleconcern,warrior.Whyisthat, Cronewonders?' 'IhavebeenincommunicationwithPrinceK'azzandhismages,andwith theBarghastandRhivishamans.Whatwasbornontheplainlastnight belongstonoone.Itisalone,andfrightened.EvennowtheRhivihavebegun thesearchforit.Concerned?No,notbythat.Still,there'smuchmoregoing oninthesouth.'Broodstraightened. 'Anomanderisinthemidstofit,'Cronepurred.'Plottingand counterplotting,scatteringbrokenglassineveryone'spath.I'veneverseen himinabettermood.' 'Enoughgossip.Youhavenewsforme?' 'Ofcourse,Master.'Cronestretchedherwingsandsighed.Shejabbedher beakatanitch,crunchedafleaandgulpeditdown.'Iknowwhoholdsthe SpinningCoin.' 'Who?' 'Ayouthwhoseblissisignorance.TheCoinspinsandturnsafacetoall thoseinhiscompany.They'vetheirowngame,butitwillconvergewith greaterthings,andsoOponn'sthinthreadsreverberateinspheresotherwise immunetothejesters'influence.' 'WhatdoesRakeknow?' 'Ofthis,little.ButyouwellknowhisdislikeofOponn.Hewouldcutthose threadsgiventheopportunity.' 'Idiot,'Broodmuttered.Hethoughtforatime,unmoving,likeashapingof stoneandiron,whileCroneambledbackandforthacrosstheRhiviPlain,her long,blacktalonsscatteringthewoodenregimentanddivisionmarkerslike dominoes. 'WithoutOponn,Rake'spowerispresentlyunmatched,'Broodsaid.'He hangsoverDarujhistanlikeabeaconandtheEmpressissuretosend somethingagainsthim.Suchabattlewould' 'LevelDarujhistan,'Cronechirpedbrightly.'Inflamesnumberingtwelve, soflytheFreeCities,somuchashinthewind.' 'Rake'sdisdainforeverythingbeneathhimhasleftusstumblingandflat onourfacesonetimetoomany,'Broodsaid.HeglancedatCroneandraiseda hairlesseyebrow.'You'rescatteringmyarmies.Stopit.' Cronestoppedpacingandsquatted.'Onceagain,'shesighed,'Caladan BroodtheGreatWarriorseeksthebloodlessway.Rakegetsthatcoinand

he'llpullOponnrightinandspittheLordandLadyonthatlovelyswordof his.Imaginethechaosthatwouldensueawonderfulripplethatcould topplegodsanddelugerealms.'Sheheardherownexcitementandrevelled initsblatancy.'Suchfun.' 'Quiet,bird,'Broodsaid.'TheCoinBearerneedsprotection,nowthat Rake'srecalledhismages.' 'ButwhoistheretomatchtheTisteAnd?'Croneasked.'Surelyyoudon't intendtoleaveyourcampaignhere?' Broodbaredhisfiledteethinanastygrin.'Ha,caughtyouout,Ithink. Good.Youneedtakingdownanotchortwo,Crone.Youdon'tknow everything.Howdoesitfeel?' 'I'llpermitsuchtorturefromyou,Brood,'Cronesquawked,'onlybecauseI respectyourtemper.justdon'tpushmetoofar.Tellme,whoaroundhere canmatchRake'smages?ThisissomethingImustknow.Youandyour secrets.HowcanIbeatrueservanttomymaster'swisheswhenhe withholdsvitalinformation?' 'WhatdoyouknowoftheCrimsonGuard?'Broodasked. 'Scant,'Cronereplied.'Acompanyofmercenariesheldinhighregard amongsuchkind,whatofthem?' 'AskRake'sTisteAndfortheirassessment,crow.' Crone'sfeathersarchedindignantly.'Crow?I'llnottakesuchinsults!I'm leaving.ReturningtotheMoon,theretodevisesuchalistoffoulnamesfor CaladanBroodastostaintherealms!' 'Begonewithyou,then,'Broodsaid,smiling.'You'vedonewell.' 'IfonlyRakewasn'tevenmorestingythanyou,'Cronesaid,asshehopped towardsthedoorway,'myspyingskillswouldbeusedonyouinsteadofon him.' Broodspoke.'Onelastthing,Crone.' Shestoppedattheentranceandcockedherhead. Thewarrior'sattentionhadreturnedtothemap.'Whenyoufindyourself overtheRhiviPlainfartothesouth,markwhateverpowersyousenseactive there.Butbecareful,Crone.Something'sbrewing,anditstinks. Crone'scacklewasheronlyreply,andthenshewasgone. Broodstoodoverhismap,thinkinghard.Heremainedunmovingforclose totwentyminutes,thenhestraightened.Steppingoutsidehesearchedthe sky.Cronewasnowhereinsight.Hegruntedandturnedtosurveythe nearesttents.'Kallor!Whereareyou?' AtallgreymansteppedaroundatentandwalkedslowlyuptoBrood. 'TheGoldhaveboggeddownintheforest,Warlord,'hesaidinagravelly voice,hisancient,lifelesseyesmeetingBrood's.'Astormcomesdownfrom theLaederonHeights.TheMoranth'sQuorlswillbegroundedforsometime.' Broodnodded.'I'mleavingyouincharge.HeadingtoFoxPass.' Kallorraisedaneyebrow. Broodstaredathim,thensaid,'Let'snotgettooexcited.Peoplewillstart thinkingyou'renotasboredwithallthisasyoumakeouttobe.I'mmeeting withPrinceK'azz.'

AfaintsmilequirkedKallor'sthinlips.'WhatmadnesshasJorrick Sharplanceperpetratednow?' 'None,sofarasI'maware,'Broodanswered.'Easeuponthelad,Kallor.He pulledoffthelastone.Remember,youwereyoungonce,tooTheoldwarrior shrugged.'Jorrick'slastsuccessbelongstotheLadyofLuckifanything.It surelywasnottheproductofgenius.' 'I'llnotargueyouthatone,'Broodsaid. 'MayIask,whatisthereasonforspeakingwithK'azzinperson?' Broodlookedaround.'Where'sthatdamnhorseofmine,anyway?' 'Probablycowering,'Kallorsaiddrily.'Wordis,hislegshavebecome shorterandstubbierbeneathyourprodigiousself.Iremainunconvincedthat suchathingispossible,butwhocanarguewithahorse?' 'IneedsomeofthePrince'smen,'Broodsaid,headingoffdownaisle.'To bemoreprecise,'hesaid,overhisshoulder,'IneedtheCrimsonGuard'sSixth Blade.' WatchingCaladanBroodstrideaway,Kallorsighed.'Rakeagain,isit, Warlord?You'ddobettertofollowmyadviceanddestroyhim.Youwill dismissingmyadvice,Brood.'HisdulleyesfollowedBrooduntilheturneda corneranddisappearedfromsight.'Considerthatmylastwarning.' Thecharredearthcrunchedundertheirhorses'hoofs.TheglancethatToc theYoungerthrewbackoverhisshoulderwasreceivedwithagrimnodfrom CaptainParan.Theywerenearingthesourceoflastnight'scolumnoffire. AsTochadpromised,leavingthecityhadprovedasimplematter,none accostedthem,andthegateshadbeenleftajar.Theirhorseswereindeed Wickanbred,leanandlonglimbed;andthoughtheirearsflattenedandeyes rolledtheyheldtothedisciplineoftheirreins. Thestillmiddayairwasheavywiththestenchofsulphur,andalreadya finecoatofashcoveredthetworidersandtheirhorses.Overheadthesun wasabrightcopperorb.Tocstoppedhismountandwaitedforthecaptainto arrive. Paranwipedgrimysweatfromhisbrowandadjustedhishelmet. camailfeltheavyonhisshouldersashesquintedahead.Theywere headingtowardstheplacewherethepillaroffirehadcomefrom.Thenight justpasthadbeenoneofdeepfearforParan:neitherhenorTochadever witnessedsuchaconflagrationofsorcery.Thoughtheyhadcampedleagues awaytheyhadfelttheheatpouringfromit.Now,astheyapproached,all Parancouldfeelwasdread. NeitherhenorTocspoke.Perhapsahundredyardseastwardrsomething thatlookedlikeamisshapentreestump,onegnarled,blackenedbranch reachingskyward.Inaperfectcirclearounditthegrassswardwas untouchedforperhapsfiveyards.Adarksmudgelayintheunburnedarea, slightlyofftooneside. ParannudgedhismountforwardandTocfollowedafterunslingingand stringinghisbow.AsToccaughtupwiththecaptain,Paransawthathis companionhadnockedanarrow. Theclosertheyapproachedthelesslikeatreethecharredthinglooked.

Thelimbthatreachedoutfromithadfamiliarlines.Paran'sgazenarrowed somemore,thenhecursedandspurredhishorse.Heclosedthedistance quickly,leavingbehindastartledToc. Arriving,hedismountedandstrodeuptowhathenowsawweretwo bodies,onegigantic.Bothhadbeenburnedbeyondrecognition,butParan heldnoillusionsastowhotheotherwas.Allthatcomeclosetome,allthatI carefor'Tattersail,'hewhispered,thenfelltohisknees. Tocjoinedhim,butremainedinthesaddle,standinginthestirrupsand scanningthehorizon.Aminutelaterhedismountedandwalkedaslowcircle aroundtheembracingbodies,stoppingatthedarksmudgethey'dseenfrom adistance.Hecrouchedtostudyit. Paranraisedhisheadandstruggledtokeephiseyesonthefigures.The limbbelongedtothegiant.Thefirethathadconsumedthembothhad blackenedthearmformostofitslength,butitshandwasonlyslightly scorched.Paranstaredatthegraspingfingersandwonderedwhatsalvation thegianthadreachedforinitsmomentofdeath.Thefreedomthatisdeath,a freedomdeniedme.Damnthegods,damnthemall. Numbed,hewasslowtorealizethatToccalledtohim. Itwasanefforttorisetohisfeet.HestaggeredtowhereTocstillcrouched. Onthegroundbeforethemanwasatornburlapsack. 'Tracksleadfromthis,'Tocsaidshakily,astrangeexpressiononhisface. Hescratchedvigorouslyathisscar,thenrose.'Headingnortheast.' Paranlookedathiscompanionwithoutcomprehension.'Tracks?' 'Small,likeachild's.Only...' 'Onlywhat?'Themanhuggedhimself.'Thosefeetweremostlybones.'He metthecaptain'sblankstare.'Asifthesolesweregone,rottedorburned awayIdon'tknowSomethinghorriblehashappenedhere,Captain.I'm gladit'sheadingaway,whateveritis.' Paranturnedbacktothetwoentwinedfigures.Heflinched.Onehand reacheduptotouchhisface.'That'sTattersail,'hesaid,inaflatvoice. 'Iknow.I'msorry.TheotheroneistheThelomenHighMageBellurdan.It hastobe.'Toclookeddownattheburlapsack.'Hetookleavetocomeout hereandburyNightchill.'Headdedquietly,'Idon'tthinkNightchillneeds buryinganymore.' 'Tayschrenndidthis,'Paransaid. Somethinginthecaptain'svoicebroughtTocround. 'Tayschrenn.AndtheAdjunct.Tattersailwasright.Theywouldnothave killedherotherwise.Onlyshedidn'tdieeasily,shenevertooktheeasypath inanything. 'Lorn'stakenherfromme,justlikeshe'stakeverythingelse.' 'Captain' Paran'shandunconsciouslygrippedthepommelofhissword.'The heartlessbitchhasalotcomingtoher,andImeantodeliverit.' 'Fine,'Tocgrowled.'Justlet'sbesmartaboutit.' Paranglaredathim,'Let'sgetgoing,ToctheYounger.' Tocglancedonelasttimeintothenortheast.Thiswasn'tover,hesaidto

himself,shivering.Hewincedasasavage,painfulitchrosebeneathscar. Thoughhetried,hefoundhecouldnotreachthroughtoit.Andformlessfire burnedbehindhisemptyeyesocketsomethinghehadbeenexperiencing oftenlately.Muttering,hestrodetohishorseaclimbedintothesaddle. Thecaptainhadalreadyswunghisownmountandthetrailinghorse southward.Thesetoftheman'sbackspokevolumestoToctheYoungerand hewonderedifhehadn'tmadeamistakeinaccompanyinghim.Thenhe shrugged.'Well,'hesaid,tothetwocharredbodies,asherodepast,'it'sdone, ain'tit?' Theplainbelowlaysheathedindarkness.Lookingtothewest,Cronecould stillseethesettingsun.Sherodethehighestwinds,theairaroundherbitter cold.TheGreatRavenhadleftCaladanBrood'scompanydaysago.Sincethen, she'ddetectednosignoflifeinthewastesbelow.Eventhemassiveherdsof Bhederin,whichtheRhiviwereinthehabitfollowing,haddisappeared. Atnight,Crone'ssenseswerelimited,thoughitwasinsuchdarknessthat shecouldbestdetectsorcery.Asshewingedeversouthwardshescannedthe landfarbelowwithahungryeye.OthersamongherbrethrenfromMoon's SpawnregularlypatrolledtheplainsinserviceAnomanderRake.She'dyetto seeone,butitwasonlyamatteroftime.Whenshedid,shewouldaskthemif they'ddetectedanysourceofmagicrecently. Broodwasnotonetooverreact.Ifsomethingwashappeningdownhere thatsouredhispalate,itcouldbemomentous,andshewantedknowofit beforeanyoneelse. Fireflashedintheskyaheadofher,perhapsaleaguedistant.Itflared briefly,tingedgreenandblue,thendisappeared.Cronetensed.Thathadbeen sorcery,butofakindshe'dneverknown.Asshesweptintotheairtheair washedoverherhotandwet,withacharnelstenchthatremindherofshe cockedherheadburntfeathers. Acrysoundedahead,angryandfrightened.Croneopenedherbeakreply, thenshutitagain.Ithadcomefromoneofherkin,shecertain,butforsome reasonshefelttheneedtoholdhertongue.Thenanotherballoffireflashed, thistimecloseenoughtoCronethatshesawwhatitengulfed:aGreatRaven. Herbreathhissedfromherbeak.Inthatbriefinstantoflightshe'dseen halfadozenmoreofherbrethrenwheelingintheskyaheadofherandtothe west.Shethrummedherwingsandangledtowardsthem. Whenshecouldheartheirpanickedflappingaboutheronallsides,Crone calledout,'Children!AttendtoCrone!TheGreatMotherhascome!'The ravensvoicedrelievedcriesandclosedinaroundher.Theyallshriekedat onceinanefforttotellherwhatwashappening,butCrone'sangryhiss silencedthematonce.'IheardamongyouHurtle'svoice,'Cronesaid,'didI not?'Onemalesweptnearher.'Youdid,'hereplied.'IamHurtle.' 'I'vejustcomefromthenorth,Hurtle.Explaintomewhathasoccurred.' 'Confusion,'Hurtledrawledsarcastically. Cronecackled.Shelovedagoodjokemorethananyone.'Indeed!Goon, lad!' 'BeforeduskKinClipdetectedaflareofsorcerybelowherontheplain.It

wasodd,itsfeel,butclearlyaWarrenhadjustopenedandsomethinghad issuedontotheplain.KinClipspoketomeofthis,theninvestigated.I shadowedherfromaboveduringthedescent,andsosawwhatshesaw. Crone,ithascometomymindthatonceagaintheartofsoulshiftinghas beenexercised.' 'Ehr'TravellingonthegroundandhavingjustcomefromaWarrenwasa smallpuppet,'Hurtleexplained,'animateandpossessinggreatpower.When thispuppetdetectedCliphegesturedatherandsheburstintoflames.Since then,thecreaturehasdisappearedintoitsWarren,reappearingonlytokill anotherofus.' 'Whydoyouremain?'Cronedemanded. Hurtlechuckled.'Wewoulddetermineitscourse,Crone.Thusfar,itseems totravelsouthward.' 'Verywell.Nowthatthat'sbeenconfirmed,leaveandtaketheotherswith you.ReturntoMoon'sSpawnandreporttoourlord.' 'Asyoucommand,Crone.'Hurtledippedawingandslidoffintodarkness. Hisvoicecalledoutandwasansweredbyachorus. Cronewaited.Shewantedtobecertainthattheyhadalldepartedthearea beforedoingsomeinvestigatingonherown.Wasthispuppetthething birthedinthepillaroffire?Itdidn'tseemlikely.Andwhatkindofsorcerydid itemploythatnoGreatRavencouldabsorb? TherewasanElderingtasteaboutthis.Soulshiftingwasnosimplecantrip, andithadneverbeencommonustsuigthewizardsevenwhenits techniqueswereknown.Toomanytalesofmadnessbornwithintheshifting. PerhapsthispuppethadsurvivedfromCesetimes.Cronethoughtabout that.Unlikely. Magicbloomedontheplainbelow,thenfaded.Asmallmagicalform scamperedfromthespot,weavingasitran.Here,thoughtCrone,liethe answerstomyquestions.Destroymyyounglings,willyou?Wouldyouso easilydisdainCrone? Shecrookedherwingsanddropped.Theairwhistledaroundher.She raisedapenumbraofprotectivemagicthatencapsulatedherjustasthesmall figureceaseditsmarchandlookedup.Faintly,Croneheardamaniclaugh riseuptomeether,thenthepuppetgestured. ThepowerthatengulfedCronewasIowri;cse,farbeyondanythingshe anticipated.Herdefencesheldbutshefoundherselfbuffeted,asiffists punchedherfromeverydirection.Shecriedoutinpain,spinningasshefell. Ittookallherstrengthandwillto;MMoutherbatteredwingsandcatcha risingcurrentofair.Shevoicedanoutraged,alarmedshrieksheclimbed higherintothenightsky.Atfficedownrevealedthatthepuppethad returnedonceagaintoitsWarren,fornothingmagicalwasvisible. 'Aye.'Shesighed.'Whatapricetopayforknowledge!ElderWarrren indeed,theeldestofthemall.WhoplayswithChaos?Croneknowsnaught. Allthingsaregathering,%.L=.here.'Shefoundanotherstreamofwindand angledsouth.ThiswassomethingAnomanderRakemustknowof,never mindCaladanThe"110instructionsthattheTiAndlordbekeptignorantof

almost4i;;&~thing.RakewasgoodmorethanBroodcreditedhim.VMMM Met,forone.'Cronelaugh'Anddeath.Goodatdeath!' Shepickedupspeed,sodidnotnoticethe,deadsmudgeontheplain belowher,northewomancampedinitscentre.Therewasnomethereto speakof,inanycase. AdjunctLornsquattedbyherbedroll,hereyesscanningthenightsky. 'Tool,wasallthatconnectedtowhatwewitnessedtwonightsago?' TheT'lanImassshookhishead.'Ithinksrot,Adjunct.Ifanything, concernsmemore.Itissorcery,andit1wresthebarrierIhavearoundus.' 'How?'sheaskedquietly. 'Thereisonlyonepossibility,Adjunct.ItisEldering,alostWarrenages past,returnedtous.Whoeveritswieldermightbe,wemustassumeittracks us,withpurpose.' Lornstraightenedwearily,thenstretchedherback,feelinghervertebrae pop.'IsitsflavourShadowthrone's?' 'No.' 'ThenIwillnotassumeit'strackingus,Tool.'Sheeyedherbedroll. Toolfacedthewomanandwatchedinsilenceasshepreparedtosleep. 'Adjunct,'hesaid,'thishunterappearsabletopenetratemydefences,and thusitmayopenitsWarren'sportaldirectlybehindus,oncewearefound.' 'I'venofearofmagic,'Lornmuttered.'Letmesleep.' TheT'lanImassfellsilent,buthecontinuedstaringdownatthewomanas thehoursofnightcrawledon.Toolmovedslightlyasdawnlightenedtheeast, thenwasstillagain. Groaning,Lornrolledontoherbackasthesunlightreachedherface. Sheopenedhereyesandblinkedrapidly,thenfroze.Sheslowlyraisedher headtofindtheT'lanImassstandingdirectlyaboveher. And,hoveringinchesfromherthroat,wasthetipofthewarrior'sflint sword. 'Success,'Toolsaid,'demandsdiscipline,Adjunct.Lastnightwewitnessed anexpressionofEldermagic,choosingasitstargetravens.Ravens,Adjunct, donotflyatnight.Youmightthinkthecombinationofmyabilitieswith yoursensuresoursafety.Thatisnoguarantee,Adjunct.'TheT'lanImass withdrewhisweaponandsteppedtooneside. Lorndrewashakybreath.'Aflaw,'shesaid,pausingtoclearherthroat beforecontinuing,'whichIadmitto,Tool.Thankyouforalertingmetomy growingcomplacency.'Shesatup.'Tellme,doesn'titstrikeyouasoddthat thissupposedlyemptyRhiviPlainshoulddisplaysomuchactivity?' 'Convergence,'Toolsaid.'Powereverdrawsotherpower.Itisnota complicatedthought,yetitescapedus,theImass.'Theancientwarrior swunghisheadtotheAdjunct.'Asitescapestheirchildren.TheJaghutwell understoodthedanger.Thustheyavoidedoneanother,abandonedeach othertosolitude,andleftacivilizationtocrumbleintodust.TheForkrul Assailunderstoodaswell,thoughtheychoseanotherpath.Whatisodd, Adjunct,isthatofthesethreefoundingpeoples,itistheImasswhoselegacy ofignorancesurvivedtheages.'

LornstaredatTool.'Wasthatanattemptathumour?'sheasked. TheT'lanImassadjustedhishelmet.'Thatdependsonyourmood, Adjunct.' Sheclimbedtoherfeetandstrodetocheckherhorses.'You'regetting strangereveryday,Tool,'shesaidquietly,moretoherselfthantotheImass. Intohermindreturnedthefirstthingshehadseenwhensheopenedher eyesthatdamnedcreatureandhissword.Howlonghadhestoodlikethat? Allnight? TheAdjunctpausedtotesthershouldertentatively.Itwashealingquickly. Perhapstheinjuryhadnotbeenassevereasshe'dfirstthoughtAsshe saddledherhorseshechancedtoglanceatTool.Thewarriorstoodstaringat her.Whatkindofthoughtswouldoccupysomeonewho'dlivedthroughthree hundredthousandyears?OrdidtheImaslive?BeforemeetingToolshehad generallythoughtofthemasundead,hencewithoutasoul,thefleshalone animatedbysomeexternalforce. Butnowshewasn'tsosure. 'Tellme,Tool,whatdominatesyourthoughts?' TheImassshruggedbeforereplying.'Ithinkoffutility,Adjunct.' 'DoallImassthinkaboutfutility?' 'No.Fewthinkatall.' 'Whyisthat?' TheImassleanedhisheadtoonesideandregardedher.'BecauseAdjunct, itisfutile.' 'Let'sgetgoing,Tool.We'rewastingtime.' 'Yes,Adjunct.' Sheclimbedintothesaddle,wonderinghowtheImasshadmeantthat. BOOKFOURASSASSINS Idreamedacoinwithshiftingfacesomanyyouthfulvisagessomany costlydreams,anditrolledandrang'roundthegildedrimofachalicemade forgems LifeofDreamsMarestheHag CHAPTERELEVEN ThenightheldcloseasIwanderedmyspiritunfootedtoeitherearthor stoneunravelledfromtreeundrivenbyironnailbutlikethenightitselfa thingofairstrippedoflightsoIcameuponthem,thosemasonswhocutand carvedstoneinthenightsightingbystarsandbatteredhand. 'Whatofthesun?'askedIofthem'Isnotitscloakofrevelationthewarmth ofreasoninyourshaping?' Andoneamongthemanswered'Nosoulcanwithstandthesun'sbonesof lightandreasondimswhendarknessfallssoweshapebarrowsinthenight foryouandyourkin.' 'Forgivemyinterruption,then,'saidI. 'Thedeadneverinterrupt,'saidthemason,'theybutarrive.'

Pauper'sStoneDarujhistanof 'YETANOTHERNIGHT,YETANOTHERDREAM,'KRUPPEMOANED,'WITH naughtbutascantfiretokeepthiswanderercompany.'Heheldhishands overtheflickering,undyinghearththathadbeenstokedbyanElderGod.It seemedanoddgift,buthesensedasignificancetoit.'Kruppewould understandthismeaning,forrareandunwelcomeisthisfrustration.' Thelandscapearoundhimwasbarren;eventheploughedearthwasgone, withnosignofhabitationinsight.Hesquattedbythelonefireinatundra wasteland,andtheairhadthebreathofrottingice.Tothenorthandtothe eastthehorizongleamedgreen,almostluminescentthoughnomoonhad risentochallengethestars.Kruppehadneverbeforeseensuchathing,yetit wasanimagefashionedwithinhismind. 'Disturbing,indeed,proclaimsKruppe.Arethesevisionsofinstinct,then, unfurledinthisdreamforapurpose?Kruppeknowsnot,andwouldreturn tohiswarmbedthisinstant,werethechoicehis.' Hestaredaboutatthelichenandmosscoveredground,frowningatthe strangebrightcoloursbornthere.He'dheardtalesofRedspirePlain,that landfartothenorth,beyondtheLaederonPlateau.Isthiswhattundra lookedlike?He'dalwayspicturedableak,colourlessworld.'Yetperusethese starsoverhead.Theyglistenwithayouthfulenergy,nay,sparkleasifamused bytheonewhocontemplatesthem.Whiletheearthitselfhintsofvast blushesofred,orangeandlavender.' Krupperoseaslowthunderreachedhimfromthewest.Inthedistance movedamassiveherdofbrownfurredbeasts.Thesteamoftheirbreath gustedsilverintheairaboveandbehindthemastheyran,turningasone thiswayandthatbuteveratadistance.Hewatchedthemforsometime. Whentheycameclosesttohimhesawthereddishstreaksintheirfur,and theirhorns,sweepingdownthenupandout.Thelandshookwiththeir passage. 'Suchisthelifeinthisworld,Kruppewonders.Hashetravelledback,then, totheverybeginningofthings?' 'Youhave,'saidadeepvoicebehindhim. Kruppeturned.'Ah,cometosharemyfire,ofcourse.'Hesawbeforehima squatfigure,coveredinthetannedhidesofdeerorsomesuchsimilaranimal. Antlersstretchedoutfromaflatskullcapontheman'shead,greyand coveredinfuzzyskin.Kruppebowed.'YouseebeforeyouKruppe,of Darujhistan.' 'IamPranCholeofCannigTol'sClanamongtheKronTlan.'Pranstepped closeandcrouchedbeforethefire.'IamalsotheWhiteFox,Kruppe,wisein thewaysofice.'HeglancedatKruppeandsmiled. Pran'sfacewaswide,thebonespronouncedbeneathsmooth,goldskin. Hiseyeswerebarelyvisiblebetweentightlids,butwhatKruppesawofthem wasastartlingamberincolour.Pranreachedoutlong,supplehandsoverthe fire.'Fireislife,andlifeisfire.Theageoficepasses,Kruppe.Longhavewe livedhere,huntingthegreatherds,gatheringtowarwiththeJaghutinthe

southlands,birthinganddyingwiththeebbandflowofthefrozenrivers.' 'Kruppehastravelledfar,then.' 'Tothebeginningandtotheend.Mykindgivewaytoyourkind,Kruppe, thoughthewarsdonotcease.Whatweshallgivetoyouisfreedomfrom suchwars.TheJaghutdwindle,everretreatintoforbiddingplaces.The ForkrulAssailhavevanished,thoughweneverfoundneedtofightthem.And theK'chainChe'Mallearenomoretheicespoketothemwithwordsof death.'Pran'sgazeswungbacktothefire.'Ourhuntinghasbroughtdeathto thegreatherds,Kruppe.Wearedrivensouth,andthismustnotbe.Weare theTlan,butsoontheGatheringcomes,andsoshallbevoicedtheRiteof ImassandtheChoosingoftheBoneCasters,andthenshallcomethe sunderingofflesh,oftimeitself. 'WiththeGatheringshallbeborntheT'lanImass,andtheFirstEmpire.' 'Why,Kruppewonders,ishehere?' PranCholeshrugged.'IhavecomeforIhavebeencalled.Bywhom,Iknow not.Perhapsitisthesamewithyou.' 'ButKruppeisdreaming.ThisisKruppe'sdream.' 'ThenIamhonoured.'Pranstraightened.'Oneofyourtimecomes.Perhaps thisonepossessestheanswersweseek.' KruppefollowedPran'sgazetothesouth.Heraisedaneyebrow.'Ifnot mistaken,thenKrupperecognizesherasaRhivi.' Thewomanwhoapproachedwasperhapsmiddleaged,heavywithchild. Herdark,roundfaceborefeaturessimilartoPranChole's,thoughless pronounced.Fearshoneinhereyes,yettherewasagrimdetermination aboutheraswell.Shereachedthefireandeyedthetwomen,mostofher attentiondrawingtoPranChole.'Tlan,'shesaid,'theTellannWarrenofthe Imassofourtimehasbirthedachildinaconfluenceofsorceries.Itssoul wanderslost.Itsfleshisanabomination.Ashiftingmusttakeplace.'She turnedtoKruppeandsweptbackthethickwovenrobeshewore,revealing herswelledstomach.Thebare,stretchedskinhadbeenrecentlytracedina tattoo.Theimagewasthatofawhitehairedfox.'TheElderGodwalksagain, risenfrombloodspilledonconsecratedstone.K'rulcameinanswertothe child'sneedandnowaidsusinourquest.Heapologizestoyou,Kruppe,for usingtheworldwithinyourdream,butnoyoungergodcaninfluencethis place.Somehowyouhavemadeyoursoulimmunetothem.' 'Therewardsofcynicism,'Kruppesaid,bowing. Thewomansmiled. 'Iunderstand,'PranCholesaid.'Youwouldmakeofthischild,bornof Imasspowers,aSoletaken.' 'Yes.Itisthebestwecanmanage,Tlan.Ashapeshifterwhichwetoo knowasSoletakenmustbefashioned.' Kruppeclearedhisthroat.'ExcuseKruppe,please.Butarewenotmissing someonevitaltotheseplans?' 'Shestridestwoworlds,'theRhivisaid.Vrulguideshernowintoyours. Sheisfrightenedstill.Itfallstoyou,Kruppe,towelcomeher.' Kruppeadjustedthesleevesofhisfaded,threadbarecloak.'Thisshould

notprovedifficultforoneofKruppe'scharms.' 'Perhaps,'theRhivisaid,frowning.'Herfleshisanabomination.Youhave beenwarned.' Kruppenoddedaffably,thenlookedaround.'Willanydirectiondo?' PranCholelaughed. 'Isuggestsouth,'theRhivisaid. Heshruggedand,withabowtothetwocompanions,heheadedsouth. Afterafewminutesheglancedback,butthefirewasnowhereinsight.He wasaloneinthechillnight. Afullmoonappearedontheeasternhorizon,bathingthelandinsilver light.Ahead,thetundrarolledonasfarasKruppecouldsee,flatand featureless.Thenhesquinted.Somethinghadjustappeared,stilldistant, walkingwithseeminggreatdifficulty.Hewatcheditfallonce,thenclimb backtoitsfeet.Despitetheluminescence,thefigurelookedblack. Kruppemovedforward.Ithadyettoseehim,andhestoppedwhenhewas butthirtyfeetaway.TheRhivihadbeenright.Kruppeproducedhissilk handkerchiefandwipedthesweatthathadsprungacrosshisbrow. Thefigurehadbeenawomanonce,tall,withlongblackhair.Butthat womanhadbeenlongdead.Herfleshhadwitheredandassumedthehueof darkwood.Perhapsthemosthorrificaspectofherwasherlimbs,whichhad beenroughlysewnbackontoherbody.'Aye,'Kruppewhispered.This womanhadbeentornapartonce. Thewoman'sheadflewupandsightlesseyesfixeduponKruppe.She stopped,hermouthopeningbutnowordscomingforth. Surreptitiously,Kruppecastaspelluponhimself,thenlookedatheryet again.Hefrowned.Aspellhadbeenwovenaboutthewoman,oneof preservation.Butsomethinghadhappenedtothatspell,somethinghad reshapedit.'Lass!'Kruppebarked.'Iknowyoucanhearme"Hedidn'tknow, butdecidedtoinsistinanycase.'Yoursoulistrappedwithinabodythatis notyourown.Itdoesnotbecomeyou.IamnamedKruppe,andIwilllead youtosuccour.Come!'Hespunroundandbegantowalk.Amomentlaterhe heardashufflingbehindhim,andsmiled'Ah,'hewhispered,'Kruppehas charmsindeed.Butmore,hecanbeharshwhennecessary.' Thefirehadreturned,abeaconere'ternandKruppeQ!axxr'tAft3three figuresawaitingthem.Thevestigesofthespellhehadcastuponhimsell madetheTlanandtheRhiviblindingtohiseyes,suchwastheirpower. PranCholesteppedforward.'Thankyou,Kruppe.'Hestudiedthewoman andnoddedslowly.'Yes,IseetheeffectsoftheImassuponher. 'Butthereismore.'HelookedtotheRhivi.'Shewasamageonce?' TheRhivimovedclosetothewoman.'Hearme,lostone.Yourname Tattersail,yoursorceryisThyr.TheWarrenflowswithinyounow,it animatesyou,protectsyou.'Sheopenedherrobeoncemore.'Itistimeto bringyoubackintotheworld.' Tattersailsteppedbackinalarm'Withinyouisthepast,'Pransaid.'My world.YouknowthepresentandtheRhivioffersyoutothefuture.Inthis placeallismerged.Thefleshyouwearhasuponitaspellofpreservation,

andinyourdyingactyouopenedyourWarrenwithintheinfluenceof Tellarm.Andnowyouwanderwithinamortal'sdream.Kruppeisthevessel ofchange.PermitIWithawordlesscryTattersailstaggeredintoPran'sarms. TheRhivi 'My,'Kruppebreathed,'butKruppe'sdreamshavetakenastrangeturn. Whilehisownconcernsareeverpresent,ahauntingvoice,onceKruppe lookedupattheElderGod.'Kruppeasksfornothing.Thereisagiftinthis, andIamgladtobepartofitsmaking.' K'rulnodded.'Nevertheless.Speaktomeofyourefforts.' 'RallickandMurillioseektorightanoldwrong,'Kruppesaid,withsigh. 'Theythinkmeignorantoftheirschemes,butIshallturnsuchschemestomy purposes.Guiltridesthisdecision,buttheyareneeded.' 'Protectionhasbeensetinmotion,thoughitsfinalshapingicome.Iknow thattheMalazanEmpireactscovertlyforthemoment.Whattheyseek' yettc'Isanythingbutclear,Kruppe.Eventothem.Usethistoyour advantagewhenyoufindthem.Alliesmightcomefromsurprisingquarters.I willtellyouthis:twonowapproachthecity,oneisaT'lanImass,theothera banetomagic.Theirpurposesaredestructive,butalreadyforcesareinplay attendingtothem.Seekknowledgeofthem,butdonoopenlyopposethem. Theyaredangerous.Powerattractspower,Kruppe.Leavethemtothe consequencesoftheiractions.' Kruppenodded.'Kruppeisnofool,K'rul.Heopenlyopposesnoone,andhe findspowerathingtobeavoidedatallcosts.' AstheyspoketheRhiviwomanhadtakenTattersailinherarms.Pran Cholesquattednearby,hiseyesclosedandhislipsformingsilentwords. TheRhiviwomanrockedthedesiccatedbodyinrhythmicmotion,chanting softly.WaterstainedtheRhivi'sthighs. 'Aye,'Kruppewhispered.'Shepreparestogivebirthintruth.' AbruptlytheRhivitossedawaythebody.Itcrumpledinalifelessheap. TheMoonnowhungimmediatelyoverhead,sobrightthatKruppefound hecouldnotlookatitdirectly. TheRhivihadassumedasquattingposition,movingwiththerhythmof labour,herfacesheathedinsweat.PranCholeremainedimmobile,though hisbodywasrackedinshiveringboutsthattwistedhisfacewithpain.His eyesopenedwide,glowingbrightamber,andfixedontheMoon. 'ElderGod,'Kruppesaidquietly,'howmuchwillthisTattersailremember ofherformerlife?' 'Unknown,'K'rulreplied.'Soulshiftingisadelicatething.Thewomanwas consumedinaconflagration.Hersoul'sfirstflightwascarriedonwingsof painandviolence.More,sheenteredanotherravagedbody,bearingitsown traumas.Thechildthatisbornwillbelikenoothereverseen.Itslifeisa mystery,Kruppe.' Kruppegrunted.'Consideringherparents,shewillindeedbeexceptional.' Athoughtcametohimandhefrowned.Vrul,whatofthefirstchildwithinthe Rhivi?' 'Therewasnone,Kruppe.TheRhiviwomanwaspreparedinamanner

unknowntoanyman.'Hechuckled.'Includingmyself.'Heraisedhishead. 'ThissorcerybelongstotheMoon,Kruppe.' Theycontinuedwatchingthelaboursofbirth.ToKruppeitseemedthey waitedmorehoursinthedarknessthananynormalnightcouldhold.The Moonremainedoverhead,asifitfounditspositiontoitslikingor,he reconsidered,asifitstoodguardoverthem. Thenasmallcryroseintothestillair,andtheRhiviliftedinherarmsa childfurredinsilver. EvenasKruppewatched,thefursloughedaway.TheRhiviturnedthechild andplacedhermouthagainstitsbelly.Herjawsbunchedandtheremaining lengthofumbilicalcordfellaway. PranCholestrodetostandbesideKruppeandtheElderGod.TheT'lan lookedexhausted.'Thechilddrewfrommepowerbeyondmycontrol,'he saidsoftly. AstheRhivisquattedagaininafterbirth,holdingthechildagainsther chest,Kruppe'seyeswidened.Themother'sbellywassmooth,thewhitefox tattoowasgone. 'Iamsaddened,'Pransaid,'thatImaynotreturnintwentyyearstoseethe womanthischildshallbecome.' 'Youshall,'K'rulsaidinalowtone,'butnotasaT'lan.AsaT'lanImass BoneCaster.' ThebreathhissedbetweenPran'steeth.'Howlong?'heasked. 'Threehundredthousandyears,PranCholeofCannigTol'sClan.' KruppelaidahandonPran'sarm.'You'vesomethingtolookforwardto,' hesaid. TheT'lanstaredatKruppeamoment,thenhethrewbackhisheadand roaredwithlaughter. ThehoursbeforeKruppe'sdreamhadprovedeventful,beginningwithhis meetingwithBarukthatpermittedtherevelationoftheCoinBearer punctuatedwiththecleverifslightlydramaticsuspensionofthecoin'swax impressionacantripthathadgonestrangelyawry. Butsoonafterthemeeting,dropletsofnowhardenedwaxpebblingthe breastandarmsofhiscoat,Kruppepausedjustoutsidethealchemist'sdoor. Roaldwasnowheretobeseen.'Oh,my,'Kruppebreathedashewipedsweat fromhisforehead.'WhyshouldMasterBarukfindCrokus'snamefamiliar? Ah,stupidKruppe!UncleMammot,ofcourse.Ohdear,thatwascloseall couldwellhavebeenlost!'Hecontinuedondownthehalltothestairs. Foratimethere,Oponn'spowerhadwaxedconsiderably.Kruppesmiled athispun,butitwasadistractedsmile.Hewoulddowelltoavoidsuch contacts.Powerhadahabitoftriggeringhisowntalents;alreadyhefeltthe urgingsoftheDeckofDragonswithinhishead. Hehurrieddownthestairsandcrossedthemainhalltothedoors. Roaldwasjustentering,burdenedbeneathmundanesupplies.Kruppe notedthedustcoveringtheoldman'sclothing.'DearRoald,youlookasif you'vejustweatheredasandstorm!DoyourequireKruppe'sassistance?' 'No,'Roaldgrunted.'Thankyou,Kruppe.Icanmanage.Willyoubesokind

astoclosethedoorsonyourwayout?' 'Ofcourse,kindRoald!'Kruppepattedtheman'sarmandstrodeoutinto thecourtyard.Thegatesleadingtothestreethadbeenleftopen,andbeyond wasaswirlingcloudofdust.'Ah,yes,theroadrepairs,'Kruppemuttered. Aheadachehadburgeonedbehindhiseyes,andthebrightsunoverhead wasn'thelpingmattersany.Hewashalfwaytothegateswhenhestopped. 'Thedoors!Kruppehasforgottentoclosethedoors!'Hespunroundand returnedtotheestateentrance,sighingasthedoorsclosedwithasatisfying click.Asheturnedawayasecondtimesomeoneshoutedinthestreetbeyond. Therefollowedaloudcrash,butthislattersoundwaslostonKruppe. Withthatbellowedcurseasorcerousstormroaredintohishead.Hefellto hisknees,thenhisheadsnappedup,eyeswidening.'That,'hewhispered, 'wasindeedaMalazancurse.ThenwhydoesHouseShadow'simageburn likefireinKruppe'sskull?WhonowwalksthestreetsofDarujhistan?'A countofknotsunending'Mysteriessolved,moremysteriescreated.' Thepainhadpassed.Kruppeclimbedtohisfeetandbrushedthedustfrom hisclothing.'Goodthatsaidafflictionoccurredbeyondtheeyesofsuspicious beings,Kruppenoteswithrelief.AlluponapromisemadetofriendRoald. WiseoldfriendRoald.Oponn'sbreathisthistimewelcome,though begrudginglyso.' Hestrodetothegatesandpeeredintothestreet.Acartfilledwith shatteredcobbleshadtoppled.Twomenarguedincessantlyastowhosefault itwaswhiletheyrightedthecartandproceededtorefillit. Kruppestudiedthem.TheyspokewelltheDarutongue,buttoonewho listenedcarefullytherewasthehintofanaccentanaccentthatdidnot belong.'Oh,my,'Kruppesaid,steppingback.Headjustedhiscoat,tooka deepbreath,thenopenedthegateandwalkedintothestreet. Thefatlittlemanwiththefloppingsleeveswalkedfromthehouse'sgate andturnedleft.Heseemedinahurry. SergeantWhiskeyjackwipedthesweatfromhisbrowwithascarred forearm,hiseyesslitsagainstthebrightsunlight. 'Thatistheone,Sergeant,'Sorrysaid,besidehim. 'Areyousure?' 'Yes,I'msure.' Whiskeyjackwatchedthemanwindingthroughthecrowd.'What'sso importantabouthim?'heasked. 'Iadmit,'Sorryreplied,'tosomeuncertaintyastohissignificance.Butheis vital,Sergeant.' Whiskeyjackchewedhislip,thenturnedtothewagonbedwhereacity maphadbeenlaidflat,itscornersanchoreddownbychunksofrock.'Who livesinthatestate?' 'AmannamedBaruk,'Sorryanswered.'Analchemist.' Hescowled.Howdidsheknowthat?'Areyousayingthatfatlittlemanis thisBaruk?' 'No.Heworksforthealchemist.Notaservant.Aspy,perhaps.Hisskills involvethievery,andhepossessestalent.'

Whiskeyjacklookedup.'ASeer?' ForsomereasonSorrywinced.Thesergeantwatched,bemused,asSorry's facepaled.Damn,hewondered,whatonearthisgoingonwiththisgirl? 'Ibelieveso,'shesaidhervoicetrembling. Whiskeyjackstraightened.'Allright.Followhim. Shenoddedshakily,thenslippedintothecrowd. Thesergeantrestedhisbackagainstthewagon'ssidewall.Hisexpression souredashestudiedhissquad.Trottswasswinginghispickasifona battlefield.Stonesfleweverywhere.Passersbyducked,andcursedwhen duckingfailed.HedgeandFiddlercrouchedbehindawheelbarrow,flinching eachtimetheBarghast'spickstruckthestreet.Malletstoodashortdistance away,directingpedestrianstotheotherpavement. Henolongerbellowedatthepeople,havinglosthisvoicearguingwithan oldmanwithadonkeywobblingunderanenormousbasketoffirewood.The bundlesnowlayscatteredacrossthestreettheoldmanandthedonkey nowheretobeseenprovidinganeffectivebarriertowheeledvehicles. Allinall,WhiskeyJackconcluded,everyonewithhimhadassumedtherole ofheatcrazedstreetworkerwithafacilityhefoundoddlydisturbing. HedgeandFiddlerhadacquiredthewagon,loadeddownwithcobbles,less thananhouraftertheirmidnightlandingatapublicdockontheLakefront. Exactlyhowthishadbeenaccomplished,Whiskeyjackwasafraidtoask.But itsuitedtheirplansperfectly.SomethingnaggedatthebackofWhiskeyjack's mindbuthedismissedit.Hewasasoldierandasoldierfollowedorders. Whenthetimecame,therewouldbechaosateverymajorintersectionof streetsinthecity. 'Plantingminesain'tgonnabeeasy,'Fiddlerhadpointedout,'sowedoit rightinfrontofeveryone'snose.Roadrepair.' Whiskeyjackshookhishead.TruetoFiddler'sprediction,noonehadyet questionedthem.Theycontinuedrippingupstreetsandreplacingtheold cobbleswithMoranthmunitionsencasedinfirehardenedclay.Was everythinggoingtobesoeasy? HisthoughtsreturnedtoSorry.Notlikely.QuickBenandKalamhadatlast convincedhimthattheirhalfofthemissionwasbetteroffwithouther.She'd taggedalongwithhiscrew,eyesneverstill,butotherwiseofferinglittlein thewayofassistance.Headmittedtofeelingsomereliefthathe'dsentheroff onthatfatman'strail. Butwhathadpulledaseventeenyearoldgirlintotheworldofwar? Hecouldn'tunderstandithecouldn'tgetpastheryouthfulness,couldn't seebeyondtothecold,murderouskillerbehindthosedeadeyes. Asmuchashetoldhissquadthatshewasashumanasanyofthem,the doubtsgrewwitheveryquestionaboutherthathecouldnotanswer.He knewalmostnothingabouther.Therevelationthatshecouldmanagea fishingboathadcomefromseeminglynowhere.AndhereinDarujhistan she'dhardlyactedlikeagirlraisedinafishingvillage.Therewasanatural poiseabouther,ameasureofassurancemorecommontothehigher, educatedclasses.Nomatterwhereshewas,shecarriedherselfasifshe

belongedthere. Didthatsoundlikeaseventeenyearoldgirl?No,butitseemedtomatch QuickBen'sassertions,andthatgalledhim.Howelsetomatchherwiththat icycoldwomantorturingprisonersoutsideNathilog?Hecouldlookather andpartofhimwouldsay:'Young,notdispleasingtotheeye,aconfidence thatmakeshermagnetic.' 'Whileanotherpartofhismindsnappedshut.Young?He'dhearhisown harsh,painedlaugh.Oh,no,notthislass.She'sold.Shewalkedunderablood redmooninthedawnoftime,didthisone.Herfaceisthefaceofallthat cannotbefathomed,andshe'slookingyouintheeye,Whiskeyjack,andyou'll neverknowwhatshe'sthinking. Hecouldfeelsweatdraindownhisfaceandneck.Nonsense.Thatpartof hismindlostitselftoitsownterror.Ittooktheunknownandfashioned,in blinddesperation,avisageitcouldrecognize.Despair,hetoldhimself, alwaysdemandsadirection,afocus.Findthedirectionandthedespairgoes away. Ofcourse,itwasn'tthateasy.Thedespairhefelthadnoshape.Itwasnot justSorry,notjustthisendlesswar,noteventhetreacheryfromwithinthe Empire.Hehadnowheretolookforanswers,andhewastiredofasking questions. WhenhehadlookeduponSorryatGreydog,thesourceofhishorrorlayin theunveilingofwhathewasbecoming:akillerstrippedofremorse, armouredinthecoldironofinhumanity,freedfromthenecessitytoask questions,toseekanswers,tofashionareasonablelifelikeanislandinasea ofslaughter. Intheemptyeyesofthischild,he'dseenthewitheringofhisownsoul. Thereflectionhadbeenunblemished,withnoimperfectionstochallenge thetruthofwhathesaw. Thesweatrunningdownhisbackbeneaththejerkinfelthotagainstthe chillthatgrippedhim.Whiskeyjackliftedatremblinghandtohisforehead.In thedaysandnightsahead,peoplewoulddiebyhiscommand.He'dbeen thinkingofthatasthefruitionofhiscareful,preciseplanningsuccess measuredbytheratiooftheenemy'sdeadtohisownlosses.Thecityits busy,jostlingmultitudesunceasingintheirlivessmallandlarge,cowardly andbravenomorethanagameboard,andthegameplayedsolelyforthe benefitofothers.He'dmadehisplans~$itnqd~mSQfhimselfwasatstake. Andyethisfriendsmightdiethere,he'dfinallycalledthemwhatthey wereandthefriendsofothersmightdie,andsons,daughters,parents.The rollcallofshatteredlivesseemedunending. Whiskeyjackpressedhisbackagainstthesidewallinanefforttosteady hisreelingmind.Desperately,heliftedhisgazefromthestreet.Hesawaman atawindowonthesecondflooroftheestate.Themanwaswatchingthem, andhishandswerebrightred. Shaken,thesergeantlookedaway.Hebitintothesideofhismouthuntilhe feltasharpstabofpain,thentastedblood.Concentrate,hetoldhimself.Step backfromthatchasm.Concentrate,oryou'lldie.Andnotjustyou,butalso

yoursquad.Theytrustyoutogetthemoutofthis. You'vegottokeepearningthattrust.Hedrewadeepbreaththroughhis nostrils,thenturnedtoonesideandspatamouthfulofblood.Hestared downattheredslickedcobble.'There,'hehissed.'It'seasytolookatit,isn't it?' HeheardfootstepsandlookeduptoseeHedgeandFiddlerarrive. Bothmenworetroubledexpressions. 'Youallright,Sarge?'Fiddleraskedquietly.Behindthetwosaboteurs, Malletapproached,hisgazecalculatingandfixedonWhiskeyjack'swhite, sweatsoakedface. Thesergeantgrimaced.'We'rebehindschedule.Howmuchlonger?' Theirfacessmearedwithwhitedustandsweat,thetwomenlookedat eachother,thenHedgeanswered,'Threehours.' 'Wedecidedonsevenmines,'Fiddlersaid.'FourSparkers,twoFlamers andoneCusser.' 'Willthatbringdownsomeofthesebuildings?'Whiskeyjackasked, avoidingMallet'seyes. 'Sure.Nobetterwaytoblockanintersection.'Fiddlergrinnedathis companion. 'Yougotoneinparticularyouwantdropped?'Hedgeinquired. 'Theestatebehindyouisanalchemist's.' 'Right,'Hedgesaid.'Thatshouldlighttheskyallright.' 'You'vegottwoandahalfhours,'Whiskeyjacksaid.'Thenit'sontothe MajestyHillcrossroads.' Malletsteppedclose.'Anotherheadache?'heaskedsoftly. Whiskeyjackclosedhiseyes,thengaveasharpnod. Thehealerraisedahandandpasseditoverthesergeant'sbrow.'Just easingitalittle,'hesaid. Thesergeantgrinnedruefully.'Thisisgettingold,Mallet.You'reeven usingthesamewords.'Acoolnumbnessflowedthroughhisthoughts. Mallet'sfacewasdrawn.Heloweredhishand.'WhenwehavetimeI'llfind thesource,Whiskeyjack.' 'Right.'Thesergeantsmiled.'Whenwehavetime.' 'HopeKalandQuickaredoingOK,'Malletsaid,turningtowatchthestreet traffic.'YousentSorryoff?' 'Yes.We'reonourown.Theyknowwheretofindus,allthreeofthem.'He glancedupattheestatewindow.Themanwiththeredhandswasstillthere, thoughnowhewasstudyingthedistantrooftops.Acloudofdustrose betweenthem,andWhiskeyjackreturnedhisattentiontothecitymap, whereeverymajorintersection,thebarracksandMajestyHillhadbeen circledinred.'Mallet?' 'Sarge?' 'Bittheinsideofmycheekagain.' Theheatersteppedclose,oncemoreraisinghishand. CrokusYounghandstrodesouthonTrallit'sWalk.Thefirstsignsofthe upcomingGedderoneFtehadappeared.Dyedbannershungfromclothes

linesoverthestreet,paintedflowersandstripsofbarkframeddoorways, andbushelsofdriedweedshadbeentackedtowallsateverycrossing. Outlandersalreadyfilledthestreets,Gadrobiherders,Rhivitraders,Catlin weaversamobofsweaty,shouting,excitedpeople.Animalsmellsmixed withhuman,makingthenarroweralleyssoredolentastobealmost impassable,whichinturncrowdedthemainthoroughfareevenmore. InpastyearsCrokushadrevelledinthecelebration,pushingthroughthe midnightcrowdsandfillinghisownpocketsbyemptyingthosearoundhim. DuringtheFte,worriesoftheMalazanEmpire'sexploitsinthefarnorth disappearedforatime.Hisunclealwayssmiledatthat,sayingtheturnofthe seasongavetheeffortsofhumanitytheirproperperspective.'Themewling, pettyacts,'he'dsay,'ofashortlivedarshortsightedspecies,Crokus,cando nothingtomartheGreatCyclesofLife.' AshewalkedhomeMammot'swordsreturnedtohimnow.Hehadalways lookeduponhisuncleasawise,ifslightlyineffectual,oldman.Increasingly, however,hefoundhimselftroubledbyMammot'sobservations. CelebratingGedderone'sRiteofSpringshouldn'tbeanexcusetoavoidthe pressuresofreality.Itwasn'tjustaharmlessescape:itwasameansof delayingtheprobableandmakingitinevitable.Wecoulddanceinthestreets allyearlong,hescowledtohimself,toathousandGreatCycles,andwiththe samecertaintyreservedforthecomingandgoingofseasonstheMalazan Empirewouldmarchthroughourgates.They'dendthedancewiththeedge ofasword,beingindustrious,disciplinedpeople,impatientwithuseless expendituresofenergygrimlyshortsighted. Hecametoatenementand,noddingatthepipesmokingoldwoman sittingonthesteps,wentinside.Thehallwaywasempty,theusualcrowdof childrennodoubtoutsideplayinginthestreets,andacalmingdomestic murmurdriftedoutfrombehindcloseddoors.Heclimbedthecreaking staircasetothefirstfloor. OutsideMammot'sdoorthescholar'spetwingedmonkeyhovered, scratchingandpullingdesperatelyatthelatch.ItignoredCrokusuntilhe arrivedtopushitaside,thenitsquealedandflewincirclesaroundhishead. 'Beingapainagain,eh?'Crokussaidtothecreature,wavingahandasit flewtoocloseandendedupsnarledinhishair.Tinyhumanlikehands grippedhisscalp.'Allright,Moby,'hesaid,relenting,andopenedthedoor. Inside,Mammotwaspreparingherbaltea.Withoutturningheasked,'Tea, Crokus?Andasforthatlittlemonsterwho'sprobablyridingyourhead,tell himI'vehadjustaboutenoughofhimtoday.' Mobysniffedindignantlyandflappedovertothescholar'sdesk,wherehe landedwithabellyflop,scatteringpaperstothefloor.Hechirped. Sighing,Mammotturnedwiththetrayinhishands.Hiswateryeyesfixed onCrokus.'Youlooktired,lad.' Crokusslumpedintothelessraggedofthetwochairsoccupyingtheroom. 'Yes.Tired,andinadarkmood.' 'Myteawilldoitsusualwonders,'Mammotsaid,smiling. Crokusgrunted,notlookingup.'Maybe.Maybenot.'

Mammotsteppedforwardandlaidthetrayonasmalltablebetweenthe chairs.Hesatdownwithasoftgroan.'Asyouknow,Ipossessfewmoral qualmsaboutyourchosenprofession,Crokus,sinceIquestionrightsofany kind,includingownership.Evenprivilegesdemandresponsibility,asI've alwayssaid,andtheprivilegeofownershipdemandsthattheownerbe responsibleforprotectinghisorherclaim.Myonlyconcern,ofcourse,isfor risksyoumustperforcetake.' Mammotleanedforwardandpouredtea.'Lad,athiefmustbesureofone thinghisconcentration.Distractionsaredangerous.' Crokusglancedupathisuncle.'Whathaveyoubeenwritingallthese years?'heaskedsuddenly,gesturingatthedesk. Surprised,Mammotpickeduphiscupandsatback.'Well!Agenuine interestineducation,then?Finally?AsI'vesaidbefore,Crokus,youpossess theintelligencetogosofar.AndwhileI'mbutahumblemanofletters,my wordwillopentoyoumanydoorsinthecity.Indeed,eventheCityCouncilis notbeyondyourreach,ifyouwouldchoosesuchadirection.Discipline,lad, theverysamerequirementyou'vemasteredasathief.' AcraftyexpressionglitteredinCrokus'sgazeasitheldonMammot. 'Howlongwouldittake,'heaskedquietly,'tobecomeknowninsuch circles?' 'Well,'saidMammot,'itisthelearningthatmatters,ofcourse.' 'Ofcourse.'InCrokus'smind,however,thererosetheimageofasleeping maiden. Mammotblewonhisdrink.'Withfulltimestudies,andyouryouthful eagerness,Iwouldhazardayear,perhapsmore,perhapsless.Isthereaneed forhaste?' 'Justyouthfuleagerness,Isuppose.Inanycase,youhaven'tansweredme yet.Whatareyouwriting,Uncle?' 'Ah.'Mammotglancedathisdesk,raisinganeyebrowatMoby,whohad openedaninkwellandwasdrinkingfromit.'ThehistoryofDarujhistan,'he said.'Iamjustbeginningthefifthvolume,whichopenswiththereignof Ektalm,secondtolastoftheTyrantKings.' Crokusblinked.'Who?' Smiling,Marnmotsippedhistea.'UsurperofLetastteandsucceededbyhis daughter,Sandenay,whobroughtontheRisingTimeandwithittheendof theageoftyrants.' 'Oh,right.' 'Crokus,ifyou'reseriousaboutallthis,Darujhistan'shistoryiswherewe'll begininthelessons,butthatdoesn'tmeanstartingatvolumefive.Itmeans startingattheverybeginning.' Crokusnodded.'Bornonarumour,'hesaid. AtthedeskMobysquawked,thencoughed.Mammotshothimaglance, thenswunghisattentionbacktoCrokus,expressionveiledashereplied,'Yes, lad.Darujhistanwasbornonarumour.'Hehesitated. 'You'veheardthatsayingelsewhere?Recently?' 'Someonementionedit,'Crokussaidcasually.'Can'trecallwho,though.'He

could,infact.Ithadbeenspokenbytheassassin,RallickNom'Doyouknow whatitmeans?' Crokusshookhishead. Mammotleanedback.'Drinkyourtea,mylad.'Theoldmanpausedthen began,'IntheEarlyCyclesinthisRealm,threegreatpeoplestruggledfor dominion,noneofthemhumanaswewouldknowhuman.Bowingoutearly inthestruggleweretheForkrulAssail,ortheKrussaastheyarenowknown. Notthroughweakness,butwell,disinterest. Theremainingtwopeopleswarredendlessly.Eventuallyonefell,forthey werearaceofindividuals,battlingasmuchamongthemselvesasagainst theirracialenemies.TheywerecalledtheJaghut,thoughthetermhas degeneratedthesedaystoJhag,orShurl.Whilelosersinthewar,theydidnot disappearentirelyit'ssaidsomeJaghutsurvivetothisday,though, thankfully,notonGenabackis. 'So,'Mammotcuppedhishandsaroundhisteacup,'Darujhistanwasborn onarumour.AmongtheindigenousGadrobihilltribessurvivedthelegend thataJaghut'sbarrowlaysomewhereinthehills.Now,theJaghutwere possessorsofgreatmagic,creatorsofsecretWarrensanditemsofpower. OvertimetheGadrobilegendmadeitswaybeyondthehills,intothe GenabackannorthandtheCatlinsouth,tokingdomssincecrumbledtodust intheeastandwest.Inanycase,searcherscametothehills,atfirstatrickle thenhordesentiretribesledbypowerhungryshamansandwarlocks. Everyhillsidewaslacedwithtrenchesandboreholes.Fromthecampsand shantytowns,fromthethousandsoftreasureseekersarrivingeachspring,a citywasborn.' 'Darujhistan,'Crokussaid. 'Yes.Thebarrowwasneverfound,andtherumourhaslongsince dwindledfewareevenawareofitthesedays,andthosewhoareknow betterthantoresumethesearch.' 'Why?' Mammotfrowned.'RarelydoesaJaghutconstructionappearinthehands ofahuman,butithashappened,andtheconsequenceshaveinevitablybeen catastrophic.'Theoldman'sfrowndeepened.'Thelessonisclearforthose whowouldchoosetorecognizeit.' Crokusthoughtforatime.'SotheKrussailvanished,theJhagwere defeated.Whathappenedtothethirdpeople,then?Theoneswhowon?Why aren'ttheyhereinsteadofus?' Mammotopenedhismouthtoreply,thenstopped,reconsidering. Crokus'seyesnarrowed.HewonderedwhatMammothadbeenaboutto reveal,andwhyhe'dchosennottorevealit. Mammotsetdownhiscup.'Nooneiscertainwhathappenedtothem, Crokus,orhowtheybecamewhattheyaretoday.Theyexist,sortof,andare known,toallwhohavefacedtheMalazanEmpire,astheT'lanImass.' Sorrypushedthroughthecrowd,strugglingtokeepthefatmanwithin sight.Itwasnotthathewasdifficulttofollow,butthegirlwasstruggling againstastormwithinherhead,whichhadbeentriggeredbyasingleword

utteredbySergeantWhiskeyjack. Seer. Ithadfeltasifadark,compactedthinginherbrainhadburstopenwith thatword,andnowwarredagainstallthatsurroundedit.Thoughithad initiallycomeuponherwithaforcethatseemedalmostoverwhelming,she couldnowsense,Wsway6m&WhateNetitfoughtwaswinningthebattle.Yet, faintly,shethoughtshecouldheartheweepingofachild. 'IamCotillion,'sheheardherselfmurmur,'PatronofAssassins,knownto allastheRopeofShadow.'Theweepinggrewfainter.'TheSeerisdead.' Apartofhermindcriedoutatthat,whileanotherasked,WhatSeer! 'Iamwithin,yetapart.IstandatShadowthrone'sside,andheisnamed AmmanasandheistheLordofShadows.Iamhereasthehandofdeath.' Sorrysmiledandnoddedtoherself,onceagainincontrol. Whateverhadchallengedthatwasnowgone,oncemoreburieddeep inside.Theluxuryofweeping,ofanger,offeardidnotbelongtoherhad neverbelongedtoher. Shedrewadeepbreath,andhersensesnarrowedtothetaskathand.The fatlittlemanwasdangerous.Thehowandwhyofthisremainedtobe answered,buteverypowerhissedinalarmeachtimeshecaughtglimpseof himamidthecrowds.Andallthatisdangerous,shetoldherself,mustdie. BeneaththeSecondTierWallintheLakefront,themarketalongStWalk wasatitsusualfrenziedpeak.Thesourheat,buildingalldayinthecluttered avenuesandalleys,wasatitsheight.Sweating,exhaustedmerchants screamedcursesatcompetitorsovertheheadsofcustomers.Fightsbroke outeveryfewminutesinoneoranotherarea,theturljostleofthecrowds pullingthecontestantsapartlongbeforethearrivalofilltemperedguards. Squattingontheirgrassmats,localRhiviplainsmencalledoutindnasal singsongendlessdescriptionsoffinehorseflesh.AtintersectionsGadrobi herdersstoodattetheringpolessurroundedbybrayinggoatsandsheep, whileotherspushedwoodencartsburdenedwithcheesesandclayjugsfilled withfermentedmilk.Darufishermenwalkedwithsp(ofsmokedfish bobbingabovetheirheadsstreamingwithbuzzingflies.Catlinweaverssat behindwaisthighfortressescomprisedofboltsofbrightlydyedcloth. Gredfalanfarmersstoodintheirwagonssellingseason'sbitterfruitsand sweettubers.Woodsellersforcedtheirdrawnwagonsthroughthecrowds, theirchildrenclingingtothestackedbundlesofwoodlikemonkeys.Dark robedmenandwomenofCallowssangouttheclashingclaimsoftheir ThousandSectsofD',eachholdingalofttheirsect'sparticularicon. Kruppestrodedownthemarketstreetwithajauntystep,hisarmswaving aboutseeminglyoftheirownaccord.Suchmovement,however,wasnomere affectation:itdisguisedthegesturingrequiredforcastingspells.Asathief,it appearedthatKruppe'stastesdidnotdemandmuch. Hestolefoodfruitandsweets,mostlyanditwastosuchdesiresofthe palatethathehadhonedhisskillsofmagic. Ashewalked,thechaoticdanceofhisarmswastimedtocatchapples flyingfrombaskets,pastriesleapingfromtrays,chocolatecoveredcherries

pluckedfrompans,allmovingsoswiftlyastobenomorethanblursdodging bodiesintheirpath.Insidethewide,floppingsleevesofhiscoat,pocketshad beensewn,somelarge,sometiny.AllthatenteredKruppe'shands disappeareduphissleeves,tuckedintoappropriatelysizedpockets.He strodeon,aconnoisseurofedibledelicaciesofahundredcultures,an expressionofsatedcontentmentonhisroundface. Eventually,afteralong,circuitousroute,KruppearrivedatthePhoenixInn. Hepausedonthestepsandchattedwithalonethugstandingthere, removingfromasleeveaglazedhoneyball.Then,takingabitefromthe sweetmeat,hepushedopenthedooranddisappearedinside. Halfablockdownthestreet,Sorryproppedherselfagainstthepittedwall ofatenementandcrossedherarms.Thefatlittlemanwasawonder.She'd seenenoughofhisexquisiteballettorecognizehimasanAdept.Yetshefelt confused,forthemindbehindtheman'sfaadehintedatcapacitiesfar greaterthanthosehe'dshown.Confirmationthathereindeedwasa dangerouscreature. Fromwhereshestoodshestudiedtheinn.Themanonthestepsseemedto bescreeningeveryoneentering,butshecouldn'tdetectanygesturethat mightindicateathieves'cant.Theconversationswerebrief,usuallyof mutualrecognition.Neverthelesssheintendedtoentertheinn. ItwasthekindofplaceWhiskeyjackhadsentKalamandQuickBento findahauntofthieves,strongarmsandassassins.Whythesergeant wantedtofindsuchaplacewasadetailthathadn'tbeensharedwithher. ThewizardandKalamhadsuspicionsabouther,andshesensedthattheir argumentswereswayingWhiskeyjack.Iftheycould,they'dkeepheroutof everything,butshedidn'tintendthattohappen. Pushingherselffromthewall,Sorrycrossedthestreetandapproachedthe PhoenixInn.Overhead,theafternoonhadwanedintoathick,heavydusk,the smellofrainintheair.Asshenearedthefrontsteps,thethug'sattention focusedonher.Themangrinned.'FollowingKruppearound,eh?'Hewagged hishead.'Girlsshouldn'tcarryswordsanyway.Hopeyou'renotplanningto goinside.Withasword?Uh,uh.Notunescorted,Sorrysteppedback.She glancedupanddownthestreet.Thenearestpedestrianwasoverastreet away,headingintheoppositedirection.Sheclosedherhandsaroundthe edgesofherhalfcloakanddrewitaroundherwaist.'Letmepass,'shesaid quietly.Howhadthatfatmanspottedher? Themanleanedontherailing.'Allthisisjustbeggingforsomekindof conversation,friendlylike,'hesaid.'Sohowaboutyouandmegobacktothe alley.YoulaydownyourswordandI'llbegentle.Otherwise,thingscouldget rough,andwhatwouldbethefunof Sorry'slefthanddartedout.Adaggerflashedbetweenthem.Theblade enteredtheman'srighteyeandthenhisbrain.Hejerkedbackovertherail andfell,landingwithaheavythudbesidethesteps.Sorrywalkeduptohim andretrievedherdagger.Shepaused,adjustingthebeltthatcarriedher duellingsword,thencheckedthestreet.Seeingnoonecloseenoughtohave noticedanythingawryinthedeepeninggloom,sheclimbedthestepsand

enteredtheinn. Shewasstoppedbeforeshe'dtakenhersecondstep,comingfacetoface withamoaningboyhangingupsidedown.Tworoughlookingwomenwere takingturnstoswinghimbackandforth.Everytimehetriedtoreachupto theropetiedtohisfeetheearnedaknockonthehead.Oneofthewomen grinnedatSorry. 'Hey,now!'thewomansaid,graspingSorry'sarmasshewalkedby. Sorryturnedacoldeyeonthewoman.'What?' Thewomanleanedclose,herbreathamistofbeerasshewhispered,'You getintrouble,youjustcallforIriltaandMeese.That'sus,right?' 'Thankyou.' Sorryresumedherwalk.She'dalreadyseenthefatlittlemanwhathad thethugcalledhim?Kruppe.He'dseatedhimselfatatablenearthefarwall, beneaththegallery.ThroughthecrowdedroomSorrysawaspaceopenat thebar,whereshemighttakepositionandobserve.Shepushedforward. SinceKruppeevidentlyknewofher,shedecidedtomakenoeffortin hidingherattention.Often,thatwasexactlythekindofpressurethatcracked aman'swill.Inawarofpatience,Sorrysmiledinwardly,themortaliseverat adisadvantage. CrokusturnedthecornerandapproachedthePhoenixInn.Thecourse Mammothadsetforhimwasintimidating,theeducationextending,far beyondbooks,totheetiquetteofcourtmanners,thefunctionsofvarious officials,bloodlinesandparticularquirksamongcertaindignitariesbut he'dvowedtohimselfhe'dfollowitthrough.Hisgoalwasonedaytostand beforethatD'Arlemaiden,awaitingaformalintroduction. Somethinginhimmockedtheimage.TherestandsCrokus,thescholar,the sophisticatedyoungpromise,thethief.Itwasalltooabsurd. Yetitdoggedhim,steeledhisresolve.He'dcometoitonedaysoon. Untilthen,however,therewereothermatterstoattendto,thingsthat neededredressing. Ashecameuptotheinn'sstepshesawahuddledshadowbeneaththe railing.CautiouslyCrokusmovedcloser. AsSorryreachedthebarthedoorslammedopenontheothersideofthe room.Sheturnedwitheveryoneelsetoseeayoung,blackhairedman standingthere. 'Someone'smurderedChert!'themanshouted.'He'sbeenknifed!' Halfadozenpatronssurgedtothedoor,pushingpasttheyoungmanand disappearingoutside. Sorryfacedthebaragain.Catchingthebarman'seyeshesaid,'Gredfalan ale,please,inapewtertankard.' ThewomanIriltahadcalledMeeseappearedbesideher,thumpingtwo broadforearmsonthebarassheleanedforward.'Attendthelady,Scurve,' Meesegrowled.'Shegottaste.' MeesedippedherheadclosetoSorry's.'Goodtasteallround.Chertwasa pig.'Sorrystiffened.Herhandsslippeddownbeneathhercloak. 'Easy,girl,'Meesesaid,inalowtone.'Weain'twaggingtongues.Around

here,y'takecareofyourselvesfirst,andIdon'twantnoknifeinmyeye.We saidwe'dtakecareofyou,didn'twe?' Thealearrived,asordered.Sorryraisedahandandcloseditonthe tankard'shandle.'Youdon'twanttotakecareofme,Meese,'shesaidquietly. AnotherpersonarrivedonMeese'sotherside.Glancingathim,Sorrysaw thatitwastheblackhairedyouth,hisfacepale.'Dammit,Meese,'hehissed, 'I'mhavingareallybadday.' Meesechuckledanddrapedanarmoverhisshoulders.'Scurve,serveusup acoupleofthemGredfalanales.Crokushere'searnedDarujhistan'sbest.' MeeseturnedherheadandbentclosetoSorryagain. 'Nexttime,'shewhispered,'youdon'twanttoshowthatkindofbreeding. Notaroundhere,anyway.' Sorryfrowneddownatherdrink.She'dbeencareless,orderingthecity's best.Thenshetookamouthful.'That'sfine,'shesaid.'Fineindeed.' Meesegrinned,nudgingCrokus.'Theladylikesitjustfine.' Crokusleanedforward,offeringSorryawearybutwarmsmile.From outsidecametheklaxonoftheGuard. Scurveservedupthetwoales. SorrywatchedCrokus'sgazemovedownherbody,thenstop.Thyouth's smiletightened,hisfacewhiteningevenmorethanbefore.Asthetankard wassetbeforehim,Crokusavertedhiseyesandreachedforit. 'Payupbeforeyoudrinkthat,Crokus,'Scurvemuttered.'You'regettingto bejustasbadasKruppe.' Crokusreachedintohispocketandpulledoutahandfulofcoins.Ahetried tocountthemsomeslippedbetweenhisfingersandbouncedonthebar.Of thethreethatfell,twoclatteredbrieflythenstopped.Thethirdcoinspun, andcontinuedspinning.Sorry'seyesswungtoit,asdidScurve'sandMeese's. Crokusreachedforit,thenhesitated.Thecoinwasstillspinning,its momentumunchanged. Sorrystaredatthecoin,feelingechoesofpowerslamintoherskulllike oceanwaves.Fromwithin,allatonce,cameanansweringsurge.Scurve shoutedasthecoinskiddedacrossthebar,bouncedoncebigintotheair, thenclatteredtoastopdirectlyinfrontofCrokus. Noonespoke.Beyondtheirsmallringnooneelsehadwitnessedtheevent. Crokusthrusthishandforwardandcollectedthecoin.'Notthisone,'he grated. 'Fine,'Scurveanswered,inasimilar,hoarsevoice.Hereachedshaking handstogatherintheothercoinsCrokushadlaidonthebar. Beneaththecounter,Sorrybrushedherhandagainstherdagger'shiltand scabbard.Itcameawaywet.So,Crokushadseentheblood.Shewouldhave tokillhim.Only,herfrowndeepened,sheknewshewouldn't. 'Crokus,myboy!'cameashoutfromunderthegallery. Meesesneeredinthatdirection.'Thefloppingfishhimself,'shemuttered. 'Kruppecalls,lad.' Crokussnorted,havingreturnedthecointohispocket.Hepickeduphis tankard.'Later,Meese.'

So,she'dfoundOponn'smanaseasilyasthat.Andhewasconnectedto Kruppe,somehow.Thiswasalmosttoosimple.Itmadehersuspicious'A likelylad,'Meesesaid.'MeandIrilta,welookoutforhim,right?' Sorryleanedagainstthebar,hereyesonthetankardinherhand.She'd havetoplaythisverycarefully.ThatburstofShadowsorcery,respondingto theCoin'sinfluence,hadbeenentirelyinstinctive.'Right,Meese,shesaid.'No worriesonthatcount.'OK,'Meesesighed.'OK.Let'stryforthecheapstuff now.Scurve?Darbeer,ifyouplease.Earthenware,ifyouhaveit.' CrouchedagainsttheSecondTierWallontheLakefrontsidewasQuipBar, acommonhauntofshipmenandfisherhands.Thebar'swallswerecut sandstone,andovertimethewholeedificehaddevelopedabackwardlean, asifwithdrawingfromthefrontstreet.Quip'snowsaggedagainsttheSecond TierWall,asdidtheadjoiningsquattershacksconstructedmostlyof driftwoodandhullplankswashedashorefromtheoccasionalwreckouton Mole'sReef. DuskbroughtalightraintoDarujhistan,themistscrawlinginfromthe waterandontotheshore.Faroutoverthelakelightningflashed,buttoo distantforthundertobeheard. KalamemergedfromQuip'sBarjustasalocalGreyfacebroughthis burningpitchsticktoanearbygaslight,havingmomentsearlieropenedthe coppervalves.Thelampignitedinaflashofblueflamethatquicklyevened out.Kalampausedoutsidethebartowatchtheodd,greyrobedman continueondownthestreet.Hesquintedskyward,thenmovedupthestreet. Hecametothelastsquattershack,thisoneabuttingapeculiarjaginthetier wall,andentered. QuickBenlookedupfromhiscrossleggedpositioninthecentreofthedirt floor.'Anyluck?' 'No,'Kalamsaid.'TheGuild'sgonetogroundwhy,I'venoidea.'Hewent tothefarwallandsatdownonhisbedroll.Heleanedbackagainstthe ancient,pittedstoneandeyedhiscomrade.'YouthinkmaybetheCity Council'smovedtotakeoutthelocalassassins?' QuickBen'sgazeglitteredinthegloom.'Youmean,anticipatingwe'dtryto makecontact?' Kalamlookedaway.'Idoubtthey'reidiots.Theymustknowit'sthe Malazanway.OffertheGuildacontractitcan'trefuse,thensitbackand watchtherulersdroplikeheadlessflies.Whiskeyjacksuggestedtheplan. DujekOK'dit.ThosetwoweretalkingtheoldEmperor'slanguagethere, Quick.Theoldmanmustbelaughinginhellrightnow.' Thewizardshivered.'Anunpleasantimage.' Shrugging,Kalamcontinued,'It'sallacademic,anyway,ifwecan'tfinda localassassin.Wherevertheyare,it'snotinLakefrontDistrict,I'dswearto that.TheonlynameIpickedupthat'sgotmysteryarounditissomeone namedtheEel.Notanassassin,though.Somethingelse.' 'Wherenext,then?'QuickBenasked.'GadrobiDistrict?' 'No.justabunchoffarmersandherdersthere.Hell,thesmellalonecoming fromthatplaceisenoughtocrossitoffthelist.We'lltryDaru,starting

tomorrow.'Kalamhesitated.'Whataboutyoursideofthings?' QuickBenbowedhishead.Whenheanswereditwasafaintwhisper. 'Almostready.' 'Whiskeyjacknearlychokedwhenheheardyourproposal.SodidI.You'll bewalkingintotheviper'sden,Quick.Yousureit'snecessary?' 'No.'QuickBenlookedup.'Personally,I'dratherwejustdropped everythingandranawayfromitall,fromtheEmpire,fromDarujhistan,from war.Buttryconvincingthesergeanttodothat.He'sloyaltoanidea,and that'sthehardestkindtoturn.' Kalamnodded.'Honour,integrity,allthatexpensivecrap.' 'Right.Sowedoitthiswaybecauseit'stheonlywaylefttous.Hairlock's insanityhasbecomealiability,butwecanusehimstill,onelasttime.Power drawspower,andwithluckHairlock'sdemisewilldojustthat.Themore Ascendantswecanlureintothefraythebetter.' 'Ialwaysthoughtthatwassomethingtoavoid,Quick.' Thewizard'ssmilewasstrained.'Tellmeaboutit.Butrightnowthemore confusionandchaosthebetter.' 'AndifTayschrenncatcheswind?' QuickBen'ssmilebroadened.'Thenwe'redeadallthatmuchsooner.Soit goes.' Kalambarkedashort,humourlesslaugh.'Soitgoes.' Thewizardcockedhishead.'Thesun'spastthehorizon.Timetostart.' 'Youwantmeoutofhere?'Kalamasked. QuickBenshookhishead.'No,Iwantyourightwhereyouareforthisone. IfIdon'tcomeback,takemybodyandburnitdowntoash.Scattertheashto thefourwinds,andcursemynamewithallyourheart.' Kalamwassilent.Thenheasked,inagrowl,'HowlongdoIwait?' 'Dawn,'QuickBenreplied.'YouunderstandIwouldonlyaskthisofmy closestfriend.' 'Iunderstand.Now,getonwithit,dammit.' QuickBengestured.Aringoffiresprangfromtheearth,surroundingthe wizard.Heclosedhiseyes. ToKalam,hisfriendseemedtodeflateslightly,asifsomethingessentialto lifehaddisappeared.QuickBen'sneckcreakedashischinsankdowntohis chest,hisshouldersslumped,andalongbreathescapedwithaslowhiss.The ringoffireflared,thendimmedtoalappingglimmerontheearth. Kalamshiftedposition,stretchingouthislegsandcrossinghisarms. Inthegatheringsilence,hewaited. ApaleMurillioreturnedtothetableandsatdown.'Someone'sdisposingof thebody,'hesaid,thenshookhishead.'WhoeverkilledChertwasa professionalwitharealnastystreak.Rightthroughtheeye' 'Enough!'Kruppecriedout,raisinghishands.'Kruppehappenstobe eating,dearMurillio,andKruppealsohappenstohaveadelicatestomach.' 'Chertwasafool,'Murilliocontinued,ignoringKruppe,'buthardlythetype toattractsuchviciousness.' Crokussaidnothing.He'dseenthebloodonthatdarkhairedwoman's

dagger. 'Whocansay?'Kruppewaggledhiseyebrows.'Perhapshewaswitnessto somehorrifichorror.Perhapshewasstampedoutasamancrushesacute mouseunderfoot.' Crokusglancedaround.Hiseyesreturnedtothewomanstandingwith Meeseatthebar.Dressedinleatherarmourwithaplainduellingsword strappedtoherhip,sheremindedhimofthetimehe'dwatched,asayoung boy,atroopofmercenariesridethroughthecity.TheyhadbeentheCrimson Guard,herecalled:fivehundredmenandwomenwithoutashinybuckle amongthem. Hisgazeremainedonthewoman.Likeamercenary,akillerforwhom killinghadlongsincelostitshorror.WhathadChertdonetoearnaknifein theeye? Crokuslookedaway,intimetoseeRallickNomenterthebar.Theassassin approachedthetable,seeminglyunconsciousofthelocalsmovingfromhis path. Collinterceptedhim,beforehereachedthetable.Theburlymanslapped Rallick'sbackandleaneddrunkenlyagainsthim.'Nom,youoldbastard!' RallickthrewanarmaroundColl'sroundshouldersandtogetherthey cametothetable. Kruppelookedup.'Ho,mydearcomrades!Kruppeinvitesyoutojoinour familiargathering.'Wavinghisarmsatthetwoemptychairs,herockedback inhisseat.'Tobringyouuptodateonourdramaticdoings,theladCrokus hasbeenstaringdreamilyintospacewhileMurillioandKruppehave discussedthelatestnatteringsofthestreetrats.' Collremainedstanding,weavingunsteadily,afrownknittinghisbrows. Rallicksatdownandreachedforthepitcherofbeer.'Whatnatteringsare those?'theassassinaskedcasually. 'Therurnourthatwe'renowalliedwithMoon'sSpawn,'Murilliosaid. 'Nonsense,ofcourse,'Kruppesaid.'Haveyouseenanythingtosuggest suchathing?' Murilliogrinned.'TheMoonhasn'tmovedaway,hasit?Notonlythat, there'sthatCounciltentstationeddirectlyunderit.' Crokusspokeup.'IheardfromUncleMammotthatthecouncilmenhaven't hadanyluckgettingamessagetowhoever'sinMoon'sSpawn.' 'Typical,'Murilliocommented,hiseyesnarrowingbrieflyonRallick. 'Wholivesinthere?'Crokusasked. Colltotteredandthrewbothhandsdownonthetabletosteadyhimself.He thrusthisredfaceatCrokusandbellowed,'Fiveblackdragons!' WithintheWarrenofChaos,QuickBenknewoftheinnumerableshifting pathwaysthatledtodoors.Thoughhecalledthemdoorstheywereinfact barrierscreatedwhereWarrenstouched,anaccretionofenergyassolidas basalt.Chaostouchedonallrealmswithgnarledfingertipsbleedingpower, thedoorshardenedwoundsinthefleshofotherworlds,otheravenuesof magic. Thewizardhadfocusedhistalentsonsuchdoors.WhilewithintheWarren

ofChaos,hehadlearnedthewaysofshapingtheirenergy.He'dfoundmeans ofalteringthebarriers,ofsensingwhatlaybeyondthem. EachWarrenofmagicpossessedasmell,eachrealmatexture,andthough thepathwayshetookwereneverthesameasthosehe'dtakenbefore,hehad masteredthemeansoffindingthosehesought. Hetravellednowdownoneofthosepaths,atrackofnothingnessenclosed bytheWarren'sownaccretions,twistingandfraughtwithcontradictions.On onetrailhe'dwillhimselfforwardyetfindhimselfmovingback;he'dcometo asharprightturn,followedbyanother,thenanother,thenyetanotherall inthesamedirection. Heknewitwasthepowerofhismindthatopenedthepathways,butthey hadtheirownlawsorperhapstheywerehis,yetunknowntohim. Whateverthesourceoftheshaping,itwasmadnessdefined. Hecameatlasttothedoorhesought.Thebarriershowedasnothingmore thanadull,slategrey.stone.Hoveringbeforeit,QuickBenwhispereda command,andhisspirittooktheformofhisownbody.Hestoodamoment, masteringthedisconnectedtrembleofhisghostbody,thensteppedforward andlaidhandsonthedoor. Itsedgeswerehardandwarm.Towardsthecentreitgrewhotandsoftto thetouch.Thesurfaceslowlylostitsopaquenessbeneaththewizard'shands, becomingglassylikeobsidian.QuickBenclosedhiseyes. He'dneverbeforesoughttopassthroughsuchadoor.Hewasnoteven certainthatitwaspossible.Andifhesurvivedintothebeyond,wasthereany waytoreturn?Pastthemechanicsoftheonethingloomedhisfinal,most difficultworry:hewasabouttoattemptentryintoarealmwherehewasn't welcome. QuickBenopenedhiseyes.'Iamdirection,'hesaidquietly.Heleaned againstthebarrier.'Iamthepowerofwillinaplacethatrespectsthis,and onlythis.'Heleanedharder.'IamtheWarren'stouch.Tochaosnothingis immune,nowhereisimmune.'Hefeltthedoorbegintoyield. Helashedoutonehandbehindhim,fendingoffagrowingpressure. 'OnlyIshallpass!'hehissed.Abruptly,withastrangethumpingsound,he slippedthrough,energyflaringaroundhisbody. Thewizardstaggeredoverrough,parchedearth.Heregainedhisbalance andlookedaround.Hestoodonabarrenplain,thehorizonofftohisleft humpedwithlowhills.Overheadspannedaskythecolourofquicksilver,a scatteroflong,stringycloudsmovinginunisonandblackasinkdirectly above. QuickBensatdown,foldinghislegsandclaspinghishandsinhislap. 'Shadowthrone,'hesaid,'LordofShadows,Iamcometoyourrealm.Will youreceivemypresenceasbefitsapeacefulvisitor?' Fromthehillscameananswer:thehowlingofHounds. CHAPTERTWELVE WalkwithmeonThieves'Roadhearitssongunderfoothowclearitstone

inmisstepasitsingsyouintwo Apsalar'sCantDrisbin(b.1135) INGHISBROW,KRUPPESATREADINGINMAMMOT'SSTUDY andintheCallingDowntoearththeGodwasCrippled,andsoChainedin itsplace.IntheCallingDownmanylandsweresunderedbytheGod'sFists, andthingswerebornandthingswerereleased. ChainedandCrippledwasthisGodKruppeglancedupfromtheancient tomeandrolledhiseyes.'Brevity,Kruppepraysforbrevity!'Hereturnedto thefadedhandwrittenscript. anditbredcautionintheunveilingofitspowers.TheCrippledGodbred cautionbutnotwellenough,forthepowersoftheearthcametoitintheend. ChainedwastheCrippledGod,andsoChainedwasitdestroyed.Andupon thisbarrenplainthatimprisonedtheCrippledGodmanygatheredtothe deed.Hood,greywandererofDeath,wasamongthegathering,aswas Dessembrae,thenHood'sWarrior thoughitwashereandinthistimethatDessembraeshatteredthebonds Hoodhelduponhim.AlsoamongthegatheringwereIR Kruppegroanedandflippedpages.Thelistseemedinterminable,absurdly long.Fromthisaccounthehalfexpectedtoseehisgrandmother'sname amongthoselisted.Finally,afterthreepages,hefoundthenameshesought. andamongthosethatcamefromthevaultedheavensofsilver,theTiste And,dwellersofDarknessinthePlacebeforeLight,BlackDragons numberingfive,andintheirleaguesailedredwingedSilanah,saidtodwell amongtheTisteAndintheirFangofDarknessdescendingfromthevaulted heavensofsilverKruppenodded,mutteringtohimself.AdescendingFangof DarknessMoon'sSpawn?HometofiveBlackDragonsandoneRedDragon? Heshivered.HowhadCollcomeuponthis?True,themanhadn'talwaysbeen adrunkenlout,butevenhispaststation,loftyasitwas,hadn'tbeenthe scholarlykind. Who,then,hadspokenthroughtheoldman'swinestainedmouth? 'That,'Kruppesighedtohimself,'shallhavetowaititsanswer.The significance,however,ofColl'sbellowedclaimliesinitsevidenttruth,andas tohowitpertainstothepresentsituation.'Heclosedthebookandrosetohis feet.Behindhimheheardfootsteps. 'I'vebroughtyouherbaltea,'theoldmansaid,asheenteredthecloset sizedroom.'HasAlladart'sRealmCompendiumbeenbeneficial,Kruppe?' 'Beneficialindeed,'Kruppesaid,gratefullyacceptingtheearthenwaremug. 'Kruppehaslearnedthevalueofmodernlanguage.Suchlonglippeddribbles commontothoseancientscholarsareacurseKruppeisthankfultofind extinctinourtime.' 'Ah,ha,'theoldmansaid,coughingslightlyandlookingaway.'Well,doyou mindifIaskwhatyouwereseeking?' Kruppeglancedup,thecornersofhiseyescrinklingslightly.'Notatall, Mammot.Ithoughttofindmentionofmygrandmother'sname.' Mammotfrowned,thennodded.'Isee.Well,I'llnotinquireastoyourluck,

then.' 'Please,donot,'Kruppesaid,eyeswidening.'Luckissuchadreadful companionthesedays,withallawryasallhappenstobe.Butthankyoufor understandingKruppe'sneedforcircumspection.' 'Notatall,'Mammotsaid,wavingonehand.'Ididn'tmeantowell,yes,I did.Curiosity,youunderstand.Theintellectualkind.' Kruppesmiledbeatificallyandsippedtea. 'Well,'Mammotsaid,'shallwereturntothecommonroom,then,andfind respitebeforethehearth?' Theystrodeintotheotherchamber.Onceseated,Kruppestretchedouthis legsandleanedback.'Howhasyourwritingbeencomingalong?'heasked. 'Slow,'Mammotanswered,'asonewouldexpect,ofcourse.' ItseemedMammotwasworkinguptosomething,andsoKruppewaited, idlywigglinghistoes.Aminutepassed,thentheoldmanclearhisthroatand spoke.'Kruppe,haveyouseenmuchofmydearnephewlately?' Krupperaisedhiseyebrows.'Longago,'hesaid,'Kruppemadepromiseto aman,themanbeingaconcerneduncletoayoungboywhofoundthe streetsanexcitingplayground.Aye,theladdreamedofswordfightsanddark deedscommittedinalleysonbehalfofprincessesindisguise,orsomesuch thing' Mammotwasnodding,hiseyesclosed. 'andtosuchpromisesKruppehasavailedofhimselfthoroughly,he,too, lovedtheboy.Andaswithanyendeavour,survivalismeasuredinability, andsodidKruppetaketheladunderhissilkenwing,withsomesuccess,yes.' Mammotsmiled,stillnodding. 'Andso,toanswertheuncle'squestion.IndeedKruppehasseenthelad.' MammotleanedforwardandfixedKruppewithanintensegaze.'Haveyou seenanythingoddinhisactions?Imean,hasheaskedyouanystrange questions,madeanyrequests?' Kruppe'seyesnarrowed.Hepausedtodrink.'Bluntly,yes.Forone,he soughtthereturnofafinecacheofjewelleryheacquiredrecently,personal reasonsashesaid.Personalreasons.Kruppewonderedthenandwonders now,butthelad'sseemingsincerity,nay,focusedintensitystruckKruppeas laudable.' 'Agreed!WouldyoubelieveCrokushasnowexpressedaninterestin formaleducation?Ican'tunderstandit.Theboy'spositivelyobsessedabout something.' 'Perhaps,then,Kruppeshouldpiecethistogether.' 'Thankyou,'Mammotsaid,relieved.'Iwouldknowwhereallthiscoming from.Somuchambitionallatonce,Ifearitmaysoonburnitout.Ifwecan nourishit,however' 'Byallmeans,'Kruppesaid.'Thereismoretolifethanpettythieveryafter all.' Mammotgrinned.'Why,Kruppe,I'msurprisedtohearthatcomingfrom you.' 'SuchcommentsarebetterleftbetweenyouandKruppe.Inanycase,I

believeMurillio,knowssomethingofallthis.Heintimatedasmuchthis eveningwhilewedinedatthePhoenixInn.' Mammotasked,'IsMurilliowell?' Kruppesmiled.'Thenetabouttheladremainsintact,'hesaid.'Forone, RallickNomhastakentheresponsibilityseriouslyindeed.Mayhaphesees somethingofhisownlostyouthinCrokus.Intruth,Rallickisamanwhose truenatureescapesKruppe.Fiercelyloyalforcertain,andonewho,asyou wellknow,honourshisdebtswithsuchvigourastohumblethosearound him.ExceptingKruppe,naturally.Yetisitbloodthattravelshisveins?One mustwonder,attimes.' AdistantlookhadenteredMammot'sface. Kruppetensed.Theairsmelledofmagic.Heleanedforwardandstudied theoldmanseatedacrossfromhim.Someonewascommunicatingwith Mammot,andtheWarrenthatnowpulsedintheroomwasfamiliarto Kruppe. Hesatbackandwaited. Eventually,Mammotgotswiftlytohisfeet.'Ihavesomeresearchtodo,'he saiddistractedly.'Asforyou,Kruppe,MasterBarukwishestospeakwithyou immediately.' 'IthoughtIsensedthealchemist'spresence,'Kruppesaid,risingwithasoft grunt.'Ah,therigoursofthesefatednightseverurgeuson.Untillater,then, Mammot.' 'Goodbye,'thescholarsaid,afrownonhisfaceashecrossedtheroom.He enteredthesmallchamberwhereKruppehadspentthepasthour. Kruppeadjustedthesleevesofhiscloak.Whateverhadhappened,ithad beenenoughtojarMammot'setiquette,andthatalonehintedatdireevents. 'Well,'hemurmured,'bestnotkeepBarukwaiting,then.'Atleast,'he amended,asheheadedforthedoor,'notfortoolong.Decorumdemandsthat Krupperetainhissenseofdignity.Heshallwalkfast,yes. Butwalkheshall,forKruppeneedstimetothink,toplan,toscheme,to anticipate,tobacktrackwithsomethoughts,toleapaheadwithothers,todo allthethingsnecessary.Firstandforemost,Kruppemustdiscernthenature ofthewomanwhofollowedhim,andwhokilledChert,andwhonotedthat Crokussawthebloodonherweapon,andwhomarkedRallickNomasan assassinwithhisveryarrival.Shemightwellprovidethekeytoeverything, andmore,fortheCoindidindeedturnitsfaceuponher,ifonlyforamoment. Andthat,thinksKruppe,shallreturntousall,forgoodorill.'Hestoppedand lookedaround,blinkingrapidly. 'Attheveryleast,'hemuttered,'KruppeshouldleaveMammot'sroom.' HeglancedbackatthechamberMammothadentered.Fromwithincame thesoundsofbrittlepagesbeingrapidlyturned.Kruppesighedinrelief,then left. Croneruffledhersingedfeathersandhoppedaboutinagitation.Where wasthatalchemist?Shehadathousandthingstoattendtobeforethenight wasdone,thoughintruthshecouldn'tthinkofanyofthem. Nevertheless,shedislikedbeingkeptwaiting.

ThedoortothestudyopenedandBarukstrodethrough,gatheringarobe abouthisconsiderablebulk.'Myapologies,Crone,Iwasotherwise indisposed.' Cronegrunted.Sorcerytrailedfromthemaninthick,pungentstreams.'My master,LordAnomanderRake,'shesaid,withoutpreamble,'hascommanded thatItellyouwhatItoldhimofmyadventuresontheRhiviPlain.' BarukcameuptowheretheGreatRavenpacedonthemaptable.The alchemistfrowned.'You'vebeeninjured.' 'Pride,nomore.Hearkenthentomystory.' Barukraisedaneyebrow.Theoldwitch'smoodwasdark.Hefellsilentand shebegan. 'Asmallwoodenpuppetapproachesfromthenorth,acreationofsoul shiftingandsourcedfromaWarrenofChaos.Itspowerisimmense,twisted, maligneventoGreatRavens.Itkilledmanyofmykinasitslippedinandout ofitsWarren.Itevidentlytookpleasureinsuchacts.' Cronesnappedherbeakinanger,thencontinued,'ItpursuesapowerI couldnotapproach,andwhateverthispower,itstrikesdirectlyforthe GadrobiHillsmylordandIareagreedinthis.Thepowerseekssomething withinthosehills,yetwearenotnativetothisland.Hencewebringthis newstoyou,Alchemist.TwoforcesareconvergingontheGadrobiHills.My lordasksyouwhy.' Baruk'sfacehadlostallitscolour.Heturnedslowlyandwalkedtoachair. Sittingdown,hesteepledhishandsbeforehisfaceandclosedhiseyes.'The MalazanEmpireseekssomethingitcannothopetocontrol,somethingburied withintheGadrobiHills.Whetherornoteitherforceiscapableoffreeing thatthingisanothermatter.Seekingisnotthesameasfinding,andfindingis notthesameassucceeding.' Cronehissedimpatiently.'Whoisburiedthere,Alchemist?' 'AJaghutTyrant,imprisonedbytheJaghutthemselves.Generationsof scholarsandsorcerershavesoughttofindthisbarrow.Nonemanagedto discoverevensomuchasaclue.'Baruklookedup,hisexpressionlinedwith worry.'Iknowofoneman,hereinDarujhistan,whohasgatheredallthe availableknowledgeconcerningthisburialplace.Imustconferwithhim.I cangiveyourlordthis,however.ThereliesastandingstoneintheGadrobi HillsIknowitslocationprecisely.Itisalmostinvisibleonlyitsweathered topbreaksthegroundnealyahand'sspaninheight.Theremainingtwenty feetarebeneaththeearth.Youwillseetheremnantsofmanypitsand trenchesthathavebeenexcavatedarounditallfruitless.Forwhilethe stonemarksthebeginningpointitisnottheentrancetothebarrow.' 'Where,then,isthisentrance?' 'ThatIwillnottellyou.OnceIspeakwithmycolleague,perhapsIcangive youmoredetails.Perhapsnot.Butthemeansbywhichthebarrowisentered mustremainasecret.' 'Thisavailsusnothing!Mylord' 'Isextremelypowerful,'Barukcutin.'Hisintentionsareanythingbutclear, Crone,nomatterthatweareallied.Whatlieswithinthatbarrowcandestroy

acitythiscity.ThatIwillnotallowtoenterRake'shands. 'Youshallhavethelocationofthestandingstone,foritistherethatthe huntersmustfirstgo.Ihaveonequestiontoask,Crone.Thispuppet,areyou certainitpursuesthisotherpower?' Cronebobbedherhead.'Ittracks.Ithideswhennecessary.Youassume bothpowersareMalazan.Why?' Barukgrunted.'First,theywantDarujhistan.They'lldoanythingtowinit. They'vehadaccesstovastlibrariesamongthelandsthey'veconquered.The Jaghutbarrowisnosecretinandofitself.Second,yousaidbothpowerscame downfromthenorth.TheycanonlybeMalazan. 'Whyonehidesfromtheotherisbeyondme,thoughIwouldn'tdoubtthat therearecompetingfactionswithintheEmpireanypoliticalentityaslarge asthatoneisboundtoberifewithdiscord.Inanycase,theyposeadirect threattoDarujhistanand,byextension,toyourlord'sdesirestopreventthe MalazanEmpirefromconqueringus.AssumingthatthepowersareMalazan seemswarranted.' Crone'sdispleasurewasobvious.'Youwillbekeptinformedofthe activitiesontheRhiviPlain.Mylordmustdecidewhethertointerceptthese powersbeforetheyreachtheGadrobiHills.'Sheturnedanangryeyeon Baruk.'Hehasreceivedlittleassistancefromhisallies.Itrustwhenwenext speakthatsituationwillberemedied.' Thealchemistshrugged.'MyfirstmeetingwithAnomanderRakehas provedmyonlymeetingwithhim.Assistancedemandscommunication.' Histonehardened.'Informyourlordthatthepresentdissatisfactionexists withusasmuchasitdoeswithhim.' 'Mylordhasbeenbusywithhissideofthings,'Cronemuttered,flappingto thewindowsill. Barukstaredatthebirdasshepreparedtoleave.'Busy?'heaskeddarkly. 'Inwhatway?' 'Induetime,Alchemist,'Cronepurred.Amomentlatershewasgone. Barukcursed,andwithanangrygesturereturnedthewindowtoitsplace andslammedtheshutters.Doingthisthroughmagicandfromadistancewas notassatisfyingasitwouldhavebeenhadhedoneitphysically.Grumbling, heroseandwalkedtothemantelpiece.Ashepouredhimselfsomewine,he paused.Lessthanhalfanhouragohe'dconjuredademon.Itwasnotan ambitiousconjuring:he'dneededaspy,notakiller.Somethingtoldhimhe'd becallinguponfardeadliercreaturesinthenearfuture.Hescowled,then tookamouthfulofwine. 'Mammot,'hewhispered,asheopenedhisWarren,'Ineedyou.' Hesmiledasasceneappearedinhishead,ofasmallroomandastone hearth.SeatedinthechairoppositehispointofviewwasKruppe.'Good.I needyouboth.' TheHoundthatapproachedQuickBenwaswideandheavy,itsfurapasty white.Asittrotteduptothewizard,hesawthatitseyeswerealsowhiteThe creaturepossessednopupils.Itstoppedashortdistanceawayandsat.Quick Benbowed.'YouaretheHoundcalledBlind,'hesaid,'matetoBaranand

motherofGear.Icomeseekingnoharm.Iwouldspeakwithyourmaster.' Heheardagrowlbesidehimandfroze.Slowly,heturnedhisheadan lookeddown.LessthanafootfromhisrightleglayanotherHoundmottled brownandtan,leanandscarred.ItseyeswerefixedonBlind'Baran.'He nodded.AnothergrowlansweredBaran's,thisonebehindthewizard.He turnedfurthertosee,tenfeetaway,athirdHound,thisonelong,blackand sleek.Itseyes,fixedonhim,glowedred.'AndShanhesaidquietly.Hefaced Blindagain.'Haveyoufoundyourquarry,orareyoumyescort?' Baranrosesilentlybesidehim,itsshoulderslevelwithhischest.Blind stood,thentrottedofftotheleft.Shestoppedandlookedback.Twingrowls spurredQuickBenafterthem. Thelandaroundthemchangedslowly,detailsslippingintosourceles shadowsandreemergingsubtlyaltered.Onwhatthewizardthoughtofas thenorthhorizon,agreyforestclimbedaslopetowhatmighthavebeena wall.ThiswallwasinplaceofskymaybeitwasskybuttoQuickBenit lookedstrangelyclose,eventhoughtheforestwasleaguesaway.Glancing overheaddidnothelphimconfirmorrefutehisfeelingthatthisrealmwas borderedbyamagicalwall,forit,too,seemedclose,almostwithinreach.Yet blackcloudsrodewindsabovehim,skewinghisperceptionsandmakinghim dizzy. AnotherHoundhadjoinedtheircompany.Thisone,amale,wasdarkgrey, oneofitseyesblue,theotheryellow.Thoughitdidn'tcomecloseQuickBen judgedthatitwasthelargestofthosearoundhim,anditsmovementhinted atdeadlyspeed.HeknewitasDoan,firstborntothepack'sleader,Rood,and itsfirstmate,Pallick. DoantrottedalongsideBlindforatime,then,whentheycametothecrest ofalowrise,heboltedforward.Reachingthecrest,QuickBensawtheir destination.Hesighed.Justastheimagecarveduponthealtarwithinthe templesdedicatedtoShadowthrone,Shadowkeeprosefromtheplainlikean enormouslumpofblackglass,fracturedwithcurvingplanes,rippledin places,withsomecornersglisteningwhiteasifcrushed.Thelargestsurface facingthemawall,hesupposedwasmottledanddull,asifitwasacortex, theweatheredsurfaceofobsidian. Therewerenowindowsassuch,butmanyoftheslicksurfaceslooked semitranslucentandseemedtoglowwithaninnerlight.AsfarasQuickBen couldsee,therewasnodoor,nogate,nodrawbridge. Theyarrived,andthewizardexclaimedinsurpriseasBlindstrodeintothe stoneanddisappeared.Hehesitated,andBorancameasclosetonudginghim asQuickBenallowed.Hewalkeduptothemottledstoneandheldouthis handsashesteppedintoit.Hefeltnothing,passingthrougheffortlesslyto findhimselfinahallwaythatcouldhavebeenfoundinanymundaneestate. Barrenoftrappings,thecorridorledstraightforwardfor,perhaps,thirty feetandendedatdoubledoors.BlindandDoansattoeithersideofthese doors,whichnowopenedoftheirownaccord. QuickBenenteredtheroombeyond.Thechamberwasdomed.Opposite himstoodasimpleobsidianthroneonaslightlyraiseddais.Thedull,cobbled

floorborenorugs,andthewallswerebareexceptfortorchesspacedevery tenfeet.QuickBencountedforty,butthelightwasfitful,seemingtostruggle againstencroachingshadows. Atfirsthethoughtthethroneunoccupied,butasheapproachedhesawthe figureseatedthere.Itseemedcomposedofalmosttranslucentshadows, vaguelyhumaninform,buthooded,preventingeventheglintofeyes.Still, QuickBencouldfeelthegod'sattentionfixedsolelyonhim,andhebarely repressedashiver. Shadowthronespoke,hisvoicecalmandclear.'Shantellsmeyouknowthe namesofmyHounds.' QuickBenstoppedbeforethedais.Hebowed.'Iwasonceanacolytewithin yourtemple,Lord.' Thegodwassilentforatime,thenhesaid,'Isitwisetoadmitsuchathing, Wizard?DoIlookkindlyuponthosewhoonceservedmebutthen abandonedmyways?Tellme.Iwouldhearfromyouwhatmyprieststeach.' 'TobeginuponthePathofShadowandthentoleaveitisrewardedbythe Rope.' 'Meaning?' 'Iammarkedforassassinationbyallwhofollowyourways,Lord.' 'Yethereyoustand,Wizard.' QuickBenbowedagain.'Iwouldstrikeadeal,Lord.' Thegodgiggled,thenraisedahand.'No,dearShan.Strikenaught.' QuickBenstiffened.TheblackHoundsteppedaroundhim,andascended thedais.Shelaydownbeforehergodandeyedthewizardblankly. 'DoyouknowwhyIjustsavedyourlife,Wizard?' 'Ido,Lord.' Shadowthroneleanedforward.'Shanwantsyoutotellme.' QuickBenmettheHound'sredstare.'Shadowthronelovesdeals.' Thegodsighedandsankback.'Acolyte,indeed.Well,then,Wizard,speak on,whileyoucan.' 'Imustbeginwithaquestion,Lord.,'Askit.' 'DoesGearstilllive?' Shan'seyesflaredandshehalfrosebeforethegod'shandtouchedher head. 'Nowthat,'Shadowthronesaid,'isquiteaquestion.You'vemanaged somethingfew,alas,havebeenabletodo.Wizard,mycuriosityispiqued.So, Iansweryou:yes,Gearsurvives.Byallmeans,continue.' 'Lord,IwoulddeliverintoyourhandstheonewhooffendedyourHound.' 'How?HebelongstoOponn.' 'Nothim,Lord.ButtheonewholedGeartothatchamber.Theonewho soughttotakeGear'ssoul,andwouldhavesucceededifnotforOponn's mortaltool.' 'Inexchangeforwhat?' QuickBencursedinwardly.Hecouldreadnothingfromthegod'stone,and thatmadethingseventrickierthanhe'dexpected.'Mylife,Lord.Iwishthe Rope'srewardliftedfromme.'

'Anythingelse?' 'Yes.'Hehesitated,thencontinued,'Iwishtochoosethetimeandplace, Lord.Otherwise,thisoneofwhichIspeakwillescapeyourHoundsthrough itsWarrenofChaos.OnlyIcanpreventthat. 'Thus,itmustbepartofthedeal.AllthatyouneeddoishaveyourHounds ready.Iwillcalluponyouatthepropermoment,providingyouwiththe creature'spreciselocation.TherestisuptoyourHounds.' 'You'veplannedthiswell,Wizard,'Shadowthronesaid.'Asofyet,Ican thinkofnowaytokillboththecreatureandyou.Icommendyou.Howthen, doyouintendtocalluponme?Surely,you'llnotonceagainentermyrealm.' 'Lord,youwillbecontacted.Iguaranteethis,butIcansaynomoreabout it.' 'AndifIweretolaymypowersuponyounow,Wizard?IfIweretowring whateverlieshiddeninthatfrailbrainofyours,howwouldyoupreventme?' 'Toanswerthat,Lord,youmustanswermyproposalfirst.' Shangrowledandthistimethegodmadenomotiontostillher. QuickBenwentonhastily,'Giventhatyouwillseektobetraymeatevery opportunity,giventhatyou'llhuntfortheweaknessesinmyplan,givenall this,Iwouldhaveyourwordthatyouwillcompleteyourpartofthedealifall elsefailsyou,Lord.Givemethat,andIwillansweryourlastquestion.' Shadowthronewassilentforalongminute.'Ahwell,'hemuttered.'Your cunningisadmirable,Wizard.Iamastonishedand,Imustadmit,delighted bythisduel.MyonlyregretisthatyoudepartedthePathsofShadowyou wouldhaverisenfar.Verywell.Youhavemyword.TheHoundswillbeready. Now,whyshouldn'tIshredyourbrainhereandnow,Wizard?' 'Youranswer,Lord,isinyourverywords.'QuickBenraisedhisarms. 'Ididindeedrisefar,Shadowthrone,inservicetoyou.'Heopenedhis Warren.'You'llnothaveme,Lord,becauseyoucan't.'QuickBenwhispered hiswordofrecall,awordbornofChaos.Powerburstaroundhim,andhefelt asifagianthandhadclosedaroundhim.Asitpulledhimbackintohis Warren,heheardShadowthrone'sscreamofrecognition. 'Itisyou!Delad!Youshapeshiftingbastard!' QuickBensmiled.He'ddoneit.Hewasoutofreach.He'ddoneitagain. KruppewasusheredintoBaruk'sstudywithnoneofthedelayshewasso fondofconfounding.Slightlydisappointed,hetookhisseatandwipedhis foreheadwithhishandkerchief. Barukentered.'Youtookyourtimegettinghere,'hegrowled.'Well,never mind.Haveyouanynews?' Kruppelaidhishandkerchiefonhislapandbegancarefullytofoldit. 'WecontinuetoprotecttheCoinBearer,asinstructed.Asforthepresence ofMalazaninfiltrators,noluck.'Itwasamajorlie,butnecessary.'Iamto conveyamessagetoyou,'hecontinued,'mostunusualinitssource.Indeed, strangeinfactwasitsdeliverytoKruppe.' 'Getonwithit.' Kruppewinced.Barukwasinaterriblemood.Hesighed.'Amessagetoyou personally,Master.'Hecompletedfoldinghishandkerchiefandlookedup.

'FromtheEel.' Barukstiffened,thenascowldarkenedhisfeatures.'Whynot?'he muttered.'Themanevenknowswhomyagentsare.'Hisgazeclearedandhe watchedKruppe.'I'mwaiting,'hegrowled. 'Ofcourse.'Kruppeshookloosehishandkerchiefandmoppedhisbrow. "'Looktothestreetstofindthoseyouseek."That,andnomore.Deliveredto Kruppebythesmallestchildhe'deverseen'Hestoppedandshookhis head.No,suchexaggerationwouldneverdo,notwithBaruk'smoodasfoul asitappearedtobe.'Asmallchild,inanycase.' Barukstoodgloweringatthedyingembersinthefireplace,hishands claspedbehindhisback,fingerstwistingalargesilverring.'Tellme,Kruppe,' heaskedslowly,'whatdoyouknowofthisEel?' 'Little,Kruppeadmits.Man,woman?Unknown.Origins?Amystery. Designs?Perpetuatingastatusquodefinedbyaversiontotyranny.Orsoit's said.Influence?Farreaching,evenifonediscountsnineoutoftenrumours associatedwiththeEel,hisorheragentsmustnumberinthehundreds.All devotedtoprotectingDarujhistan.'TissaidthatCouncilmanTurbanOrris evennowhuntingthemdown,convincedthey'veruinedallhisschemes. Mayhaptheyhave,andforthatwecanallberelieved.' Barukseemedanythingbutrelieved.Kruppethoughthecouldalmosthear theman'steethgrinding.However,heturnedtoKruppeandnodded.'Ihave anassignment.Forit,youwillneedtoroundupMurillio,RallickandColl. AndtaketheCoinBearerwithyou,justtokeephimsafe.' Krupperaisedaneyebrow.'Outofthecity?' 'Yes.ParamountistheCoinBearerkeephimbeyondanyone'sreach.As foryourmission,youwillobserve.Nothingmore.Doyouunderstandme, Kruppe?Observe.TodoanythingelsewillbetorisktheCoinBearerfalling intothewronghands.WhileheisOponn'stool,healsoisthemeansbywhich anotherAscendantcanreachOponn.Thelastthingweneedisgodsbattling onthemortalplain.' Kruppeclearedhisthroat.'Whatarewetoobserve,Master?' 'I'mnotsure,possiblyaforeignworkparty,digginghereandthere.' Kruppestarted.'Asinroadrepairs?' Thealchemistfrowned.'IwillbesendingyoutotheGadrobiHills.Remain thereuntileithersomeonecomesorIcontactyouwithfurtherinstructions. Ifsomeonecomes,Kruppe,you'retoremainhidden.Avoiddetectionatall costsuseyourWarren,ifneedbe.' 'NoneshallfindKruppeandhisworthy,loyalcomrades,'Kruppesaid, smilingandwagglinghisfingers. 'Good.Thatwillbeall,then.' Surprised,Kruppeclimbedtohisfeet.'Whenarewetoleave,Master?' 'Soon.I'llletyouknowatleastadaybeforehand.Isthatsufficienttime?' 'Yes,friendBaruk.Kruppedeemsthatmorethanenoughtime.Rallick appearstemporarilyindisposed,butwithluckheshallbeavailable.' 'Gethimifyoucan.IftheCoinBearer'sinfluenceturnsagainstus,the assassinischargedwithkillingtheboy.Doesheunderstandthis?'

'We'vediscussedit,'Kruppesaid. Barukinclinedhisheadandfellsilent. Kruppewaitedamoment,thenquietlyleft. LessthananhourafterQuickBen'ssoulhadleftthebodyseatedonthe hut'sfloorandjourneyedintotheShadowRealm,itcreakedbackintolife. Redeyedwithanexhaustionbornofunrelentingtension,Kalampushed himselftohisfeetandwaitedforhisfriendtocomeround. Theassassinlaidhishandsonhislongknives,justtobeonthesafeside.If QuickBenhadbeentaken,whatevercontrolledhimmightwellannounceits arrivalbyattackinganyonewithinrange.Kalamheldhisbreath. Thewizard'seyesopened,theglazeslippingawayasawarenessreturned. HesawKalam,andsmiled. Theassassinreleasedhisbreath.'Done?Success?' 'Yes,onbothcounts.Hardtobelieve,isn'tit?' Kalamfoundhewasgrinninguncontrollably.Hesteppedforwardand helpedQuickBentostand.Thewizardleanedheavilyagainsthim,also grinning. 'HerealizedwhoIwasjustasIleft.'QuickBen'sgrinbroadened.'You shouldhaveheardhimscream.' 'Well,areyousurprised?HowmanyHighPriestsburntherobesoftheir vestment?' 'Notenough,ifyouaskme.Withouttemplesandprieststhegods'bloody meddlingcouldn'ttouchthemortalrealm.Now,thatwouldbeparadise,right, friend?' 'Perhaps,'saidavoiceatthedoorway.BothmenturnedtoseeSorry standingwithintheentrance,herhalfcloakdrawnaboutherslimbody. Shewaswetwithrain,andonlynowdidKalamnoticethewaterdripping throughcracksallaroundthem.TheassassinsteppedawayfromQuickBen tofreehishands.'Whatareyoudoinghere?'hedemanded. 'Youdreamofparadise,Wizard?IwishI'dheardtheentireconversation.' 'Howdidyoufindus?'QuickBenasked. Sorrysteppedinsideandpushedbackherhood.'I'vefoundanassassin,' shesaid.'I'vemarkedhim.HeisinaplacecalledthePhoenixInn,intheDaru District.Areyouinterested?'sheasked,dullyeyeingbothmen. 'Iwantanswers,'Kalamsaid,inalowvoice. QuickBenbackedtothefarwall,togivetheassassinroomandtoprepare hisspellsifneedbethoughhewasinnorealshapetomanagehisWarren atthemoment.Nor,henoticed,didKalamlookuptoascrap,notthatthe assassinwouldallowthattostophim.Rightnow,hewasathismost dangerousthatlowtonehadsaiditall. SorryheldherdeadeyesonKalam.'Thesergeanthassentmetoyou' 'Alie,'Kalaininterjectedsoftly.'Whiskeyjackdoesn'tknowwhereweare.' 'Verywell.Isensedyourpower,Wizard.Ithasanotablesignature.' QuickBenwasstunned.'ButIestablishedashieldaroundthisplace,'he said. 'Yes.I,too,wassurprised,Wizard.UsuallyIcannotfindyou.Itseems

cracksappeared.' QuickBenthoughtaboutthat.'Cracks',hedecided,wasn'ttherightword butSorrydidn'tknowthat.She'dsensedhiswhereaboutsbecauseshewas whatthey'dsuspected,apawnoftheRope.TheShadowRealmhadbeen linked,howeverbrieflyandhowevertenuously,tohisfleshandblood.Yet nonebutaservantofShadowpossessedthenecessarysensitivitytodetect thatlink.ThewizardmovedtostandbesideKalamandlaidahandonthe burlyman'sshoulder. Kalamthrewhimastartledglare. 'She'sright.Cracksappeared,Kalam.She'sobviouslyanaturalTalentin thewaysofsorcery.Comeon,friend,thegirl'sfoundwhatwe'vebeen lookingfor.Let'smoveonit.' Sorrypulledupthehoodaroundherhead.'Iamnotaccompanyingyou,' shesaid.'You'llknowthemanwhenyouseehim.Isuspectitishistaskto makehisprofessionobvious.PerhapstheGuildisanticipatingyou.Inany case,findthePhoenixInn.' 'Whatthehellareyouupto?'Kalamdemanded. 'Iwillbecompletinganassignmentforthesergeant.'Sheturnedandleft thehut. Kalam'sshouldersslumpedandheletoutalongbreath. 'She'stheonewethoughthertobe,'QuickBensaidquietly.'Sofar,so good.' 'Inotherwords,'theassassingrowled,'ifI'dattackedherI'dbeadeadman rightnow.' 'Exactly.We'lltakeherout,whenthetime'sright.Butfornowweneed her.' Kalainnodded. 'PhoenixInn?' 'Damnright.AndwhenwegettherethefirstthingI'mdoingisbuyinga drink.' QuickBensmiled.'Agreed.' Rallicklookedupastheheavysetmanenteredthebar.Hisblackskin markedhimasoutherner,whichinitselfwasnotunusual.Whatcaught Rallick'sattention,however,wasthehornhandled,silverpommelledlong knivestuckedintotheman'snarrowbelt.Thoseweaponswereanythingbut southern,andstampedonthepornmelswasacrosshatchedpattern, recognizabletoallwithinthetradeasthemarkofanassassin. Themanswaggeredintotheroomasifheownedit,andnoneofthelocals heshoulderedasideseemedinclinedtodisagreewithhim.Hereachedthe barandorderedanale. Rallickstudiedthedregsinhisowntankard.Obviouslythemanwantedto bemarked,preciselybysomeonelikeRallickNom,aGuildassassin.So,who wasthebait,then?Thisdidn'tfit. Ocelot,hisClanLeader,wasconvinced,alongwitheveryoneelseinthe Guild,thatEmpireClawshadcomeintothecityandnowwagedwaragainst them.Rallickwasn'tsosure.Themanstandingatthebarcouldaseasilybe

SevenCitiesasatravellerfromCallows.HehadthelookofMalazanEmpire abouthim.WasheClaw?Ifso,whyshowhimself?Upuntilnowtheenemy hadn'tleftasingleclue,orasingleeyewitness,astotheiridentity.The brazennesshenowobservedeitherdidn'tfit,ormarkedareversaloftactics. HadVorcan'sordertogotogroundtriggeredit? AlarmbellsranginRallick'shead.Noneofthisfeltright. Murillioleanedclosetohim.'Somethingwrong,friend?' 'Guildbusiness,'Rallickreplied.'Youthirsty?' Murilliogrinned.'AnofferIcan'trefuse.' Afterasingle,bemusedglanceatColl'sunconsciousform,slumpedinthe chair,theassassinleftthetable.Whathadallthatbeenaboutfiveblack dragons?Hemadehiswaytothebar.Ashepushedthroughthecrowd,he gaveoneyouthahardelbowtotheback.Theboygasped,then surreptitiouslyslippedtowardsthekitchen. Rallickarrived,calledScurveover,thenorderedanotherpitcher. Thoughhedidnotlooktheman'sway,heknewhe'dbeenmarkedbyhim. Itwasnomorethanafeeling,butonehe'dlearnedtotrust.Hesighedas Scurvedeliveredthefoamingpitcher.Well,he'ddonewhatOcelothad demandedofhim,thoughhesuspectedhisClanLeaderwouldbeaskingfor more. HereturnedtothetableandconversedwithMurillioforatime,plyinghis friendwiththemajorityoftheale.Murilliosensedagrowingtensionaround Rallickandtookhiscue.Hedrainedthelastofhisdrinkandrose.'Well,'he said,'Kruppe'sscurriedoff,Crokustoo.AndColl'sonceagaindeadtothe world.Rallick,Ithankyoufortheale.Timetofindawarmbed.Untilthe morrow,then.' Rallickremainedseatedforanotherfiveminutes,onlyoncebrushinggazes withtheblackmanleaningagainstthebar.Thenheroseandstrodeintothe kitchen.Thetwocooksrolledtheireyesateachotherashestrodepast. Rallick.ignoredthem.Hecametothedoor,whichhadbeenleftajarinhopes ofacoolingdraught.Thealleybeyondwaswet,thoughtherainhadpassed. Fromashadowedrecessonthewalloppositetheinnsteppedafamiliar figure. RallickwalkeduptoOcelot.'It'sdone.Yourmanisthebigblackone nursinganale.Twodaggers,hatchmarked.HelooksmeanandnotoneI'd liketotusslewith.He'sallyours,Ocelot.' Theman'spockedfacetwisted.'He'sstillinside?Good.Headbackin.Make sureyou'vebeennoticeddamnsure,Nom.' Rallickcrossedhisarms.'I'msurealready,'hedrawled. 'You'retodrawhimout,leadhimintoTarlow'swarehouseintothe loadinggrounds.'Ocelotsneered.'Vorcan'sorders,Nom.Andwhenyouhead out,doitbythefrontdoorNomistakes,nothingsubtle.' 'Theman'sanassassin,'Rallickgrated.'IfI'mnotsubtlehe'llknowit'sa trapandcrawlallovermeinsecondsflat.' 'YoudoasVorcanwills,Nom.Nowgetbackinside!' Rallickstaredathiscommander,tomakehisdisgustplain,thenreturned

tothekitchen.Thecooksgrinnedathim,butonlyformoment.Onelookat Rallick'sfacewasenoughtokillanyhumourintheroom.Theybenttotheir tasksasifproddedbyalandmaster. Rallickenteredthemainroom,thenstoppeddeadinhistracks'Damn,'he muttered.Theblackmanwasgone.Nowwhat?Heshrugged.'Frontdoorit is.'Hemadehiswaythroughthecrowd. Inanalley,ononesideofwhichranahighstonewall,Crokusleaned againstthedampbricksofamerchant'shouseandgazedsteadilyata window.Itwasonthethirdfloor,beyondthewall,andbehinditshuttered facewasaroomheknewintimately. There'dbeenalightoninsideformostofthetwohourshe'dstoodbelow, butforthelastfifteenminutestheroomwithinhadbeendark. Numbwithexhaustionandplaguedwithdoubts,Crokuspulledhiscloak tighteraroundhim.Hewonderedwhathewasdoinghere,andnotforthe firsttime.Allhisresolveseemedtohavedrainedintotheguttersalongwith therain. HaditbeenthedarkhairedwomaninthePhoenixInn?Hadsherattled himthatmuch?Thebloodonherdaggermadeitobviousthatshewouldn't hesitatetokillhimjusttokeephersecretintact.Maybeitwasthespinning cointhathadhimsoconfused.Nothingaboutthatincidenthadbeennatural. WhatwassowrongwithhisdreamofbeingintroducedtotheD'Arle maiden?Ithadnothingtodowiththatkillerwomaninthebar. 'Nothing,'hemumbled,thenscowled.Nowhewastalkingaloudtohimself. Athoughtcametohimthatdeepenedhisscowl.Everythinghadbegunits madunravellingthenighthe'drobbedthemaiden.Ifonlyhehadn'tpaused, ifonlyhehadn'tlookeduponhersoft,round,lovelyface. Agroanescapedhim,andheshiftedhisfeet.Ahighborn.Thatwasthereal problem,wasn'tit? Itallseemedsostupidnow,soabsurd.Howcouldhehaveconvinced himselfthatsuchathingasmeetingherwaspossible?Heshookhimself. Itdidn'tmatter,he'dplannedthis,nowitwastimetodoit. 'Idon'tbelievethis,'hemutteredashepushedhimselffromthewalland headeddownthealley.Hishandbrushedthepouchtiedtohiswaist. 'I'mabouttoputamaiden'sransomback.' Hecametothestonewallhe'dbeenlookingfor,andbegantoclimb. Hedrewadeepbreath.Allright,let'sgetitdone. Thestonewaswet,buthehadenoughdeterminationinhimtoscalea mountain.Heclimbedon,anddidnotslipevensomuchasasinglefoothold. CHAPTERTHIRTEEN There'saspiderhereinthiscornerinthat herthreeeyestiptoeindarkness,hereightlegstrackmyspine,she mirrorsandmocksmypacing. There'saspiderherewhoknowsallofmeherwebmyhistoryfullwrit. Somewhereinthisstrangeplaceaspiderwaitsformypanickedflight

TheConspiracyBlindGallan(b.1078) SOONASTHEGUILDASSASSINLEFTTHEROOM,KALAMdrainedthelastof hisbeer,paidup,andascendedthestaircase. Fromthegalleryrailinghestudiedthecrowdbelow,then,seeingthatno onepaidhimmuchattention,hestrodedownthehallwayandenteredthe lastroomontheright. Heclosedthedoorandlockedit.QuickBenwasseatedcrossleggedonthe floor,withinacircleofmeltedbluewax.Thewizardwashunchedover,bare chested,hiseyesshutanddropletsofsweattricklingdownhisface.Around himtheairshimmered,asifglossedwithlacquer. Kalamwalkedaroundthewaxcircletothebed.Hetookaleathersatchel fromapegabovethebedpostandsetitdownonthethin,strawfilled mattress.Peelingbacktheflapheremovedthecontents.Aminutelaterhe'd laidoutthemechanismsforagoat'sfootarbalest.Thecrossbow'smetal partshadbeenblued,thenarrowwoodenstocksoakedinpitchanddusted withblacksand.Kalamslowly,quietly,assembledtheweapon. QuickBenspokebehindhim.'Done.Wheneveryou'reready,friend.' 'Themanleftthroughthekitchen.Buthe'llbeback,'Kalamsaid,rising withthearbalestinhishands.Heattachedastraptoitandslungtheweapon overoneshoulder.Thenhefacedthewizard.'I'mready.' QuickBenalsostood,wipinghisforeheadwithasleeve.'Twospells.You'll beabletofloat,controleverydescent.Theothershouldgiveyoutheability toseeanythingmagicalwell,almostanything.Ifthere'saHighMage kickingaround,we'reoutofluck.' 'Andyou?'Kalamasked,asheexaminedhisquiverofbolts. 'Youwon'tseemedirectly,justmyaura,'QuickBenrepliedwithagrin, 'butI'llbewithyoualltheway.' 'Well,hopefullythis'llgosmoothly.WemakecontactwiththeGuild,we offertheEmpire'scontract,theyacceptandremoveforuseverymajorthreat inthecity.'Heshruggedintohisblackcloakandpulledupthehood. 'Yousurewecan'tjustgodownstairsandwalkrightuptotheman,layit out?' Kalamshookhishead.'Nothowit'sdone.We'veidentifiedhim,he'sdone thesamewithus.He'sprobablyjustmadecontactwithhiscommander,and they'llarrangethingstotheirliking.Ourmanshouldleadusnowtothe meet.' 'Won'titbeanambushwe'rewalkinginto,then?' Thelargemanagreed.'Moreorless.Butthey'llwanttoknowwhatwe wantwiththemfirst.Andoncethat'sout,IdoubttheGuild'smasterwillbe interestedinkillingus.Youready?' QuickBenraisedahandtowardsKalam,thenmutteredbrieflyunderhis breath. Kalamfeltalightnesscomeintohim,risingtohisskinandemanatinga cushionofcoolairthatenvelopedhisbody.AndbeforehiseyesQuickBen's figureformedabluegreenpenumbra,concentratedatthewizard'slong

fingeredhands.'Ihavethem,'theassassinsaid,smiling,'twooldfriends.' QuickBensighed.'Yes,herewearedoingthisalloveragain.'Hemethis friend'sgaze.'Hood'sonourheels,Kal.Icanfeelhisbreathonmyneck,these days.' 'You'renotaloneinthat.'Kalamturnedtothewindow.'Sometimes,'he saiddrily,'IhavethefeelingourEmpirewantsusdead.'Hewalkedtothe window,unlatchedtheshutters,thenswungtheminwardandleanedboth handsonthesill. QuickBencameupbesidehimandrestedahandonhisshoulder. Theygazedoutatthedarkness,abriefsharingofuneasepassingbetween them. 'We'veseentoomuch,'QuickBensaidsoftly. 'Hood'sBreath,'Kalamgrowled,'whatarewedoingthisforanyway?' 'MaybeiftheEmpiregetswhatitwantsDarujhistanthey'llletusslip away.' 'Sure,butwho'sgoingtoconvincethesergeanttowalkoutoftheEmpire?' 'Weshowhimhehasn'tgotanychoice.' Kalamclimbedontothesill.'GoodthingI'mnotaClawanymore.Just soldiers,right?' BehindhimQuickBentouchedhisownchestandvanished.His disembodiedvoiceheldanoteofwryamusement.'Right.Nomorecloakand daggergamesforoldKalam.' Theassassinpulledhimselfup,turningtofacethewallthenbeginninghis climbtotheroof.'Yeah,I'vealwayshatedit.' QuickBen'svoicewasbesidehimnow.'Nomoreassassinations.' 'Nomorespying,'Kalamadded,reachingfortheroof'sedge. 'Nomoredisguisingspells.' Clamberingontotheroof,Kalamlaystill.'Nomoredaggersintheback,'he whispered,thensatupandscannedthenearbyrooftops.Hesawnothing;no unusualhuddledshapes,nobrightmagicalauras. 'Thankthegods,'cameQuickBen'swhisperfromabove. 'Thankthegods,'Kalamechoed,thenlookeddownovertheroof'sedge. Belowapooloflightmarkedtheinnentrance.'Youtakethebackdoor.I've gotthisone.' 'Right.' EvenasthewizardansweredKalamstiffened.'Thereheis,'hehissed. 'Youstillwithme?' QuickBenassented. TheywatchedthefigureofRallickNom,nowcloaked,crossingtothefar sideofthestreetandenteringanalley. 'I'monhim,'QuickBensaid. Abluegreenglowrosearoundthewizard.Heroseintotheairandflew outswiftlyacrossthestreet,slowingashereachedthealley.Kalamclimbed tohisfeetandpaddedsilentlyalongtheroof'sedge.Reachingthecorner,he glanceddowntotherooftopofanadjacentbuilding,thenjumped. Hedescendedslowly,asifsinkingthroughwater,andlandedwithouta

sound.Offtohisright,movingonaparallelpath,wasQuickBen'smagical aura.Kalamcrossedtherooftoptothenextbuilding.Theirmanwasheading fortheharbourfront. KalamcontinuedtrackingQuickBen'sbeacon,movingfromonerooftopto thenext,sometimesjumpingdown,atothertimesclimbing. TherewaslittlesubtletyaboutKalam:whereothersusedfinesseheused thestrengthofhisthickarmsandlegs.Itmadehimanunlikelyassassin,but he'dlearnedtousethattohisadvantage. Theynowapproachedtheharbourarea,thebuildingssinglestoreyedand large,thestreetsrarelylitexceptaroundthedoubledoorentrancesto warehouses,wheretheoccasionalprivateguardlingered.Inthenightair hungthetaintofsewageandfish. Finally,QuickBenstopped,hoveredoverawarehousecourtyard,then hurriedbacktoKalam,whowaitedattheedgeofanearbytwostoreyed clearinghouse.'Looksliketheplace,'QuickBensaid,floatingafewfeet aboveKalam.'Whatnow?' 'Iwantagoodlineofsighttothatcourtyard.' 'Followme.' QuickBenledhimtoanotherbuilding.Theirmanwasnowvisible, crouchingonthewarehouseroof,attentiondownonthecourtyardbelow. 'Kai,doyousmellsomethingbadaboutthis?' Kalamsnorted.'Hell,no,it'sbloodyrosesouthere.Takeposition,friend.' 'Right.' RallickNomlaydownontherooftop,hisheadoutoveritsedge.Belowwas thewarehouse'scourtyard,flat,greyandempty.Directlybeneathhimthe shadowswereimpenetrable.SweattrickleddownRallick'sface. FromtheshadowbelowcameOcelot'svoice,'He'sgotyouinsight?' 'Yes.' 'Andhe'snotmoving?' 'No.Listen,I'msurethere'smorethanoneofthem.Iwould'veknownif he'dbeentrailingme,andnoonewas.Itstinksofmagery,Ocelot,andyou knowwhatIthinkaboutmagery.' 'Dammit,Nom.Ifyou'djuststartusingthestuffwegiveyou,you'drank amongthebestofus.ButtoHood'sGatewiththat.We'vegotspotters,and unlessthere'saverygoodwizardaroundwe'dpickuponanymagic.Faceit,' anoteofmaliceenteredOcelot'svoice,'he'sbetterthanyou.Hetrackedyou allright.Solo.' 'Whatnow?'Rallickasked. Ocelotchuckled.'We'reclosingthecircleevenaswespeak.Yourwork's done,Nom.Tonighttheassassins'warends.Infiveminutesyoucanhead home.' Highabovethecityademonflappedonleatherywings,itsgreenreptilian eyessurveyingtherooftopsbelowwithavisionthatdetectedmagicaseasily asitdidheat.Thoughthedemonwasnolargerthanadog,itspowerwas immense,nearpartothemanwhohadsummonedandchaineditthisvery night.Ontherooftopsitsawtwoaurasclosetogether,oneamanonwhom

spellshadbeencast,andtheotherawizard,averygoodwizard.Inaragged circleonotherrooftopsaroundthesetwo,menandwomenmovedinward, somebetrayedbytheheatoftheirbodies,othersbyitemsimbuedwith sorcery. Untilnowthedemonrodethehighnightwindsboredandresentfulofits master.Ameremissionofobservation,foroneofsuchpower!Butnowthe demonfeltasurgeofbloodlust.Ifonlyitsmasterhadbeenweaker,sothatit couldbreakthebondsanddescendtotherooftops,thentherewouldhave beenslaughter. Thedemonwasmusingonthesethoughts,itseyesfixedonthescene below,whenabootedheelrammedintothebackofitssmall,roundhead. Thecreaturespun,tumbling,thentwistedroundtofaceitsattacker,rage blazinginitsskull. Amomentlateritwasfightingforitslife.Thefigurethatclosedwiththe demonpossessedablindingmagicalaura.Grappling,thesurgingenergiesof bothcollided,enwrappedliketentacles.Thedemonstruggledagainstthe savagepainconstrictingitasthefigurepresseditsattack.Acoldthatburned filledthedemon'sskull,acoldalieninitsbreathofpower,soalienthatthe demoncouldfindnomeansofcounteringit. Thetwofellslowlyastheyfought,duellinginabsolutesilencewithforces invisibletothecity'sinhabitantsbelow,whilearoundthemotherfigures descendedtowardsthewarehouse,cloaksspreadlikesails,crossbows crookedintheirarms,hoodedfacesangleddownwardandhiddenbeneath blackmasks.Therewereeleveninallthatpassedthedemonanditsattacker. Noneoftheotherspaidanyattention,andwiththisrealizationthedemon experiencedanemotionithadneverknownbefore.Fear. Itsthoughtsturningfrombattletosurvival,thedemontoreitselffromits attacker'sgrasp.Loosingahighpitchedcry,itflappedupward. Thefiguredidnotpursue,insteadjoiningtheothersintheirsilentdescent tothecity. Asthetwelveshroudedassassinsdroppedtowardsthecircleofmenand womenbelow,onesplittingoffandanglingabovethecircle'stwotargets, theytookcarefulaimwiththeircrossbows,andbeganamassacre. Kalamstareddownattheassassinlyingsupineontheroofbelow, wonderingwhattodonext.Weretheywaitingforhimtoinitiatecontact?A lowgrowlescapedhim.Somethingwaswrong.Hecouldfeelitlikefeverin hisbones. 'Dammit,Quick.Let'sgetoutofhere!' 'Wait!'cameQuickBen'sdisembodiedvoice.'Oh,damn,'hesaidsoftlythen infrontofKalamtwobrightlyglowingshapesdroppeddownontotheroof below,landingbehindtheirmark. 'Whatthehell?' Thenhefeltaslighttremorontheflattilesbeneathhishands.Kalamrolled ontohisback,hearingaquarrelwhizpast.Framedbyhisknees,acloaked figurestoodaboutthirtyfeetaway.Aftermissingwiththequarrelthefigure racedforward.Anotherlandedbehindthefirstone,neartheroof'sfaredge.

Kalamscampered.Hedroppeddownovertheroof'sedge. QuickBenfloatedabovehim.Thespellofdeflectionhe'draisedabout himselfwasaHighOrdermagery,andhewascertainheremainedunseenby thesenewassailants.Hewatchedastheapproachingfigureslowed,then paddedcautiouslytotheroofedgewhereKalamhaddroppedfromsight. Daggersgleaminginbothglovedhands,thisnewassassinreachedtheedge andcrouched.QuickBenheldhisbreathasthefigureleanedforward. Kalamhadn'tgonefar.Hegrippedtheroof'sgables.Whentheattacker's upperbodycameintoview,blottingoutthestarsbehindit,hesurged upwardonthestrengthofonearm,hisothershootinguptocloseonthe assassin'sneckwithavicelikegrip.Kalamjerkedtheassassindownward,at thesametimebringinguphisknee.Theattacker'sclothwrappedfacemethis kneewithacrunch.Kalam,stillgrippingthegablewithonehand,gavethe nowlimpfigureashake,thensentthebodyspirallingdowntothestreet below. Gasping,hepulledhimselfbackontotheroof.Atthefarendhesawthe secondassassinwhirlaround.Growling,Kalamsurgedtohisfeetand sprintedatthefigure. Theunknownassassinsteppedbackasifstartled,thenbroughtahand downandpromptlyvanished. Kalamslidtoastopandstoodcrouched,bothhandshangingathissides. 'Iseeher,'QuickBenwhispered. WithahissKalamspuninafullcircle,thendancedtooneside,puttinghis backtotheroof'sedge.'Idon't.' 'She'sputtingenergyintoit,'QuickBensaid.'Ikeeplosingher.Wait,Kai!' Thewizardfellsilent. Kalam'sheadsnappedwitheverymutedsound.Hisbreathgustedinand outfromhisnostrils,hishandstwitched.Wait.Alowrumblecamefromhis chest.Waitforwhat?Aknifeinhisthroat? Allatoncethenightexplodedwithsoundandfire.Theattackerburstinto viewimmediatelyinfrontofKalam,daggerflashingathischest. Smokeandsparksrainedfromherbutshemovedasifunaffected.Kalam twistedtooneside,tryingtoavoidtheblade.Thedaggertorethroughhis shirtbelowhisribs,sinkingdeepintohisfleshthenrippingsideways. Hefeltahotgushofbloodashedroveafistintothewoman'ssolarplexus. Shegasped,reelingback,threadsofbloodwhippingfromthedaggerinher righthand.Kalamchargedforwardwithasnarl.Heclosedand,ignoringthe assassin'sdagger,punchedintoherchestagain.Ribscracked.Hisotherhand flatpalmedherforehead.Theassassinsprawledbackwards,landingwitha thumpontheroof.Herbodystilled. Kalamsanktooneknee,drawingingulpsofair.'Wait,yousaid,daminit! Whatthehell'swrongwithyou,Quick?'Hepushedaknotofclothintothe woundbelowhisribcage.'Quick?' Therewasnoreply.Hetensed,thenturnedandscannedthelower rooftops.Bodieslayscatteredhereandthere.Thewarehouseroof,where he'dseentwofigureslandbehindtheirmark,wasempty.Groaningsoftly,he

sankdownontohisknees. Withthewoman'sattackhe'dheardsomethingamidtheflashingfires.A boom,no,twobooms,veryclosetogether.Anexchangeofmagic.Hisbreath caught.Wasthereathirdassassin?Awizard?QuickBenhaddamagedthis one,butsomeoneelsehaddamagedQuickBen.'Oh,Hood,'hewhispered, glaringabout. Rallick'sfirstintimationoftroublewasasharpblowbetweenhisshoulder blades.Thebreathburstfromhislungs,carryingwithittheabilitytomove. Hisbackthrobbed,andheknewhe'dbeenhitbyaquarrel,butthejazeraint armourunderhisshirthadwithstoodtheimpactthequarrel'sspikedhead hadpiercedtheironbuthadbeentoospenttopushfurther.Throughthe thumpingpulseinhisearshecaughtapairoffootstepsapproachinghim frombehind. FromtheshadowsbelowcameOcelot'svoice,'Nom?What'shappening?' BehindRallickthefootstepsstopped,andtherecamethesoftclackingofa crossbowbeingcocked.Raffick'swindreturned,thenumbnessrecedingfrom hisbody.Hisownweaponlaybesidehim,ready.Hewaited. 'Nom?' Asoftfootfallsoundedbehindhimandtotheleft.InonemotionRallick rolledontohisback,graspedhiscrossbow,satupandfired.Theassassin, lessthanfifteenfeetaway,wasthrownbackbythequarrel'simpact,its weaponflying. Rallickheavedhimselftooneside,onlynowseeingthesecondattacker wellbehindthefirst.Thefigurecrouchedandfireditscrossbow. ThequarrelcaughtRallick'supperchestontheright,thenricochetedup pasthisheadtodisappearintothedarkness.Theblowlefthisrightarm numb.Hestruggledtohisfeet,unsheathinghisknife,thehookedbladeablue flickerinthenight. Theassassinoppositehimtookacarefulstepforward,thenbackedaway tothefaredgeanddroppedovertheside. 'Hood'sBreath,'cameOcelot'svoicebesideRallick.Heturnedbutsawno one. 'Hesawmymagic,'Ocelotsaid.'Goodworkonthefirstone,Nom.Maybe wecanfinallydeterminewhothesepeopleare.' 'Idon'tthinkso,'Rallicksaid,hiseyesonthemotionlessbody.An incandescentshimmernowwreathedit. AsthebodydisappearedOcelotcursed.'Somekindofrecallspell,'hesaid. SuddenlytheClanMasterappearedinfrontofRallick.Hisfacetwistedintoa snarlasheglaredabout.'Wesetthetrap,weendupdead.' Rallickdidnotreply.Hereachedoverhisshoulder,pulledoutthequarrel andtossedittooneside.Thetrappershadbecomethetrapped,thatwastrue, buthefeltcertainthatthemanwho'dfollowedhimhadnothingtodowith thesenewcomers.Heturnedandgazedupattheroofwherehisfollowerhad beenstationed.Evenashewatchedtherewasaflashofredandyellowlight andadoublethunderclap,andinthatinstantRallicksawasilhouettedfigure attheroof'sedge,defendingitselffromafrontalattack.Theflashwinkedout

leavingonlydarkness. 'Magery,'Ocelotwhispered.'Highpowerstuff,too.Comeon,we'regetting outofhere.' Theyleftquickly,climbingdownintothewarehousecourt. Onceshehadmarkedthem,SorrycouldfindthefatlittlemanandtheCoin Bearereffortlessly.Thoughshe'dintendedtotrailthisKruppeafterleaving KalamandQuickBeninthehut,somethinghaddrawnherinsteadtotheboy. Asuspicion,asensethathisactionswereatleastfornowmoreimportant thanKruppe'smeanderings. TheCoinBearerwasthelastofOponn'sinfluence,andthegod'smostvital playerinthegame.Thusfar,she'ddonewellineliminatingtheother potentialplayersmenlikeCaptainParan,whohadbeentheAdjunct'saide and,byextension,aservanttotheEmpress.AndtherehadbeenthatClaw LeaderinPale,theoneshehadgarotted.OnherpathtotheBridgeburners, othershadbeenremovedaswell,butonlyasnecessary. Sheknewthattheboywouldhavetodie,yetsomethingwithinherseemed tobefightingthatconclusion,anditwasapartofhershecouldnotrecognize. She'dbeentaken,bornakillertwoyearsagoonacoastalroad.Thebodyshe dweltwithinwasconvenient,suitablyunmarredbytheeventsofadramatic lifeayounggirl'sbody,ayounggirlwhosemindwasnomatchforthe powerthatoverwhelmedit,obliteratedit. Butwasitobliterated?Whathadthecointouchedinsideher?Andwhose voicewasthisthatspokewithsuchpoweranddeterminationinherhead?It hadcomeuponherbefore,whenWhiskeyjackhadutteredthewordSeer. Shetriedhardtorememberanydealingsshemighthavehadwithaseerin thelasttwoyears,butnonecametomind. Shepulledhercloaktighterabouthershoulders.Findingtheboyhadbeen easy,butastowhathewasupto,thatwasanothermatter.Onthesurfaceit lookednomorecomplicatedthanasimpletheft.Crokushadstoodinanalley studyingalightedwindowonthethirdfloorofanestate,waitinguntilthe lightwentout.Wrappedinunnaturalshadowsasshewas,hehadnotseen herashescaledtheslickwallsheleanedagainst.Heclimbedwithimpressive graceandskill. Afterhe'dgoneshefoundanothervantagepoint,whichallowedherfull viewoftheroom'sbalconyandslidingdoors.Thishadmeantenteringthe estate'sgarden.Buttherehadbeenonlyoneguard,patrollingthegrounds. She'dkilledhimeffortlesslyandnowstoodbeneathatreewithhereyeson thebalcony. Crokushadalreadyreachedit,hadpickedthelockandenteredtheroom beyond.Hewasquitegood,shehadtoadmit.Butwhatthiefwouldthen spendclosetohalfanhourinthechamberhewasrobbing?Halfanhourand stillcounting.She'dheardnoalarms,seennolightsspringtolifebehindany oftheestate'sotherwindows,nothingtoindicatethatanythinghadgone wrong.SowhatwasCrokusdoinginthere? Sorrystiffened.SorceryhadburgeonedinanotherpartofDarujhistan,and itsflavourwasknowntoher.Shehesitated,unabletodecide.Leavethelad

andinvestigatethisnew,deadlyemanation?OrremainhereuntilCrokusre emergedorwasdiscovered? Thenshesawsomethingbehindthebalcony'sslidingdoorsthatendedher indecision. SweatrandownCrokus'sfaceandhefoundhehadrepeatedlytowipeit fromhiseyes.He'dbeatenthenewtriggerstogetinsidetheoneonthe balcony,thetripwireatthelatchandnowpaddedtothemakeuptable. Oncetherehefroze,unabletomove.Idiot!WhatamIdoinghere? Helistenedtohersoft,regularbreathingbehindhimlikethebreathofa dragonhewascertainhecouldfeelitgustingagainstthebackofhisneck. Crokuslookedupandscowledathisownreflectioninthemirror.Whatwas happeningtohim?Ifhedidn'tleavesoonHebegantoremovehisbag's contents.Whenhe'dfinishedheglancedagainathisownfacetosee anotherbehindit,around,whitefacewatchinghimfromthebed. Thegirlspoke.'Sinceyou'reputtingitallback,I'dprefertheproper arrangement.Mymakeupjargoestotheleftofthemirror,'shesaid,ina whisper.'Thehairbrushgoestotheright.Haveyoumyearringsaswell?just leavethemonthedresser.' Crokusgroaned.He'devenforgottentocoverhisface.'Don'ttryanything,' hegrowled.'I'vereturnedeverything,andnowI'llleave.Understand?' Thegirlpulledherblanketsaboutherandmovedtothebed'send. 'Threatswon'twork,thief,'shesaid.'AllIneeddoisscreamandmy father'sMasterGuardsmanwillbehereinseconds.Wouldyoucrossyour daggerwithhisshortsword?' 'No,'saidCrokus.'I'dputittoyourthroatinstead.Withyouasahostage, withyoubetweenmeandtheguard,willheswinghisbladeatme?Unlikely.' Thegirlpaled.'Asathief,you'dloseahand.Butkidnappingahighborn,it'd bethehighgallowsforyou.' Crokustriedtoshrugcasually.Heglancedatthebalcony,gauginghowfast hecouldbeoutsideandthenupontheroof.Thatnewtripwirewasa nuisance. 'Staywhereyouare,'thegirlcommanded.'I'mlightingalantern.' 'Why?'Crokusdemanded,fidgeting. 'Toseeyoubetter,'shereplied,andlightbloomedintheroomfromthe lanterninherlap. Hescowled.Hehadn'tnoticeditthere,socloseathand.Shewasruining hisplansevenashemadethem.'What'sthepointinseeingmebetter?'he snarled.'Justcallyourdamnguardsandhavemearrested.Bedonewithit.' Hepulledthesilkturbanfromhisshirtanddroppeditonthetabletop. 'That'sallofit,'hesaid. Thegirlglancedattheturbanandshruggedeasily.'Thatwastobepartof mycostumeforthefte,'shesaid.'I'vesincefoundanicerone.' 'What,'hehissed,'doyouwantwithme?' Fearshowedmomentarilyonherfaceathisdesperateoutburst,thenshe smiled.'Iwishtoknowwhyathiefwhosucceededinstealingallmyjewels shouldnowbereturningthem.Thatisn'tsomethingthievesusuallydo.'

'Withgoodreason,'hemuttered,moretohimselfthantoher.Hestepped forwardthenstoppedasshejerkedbackontoherbed,hereyeswidening. Crokusraisedahand.'Sorry,didn'tmeantofrightenyou.OnlyIwanttosee youbetter.That'sall.' 'Why?' Hewasatalossforananswertothat.Afterall,hecouldn'tverywelltell herhe'dfallenmadlyinlovewithher.'What'syourname?'heblurted. 'ChalliceD'Arle.What'syours?' Challice.'Ofcourse,'hesaid,rollinghiseyes.'Youwouldbenamed somethinglikethat.'Heglaredather.'Myname?Noneofyourbusiness. Thievesdon'tintroducethemselvestotheirvictims.' Hereyebrowsrose.'Victim?ButI'mnolongeravictim,amI?You've settledthatbyreturning.I'dthink,'shesaidslyly,'you'remoreorless obligedtotellmeyourname,consideringwhatyou'redoing.Andyoumust bethetypewhotreatsobligationsseriously,nomatterhowstrangethey seem.' Crokusfrownedatthat.Whatwasshetalkingabout?Whatdidsheknow abouthowhelookedatobligations?Andwhywassheright?'Myname,'he sighed,defeated,'isCrokusYounghand.Andyou'rethedaughterofthehigh bornD'Arlewhoallthosesuitorsarelininguptobeintroducedto.Butone dayyou'llseemeinthatline,Challice,andonlyyouwillknowwhereyoulast sawme.It'llbeaformalintroduction,andI'llbringagiftasiscorrect.'He staredather,horrifiedbyhisownwords. Herwideeyesheldhis,emotionbrightinthememotionhe'dnohopeof understandingthensheburstoutlaughing.Sheimmediatelyclappeda handoverhermouth,thenjoltedforwardonthebed.'You'dbettergo, Crokus.Someonewillhaveheardme.Quickly,andbewarethetripwire!' Crokusmovedwoodenlytothebalcony'sslidingdoors.Herlaughterhad beenthefinalpunctuationtoallhisdreams.Hefeltdeadinside,exceptfora cynic'schucklethatmighthavebeenhisown,giventheoddlookshethrew him.Herblanketshadfallendownaroundher,andonceagainshewasnaked. Itastonishedhiminadistantwaythatshehadn'tevenseemedtonotice. Avoicecamefrombeyondthedoorleadingtothehallway,indistinct. Thegirlhissed,'Hurry,youfool!'Alarmbellsjangledinhishead, awakeninghim.Hehadtomove,andfast.Crokussteppedoverthetripwire andopenedthedoor.Hepausedtoglancebackather,andsmiledasshe clutchedtheblanketstoherneck. Well,atleasthe'dwonthatmuch. Aknocksoundedontheoppositedoor. Crokusemergedontothebalconyandhitchedhimselfupontotherailing. Helookeddownintothegardenandalmostfell.Theguardwasgone.Inhis placestoodawomanand,thoughshewascloaked,somethingabouther triggeredinstantrecognition.Thewomanfromthebar,andshewaslooking rightathimwithdarkeyesthatburnedhimdeepinside. ThedoorintheroomopenedandCrokusshookhimself.Damnthatwoman, anyway!Damnbothofthem!Hegraspedtheeavesabovehisheadandswung

lithelyupandoutofsight. Kalamcrouchedmotionlessinthemiddleoftherooftop,aknifeineach hand.Aroundhimwassilence,thenightairtenseandheavy.Longminutes passed.Attimesheconvincedhimselfhewasalone,thatQuickBenandthe otherwizardhadlefttheroof;thattheyhuntedeachotherinthesky overhead,orinthealleysandstreetsbelow,oronanotherroof.Butthenhe'd hearsomething,adrawnbreath,ascuffofclothagainstleather,orawispof windwouldbrushhischeekonthiswindlessnight. Then,beforehiseyes,thedarknesswasshattered.Twoshapesappeared hoveringovertherooftop.TheassassinhadfoundQuickBen,attackingwith aboltoffirethatseemedtostunthewizard,thenswiftlyclosingthedistance betweenhimselfandthedazedman. Kalamsurgedforwardtointercept.QuickBenvanishedthenreappeared immediatelybehindtheassassin.Theblueflashofpowerburstingfromthe wizard'shandsstruckthemagicwieldingassassinfullintheback.Clothes aflame,themantumbledthroughtheair. QuickBenwhirledtoKalam.'Comeon!Getmoving!' Kalamran,hisfriendflyingbesidehim.Astheyreachedtheroof'sedgehe turnedforalastlook.Theassassinmagehadsomehowsnuffedthefirefrom hisclothesandwasregaininghisbalance.Atthefaredgetwoofhiscomrades appeared. 'Jump,'QuickBensaid.'I'llstallthem.' 'Withwhat?'Kalamdemanded,totteringontheedge. InanswerQuickBenproducedasmallvial.Hespunintheairandhurledit. Kalamcursed,thenjumped. Thevialstrucktherooftopandshatteredwithathintinkle.Beyond,the threeassassinspaused.QuickBenremained,hiseyesonthewhitesmoke risingfromtheglassshards.Afiguretookformwithinthesmoke,growingin size.Itsshapewasalmostinsubstantial,thesmokestretchinglikethreadsin places,curlinglikewoolinothers.Allthatwasvisiblewithinitwasitseyes, twoblackslits,whichitswungtoQuickBen. 'You,'itsaid,itsvoicethatofachild,'arenotMasterTayschrenn.' 'That'sright,'QuickBensaid,'butI'minhislegion.Yourserviceremains withtheEmpire.'Hepointedacrosstheroof.'Therearethreewhoarethe Empire'senemies,Demon.TisteAnd,heretoopposetheMalazanEmpire.' 'MynameisPearl,'theKorvalahdemonsaidsoftly,thenturnedtothe threeassassins,whohadspreadoutalongthefaredge.'Theyarenotfleeing,' Pearlsaid,withanoteofsurprise. QuickBenwipedsweatfromhisforehead.Heglanceddown.Kalamwasa vagueshapewaitinginthealleybelow.'Iknow,'hesaidtoPearl. Thatobservationhadunnervedhimaswell.OneofTayschrenn's Korvalahraicouldlevelacityifitsochose. 'Theyacceptmychallenge,'Pearlsaid,facingQuickBenagain.'ShouldI pitythem?' 'No,'heanswered.'Justkillthemandbedonewithit.' 'ThenIreturntoMasterTayschrenn.'

'Yes.' 'Whatisyourname,Wizard?' Hehesitated,thensaid,'BenAdaephonDelat.' 'Youaresupposedtobedead,'Pearlsaid.'Yournameissomarkedonthe scrollsofthoseHighMageswhofelltotheEmpireinSevenCities.' QuickBenglancedup.'Othersarecoming,Pearl.Youareinforafight.' Thedemonlifteditsgaze.Abovethemglowingfiguresdescended,fivein thefirstwave,oneinthesecond.Thislastoneradiatedsuchpowerthat QuickBenshrankback,hisbloodchilled.Thefigurehadsomethinglongand narrowstrappedtoitsback. 'BenAdaephonDelat,'Pearlsaidplaintively,'seethelastwhocomes.You sendmetomydeath.' 'Iknow,'QuickBenwhispered. 'Flee,then.Iwillholdthemenoughtoensureyourescape,nomore.' QuickBensankdownpasttheroof. BeforehepassedfromsightPearlspokeagain.'BenAdaephonDelat,do youpityme?' 'Yes,'herepliedsoftly,thenpivotedanddroppeddownintodarkness. Raffickwalkeddownthecentreofthestreet.Oneithersideofthewide corridorrosecolumnsfromwhichgastorchesjutted,castingcirclesofblue lightontothewetcobblestones.Thelightrainhadreturned,coatingI everythinginaslicksheen.Tohisrightandbeyondtheresidenthouses liningthatsideofthestreet,thepaledomesoftheHighThalantionthehill glistenedagainstthedeepgreysky. Thetemplewasamongtheoldeststructuresinthecity,itsfoundingblocks overtwothousandyearsold.TheThalantimonkshadcome,likesomany others,carriedonthewingsoftherumour.Rallickknewlessaboutthestory thandidMurillioandColl.OneoftheElderPeopleswasbelievedtohave beenentombedamongthehills,anindividualofgreatwealthandpower,that wastheextentofhisknowledge. Butithadbeenarumourwithmanyconsequences.Ifnotforthe thousandsofshaftssunkintotheearththecavernsofgaswouldneverhave beenfound.Andwhilemanyofthoseshaftshadcollapsedorhadbeen forgottenoverthecenturies,stillothersremained,nowconnectedbytunnels. Inoneofthemanychambersthathoneycombedthegroundbeneaththe templewaitedVorcan,MasterofAssassins.RallickimaginedOcelotmaking hisdescent,burdenedwiththenewsofdisaster,anditbroughtasmiletohis leanface.He'dnevermetVorcan,butOcelotsuitedthosecatacombsjust anotherofthecity'sratsrushingaboutbeneathhisfeet. Oneday,Rallickknew,he'dbecomeaClanLeader,he'dmeetVorcanface tofacesomewherebelow.Hewonderedathowitwouldchangehim,and travellingdownthispathsouredhisthoughtswithdispleasure. Hehadnooption.Once,hethought,asheapproachedtheblockofthe PhoenixInn,longago,there'dbeenchoiceshecouldhavemadethatwould havesenthimonadifferentpath.Butthosedaysweredead,andthefuture heldonlynights,astretchofdarknessthatleddowntotheeternaldark.He

wouldmeetVorcan,eventually,andhe'dswearhislifetotheGuildMaster, andthatwouldbethat,theclosingofthefinaldoor. Andhissenseofoutrageattheinjusticesaroundhim,thecorruptionsof theworld,wouldwitherintheunlittunnelsbeneathDarujhistan.Inthe exactnessofthemethodsofassassination,hisfinalvictimwouldbehimself. Andthis,morethananything,madehisandMurillio'sschemethelastact ofhumanityhe'devermake.Betrayalwasthegreatestofallcrimesin Rallick'smind,forittookallthatwashumanwithinapersonandmadeita thingofpain.Inthefaceofthat,murderitselfwassurcease:itwasquick,and itendedtheanguishanddespairofalifewithouthope. Ifallwentasplanned,LadySinitalandthosemenwho'dconspiredwith herinthebetrayalofherhusband,LordColl,woulddie.Couldthatrightthe wrong,coulditeventhescalesofretribution?No,butitmightreturntoa manhislifeandhishope. Forhimself,Rallick,suchgiftshadlongsincebeenlost,andhewasnotthe kindofmantostirtheashes.Noemberssurvived,noflamecouldbeborn anew.Lifebelongedtootherpeople,andhisonlyclaimtoitwashispowerto takeitfromthem.Norwouldherecognizehopeifitcametohim.Toomucha stranger,toolongaghost. Ashenearedtheinn'sentrance,RallicksawCrokusapproachingfrom downthestreet.Heincreasedhispace.'Crokus,'hecalled. Theboyflinched,then,seeingRallick,hestoppedandwaited. Rallicktookhisarmandsteeredhimtowardsthealleywithoutsayinga word.Onceintheshadowshetightenedhisgrip,swungCrokusroundand pulledhimclose.'Listentome,'hehissed,hisfaceinchesfromtheboy'sown astonishedvisage,'theGuild'sbestwereslaughteredtonight.Thisisn'ta game.Youstayofftherooftops,doyouunderstandme?' Crokusnodded. 'Andtellyourunclethis.There'saClawinthecity.' Theboy'seyeswidened. 'And,'Rallickcontinued,'there'ssomeoneelse.Someonecomingdown fromthesky,killingeverythinginsight.' 'UncleMammot?' 'Justtellhim.Andnowlistencarefully,Crokus.WhatI'mabouttosayis frommetoyou,onetoone,understand?' Crokusnoddedagain,hisfacepale. 'Youstayonthispathandyou'llendupdead.Idon'tgiveadamnhow excitingitallseemswhat'sexcitementtoyouisdesperationtoothers.Stop feedingoffthecity'slifeblood,lad.There'snohero'sroleinsuckingothers dry.AmIunderstood?' 'Yes,'Crokuswhispered. Rallickreleasedtheboy'sarmandsteppedback.'Now,leave.'Heshoved Crokusupthestreet,watchedtheboystaggerawayanddisappeararounda corner.Hedrewadeepbreath,surprisedtofindhishandstremblingashe loosenedhiscloak'scollar. Murilliosteppedfromtheshadows.'I'mnotsureit'llwork,friend,butit

wasagoodtry.'Helaidahandontheassassin'sshoulder.'MasterBarukhas ajobforus.KruppeinsistswebringCrokusalong.' Rallickfrowned.'Along?AreweleavingDarujhistan,then?' 'Afraidso.' 'Gowithoutme,'Rallicksaid.'TellBarukIcan'tbefound.Everything'sata criticaljunctureourplanningincluded.' 'Somethingelsehappening,Nom?' 'YouheardthemessageIgaveCrokusforhisuncle?' Murillioshookhishead.'Icamelatetoyourscene.Sawyoudraggingthe ladintothealley.' 'Well,'Rallicksaid,'let'sgoinside.It'sbeenanighttomakeHoodsmile, friend.' Together,thetwomenstrodefromthealley.Inthestreetoutsidethe PhoenixInn,dawn'slightcreptthroughthemistsofthelingeringrain. Inthecentreoftherooftoplayalargepatchofashandbonethatcrackled faintlyandcastouttheoccasionalhissingspark.AnomanderRakeslammed hisswordintoitssheath.'Isenttwelveofyou,'hesaid,totheblackcaped figurestandingbesidehim,'andIseebuteight.Whathappened,Serraff?' TheTisteAndwomanwasclearlyexhausted.'We'vebeenworkinghard, Lord.' 'Details,'Rakesaidabruptly. Serratsighed.'Jekaralhasabrokenneckandthreecrackedribs.Boruld's faceisamess,brokennose,brokencheekbone,brokenjaw' 'Whoweretheyfighting?'Rakeasked,turningtohislieutenantin exasperation.'HastheGuildMastercomeoutofhiding?' 'No,Lord.BothJekaralandBoruldfelltoasingleman,notofthecity's Guild.' Rake'seyesflasheddangerously.'Claw?' 'Possibly.HewasaccompaniedbyaHighMage.Theonewhogaveusthis Korvalahtoplaywith.' 'IthadthesmellofEmpireaboutit,'Rakemuttered,hisgazeonthe smoulderingpatchthathadbeguntoeatitswayintotheroof.'Oneof Tayschrenn'sconjurings,Ishouldthink.'Asavagegrinflashed.'Pitytohave disturbedhissleepthisnight.' 'Dashtalwasstruckbyapoisonedquarrel,'Serratsaid.'OneoftheGuild's assassinsmanagedthat.'Shehesitated.'Lord.Wewerehardpressedin Brood'scampaign.We'reinneedofrest.Mistakesweremadethisnight. SomeoftheGuildslippedthroughourfingersand,hadyounotansweredmy request,wewouldhavesufferedmorecasualtiesdestroyingthisdemon.' Rakeplacedhishandsonhishipsandsurveyedthemorningsky.Aftera momenthesighed.'Ah,Serrat.Don'tthinkmeinsensitive.ButtheGuild Mastermustbeflushed.ThisGuildmustbeshutdown.'Heeyedhis lieutenant.'ThisClawyouencountered,doyouthinkameetwasbeing established?' 'Notameet,'Serratanswered.'Atrap.' Rakenodded.'Good.'Hepaused,hiseyesmatchingSerrat'swithashadeof

violet.'ReturntoMoon'sSpawn,then.HavetheHighPriestessherselfattend toJekaral.' Serratbowed.'Thankyou,Lord.'Sheturnedandgesturedtotheothers. 'Oh,'Rakesaid,raisinghisvoicetoaddresshiscadreofassassinmages, 'onelastthing.You'vedonewell,exceptionallywell.You'veearnedarest. Threedaysandnightsareyourstodowithasyouplease.' Serratbowedagain.'Wewillmourn,Lord.' 'Mourn?' 'ThepoisonedquarrelkilledDashtal.Thepoisonwastheproductofan alchemist,Lord.Oneofsomeability.Itcontainedparalt.' 'Isee.' 'Willyoureturnwithus?' 'No.' Thelieutenantbowedathirdtime.Asone,theeightTisteAndraised theirhands,thenvanished. Rakeglanceddownatthesizzlingpatchjustasitatethroughtheroofand fellintodarkness.Therecameafaintcrashfrombelow.LordAnomander Rakeswunghisgazebacktothesky,thensighed. SergeantWhiskeyjackrockedhischairontoitsbacktwolegsand anchoreditagainstthecrumblingwall.Thesmall,dingyroomreekedof urineanddamp.Twosinglebeds,woodframedwithburlapmattresses stuffedwithstraw,ranalongthewalltohisleft.Thethreeotherrickety chairshadbeenpulleduparoundthelonetableintheroom'scentre. Abovethetablehunganoillantern,whichshonedownonFiddler,Hedge andMalletastheysatplayingcards. They'ddonetheirwork,finishingwiththecomingofduskjustoutside MajestyHall.UntilthealliancewiththeMoranth,theMalazansaboteurhad beennothingmorethanaglorifiedsapper,adiggeroftunnelsandbreakerof citygates.MoranthalchemyhadintroducedtotheEmpireavarietyof chemicalandpowderexplosives,mostofwhichdetonatedwhenexposedto air.Applyingaslowworkingacidwormholedtheunfiredclayshells. Sabotagehadbecomeanart,thepreciseequationofclaythicknessandacid strengthwastricky,andfewsurvivedtolearnfromtheirmistakes. ToWhiskeyjack'smind,HedgeandFiddlerwereterriblesoldiers.Hehad troublerecallingthelasttimethey'dunsheathedtheirshortswords. Whateverdisciplinethathadbeenpartoftheirbasictraininghad disintegratedthroughyearsinthefield.Still,whenitcametosabotagethey hadnoequals. ThroughhoodedeyesWhiskeyjackstudiedthethreemensittingatthe table.Ithadbeensomeminutessinceanyofthemhadmadeamoveorsaida word.OneofFiddler'snewgames,hedecided,themanwasforeverinventing newones,improvisingtheruleswhenevertheygavehimanedge. DespitetheendlessargumentsFiddlerwasnevershortofplayers. 'Andthat'swhatboredomcando,'hesaidtohimself.But,no,itwasmore thanjustboredom.Waitinggnawed,especiallywhenithadtodowithfriends. QuickBenandKalammightbefacedowninsomealleyforalltheyknew.And

thatmadeithard. Whiskeyjack'sgazestrayedtooneofthebeds,onwhichlayhisarmour andlongsword.Ruststainedthehauberk'statteredchainlikeoldblood.The linksweremissinginsomeplaces,torninothers.Inhisbonesandmuscles thememoryofthatdamageremained:everycut,everyblownowhaunted himwithaches,greetinghimeachmorninglikeoldcomrades.Thesword, withitsplainleatherwrappedgripandstubhilt,layinitshideoverwood scabbard,thebeltandstrapsdrapedoverthebedside. Thatweaponhadcometohimafterhisfirstbattle,foundamidafieldof dead.He'dstillhadthechalkofhisfather'squarryonhisbootsthen,anda world'spromisestretchedoutbeforehimonthebannersofEmpire.The swordhadcometohimshiny,withoutevensomuchasanickinitshoned blade,andhehadtakenitashisownpersonalstandard. Whiskeyjack'sgazelostitsfocus.Hismindhadsteppedintothegrey, muddytracksofhisyouth,wherehewalkedthefamiliarpath,lostand blindedbyanunidentifiablesorrow. Thedoorflewopen,carryingintotheroomagustofsteamyairandthen Trotts.TheBarghast'scoaldarkeyesmetthesergeant's. Whiskeyjackstoodquickly.Hewenttothebedandretrievedhissword.At thetabletheothersremainedintentontheircardgame,theironlybetrayal ofanxietyasubtleshiftingofchairs.WhiskeyjackpushedpastTrottsand closedthedoortoacrack,throughwhichhelooked. Acrossthestreet,atthemouthofanalley,twofigurescrouched,thelarger leaningheavilyagainsttheother.Whiskeyjack'sbreathhissedthroughhis teeth.'Mallet,'hesaidoverhisshoulder. Atthetablethehealerfrownedatthetwosaboteurs,thencarefullyset downhiscards. Thetwofiguresinthealleycrossedthestreet.Whiskeyjack'shandcreptto griphissword. 'Which?'Malletasked,asherearrangedtheblanketsononeofthebeds. 'Kalam,'thesergeantreplied.Thetwomenreachedthedoorandheswung itwidetoletthemthrough,thenshutitagain.HebeckonedatTrotts,who walkedovertothecurtainedwindow,pullingbackacornertowatchthe street. Kalamwaspale,saggingagainstQuickBen.Theassassin'sdarkgreyMIR shirtwassoakedwithblood.Malletmovedtohelpthewizardandtogether theycarriedKalamtothebed.Assoonastheheaterhadhimlaidout,he wavedQuickBenawayandbeganremovingKalam'sshirt. QuickBenshookhisheadatWhiskeyjackandsatdowninthechairMallet hadoccupied.'What'sthegame?'heasked,pickingupMallet'scardsand frowningashestudiedthem. NeitherHedgenorFiddlerreplied. 'Noidea,'Whiskeyjacksaid,ashewalkedovertostandbehindMallet. 'Theyjustsitandstare.' QuickBengrinned.'Ah,awaitinggame,right,Fid?'Heleanedback comfortablyandstretchedouthislegs.

Malletglancedupatthesergeant.'He'llbedownforawhile,'thehealer said.'Thewoundisclean,buthe'slostalotofblood.' Crouching,Whiskeyjackstudiedtheassassin'spallidface.Kalam'sgaze remainedsharp,focusedonthesergeant.'Well?'Whiskeyjackdemanded. 'Whathappened?' QuickBenansweredbehindhim.'Hadabitofamagedueloutthere.' Kalamnoddedinconfirmation. 'And?'Whiskeyjackasked,straighteningtoglareatthewizard. QuickBenwiltedslightlyinhischair.'Itwentsour.Ihadtoreleasean Empiredemontogetusoutalive.' Everyoneintheroomwentstill.AtthewindowTrottsturnedandmadea tribalwardinggesture,tracingthewoadlinesonhisface. Whiskeyjack'svoicewassoft.'It'slooseinthecity?' 'No,'thewizardanswered.'It'sdead.' 'Whodidyouruninto?'Whiskeyjackbellowed,throwinguphishands. 'Notsureexactly,'QuickBensaidquietly.'Whateveritwas,ittookcareof thedemoninlessthanaminute.Iheardthedeathcrywhenwereonlya blockaway.Assassinmages,Sergeant,comingdownoutthesky.Seemed intentonwipingoutthecity'sGuild.' Whiskeyjackreturnedtohischairanddroppedintoit,thewoodcol plainingbeneathhim.'Fromthesky.TisteAnd.' 'Yes,'QuickBenmuttered.'Wethoughtthat.Thesorceryhadaflavour.Old, darkandicycold.KuraldGalain.' 'Fromwhatwesaw,'Kalamadded,'theydidadamngoodjob.Icontact established,Sergeant.Itwasmessyupthere.' 'SotheMoon'sactivehere.'Whiskeyjackpaused,thenpoundedhisonthe chair'sarm.'Worse,theMoon'slordisamoveaheadofus.Wereckonedwe'd trytocontacttheGuild,sowhatdoeshedo?' 'TakesouttheGuild,'Kalamsaid.'How'sthatforarrogance?' 'Whateverarrogancethatlordhas,'Whiskeyjacksaid,grimacing,'he earnedit.I'llgivehimthat.Iwonderhowgoodthiscity'sGuildMasteris goodenoughtotakeonTisteAnd?Unlikely.' 'Andabouttheotherthing,'QuickBensaid.'Itworked.' Thesergeantstaredatthewizardforhalfadozenseconds,thennodded. 'WealsoranintoSorry,'Kalamsaid,wincingasMalletpressedahandon hiswound.Thehealermutteredunderhisbreath. 'Oh?Isentheraftersomefatmanshethoughtwasimportant.Howcome sheranintoyoutwo?' QuickBen'sbrowshadrisen.'Soshetoldthetruth,then.Wedon'tknow howshefoundus,butshe'dfoundthemanwewerelookingforandgave himtous.' Malletraisedhishand.Wherethewoundhadbeentherewasnowapink scar.Kalamgruntedhisthanksandsatup. Whiskeyjacktappedhisfingersagainstthechair'sarm.'Ifweonlyknew whowasrunningthisdamncity,wecouldtryitourselves.' Theassassinsniffed.'IfwestarttakingoutCouncilmembers,maybewe'll

flushouttherealrulers.' Thesergeantfrowned.'Notbad,'hesaid,risingtohisfeet.'Workonthat. TheMoon'slordknowswe'rehere,now,withthatdemonpoppingup.We'll havetomovefast.' Fiddlerspokeup.'WecouldblowupMajestyHall,'hesaid,smirkingat Hedge. 'You'vegotenoughmunitionstomanagethat?'Whiskeyjackasked. Fiddler'sfacefell.'Well,uh,we'vegotenoughtotakeoutanestate,maybe. Butifwepullupsomeoftheminesweplanted' Whiskeyjacksighed.'Thisisgettingabsurd.No,weleavethingsasthey are.'Hewatchedthenonexistentcardgame.Itseemedtoinvolvecomplete immobility.Astandoff.Thesergeant'seyesnarrowed.Weretheytryingto tellhimsomething? Orangeandyellowhueslittheeasternhorizon,castingacopperysheen uponthecity'sbricksandcobbles.Apartfromthedrippingofwaterthe streetswerequiet,thoughthefirstemergingsofcitizenrywereminutes away.Soonthosefarmerswhohaddepletedtheirsuppliesofgrains,fruits androotcropswouldtaketotheircartsandwagonsanddepartthecity. Merchantshopsandstallswouldopentocatchthemorningwaveof shoppers. ThroughoutDarujhistantheGreyfacespreparedtoshutthevalvesfeeding gastothetorchesliningthemajoravenues.Thesefiguresmovedinsmall groups,gatheringatintersectionsthendispersingwiththeday'sfirstbell. SorrywatchedCrokuswearilyascendatenement'sfrontsteps.Shestood halfablockdownthestreet,withinshadowsthatseemedreluctantto disappeardespitethegrowinglight. Ashortwhileearlier,she'dfelttheEmpiredemon'sdeathstrikeheralmost physically,deepinherchest.Normallydemonsfledbacktotheirrealmonce enoughdamagehadbeeninflictedonthem,enoughtoseverthelinksof summoning.ButtheKorvalahhadnotbeensimplycutdown,orforcibly dismissed.There'dbeenafinalitytoitsendthathadlefthershaken.Adeath intruth.Shestillrecalleditssilent,despairingscreamringinginherhead. AlltheambivalencesurroundingtheCoinBearerwasgone,drivenaway. Sheknewnowshewouldkillhim.Ithadtobedone,andsoon.Allthat remainedbeforeshecoulddosowasthemysteryofhisactions.Towhat extentwasOponnusingtheboy? Sheknewhe'dseenherintheD'Arles'garden,justbeforehe'descapedto theestate'sroof.Seeingthelightcomeonbehindthebalcony'sslidingdoors hadclinchedherdecisiontocontinuefollowingCrokus.TheD'Arlefamily waspowerfulinDarujhistan.Thattheboyseemedtobeinvolvedina clandestineloveaffairwiththedaughterwasanoutrageousproposition,yet whatelsecouldsheconclude?So,thequestionremained:wasOpornn workingthroughtheboydirectly,insinuatingapeculiarinfluencewiththe CityCouncil?Whatpowersofinfluencedidthisyoungmaidenpossess? Onlyamatterofposition,ofpossiblescandal.Yetwhatwasthepolitical positionofCouncilmanEstraysianD'Arle?Sorryrealizedthateventhough

she'dlearnedmuchofDarujhistan'spoliticalarenashestilldidnotknow enoughtosecondguessOponn'smoves.CouncilmanD'ArlewasTurban Orr'sprincipaloppositiononthisproclamationofneutralitybusinessbut whatdidthatmatter?TheMalazanEmpirecouldnotcareless.Unlessthe proclamationwasnomorethanafeint. WasthisTurbanOrrseekingtolaythegroundworkforanEmpirebacked coup? Theanswerstosuchquestionswouldbeslowincoming.Sheknewshe'd havetoexercisepatience.Ofcourse,patiencewasherfinestquality.She'd hopedthatshowingherselftoCrokusasecondtime,thereinthegarden, mighttriggerpanicinthelador,attheveryleast,annoyOponnifindeed thegod'scontrolwasasdirectasthat. Sorryhadwatchedon,fromtheshadowsshedrewaroundher,asthe assassinnamedRallicktooktheladtotask.She'dalsolingeredtocatchthe conversationbetweenRallickandMurillio.Itseemedtheboyhadprotectors, andanoddlottheywere,assumingthatthefatlittleman,Kruppe,wassome kindofgroupleader.HearingthattheyweretotakeCrokusoutofthecityon behalfoftheir'master'madethewholesituationevenmoreintriguing. Sheknewshe'dhavetomakehermovesoon.Theprotectionofferedby KruppeandthisMurilliowouldnotimpedehermuch,sheexpected.Though Kruppewascertainlymorethanheseemed,violencehardlyseemedhis majorskill. ShewouldkillCrokus,then,outsidethecity.Assoonasshediscoveredthe natureoftheirmission,andwhotheirmasterwas.Assoonaseverythinghad fallenintoplace. SergeantWhiskeyjackwouldhavetowaitawhilelongerforherreturn. Sorrysmiledatthat,knowingfullwellhowrelievedthewholesquadwould bethatshewasnowheretobeseen.Asforthatwholematterthethreat presentedbyQuickBenandKalamwell,everythinginitsowntime. AlchemistBaruk'ssavagemigrainewasebbing.Whateverpresencehad beenunleashedinthecitywasgone.Hesatinhisreadingchair,pressinga clothwrappedchunkoficeagainsthisforehead.Ithadbeenaconjuring.He feltcertainofthat.Theemanationsstankofdemonry.Butthere'dbeenmore. Themomentbeforethepresencevanished,Barukhadexperiencedamental wrenchthatcameclosetodrivinghimintounconsciousness. He'dsharedthecreature'sfinaldeathscream,hisownshriekechoing downthehallandbringinghismenatarmsshoutingtohisbedroomdoor. Barukfeltawrongness,deepwithinhim,asifhissoulhadbeenbattered. Forasingle,briefsecond,he'dlookeduponaworldofabsolutedarkness,and fromthatdarknesscamesounds,thecreakofwoodenwheels,theclankof chains,thegroansofathousandimprisonedsouls. Thenitwasgone,andhefoundhimselfsittinginhischair,Roaldkneeling athissidewithapailoficefromthecellar. Henowsatinhisstudy,alone,andtheicepressedagainsthisbrowwas warmcomparedtowhathefeltinhisheart. Therewasaknockatthedoor,andRoaldentered,hisfacecreasedwith

worry.'Lord,youhaveavisitor.' 'Ihave?Atthishour?'Heroseshakilytohisfeet.'Whoisit?' 'LordAnomanderRake.'Roaldhesitated.'Andanother.' Frowning,Barukwavedahand.'Bringthemin.' 'Yes,Lord.' Rakeentered,holdingadogsizedwingedcreaturebythenapeofitsneck. Thecreaturetwistedandhissed,thenturnedpleadingeyestoBaruk. 'Thisthingwasfollowingmehere,'Rakesaid.'Yours?' Startled,Barukmanagedanod. 'Ithoughtasmuch,'Rakesaid,releasingthedemontoflapacrosstheroom andlandatthealchemist'sslipperedfeet. Barukgazeddownonit.Thedemonwastrembling. Rakestrodetoachairandsat,stretchingouthislonglegs.'Abusynight,' hesaid. Barukgesturedandthedemonvanishedwithafaintpoppingsound. 'Indeed,'hesaid,hisvoicehard.'Myservantwasonamission.Ihadno ideaitwouldinvolveyou.'HewenttostandbeforetheTisteAnd.'Why wereyouinthemiddleofanassassinwar?' 'Whynot?'Rakeanswered.'Istartedit.' 'What?' HesmiledupatBaruk.'Youdon'tknowtheEmpressaswellasIdoBaruk.' 'Pleaseexplain.'Colourhadriseninthealchemist'sface. Rakelookedaway.'Tellmethis,Baruk,'hesaid,turningtomeetthe alchemist'sgaze,'whointhiscityismostlikelytobeawareofyoursecret council?Andwhomightbenefitthemostfromyourremoval?And,most importantly,whointhiscityiscapableofkillingyou?' Barukdidnotanswerimmediately.Hewalkedslowlytothetablewherea newlypaintedmaphadbeenlaidout.Heleanedoverit,handsrestingonthe edge.'YoususpecttheEmpressmightseekoutVorcan,'hesaid.'Acontractto offer.' 'OnyouandtherestoftheHighMages,'Rakesaid,behindhim.'The EmpresshassentaClawhere,notsomuchtoworryyourcity'sdefenccbut toestablishcontactwiththeMasterAssassin.Iwasn'tentirelycertainthatI wasrightinthis,butImeanttopreventthatcontact.' Baruk'seyesremainedonthemap'sredwash.'Soyousentyourown assassinstowipeoutherGuild.Toflushherout.'HefacedRake.'Andthen what?Killher?Allonthebasisofsomesuspicionofyours?' 'Thisnight,'Rakesaidcalmly,'wepreventedtheClawfrommakingthat contact.Yourdemon'sreportwillconfirmthis.Besides,youaresuggesting thatthedeathofVorcanandthedecimationofthecityassassinsisabad thing,areyou?' 'IfearIam.'Barukwaspacing,strugglingagainstagrowingsenseoutrage. 'ImaynotknowtheEmpressaswellasyou,Rake,'hesaid,grittinghisteeth, 'butIdoknowthiscityfarbetterthanyoueverwill.' HeglaredattheTisteAnd.'Toyou,Darujhistanisjustanotherbattle groundforyourprivatewarwiththeEmpress.Youdon'tgiveadammabout

howthiscitysurviveshowithasmanagedtosurvivethreethousandyears.' Rakeshrugged.'Enlightenme.' 'TheCityCouncilhasitsfunction,avitalone.Theyarethe&machine.True, MajestyHallisaplaceofpettiness,corruption,endlessbickeringbut,despite allthat,it'salsoaplacewherethingsgetdone.' 'What'sthatgottodowithVorcanandhergangofkillers?' Barukgrimaced.'Likeanyburdenedwagon,thewheelsrequiregrease. Withouttheoptionofassassinationthenoblefamilieswouldhavelong sincedestroyedthemselves,takingthecitywiththem,throughcivilwar. Secondly,theGuild'sefficiencyprovidesameasureofcontrolonvendettas, argumentsandsoforth.Itistheguaranteedoptionofbloodshed,and bloodshedismessy.Usuallytoomessyforthenobility'ssensibilities.' 'Curious,'Rakesaid.'Nevertheless,don'tyouthinkthatVorcanwould listenverycarefullyindeedtoanofferfromtheEmpress?Afterall,Laseen hastheprecedentofhandingovertheruleofaconqueredcitytoanassassin. Infact,atleastathirdofherpresentHighFistscomefromthatprofession.' 'Youaremissingthepoint!'Baruk'sfacewasdark.'Youdidnotconsultus, andthatcannotbetolerated.' 'Youhaven'tansweredme,'Rakeretorted,inavoicequietandcold. 'WouldVorcantakethecontract?Couldshemanageit?Isshethatgood, Baruk?' Thealchemistturnedaway.'Idon'tknow.That'smyanswer,toallthree questions.' RakestaredhardatBaruk.'Ifyouwereindeednothingmorethanan alchemist,Imightbelieveyou.' Baruk'ssmilewaswry.'Whywouldyouthinkmeanythingbut?' NowitwasRake'sturntosmile.'Therearefewwhowouldarguewithme withoutflinching.Iamunusedtobeaddressedasanequal.' 'TherearemanypathstoAscendancy,somemoresubtlethanothers.' Barukwalkedovertothemantelabovethefireplace,tookacarafe,then wenttotheshelfbehindhisdeskandretrievedtwocrystalgoblets.'She'sa HighMage.Weallhavemagicaldefences,butagainsther'Hefilledthe gobletswithwine. Rakejoinedthealchemist.Heacceptedtheglassandraiseditbetween them.'Iapologizefornotinformingyou.Intruth,thethoughthadn'tcrossed mymindasbeingespeciallyimportant.Untiltonight,Iwasactingonatheory, nothingmore.Ididn'tconsidertheripplesagroundedGuildmightcause.' Baruksippedhiswine.'AnomanderRake,tellmesomething.Therewasa presenceinourcitytonightaconjuring.' 'OneofTayschrenn'sKorvalahdemons,'Rakeanswered.'Releasedbya Clawwizard.'Hetookamouthfulofthetartliquid,letitrollforamoment, thenswallowedwithsatisfaction.'It'sgone.' 'Gone?'Barukaskedquietly.'Where?' 'OutofTayschrenn'sreach,'Rakesaid,atightsmileonhislips.'Outof anyone'sreach.' 'Yoursword,'Baruksaid,repressingashiverasthememoryofthatclosing

visionreturnedtohim.Thecreakofwheels,theclankofchains,thegroansof athousandlostsouls.Anddarkness. 'Oh,yes,'Rakesaid,refillinghisgoblet.'IreceivedthetwoPalewizards' heads.Asyoupromised.Iadmireyourefficiency,Baruk.Didtheyprotest?' Barukpaled.'Iexplainedtothemtheoptions,'hesaidquietly.'No,they didn'tprotest.' Rake'ssoftlaughchilledthebloodinBaruk'sveins. AtthedistantsoundKrupperose.Thesmallfireflickeredsteadilybefore him,butitsheatseemedless.'Ah,'hesighed,'Kruppe'shandsarenearnumb, yethisearsareassharpasever.Listentothisfaintsoundintheverynether regionsofhispresentdream.Doesheknowitssource?' 'Perhaps,'K'rulsaidbesidehim. Startled,Kruppeturned,hiseyebrowsrising.'Kruppethoughtyoulong gone,ElderingOne.Nonetheless,heisthankfulforyourcompany.' Thehoodedgodnodded.'AlliswellwiththechildTattersail.TheRhivi protecther,andshegrowsswiftly,asisthenatureofSoletaken.Apowerful warlordnowsheltersher.' 'Good,'Kruppesaid,smiling.Thenoisesinthedistancedrewhisattention again.Hestaredoutintothedarkness,seeingnothing. 'Tellme,Kruppe,'K'rulsaid,'whatdoyouhear?' 'Thepassingofagreatwagonorsomesuchthing,'hereplied,withafrown. 'Ihearitswheels,andchains,andthegroaningofslaves.' 'ItsnameisDragnipur,'K'rulsaid.'Anditisasword.'Kruppe'sfrown deepened.'Howcanawagonandslavesbeasword?' 'Forgedindarkness,itchainssoulstotheworldthatexistedbeforethe comingoflight.Kruppe,itswielderisamongyou.' InKruppe'smindhisDeckofDragonsrose.Hesawtheimageofhalfman, halfdragontheKnightofHighHouseDarkness,alsoknownastheSonof Darkness.Themanheldaloftablackswordtrailingsmokychains.'The KnightisinDarujhistan?'heasked,fightingashiveroffear. 'InDarujhistan,'K'rulreplied.'AroundDarujhistan.AboveDarujhistan.His presenceisalodestonetopower,andgreatisthedanger.'TheElderGod facedKruppe.'HeisinleaguewithMasterBarukandtheT'orrudCabal Darujhistan'ssecretrulershavefoundatwoedgedally.Dragnipurtasteda demon'ssoulthisnight,Kruppe,inyourcity.Itisneverthirstyforlong,andit willfeedonmorebloodbeforethisisdone.' 'Cananyonewithstandit?'Kruppeasked. K'rulshrugged.'Nonecouldwhenitwasfirstforged,butthatwaslongago, beforeevenmytime.Icannotanswerforthepresent.Ihaveoneotherpiece ofinformation,Kruppe,asmallpiece,I'mafraid.' 'Kruppehearkens.' 'ThejourneyMasterBarukissendingyouontotheGadrobiHills.Elder magicbrewsanew,aftersolong.ItisTellannoftheImassbutwhatit touchesisOmtosePhellackJaghutEldermagic.Kruppe,stayoutoftheir way.EspeciallyguardtheCoinBearer.Whatisabouttocomeisadangeras graveastheKnightandhissword,andasancient.

'Stepcarefully,Kruppe.' 'Kruppealwaysstepscarefully,ElderingOne.' BOOKFIVE Beyondthesethinhidewallsachildsits,beforeheronwornsilkaDeckis arrayed. Shecannotyetspeakandthescenesbeforehershe'sneverbeforeseenin thislife. ThechildgazesuponalonecardnamedObelisk,thestonegreyshecan feelitsroughnessinhermind. Obeliskstandsburiedinagrassyknolllikeaknuckleprotrudedfromthe earth,pastandfuture. Thischild'seyesarewidewithterror,forcrackshaveappearedinthe stoneofstonesandshe,knowstheshatteringisbegun. SilverfoxOutriderHurlochel,6thArmyla CHAPTERFOURTEEN Isawthemontheshoresthedeepeningpitsoftheirgazevowedimmortal waragainstthesighingcalmofJaghutseas Gothos'FollyGothos(b.?) 907thYearintheThirdMillenniumTheSeasonofFanderayintheYearof theFiveTusksByMalazanreckoning,1163rdYearofBurn'sSleepT'lan Imassreckoning,TheYearofGathering,TellannArise ASTHEDAYSPASSED,ADJUNCTLORNFELTASHARPNESSRETURNtoher mind,theexhaustionanddepressionfadingaway.Thethoughtthatshecould allowherselftoslipintocarelessnesssoeasilyhadlefthershaken,andthat wasnotafeelingwithwhichshewasfamiliar.Shedidnotknowhowtodeal withit,andthiskeptherunbalanced,notquitesureofherownefficacy. AstheGadrobiHillsappeared,firsttothesouthandthentothewestas well,shesensedadesperateurgencytoregainherconfidence.Themission approachedavitaljuncture.SuccesswiththeJaghutbarrowwouldalmost ensuresuccesswitheverythingelse. Sincethisdawnshe'driddenhard,pushingtokeepherscheduleintact aftertravellingsoslowlyinthefirstfewdays.Bothhorseswereinneedof rest,soshenowwalkedaheadofthem,thereinstuckedthroughherbelt. AndbesideherwalkedTool. ThoughtheImassspokeoften,atherprodding,ofmanyfascinatingthings, hedeniedhereffortsregardingmattersimportanttotheEmpire,andto Laseen'scontinuedpower.Allseemedtoreturntothevowshehadhadtaken atthelastGathering.FortheImass,somethingwascomingtoahead.She wonderedifitwassomehowconnectedwithfreeingthisJaghutTyrant.And thatwasadisturbingthought. Still,shewouldnotpermitanyambivalencetothreatenthemission.Inthis shewasLaseen'sarm,anditwasdirectednotofLorn'sownaccordbutby

theEmpress.DujekandTayschrennhadwellremindedherofthattruth. Thus,sheplayednoroleinallthisnotasthewomannamedLorn.How couldshebeheldresponsibleforanything? 'Inmyyearsamonghumans,'Toolsaid,besideher,Ihavecometorecollect thepassingofemotionsinbodyandexpressions.Adjunct,youhaveworna frownthepasttwodays.Isthissignificant?' 'No,'shesnapped.'Itisn't.'Purgingherthoughtsofpersonalfeelingshad neverbeensodifficultasitwasnowwasthisalastingeffectofOponn's meddling?PerhapsToolcouldridherofit.'Tool,'shesaid,'Whatis significant,asyouputit,isthatIdon'tknowenoughaboutwhatwe'redoing. Weareseekingastandingstone,thebarrow'smarker.Well,assumingitcan befound,whywasitnotsolongago?Whycouldnotthreethousandyearsof huntingfindthisbarrow?' 'Wewillfindthestandingstone,'Toolrepliedcalmly.'Itmarksthebarrow intruth,butthebarrowisnotthere.' TheAdjunctscowled.Moreriddles.'Explain.' TheImasswassilentforaminute,thenhesaid,'IambornofanElder Warren,Adjunct,knownasTellann.Itismorethanasourceofmagic,itis alsoatime.' 'Areyousuggestingthatthebarrowexistsinadifferenttime?Isthathow youplantoreachitbyusingyourTellannWarren?' 'No,thereisnoparalleltimeanydifferentfromtheoneweknow.That timeisgone,past.Itismoreamatterofflavour.Adjunct,mayIcontinue?' Lorn'smouththinnedintoastraightline. 'TheJaghutwhoentombedtheTyrantwerebornofadifferentElder Warren.Buttheterm"Elder"isrelativeonlytotheexistingWarrensofthis age.TheJaghutOmtosePhellackisnot"Elder"whencomparedtoTellann. Theyarethesame,ofthesameflavour.Doyouunderstandthusfar,Adjunct?' 'Patronizingbastard,'shemutteredtoherself.'Yes,Tool.' TheImassnodded,hisbonescreaking.'Thebarrowhasnotbeenfound before,preciselybecauseitisOmtosePhellack.ItlieswithinaWarrennow losttotheworld.Yet,IamTellann.MyWarrentouchesOmtosePhellack.I canreachit,Adjunct.AnyT'lanImasscould.IwaschosenbecauseIam withoutaClan.Iamaloneineveryway.' 'Whyshouldthatbeimportant?'Lornasked,herstomachtwisting. Toollookedather.'Adjunct.Whatweseektoaccomplishisthefreeingofa JaghutTyrant.Suchabeing,shoulditescapeourcontrol,ordefyour predictions,iscapableofdestroyingthiscontinent.Itcanenslaveallliving uponit,anditwoulddosoifpermitted.If,insteadofme,Logroshadselected aBoneCaster;andiftheTyrantwasfreed,thatBoneCasterwouldbecome enslaved.AJaghutTyrantisdangerousalone.AJaghutTyrantwithanImass BoneCasteratitssideisunstoppable.Theywouldchallengethegods,and theywouldkillmostofthem.Also,IamwithoutaClan,thusmy enslavementshouldthateventbefallwouldnotenslavebloodkin.' LornstaredattheImass.WhatweretheEmpressandTayschrennthinking of?Howcouldtheyhopetocontrolthisthing?'Youaresaying,Tool,that

you'reexpendable.' 'Yes,Adjunct.' Andso,sherealized,amI.'What,'sheasked,'willstoptheTyrant?Howdo wecontrolit?' 'Wedon't,Adjunct.Thatisthegamblewetake.' 'Andwhatdoesthatmean?' Toolshrugged,anaudibleliftinganddroppingofbonesbeneaththerotted furs.'TheLordofMoon'sSpawn,Adjunct.Hewillhavenochoicebutto intervene.' 'He'scapableofstoppingtheTyrant?' 'Yes,Adjunct.Heis,althoughitwillcosthimdearly,weakenhim.More,he iscapableofdeliveringthesinglepunishmentthataJaghutTyrantfears most.'AfaintgleamoflightroseinTool'seyesocketsastheImassstaredat Lorn.'Enslavement,Adjunct.' Lornstoppedinhertracks.'YoumeantheMoon'slordwillhavetheTyrant workingonhisside?' 'No,Adjunct.Theenslavementisbythelord'shand,butitisbeyondhimas well.Yousee,theEmpressknowswhothelordis,andwhathepossesses.' Lornnodded.'He'sTisteAnd,andaHighMage.' AraspoflaughtercamefromTool.'Adjunct,heisAnomanderRake,the SonofDarkness.BearerofDragnipur.' Lornfrowned. Toolseemedtohavenoticedherconfusion,fortheImasselaborated. 'Dragnipurisasword,bornoftheAgebeforeLight.AndDarkness,Adjunct, istheGoddessoftheTisteAnd.' Afewminuteslater,Lornfoundhervoice.'TheEmpress,'shesaidquietly, 'knowshowtopickherenemies.' AndthenToolhitherwithanotherstunningrevelation.'Iamsure,'the Imasssaid,'theTisteAndregrettheircomingtothisworld.' 'Theycametothisworld?Fromwhere?How?Why?' 'TheTisteAndwereofKuraldGalain,theWarrenofDarkness.Kurald Galainstoodalone,untouched.TheGoddess,theirmother,knewloneliness' Toolhesitated.'Thereisprobablylittletruthinthisstory,Adjunct.' 'Goon,'Lornsaidquietly.'Please.' 'Inherloneliness,theGoddesssoughtsomethingoutsideherself.Thuswas bornLight.HerchildrentheTisteAndsawthisasabetrayal.Theyrejected her.Someholdtheywerecastout,othersthattheydepartedtheirmother's embracebychoice.WhileTisteAndmagesstillusetheWarrenofKurald Galaintheyarenolongerofit.AndsomehaveembracedanotherWarren, thatofStarvaldDemelain.' 'TheFirstWarren.' Toolnodded. 'WhoseWarrendidStarvaldDemelainbelongto?' 'ItwasthehomeofDragons,Adjunct.' Murillioturnedinhissaddleandbroughtthemuletoahaltonthedusty road.Heglancedahead.KruppeandCrokushadalreadyreachedtheWorry

Crossroads.Hepattedhisbrowwiththesoftsatinofhisburnous,then lookedbackagain.Collleanedhunchedoverinhissaddle,losingtherestof hisbreakfast. Murilliosighed.Itwasawondertoseethemansober,butthathe'd insistedonaccompanyingthemborderedonmiraculous.Murilliowondered ifCollsuspectedanythingofRallick'splansbutno,hewould'vebroughta fistdownonhisandRallick'sheadinshortorderifhe'dsomuchascaughta hintofwhattheyweredoing. IthadbeenColl'spridethathadgothimintohispresentmess,anddrink didnothingtodiminishit.Tothecontrary,infact.Collhadevendonnedhis brigandinearmour,repletewitharmandleggreaves.Abastardswordhung atthelargeman'shipand,withhismailcoifandhelmet,helookedeveryinch anobleknight.Theonlyexceptionwasthegreentingetohisroundedface. Hewasalsotheonlyoneofthemtohavefoundahorseinsteadofthese damnedmulesKruppehadscrounged. CollstraightenedinhissaddleandsmiledwanlyatMurillio,thenspurred hishorsealongside.Theyresumedthejourneywithoutaword,nudgingtheir mountsintoacanteruntilthey'dcaughtupwiththeothers. Asusual,Kruppewaspontificating.'Nomorethanahandfulofdays, assuresKruppe,wizenedtravellerofthewastesbeyondglittering Darujhistan.Noreasontobesoglum,lad.Considerthisamightyadventure.' CrokuslookedtoMurillioandthrewuphishands.'Adventure?Idon'teven knowwhatwe'redoingouthere!Won'tanybodytellmeanything?Ican't believeIagreedtothis!' Murilliogrinnedattheboy.'Comenow,Crokus.Howmanytimeshaveyou expressedcuriosityaboutourconstanttravelsoutsidethecity?Well,herewe areallyourquestionsareabouttofindanswers.' Crokushuncheddowninhissaddle.'Youtoldmeyouallworkedasagents forsomemerchant.Whatmerchant?Idon'tseeanymerchant.Andwhere's ourhorses?HowcomeColl'stheonlyonewithahorse?Howcomenobody gavemeaswordorsomething?Why?' 'Allright!'Murilliolaughed,holdingupahand.'Enough,please!Weare agentsforamerchant,'heexplained.'Butit'sratherunusualmerchandise we'reacquiring.' 'Aratherunusualmerchantaswell,Kruppeaddswithawarmsmile.'Lad, weareagentsseekinginformationonbehalfofouremployer,whoisnone otherthanHighAlchemistBaruk.'CrokusstaredatKruppe.'Baruk!Andhe can'taffordtogiveushorses?' Kruppeclearedhisthroat.'Ah,yes.Well.Therewassomethingofa misunderstandingbetweenworthy,honestKruppeandaconniving,deceitful stabler.Nonetheless,Kruppereceivedfullrecompense,thussavingourkind masterelevensilvercoins.' 'Whichhe'llneversee,'Murilliomuttered. Kruppewenton,'Asforasword,lad,whatonearthfor?Ignoreblustery, pallidCollthere,withallhissweatytrappingsofwar.Amereaffectationof his.AndMurillio'srapierisnomorethananornamentaltrifle,thoughno

doubthewouldclaimthatthejewelsandemeraldsstuddingsaiditem'shilt aretowardsachievingfinebalanceorsomesuchmartialdetail.'Kruppe smiledbeatificallyatMurillio.'Nay,lad,thetruemastersatacquiring informationneednosuchclumsypiecesofmetal;indeed,wedisdainthem.' 'OK,'Crokusgrumbled,'whatkindofinformationarewelookingfor,then?' 'Allthatyonravensoverheadcansee,'Kruppesaid,wavingahandinthe air.'Othertravellers,othereffortswithintheGadrobiHills,allgristfor MasterBaruk'smillofnews.Weobservewithoutbeingobserved.Welearn whileremainingamysterytoall.Weascendtothe' 'Willyoushutup?'Collmoaned.'Whobroughtthewaterskins?' Smiling,Murillioremovedaclayjugwebbedintwinefromhissaddlehorn andhandedittoColl. 'Asponge,'Kruppesaid,'squeezedbeneaththeburdenofarmour.Seethe mandownourpreciouswater,seeitimmediatelyreappearsaltyandgrimy onhisweatheredskin.Whatyonpoisonshaveleakedforth?Kruppe shuddersatthethought.' Collignoredhim,handingthejugtoCrokus.'Buckup,lad,'hesaid.'You're gettingpaid,anddamnwell.Withluckthere'llbenotrouble.Believeme,in thiskindofwork,excitementisthelastthingwe'relookingfor.Still,'he glaredatMurillio,'I'dfeelawholelotbetterifRallickwerewithus.' Crokusbristled.'AndI'manunworthystandin,right?YouthinkIdon't knowthat,Coll?Youthink' 'Don'ttellmewhatIthink,'Collrumbled.'Ineversaidyouwereastandin, Crokus.You'reathief,andthosekindsofskillcomeinalothandierthan anythingIcouldmanage.ThesameforMurillio. 'AndasforKruppe,well,histalentsextendnofurtherthanhisstomach andwhateverhewantsjammedinit.YouandRallicksharealotmorethan youthink,andthat'swhyyou'rethemostqualifiedmanhere.' 'Barringthenecessarybrains,ofcourse,'Kruppesaid,'whichismytrue skillthoughonesuchasCollwouldneverunderstandsuchabilities,alienas theyaretohim.' CollleanedtowardsCrokus.'You'rewonderingwhyI'mwearingallthis armour,'hewhisperedloudly.'It'sbecauseKruppe'sincharge.When Kruppe'sinchargeIdon'tfeelsafeunlessI'mpreparedforwar.Ifitcomesto that,lad,I'llgetusoutalive.'Heleanedbackandstaredstraightahead.'I've doneitbefore.Right,Kruppe?' 'Absurdaccusations.'Kruppesniffed. 'So,'Crokussaid,'whatarewesupposedtobeonthelookoutfor?' 'We'llknowitwhenweseeit,'Murilliosaid.Henoddedtowardsthehills risingtotheeast.'Upthere.' Crokuswassilentforatime,thenhiseyesnarrowed.'TheGadrobiHills. Arewelookingforarumour,Murillio?' Murilliostiffened,butitwasKruppewhoreplied,'Indeed,lad.Rumours uponrumours.Iapplaudyourcunningconclusion.Now,whereisthatwater jug?Kruppe'sthirsthasbecomeintense.' Sorry'sdeparturethroughJammit'sGatewascasual,unhurried.Tracking

theCoinBearerwassimple,anddidnotrequirethattheboyremainwithin herrangeofvision.ShesensedCrokusandKruppe,inthecompanyoftwo others,ontheroadaleaguebeyondWorrytown.Theydidnotseemtobein anykindofrush. Whatevermissiontheywereon,thatitconcernedthewelfareof Darujhistanwasplain.Thinkingonit,Sorrywassurethatthemenwithin thatgroupwerespiesand,inalllikelihood,ableones.Thedandy,Murillio, couldmovethroughnobleborncircleswithaneasecoupledwithadesirable coynesstheperfectcombinationforaspy.Rallick,thoughhedidnot accompanythemonthismission,wastheeyesandearswithintheAssassins' Guild,thuscoveringanotherpowerbase. Kruppe'sworldwasthatofthethievesandlowerclasses,whencerumours sprangtolifelikeweedsinmuddysoil.Thethirdmanwasclearlyamilitary man,nodoubtservingasthegroup'sswordarm. Onamundanelevel,then,anadequategrouptoprotecttheCoinBearer, thoughinsufficienttopreventherkillinghimespeciallywiththeassassin leftbehind. YetsomethingnaggedwithinSorry'smind,avaguesuspicionthatthe groupwasheadingintodangeradangerthatthreatenedheraswell. OncebeyondWorrytownshepickedupherpace.Assoonasshefound herselfaloneontheroad,sheopenedherWarrenofShadowandslippedinto itsswifttracks. TheAdjunctcouldfindnothingtosetapartthehilltheyapproached.Its grasscloakedsummitwasdwarfedbythosearoundit.Ahalfdozenscraggly, windtwistedscruboaksclimbedonesideamidascreeofbrokenboulders. Thesummitflattenedoutintoaroughcircle,rockpushingthroughhereand there. Overheadwheeledravens,sohighastobenomorethanspecksagainstthe muggygreysky.LornwatchedToolstridingaheadofher,theImasschoosing anunwaveringpathtowardsthehill'sbase.Sheslumpedinhersaddle, feelingdefeatedbytheworldaroundher.Themiddayheatsappedher strength,andthesluggishnessreachedthroughtoherthoughtsnot Oponn'sdoing,sheknew.Thiswasthepervasivedreadclingingtotheair,the sensethatwhattheyweredoingwaswrong,terriblywrong. ToflingthisJaghutTyrantintothehandsoftheEmpire'senemy,totrust thisTisteAndAnomanderRaketodestroyit,yetatgreatcosttohimself thusopeningthewayforMalazansorceriesinturntokilltheSonof Darknessnowseemedprecipitous,absurdinitsambitions. ToolcametothebaseofthehillandwaitedfortheAdjuncttoarrive. Lornsaw,atTool'shidewrappedfeet,agreyrockjuttingperhapsten inchesfromtheearth. 'Adjunct,'theImasssaid,'thisisthebarrowmarkerweseek.' Sheraisedaneyebrow.'There'shardlyanysoilcoverhereatall,'shesaid. 'Areyousuggestingthisstandingstonehaserodeddowntoitspresentsize?' 'Thestonehasnoteroded,'Toolanswered.'Ithasstoodheresincebefore thesheetsoficecametocoverthisland.ItstoodherewhentheRhiviPlain

wasaninlandsea,longbeforethewaterswithdrewtowhatIisnowLake Azur.Adjunct,thestoneisinfacttallerthanbothofuscombined,andwhat youthinktobebedrockisshale.' LornwassurprisedatthehintofangerinTool'svoice.Shedismounted andsettohobblingthehorses.'Howlongdowestayhere,then?' 'Untilthiseveningpasses.Withtomorrow'sdawnIwillopentheway, Adjunct.' Faintlyfromabovecamethecriesofravens.Lornliftedherheadandgazed atthespeckswheelinghighoverthem.They'dbeenwiththemfordays.Was thatunusual?Shedidn'tknow.Shrugging,sheunsaddledthehorses. TheImassremainedmotionless,hisgazeseemingfixedonthestone marker. Lornwentaboutpreparinghercamp.Amongthescruboaksshefound woodforasmallcookingfire.Itwasdry,weatheredandlikelytoyieldlittle smoke.Thoughshedidnotanticipatecompany,cautionhadbecomeher habit.Beforeduskarrivedshefoundanearbyhillhigherthanthosearoundit, andascendedtoitssummit.Fromthispositionshecommandedaviewthat encompassedleaguesonallsides.Thehillscontinuedtheirrollsouthward, sinkingtosteppestothesoutheast. DueeastofthemstretchedCatlinPlain,emptyoflifeasfarasshecouldsee. Lornturnedtothenorth.Theforesttheyhadtravelledroundafewdays agowasstillvisible,adarklinethickeningasitsweptwestwardtothe TahlynMountains.Shesatdownandwaitedfornighttofall.Itwasthenthat she'dbeabletospotanycampfires. Evenasnightfell,theheatremainedoppressive.Lornwalkedaroundthe hill'ssummittostretchherlegs.Shefoundevidenceofpastexcavations, scarsthatdugintotheshale.AndevidenceoftheGadrobiherdersremained, fromasfarbackaswhentheyfashionedstonetools. Againstthesouthsideofthehillthegroundhadbeencarvedout,notin searchofabarrowbutasastonequarry.Itappearedthatbeneaththeshale wasflint,chocolatebrown,sharpedgedandcrustedinwhitechalk. Curious,Lorninvestigatedfurther,scramblingdownintothecavity. Stoneflakescarpetedthepit'sbase.Shecrouchedandpickedupapieceof flint.Itwasthetipofaspearpoint,expertlyshaped. TheechoofthistechnologywasfoundinTool'schalcedonysword.She needednofurtherproofoftheImass'sassertions.Humanshadindeedcome fromthem,hadindeedinheritedaworld. Empirewasapartofthem,alegacyflowinglikebloodthroughhuman muscle,boneandbrain.Butsuchathingcouldeasilybeseenasacurse. WeretheydestinedonedaytobecomehumanversionsoftheT'lanImass? Waswaralltherewas?WouldtheybowtoitinimmortalLornsatdownin thequarryandleanedagainstthechiselledweatheredstone.TheImasshad conductedawarofexterminationlastinghundredsofthousandsofyears. WhoorwhathadtheJaghutbeen? AccordingtoTool,they'dabandonedtheconceptofgovernment,and turnedtheirbacksonempires,onarmies,onthecyclesofriseandfallfire

andrebirth.They'dwalkedalonedisdainfuloftheirownkind,dismissiveof community,ofpurposesgreaterthanthemselves.Theywouldnot,she realized,havestartedawar. 'Oh,Laseen,'shemurmured,tearswellinginhereyes,'Iknowwhywefear thisJaghutTyrant.Becausehebecamehuman,hebecamelikeusheenslaved, hedestroyed,andhediditbetterthanwecould.'SheloweredShefellsilent then,lettingthetearsrolldownhercheeks,seepbetweerherfingers,trickle alongherwrists.Whoweptfromhereyes?shewondered.WasitLorn,or Laseen?Orwasitforourkind?Whatdiditmatter?Suchtearshadbeenshed before,andwouldbeagainbyotherlikeherandyetunlikeher.Andthe windswoulddrythemall. CaptainParanglancedathiscompanion.'You'vegotatheoryaboutal'Toc theYoungerscratchedhisscar.'DamnedifIknow,Captain.'Hestareddown attheblack,burned,crustedravenlyingonthegroundinfrontofthem.'I've beencounting,though.That'stheeleventhroastedbirdinthelastthree hours.And,unlessthey'recoveringtheRhiviplainlikesomebloodycarpet,it seemswe'reonsomebody'strail.'Parangrunted,thenkickedhishorse forward. Tocfollowed.'Andit'sanastysomebody,'hecontinued'Thoseravenslook liketheywasblastedfromtheinsideout.Hell,eventhefliesavoid'Toc squintedatthehillssouthofthem.They'dfoundawoodcutter'strailthrough theTahlynForest,shavingdaysofftheirjourney.Assoonasthey'dreturned totheRhivitraders'track,however,they'dfoundtheravens,andalsothe signsoftwohorsesandonemoccasinedmanonfoot.Thislattergroupof trackswasonlyafewdaysold. 'Can'tunderstandwhytheAdjunctandthatImassaremovingsoslowly,' Tocmuttered,repeatingwordshe'dutteredadozentimessincetheday's beginning.'Youthinkshedoesn'tknowsomething'strailingher?' 'She'sanarrogantwoman,'Paransaid,hisfreehandgrippinghissword. 'AndwiththatImasswithher,whyshouldsheworry? 'Powerdrawspower,'Tocsaid,scratchingagainathisscar.Themotion triggeredyetanotherflashoflightinhishead,butitwaschanging.Attimes hethoughthecouldalmostseeimages,sceneswithinthelight.'DamnSeven Cities'superstitions,anyway,'hegrowled,underhisbreath. Paranlookedathimoddly.'Yousaysomething?' 'No.'Tochuncheddowninhissaddle.Thecaptainhadbeenpushingthem hard.Hisobsessionwasrunningthemdown;evenwiththeextramount,the horseswerenearfinished.AndathoughtnaggedToc.Whatwouldhappen whentheycaughtupwiththeAdjunct?Obviously,Paranintendedtocatch LornandtheImass,spurredbyvengeancethatoverwhelmedhisprevious intentions.WithLorndeadorherplansawry,Paran'scommandwouldbe safe.HecouldjoinWhiskeyjackandthesquadatleisure.Assumingtheystill lived,ofcourse. ToccouldthinkofathousandflawsintheCaptain'splans.Firstand foremostwastheT'lanImass.WasParan'ssworditsmatch?Inthepast, sorceryhadbeenflungattheImasswarriorswithafrenzybornof

desperation.Nothinghadworked.TheonlywaytodestroyanImasswasto chopittopieces.Tocdidn'tthinkthecaptain'sweapon,godtouchedasit was,coulddothejob,buttherewasnoconvincingParanofanythingthese days. Theycameuponanotherraven,itsfeathersflutteringinthewind,its entrailsswollenbythesunandbrightredlikecherries.Tocrubbedhisscar again,andalmostfellfromthesaddleasanimage,clearandprecise, burgeonedinhishead.Hesawasmallshape,movingsofastastobebuta blur.Horsesscreamed,andamassivetearopenedupintheair.Hejolted,as ifsomethinglargeandheavyhadstruckhim,andthetearyawned,swirling darknessbeyond.Tocheardhisownhorsescream.Thenitwasgone,andhe foundhimselfgrippingthehingedhornofhissaddlewithallhisstrength. Paranrodeahead,apparentlynoticingnothing,hisbackstraightandhis gazefixedsouthward.Onehandplayedlightlyonthesword'spommel. Tocshookhimself,leanedtoonesideandspat.Whathadhejustseen? Thattearhowcouldtheairitselfbetornlikethat?Theanswercameto him.AWarren,anopeningWarrencoulddothat.Hespurredhishorse alongsideParan's. 'Captain,we'reheadingintoanambush.' Paran'sheadsnappedaround.Hiseyesglittered.'Thenprepareyourself.' Tocopenedhismouthtoprotest,butheshutitwithoutspeaking. Whatwastheuse?Hestrunghisbowandloosenedthescimitarinits scabbard,thensetanarrowagainstthebowstring.HeglancedoveratParan, whohadunsheathedhisswordandlaiditacrosshisthighs.'It'llcomeby Warren,Captain.' ParanfoundnoneedtoquestionToc'scertitude.Healmostlookedeager. Tocstudiedthesword,Chance.Thedull,hazylightplayedalongthe polishedbladelikewater.Somehowit,too,lookedeagertoToc'seye. CHAPTERFIFTEEN 'TisbloodystirrupswhentheJaghutridetheirsouls,athund'rouscharge withoutsurcease,thehardknotswithinthuddrummingfiercetheflowofice acertainpromise 'tistheJaghutwarringtheduskonafieldofbrokenstones JaghutFisher(b.?) QUICKBENSATINTHEHUT,HISBACKTOTHEANCIENTSTONETHEWall beforehimrosethefivesticksthatlinkedhimwithHairlock.Thestring connectingthestickswastaut.Acrossfronthewizard,nearthehidecovered entrance,satTrotts. KalamhadstillnotrecoveredenoughtoaccompanyQuickBenortoguard himasTrottsnowdid.ThewizardhadknowntheBarghastwarriorforyears, he'dfoughtalongsidehiminmorebattlesthanhecaredtorecall,andmore thanonceoneofthemhadsavedtheother'sskin.AndyetQuickBenrealized hereallyknewverylittleaboutTrotts.Theonethinghedidknow,however,

comfortedhim.TheBarghastwasasavage,brutalfighter,ascapablewithhis throwingaxesashewaswiththelongswordhenowcradledinhislap.And hewasfearlessinthefaceofsorcery,secureinthefetishestiedintohis braidsandinthewoadtattoosinscribedbythehandofhisclan'sshaman. Consideringwhatmightfallintotheirlaps,thoseprotectionscouldcomein handy. TheBarghaststaredatthewizardwithflat,expressionlesseyes, unwaveringinthedimlight. QuickBenshookoutthekinksinhishands,thenbentforwardtostudythe arrayoftiedsticks.'Hairlock'scrouchinginsidehisWarren,'hesaid.'Not moving.Seemstobewaiting.'Hesatbackandwithdrewhisdagger,whichhe jammedpointfirstintothepackedearth.'Sowewait,too.Andwatch.' Trottsasked,'Watchwhat?' 'Nevermind.'QuickBensighed.'Youhavethatscrapofbedroll?' Trottsremovedfromasleeveatornpieceofcloth.Hecameforward, givingthesticksmoreroomthanwasnecessary,andpushedthescrapinto thewizard'shand. QuickBensetitdownonhisleft.Hemutteredafewwordsandpassedhis handoverit.'Resumeyourseat,'hesaid.'Andkeepyourweaponreadyin casethingsgobad.' Heclosedhiseyesthen,reachingintohisWarren.Beforehimanimage formedthatmadehimjerkwithsurprise.'What,'hewhispered,'isHairlock doingonRhiviPlain?' Parancouldfeelnothingbutthewhitefireofvengeance,fillinghismind, coruscatingthroughhisbody.Oponnhadchosentousehim.Nowhewould useOponn,theTwins'power,thathorrifyingedgeofdestructionthatcame withAscendancy.Andlikethegods,hecouldbecoldbloodedinthatuse, evenifitmeantpullingOponnkickingandscreamingontothisplaintoface whateverlayahead. Ahissofwarningthatmighthavebeenhisconsciencereachedthroughto him.ToctheYoungerwashisfriend,perhapstheonlyfriendhehad. Unprotectedbyanygod,hischanceofsurvivingwhatwascomingwasslim. Wouldtherebeanotherdeathtolayathisfeet?Paranpushedasidethe possibility.HewasheretoanswerforTattersail'smurder.TheAdjuncthad taughthimthevalueofbeingsingleminded.ButwhatdidTattersailteachyou? 'Ifthingsgettoohot,'hesaid,'pullout,Toc.RideforDarujhistan.Find Whiskeyjack.' Thescoutnodded. 'IfIgodown' 'Iheardyou,Captain.' 'Good.' Silencefellbetweenthem,theonlysoundsremainingthethumpofhoofs andthehotwestwindthatblewlikesandwhisperingacrossstone. VagueanticipationscrowdedParan'shead.WastheAdjunctwaitingfor them?IfsherecognizedhimandToc,she'dhavenoreasontoattackthem. Forallsheknew,thecaptainhadbeenkilled.AndTocwasaClaw.

There'dbenoambush.TheAdjunctwouldsimplystepoutintotheopen andhailhim,nodoubtshockedbyhisappearancebuthardlysuspicious. Andwhenshecameclose,Chancewouldsing.Itwouldbedone,andif necessarythey'ddealwiththeImassafterwards.HehopedthattheImass wouldsimplyleavewiththemission'scollapse.WithouttheAdjunct, everythingwouldfallthrough. Atleast,sohehoped.Chancemightbeagiftedsword,buttheT'lanImass wereEldercreations,bornofsorceriesthatmadeOponnlessthanachild. Paran'sgriponthesword'shandlewastight.Hishandached,andhecould feelsweatbetweenhisfingers.Chancefeltnodifferentfromanyother weapon.Shouldhebeexpectingsomethingmore?Hecouldn'trecallmuchof thetimehe'dlastusedit,againsttheHound.Butiftherewaspowerinthe weapon,shouldhenotbeabletosenseit?Asitwas,Chancefeltcold,asifhe clutchedashardoficethatrefusedtomeltinhisgrip.Ifanything,Chancefelt awkward,asifhewasanoviceandhelditwrongly. Whathadtriggeredthissuddencrumplingofconfidence?Pullingan AscendantintothefrayhowpreciselydoIdothat?Ofcourse,ifOponn'sas eageraslasttimeMaybeitwasnomorethanjustthetensionthatcame withwaitingforsomethingtohappen.WasTocmistaken?Heturnedtothe manbesidehimandopenedhismouthtospeak. Aloud,maniccacklestoppedhim.Paranpulledsavagelyonthereins. Hishorsescreamedandreared.Theairseemedtoripandacoldwind gustedagainstthem.Thecaptainraisedhisswordandcursed.Thehorse screamedagain,thistimeinpain.Itcrumpledbeneathhim,asifitsboneshad beenturnedtodust.Paransprawled,theswordflyingfromhishandasthe groundroseuptomeethim.Thehorse'sfallhadthesoundofabagfilled withrocksandlampoil,landingbesidehimandrollingoverhislegs. Toc'sbowstringtwangedandanarrowshatteredagainstsomethinghard. Paranpushedhimselfontohissideandlookedup. ThepuppetHairlockfloatedabovethegroundtwentyfeetahead.Asecond arrowstruckasthecaptainwatched,alsoshattering. Hairlocklaughedagain,swinginghismadstaretoToc.Hegestured. Parancriedout,twistingtoseeTocthrownfromhismount.TheClaw cartwheeledthroughtheair.Ajaggedtearopenedintheairinfrontofhim. ParanshoutedasecondtimeinhelplesshorrorasToctheYoungerplunged intothattearanddisappearedintoswirlingmists.Therentclosedwitha snap,leavingnosignofParan'scompanion. Hairlockdescendedslowlytotheground.Thepuppetpausedtoadjusthis tatteredclothing,thenstrodetowardsParan. 'Ithoughtitmightbeyou,'Hairlocksniggered.'Isn'tvengeancesweeter thanhoney,eh,Captain?Yourdeathwillbelong,protractedandvery,very painful.Imaginemypleasureatseeingyoulikethis!' Paranpushedwithhislegs.Thehorse'sbodyfellback,freeinghim.He scrambledtohisfeetanddivedforhissword,graspingitwhilerolling,then regainedhisfeet. Hairlockwatchedinevidentamusementandbegantoadvance.'That

weaponisnotforme,Captain.It'llnotevencutme.So,'thepuppetcameon, 'wailaway.' Paranraisedtheweapon,awaveofdespaircomingoverhim. Hairlockstoppedandcockedhishead.Hewhirledtofacethenorth. 'Impossible!'thepuppetsnarled. NowParancaughtwhatHairlockhadalreadyheard:thehowlingof Hounds. InthehutQuickBenhadwatchedtheambush,dumbfounded.Whatwas Parandoing?WherewasTattersail?'Hood'sPath,'he'dwhispered angrily,'talkaboutlosingtrack!'Inanycase,ithadallhappenedtoofastfor himtopreventthelossoftheoneeyedmanaccompanyingthecaptain. Hiseyesflewopenandhesnatchedthescrapofcloth.'Sorry,'hehissed. 'Sorry!Hearme,woman!Iknowyou.Iknowwhoyouare.Cotillion,Patronof Assassins,theRope,Icalluponyou!' Hefeltapresenceenterhismind,followedbyaman'svoice.'Welldone, QuickBen.' Thewizardsaid,'Ihaveamessageforyou,Rope.ForShadowthrone.' Hefeltaheightenedtensioninhishead.'Adeal'sbeenstruck.Yourlord's Houndshungerforvengeance.Ihaven'ttimetoexplainitallnowleavethat toShadowthrone.Iamabouttogivetoyouthelocationoftheone Shadowthroneseeks.' HeheardwryamusementintheRope'svoice.'Iprovidethelink,correct? Themeansbywhichyoustayaliveinallthis.Icongratulateyou,QuickBen. Fewmortalshaveeversucceededinavoidingmylord'sinclinationtodouble cross.Itseemsyouhaveoutwittedhim.Verywell,conveytomethislocation. Shadowthronewillreceiveitimmediately.' QuickBencastforthHairlock'sprecisepositionontheRhiviPlain.Heonly hopedtheHoundswouldarriveintime.HehadalotofquestionsforParan, andwantedthecaptaintoreachthemalivebuthehadtoadmitthatthe chancesofthatwereslight. Allthatremainedforthewizardnowwastopreventthepuppet'sescape. Hesmiledagain.Thatwassomethinghelookedforwardto. OnosT'oolanhadsquattedbeforethestandingstonesincedawn.Inthe hourssince,Lornhadwanderedthenearbyhills,atwarwithherself.She nowknewwithacertaintythatwhattheyweredoingwaswrong,thatits consequenceswentfarbeyondthepettyeffortsofamundaneEmpireThe T'lanImassworkedinthespanofmillennia,theirpurposestheirown..Yet theirendlesswarhadbecomeherendlesswar.Laseen'sEmpirewasa shadowoftheFirstEmpire.ThedifferencelayinthattheImassconducted genocideagainstanotherspecies.Malazkilleditsown.Humanityhadnot climbedupsincethedarkageoftheImass:ithadspiralleddown. Thesunstoodhighoverhead.ShehadlastlookeduponToolanhourpast. Thewarriorhadnotmovedaninch.Lornclimbedyetanotherhillalreadya quartermiledistantfromthestandingstone.Shehopedtocatchaglimpseof LakeAzur,tothewest. Shecametothehill'ssummitandfoundherselfnotthirtyfeetfromfour

mountedtravellers.Itwashardtodeterminewhowasmoresurprised,but theAdjunctmovedfirst,herswordraspingintoherhandsasshesprangto closethedistance. Twowereessentiallyunarmed,aboyandashortfatman.Theyandone other,agaudilydressedmannowunsheathingaduellingrapier,rodemules. ButitwasthelastmanwhoheldLorn'sattention.Fullyarmouredastridea horse,hewasthefirsttoreacttohercharge.Bellowing,hespurredhis mountpasttheothersandunsheathedabastardsword. LornsmiledasthefatmanattemptedtoopenaWarrenandfailed.Her Otataralbladesteamedbrieflybeforeacoldwashofairpouredfromit.The fatman,hiseyeswidening,reeledbackinhissaddleandpromptlyrolled overthemule'srump,landingheavilyinthedust.Theboyleapeddownfrom hisownmountandpaused,unsurewhethertoaidthefatmanorremovethe daggerfromhisbelt.Asthearmouredmanrodepasthim,hereachedhis decisionandrantowherethefatmanhadfallen.Theonewiththerapierhad alsodismountedandapproachedinthewarrior'swake. Lorn'seyescaughtallthisbetweenblinks.Thenthewarriorwasuponher, swinginghisbastardswordonehandeddowntowardsherhead. TheAdjunctdidn'tbothertoparry.Instead,shedodgedinfrontofthe horsetocomeuponthemanfromhisleft,awayfromhisswordarm. Thehorsereared.Lorndartedpast,slicingherbladeacrosstheman's thigh,abovetheplatearmour.TheOtataraledgeslicedthroughchainlinks, leatherandfleshwithequalease. Thewarriorgruntedandclappedamailedhandtothespurtingwound evenasthehorsethrewhimfromthesaddle. Ignoringhim,Lornengagedtheduellist,attemptingtobeathisthinblade asideandclosetobringtheedgeofherweaponintoplay.Butthemanwas good,deftlydisengagingherattemptedbeat.Thesword'sswingunbalanced herbeforeshecouldslowitsmomentumpreparatorytoanuppercut,andin thismomenttheduellistextendedhisrapier. Shecursedasherforwardmotionbroughtherontotheblade'stip. Thepointpushedthroughthelinksofherhauberkandenteredherleft shoulder.Painlancedlikefireupherarm.Angeredbythewound,sheswung herswordsavagelyattheman'shead.Theflatofthebladecaughthimflush ontheforeheadandhesprawledbacklikealimpdoll. Lorncastaquickglancetowherethewarriorstillstruggledtostopthe bloodgushingfromhisleg,thenwhirledtofacethelasttwomen.Theboy stoodbeforethefatman,wholayunconscious.Thoughhisfacewaspale,he heldathinbladeddaggerinhislefthandandalargerknifeintheother.His eyeswerehardashestaredather. ThethoughtcrossedLorn'smind,belatedly,thatsheneednothave attackedthesemen.Sheworemercenarygarb,andtheT'lanImasswasnot evenwithinsight.Wordsmighthaveachievedthesameresults,andshe'd neverlikedsheddingblood.Well,itwastoolateforthatnow.Sheadvanced slowly. 'Wemeantnoharm,'theboysaidinDaru.'Leaveusbe.'

Lornhesitated.Thesuggestionsurprisedher.'VMyribtiAestraightened. 'Agreed,'sheansweredinthesamelanguage.'Patchupyourfriendsand steerclear.' 'We'llheadbacktoDarujhistan,'theboysaid,lookingequallysurprised. 'We'llcamphereandrecover,leaveinthemorning.' TheAdjunctsteppedback.'Dothat,andyou'llstayalive.Tryanythingelse, andI'llkillyouall.Understood?' Theboynodded. Lornbackedaway,anglingtothenorth.She'dheadthatwayforatime, thenswingroundtotheeastandcomebackdowntowhereToolwas.She hadnoideawhathadbroughtthesemenoutintothehills,butdidn'tsuspect ithadanythingtodowithher,oreventhebarrow.Assheincreasedthe distancebetweenherselfandthehill,shesawtheboyrushovertothe warrior.Inanycase,sheconcluded,therewasn'tmuchleftofthatgroupto causeherworry.Theduellistwasn'tdead,buthe'dawaketoaheadache.As forthewarrior,itwastouchandgo.She'dseenalotofbloodcomefromhim. Thefatmanmighthavebrokenhisneck,andasamagehewasharmlessin hervicinity.Thatlefttheboy,andsincewhenhadshehadcausetofearaboy? Lornquickenedherpace. AfterthestartlingcommunicationfromQuickBen,Sorryhadcontacted Shadowthrone.TheLordofShadowshadfumedbriefly,andafterinforming theRopethatBenAdeaphonDelathadbeenahighpriestofShadow,Sorry foundherselfsharingShadowthrone'sanger.Themanwouldpayforhis manydeceits. Shadowthrone'sHoundshadindeedbeenready,andshewassurethat evennowtheyclosedthehunt. AssheresumedherjourneythroughherWarrenshemetwithincreasing resistance,astrangepressurewitheverystepshetookeastward. Finally,sherelentedandemergedintotheGadrobiHills.Itwasmidday, andhalfamileaheadrodetheCoinBearer'sparty.Sheclosedthegapswiftly untilshewasnomorethanahundredyardsbehindthem,gatheringshadows aboutherasshewentthougheventhisprovedincreasinglydifficult.And thatcouldmeanonlyonething:aT'lanImasswasnearby. Towhat,andtowhom,wastheCoinBearerriding?Hadshemiscalculated entirely?WeretheyagentsfortheMalazanEmpire?Thatpossibilityran contrarytoOponn'sinfluence,butshehadtroublearrivingatanyother conclusion. This,shetoldherself,wouldproveaninterestingday. Thepartywasfiftyyardsahead,makingtheirwayupahillside.They reachedthesummitanddisappearedbrieflyfromherview.Shequickened herpace,onlytohearsoundsoffightingonthehilltopafightinwhich Otataralwasunveiled. Aflashofrageranthroughher.MemorywasattachedtoOtataral,avery personalmemory.Cautiouslyshesoughtavantagepointatthehill'screst. Theexchangehadbeenshort,andtheCoinBearer'spartylookednear wipedout.Infact,onlytheCoinBearerstillstood,facingatall,lithewoman

wieldinganOtataralblade. SorryrecognizedAdjunctLorn.Onamission,nodoubt,forherdear Empress,amissionthatincludedaT'lanImass,stilloutofsightbutclose.She caughttheirconversation.Iftheboy'sgroupweren'tagentsfortheEmpire thenperhapstheirmasterinDarujhistanhadsensedthepresenceofthe Imassouthere,andhadsentthemtoinvestigate. ShewoulddiscoverthenatureoftheAdjunct'smissionlater.Rightnow, however,itwastimetokilltheCoinBearer.Andthenearproximityofthe Imassmadesuccessallthemorecertain.EvenOponn'spowerscouldnot overcometheinfluenceofaTellannWarren.Murderingtheboywouldbe easy.Sorrywaited,thensmiledasAdjunctLornwithdrew,headingnorth. Inminutes,theCoinofOponnwouldbeinherhands.Andthisday,agod mightdie. AssoonasLornwassufficientlydistantCrokusrantothewarrior. Sorryroseslowlyintoacrouch,thenmovedforwardinsilence,hergarotte inherhands. TheHoundshowledagain,theireagercriesclosinginfromallsides. Hairlockcrouched,indecisive.Thenthepuppetfacedthecaptain.'You'll havetowaitalittlelongertodie,Captain.I'venointentionofallowingthings toberushed.No,Iwishtolingeroveryourdemise.' Chancesweatyinhishands,Paranshrugged.Tohisownsurprise,itmade littledifferencetohim.IftheHoundsarrivedtofindHairlockgone,they'd probablytakeouttheirfrustrationonhim,andthatwouldbethat.'You'll cometoregrettheopportunity,Hairlock.Whetherthissword'smagicis meantforyouornot,Iwaslookingforwardtochoppingyouintokindling.Is yourmagicamatchformyhatred?Itwouldhavebeennicetofindout.' 'Oh,suddenbravery!Whatdoyouknowofhatred,Captain?WhenIreturn I'llshowyoupreciselywhathatredcanachieve.'Thewoodenfiguregestured andadozenfeetawayanothertearopenedintheair,thisoneexudingafetid stench.'Stubbornmutts,'Hairlockmuttered.'Untillater,Captain,'andhe scurriedfortherent. Inthehut,QuickBen'sgrinturnedsavage.Hejerkedthedaggerfreewith hisrighthandand,inasingle,fluidmotion,slicedthetautstrings connectingthesticks. 'Goodbye,Hairlock,'hehissed. Paran'seyeswidenedasthepuppetfloppedontohisstomach.Amoment laterHairlockletlooseashriek. Thecaptain'seyesnarrowed.'Lookslikesomebodycutyourstrings, Hairlock,'hesaid. TheHoundswereclose.Inmomentsthey'dbealloverthem. 'Yourlife,Captain!'Hairlockcried.'FlingmeintotheWarrenandyourlife isyours,Iswearit!'Paranleanedonhisswordandmadenoreply. 'PawnofOponn,'Hairlocksnarled,'IwouldspitonyouifIcould!Spiton yoursoul!' Theearthrumbled,andatoncemassiveshapesmovedaroundParan, silentlyclosinginontheimmobilemarionette.ParanrecognizedGear,the

Houndhe'dwounded.Hefelttheswordinhishandsanswerthatchallenge withaneagertremorthatreachedintohisarms.Gear'sheadswunginhis directionasitpassed,andParansawapromiseinitseyes.Thecaptain smiled.IfanythingdrawsOponnout,itwillbethefighttocome. Hairlockshriekedonelasttime,andthentheHoundswereuponhim.A largeshadowpassedacrossthehillandParanlookeduptoseeGreatRaven swoopingoverthem.Thebirdcawedhungrily.'Toobad.'Paransaidtoit,'I doubtitsremainswouldbepalatable.' ThreeHoundsbeganfightingoverthesplinteredwoodallthatwasleftof Hairlock.Theremainingfour,ledbyGear,nowturnedtoParan.Thecaptain raisedhisswordanddroppedintoacombativecrouch.'Comeon,then. Throughmetothegodusingme,justonceletthetoturnintheTwins'hands. Comeon,Hounds,letussoakthisgroundwithblood.' Thecreaturesfannedoutintoahalfcircle,Gearinthecentre. Paran'ssmilebroadened.Cometome,Gear.I'mtiredofbeingusedand deathdoesn'tseemsofrighteninganymore.Let'sbedonewithit. Somethingheavypresseddownonhim,asifahandhadreacheddown fromtheskyandtriedtodrivehimintotheearth.TheHoundsflinched. Paranstaggered,unabletobreathe,asuddendarknessclosingaroundthe edgesofhisvision.Thegroundgroanedbeneathhim,theyellowedgrassesof theplainlyingflat.Thenthepressureliftedandchilledairfloodedbackinto hislungs.Sensingapresence,thecaptainwhirled. 'Stepaside,'atall,blackskinned,whitehairedmansaid,ashepushepast toconfronttheHounds.Paranalmostdroppedhissword.ATisAnd? Themanworeamassivetwohandedswordstrappedtohisback.Hestood beforetheHounds,makingnomovetowardstheweapon. Thesevenhadnowarrayedthemselvesbeforethem,buttheyshifted restlessly,warilyeyeingthenewcomer. TheTisteAndglancedatParan.'Whateveryou'vedonetodrawthe attentionofgods,itwasunwise,'hesaid,inMalazan. 'ItseemsIneverlearn,'Paranreplied. TheTisteAndsmiled.'Thenwearemuchalike,mortal.' Mortal? TheHoundspacedbackandforth,growlingandsnappingtheair.TheTiste Andwatchedthem,thenspoke.'Enoughmeddling.IseeyouRood,'hesaid tooneHound,mangybrown,scarredandyelloweye'Takeyourkinand leave.TellShadowthroneIwon'ttoleratehisinterference.Mybattlewith Malazismyown.Darujhistanisnotforhim.' RoodwastheonlyHoundnotgrowling.Itsglowingeyesboresteadilyinto theTisteAnd's. 'Youhaveheardmywarning,Rood.' ParanwatchedastheTisteAndcockedhishead.Slowlyhereturnedhis attentiontothecaptain.'Gearwishesyoudead.' 'It'sthepriceIpayforshowingmercy.' TheTisteAndraisedaneyebrow. Paranshrugged.'Seethescarhecarries?'

'Thatwasyourmistake,mortal.Youmustfinishwhatyousetouttodo.' 'Nexttime.Whathappensnow?' 'Forthemoment,mortal,theyfindthethoughtofkillingmemoredesirable thanthatofkillingyou.' 'Andwhataretheirchances?' 'Theanswertothatisevidentinhowlongthey'vebeenhesitating, wouldn'tyouthink,mortal?' TheHoundsattackedfasterthananythingParancouldhaveimagined. Hisheartlurchedasaflurryofmotionclosedinaroundtheotherman. Asthecaptainsteppedbackaninvisiblefistofdarknessexplodedbehind hiseyes,asnappingofmassivechains,thegroanofhugewoodenwheels. Hesqueezedshuthiseyesagainstthestaggeringpain,thenforcedthem openagaintoseethatthefightwasover.TheTisteAndhadhisswordinhis hands,itsblackbladeslickwithbloodbloodthatboiledandswiftlybecame ash.TwoHoundslayunmoving,onetoeithersideofhim.Awaywardwind drewawintrybreathacrossthescenewithasoundlikeagasp,shiveringthe grasses. ParansawthatoneHoundhadbeennearlydecapitated,whiletheother hadbeenslicedacrossitsbroadchestitdidnotlooklikeakillingwound, butthecreature'seyes,onebluetheotherveilow,staredsightlesslyskyward. Roodyelpedandtheothersbackedaway. Parantastedbloodinhismouth.Hespat,thenraisedahandtofindblood tricklingfromhisears.Thepaininhisheadwasebbing.Helookedupjustas theTisteAnd'sheadcameroundtofacehim.Seeingdeathintheman'seyes, Paransteppedbackandhalfraisedhissword,thoughtheefforttookallhis strength.Hewatched,uncomprehending,astheTisteAndshookhishead. 'ForamomentIthoughtNo,Iseenothingnow' Paranblinkedstingingtearsfromhiseyes,thenwipedhischeeks.He startedonseeingthatthestainofthosetearsonhisforearmwaspink. 'YoujustkilledtwoHoundsofShadow.' 'Theotherswithdrew.' 'Whoareyou?' TheTisteAnddidnotanswer,hisattentiononcemoreontheHounds. Behindthemacloudofshadowwasformingintheair,deepeningand thickeninginitscentre.Amomentlateritdissipated,andablack,shrouded, translucentfigurestoodinitsplace,handstuckedintoitssleeves.Shadows commandedwhateverfacelayhiddenbeneaththehood. TheTisteAndloweredhissword'spointtotheground.'Theywere warned,Shadowthrone.Iwantonethingunderstood.Youmayprovemy matchhere,especiallyifyourRopeisabout.ButIpromiseyou,itwillbe messy,andtherearethosewhowillavengeme.Yourexistence, Shadowthrone,couldbecomeuncomfortable.Now,I'veyettolosemytemper. WithdrawyourRealm'sinfluencefromtheproceedings,andIwillleaveitat that.' 'Iamnotinvolved,'Shadowthronesaidquietly.'MyHoundsfoundthe quarryIsought.Thehuntisover.'Thegod'sheadtiltedtoobservethetwo

deadcreatures.'Overforalltime,forDoanandGanrod.' Shadowthronelookedup.'Thereisnoreleaseforthem?' 'None.Norforanywhowouldpursuevengeance.' Asighissuedfromthehoodeddarknessofthegod'sface.'Ah,well.AsI said,Iamnotinvolved.However,theRopeis.' 'Recallhim,'theTisteAndcommanded.'Now.' 'Hewillbeseverelydispleased,AnomanderRake.Hisplansextendfar beyondDarujhistan,seekingtoreachtheMalazanthroneitself.' AnomanderRakeParanrecalledTattersail'sconvictionsafterscryingher DeckofDragons.TheKnightofHighHouseDark,theSonofDarkness,the lordwiththeblackswordanditsdeadlychains. RulerofMoon'sSpawn,orsoshethought.Shesawthiscoming.Thisvery moment,theclashbetweenShadowandDark,thebloodspilled 'Ifightmyownbattles,'Rakegrowled.'AndI'dratherdealwithLaseenon theMalazanthronethanwithaservantofShadow.Recallhim.' 'Onelastpoint,'Shadowthronesaid,agiggleescapinghim,'Iamnot responsibleforwhateveractionstheRopemighttakeagainstyou.' AsmileenteredRake'stone.'Convincehimofthewisecourse, Shadowthrone.Ihavenopatienceforyourgames.IfIampushed,byeither you,yourHounds,orbytheRope,I'llmakenodistinction.Iwillassailthe ShadowRealm,andyouareinvitedtotrytostopme.' 'Youlackallsubtlety,'thegodsaid,sighing.'Verywell.'Hepausedand shadowsswirledaroundhim.'Hehasbeenrecalled.Forciblyextracted,asit were.Thefieldisyoursonceagain,AnomanderRake.TheMalazanEmpireis allyours,asisOponn,'Shadowthroneadded. 'Oponn?'Rake'sheadturnedslowly,andthecaptainonceagainlookedinto eyesofdeep,coldblue.Paran'sspiritssank.TheTisteAnd'sgazefelltothe sword,thenagaintoShadowthrone.'Begone,'Rakesaid.'Thematteris ended.' Shadowthronedippedhishead.'Fornow.'Thegodraisedhishandsand shadowsgatheredaroundhim.ThesurvivingHoundsclosedin,leavingtheir deadkinwheretheylay.Theshadowsthickened,becameopaque,entirely hidingthosewithin.Whentheydispersed,thelordandParaneyedtheTiste Andwhonowfacedhim.AfteramomenttheRake'sbrowsrose.'That'sit?' heasked.'That'stheextentofyourcomments?DoIspeakwithOponn directly?IthoughtitIsensedapresencebefore,butwhenIlookedmore carefullynothing.'Rakeshiftedgriponhissword,thepointrising.'Doyou hidewithin,Oponn?' 'NotasfarasI'maware,'Paranreplied.'ApparentlyOponnsavedmylifeor, rather,broughtmebacktolife.I'venoideawhy,butI'vebeentoldthatI've becomeOponn'stool.' 'YouarejourneyingtoDarujhistan?' Parannodded. 'MayIapproach?'Rakeasked,sheathinghissword'Whynot?' TheTisteAndstrodeuptohimandlaidahandagainsthischest.Paran feltnothinguntoward.Rakesteppedback.'Oponnmayhavebeenwithinyou

inthepast,butitseemstheTwinshavehastilywithdrawn.Iseetheirsigns, butnogodcontrolsyounow,mortal.'Hehesitated.'Theirtreatmentofyou wasunkind.IfCaladanBroodwasherehecouldhealthat' 'You'renolongerOponn'stool.'TheTiste'seyesremainedblue,butthey'd TherewasasquawknearbyandbothturnedtoseeaGreatRavenalighton oneoftheHound'sbodies.ItpluckedoutaneyeandgobbleditdownParan foughtbackawaveofnausea.Thehugebatteredbird'Thisman'ssword, Master,'theravensaid,'isnotOponn'sonlytool,Paranshookhishead,his onlysurprisetherealizationthatnothingsurprisedhimanymore.He sheathedhissword. 'Speakon,Crone,'Rakecommanded. Rakefrowned.'Perhapsnot.'Hefacedthecaptainagain.'Holdontothat weaponuntilyourluckturns.Whenthathappensandifyou'restillalive, breakitorgiveittoyourworstenemy.'Agrincrossedhisfeatures'Thusfar, itseemsyourluckholds.' Paranhesitated.'I'mfreetogo?' LordAnomanderRakenodded. Thecaptainlookedaround,thenstrodeoffinsearchofthe Minuteslater,theshockcametoParan,drivinghimtohisknees.Tocwas gone.He'ddraggedthemanwithhiminhisrelentless,mindlesspursuit acrosstheplain.Helookedup,eyesunseeing.He'dcalledHairlockhisenemy. He'dproclaimedLorn'sdeathhisfinalgoal.Asifthesetwothingswould answertheanguishwithinhim,wouldhealthepainofloss. Butthedemoniswithinme. OponnhadbeenunkindWhathadRakemeant?Haveanyofthese thoughtsbeenmyown?Lookatmemyeverymoveseemsadesperate searchforsomeonetoblame,alwayssomeoneelse.I'vemadebeingatoolof agodanexcuse,ajustificationfornotthinking,forsimplyreacting.And othershavediedforit. Rakehadalsosaid,'Finishwhatyoustart.'Hewouldhavetodealwithhis owndemonslater.Therecouldbenoturningback.Butithadbeenwrongto thinkthatwhatheplannedwouldendthepainwithinhim.AddingLorn's bloodtohisstainedhandswouldnotachievewhathesought. Paranrose,collectedthereinsofthesurvivinghorses.Heledthebeasts backtothesceneofthefight.TheTisteAndhadvanished,buttheHounds remained,motionlessdarkhumpsintheyellowgrass.Hedroppedthereins andapproachedone.Thesliceacrossitscheststillleakedblood.Crouching, Paranreachedout,ranhisfingersalongtheanimal'shide.Seewhatthe desireformurdergetsyou?Hood'sBreath,butyouwereabeautifulbeast. Hisfingertipsbrushedblood.Thecaptainrecoiledatthecontact,butitwas toolate.Somethingrippleduphisarm,sweptthroughhim.Hefellbackinto darkness,thesoundofchainsrattlingtaut. Paranfoundhimselfwalkingandhewasnotalone.Throughthegloomhe couldmakeoutfiguresonallsides,eachshackledwithlongironchains, leaningforwardasifpullingatanimmenseweight.Thegroundunderfoot wasbarren,lifeless.Overheadtherewasnothingbutdarkness.Beneaththe

constantcreakofthechainswasaheaviersoundthatParancouldfeel throughthesolesofhisboots.Aloneunchained,hefellbacktowardsthe sourceofthatsound,passingchainedfigures,manyofthemnothuman.A shapeappeared,hulking,pitching.Awagon,impossiblyhuge,itswooden wheelstallerthanaman.Drivenbyaninsatiabledesiretodiscoverwhatit carried,Paranmovedcloser. Achainrippedacrosshischest,throwinghimfromhisfeet.Anearpiercing howlsoundeddirectlyabovehim.Clawsgougedhisleftarm,pinningittothe ground.Achainrippledunderhisback.Hestruggledasacoldwetnoseand savageteethpushedunderhischin.ThejawsIParanlayperfectlystill, waitingforthefatalclenchingofthosejaws. Instead,theypulledaway.HefoundhimselfstaringupintotheHound's eyes,oneblue,onebrown.Amassivecollarofironcircleditsneck.Thebeast lungedaway.Thechainunderhimsnappedtaut,flingingParanintotheair. Hefeltmorethanheardthewagongroansideways,evenashelanded sprawlingintothepathofoneofthewoodenwheels. Ahandgraspedthecollarofhiscloakanddraggedhimclear.Thecaptain scrambledtohisfeet. Avoicebesidehimspoke.'AnymanwhohasearnedmercyfromHounds andwalkshereunchainedisamanworthtalkingto.Walkwithme.' Theshadowofacowlhidthestranger'sfeatures.Themanwasbig, dressedinrags.AfterreleasingParanheresumedstrainingonhischain. 'Neverbefore,'hegrunted,'hasthisprisonbeensotested.'Hehissedasthe wagonlurchedyetagaintotheHounds'franticattemptstoescape. 'Ifearthiswilloverturn.' 'Andifitdoes?' ThefaceswungtohimbrieflyandinthedarknessParansawtheflashof teeth.'Thepullingwillgetharder.' 'Wherearewe?' 'TheWarrenwithintheSword.DidnotDragnipurtakeyourlife,too?' 'Ifithad,wouldInotbechainedaswell?' 'Trueenough.Whatthenareyoudoinghere?' 'Idon'tknow,'Paranadmitted.'IsawtheHoundskilledbyRake'ssword. ThenItouchedthebloodofoneoftheslainbeasts.' 'Thatexplainstheirconfusion.Theythoughtyouoneoftheirownatfirst. YouwerewisetosubmittothatHound'schallenge.' 'Toofrightenedtomove,youmean.' Thestrangerlaughed.'Evenso.' 'Whatisyourname?' 'Namesaremeaningless.Rakekilledme.Longago.Thatisenough.' Paranfellsilent.Eternity,chainedhere,foreverpulling.AndIaskforthe man'sname.Wouldanyapologysuffice? Thewagonbuckedsavagely,earthrippedfromunderitswheels. Figuresfell,wailing.TheHoundshowledtheirfury. 'Gethol'sBreath,'thestrangergasped.'Willtheynevercease?' 'Idon'tthinktheywill,'Paransaid.'Canthosechainsbebroken?'

'No.Nonehavemanagedityet,thatis,andtherearedragonsamongus. ButtheseHounds'Hesighed.'Itisastonishing,butalreadyIlongforthe peacetheirarrivalhasshattered.' 'PerhapsIcanhelp.' Thestrangerbarkedalaugh.'Byallmeans,try.' Paranmovedaway,headingtowardstheHounds.Hehadnoplaninmind. ButIaloneamunchained.Thethoughtstoppedhimandhesmiled. Unchained.Noone'stool.Hecontinuedon,wondering.Hepassedfigures strainingstepbystep,somesilent,somemutteringinmadness.Noneraised itsheadtoglanceashepassed.Thesoundofbestialgaspingreachedhim. 'Hounds!'Paracalled.'Iwouldhelp!' Afteratime,theyappearedfromthegloom.Bloodsheathedtheir shouldersandchests,theflesh.tornandmangledbythecollars.TheHounds trembled,musclesjumpingalongtheirflanks.Theireyes,levelwithParan's own,methiswithsuchnumbed,helplessmiserythathisheartlurched.He reachedouttotheoddeyedone.'Iwouldexamineyourcollars,yourchains, seekingaflaw.' Thebeastwalkedalongsidehimtheywereevermovingforward,the wagonunceasinginitsroll.Paranbentclose,runninghishandsonthecollar, seekingajoin.Therewasnone.Wherethechainattached,thelinkandthe collarseemedofonesolidpiece.Thoughheknewlittleofsmithing,he believedthisattachmentwouldprovetheweakestelementandshould alreadyshowsignsofstrain.Buthisfingertipstoldhimotherwise.Theiron wasnotevenscratched. Paranranhishandalongthechain,leavingtheHound'sside.Hepaused noticingtheotherbeastwatchinghiseverymove,thencontinuedon.From theanimaltothewagon,overseventyarmspansoflength,heranhishands fromlinktolink,seekingachangeinthefeeloftheiron,seekingheat,gouges. Nothing.Hearrivedalongsidethewagon.Thewheelhewalkedbehindwas solidwood,aspaninwidth,nickedandgougedbutotherwisefeatureless. Thewallofthebedwastwentyormorefeethigh.Theslattedsideboardsof withered,bonegreywoodshowedspacesafinger'swidthbetween.Paran flinchedbackonseeingskeletalfingerscrowdingthecracks,wriggling helplessly. Thewagon'sframebeneaththesideboardsdrewhisattention. Herethewoodwasblack,glisteningwithpitch.Chainendsenteredit, countlessinnumber,sinkingseamlesslyintothewood.Underhistouchthe frameseemedsolid,yetitwasasifthechainlinkspassedthroughit whateverheldthem,then,wasbeyondthewagon'sframe. Parandrewadeepbreathofthecool,staleair,thenduckedunderthebed. Theframe'sbeamwasadozenspansthick,condensationdrippingdown fromitspitchedundersideinendlessrain.AttheinsideedgeParanfound onceagainthechains,continuingonfurtherunderthewagon.,Graspingone, hefolloweditinward.Thelinksgrewcolderasdidtheairaroundhim.Before longhewasforcedtoreleasethechain,hishandsburnedbythecold.The rainfromtheundersideofthewagoncamedownassliversofice.Twopaces

ahead,thechainsconverged,swallowedbyasuspendedpoolofabsolute darkness.Coldpouredfromitinpulsingwaves.Parancouldgetnocloser. Hehissedinfrustrationashescrambledalongoppositethedarkhole, wonderingwhattodonext.Evenifhemanagedtobreakachain,hehadno ideawhichonesbelongedtotheHounds.Asfortheothers AnomanderRakeseemedacreatureofclearifcoldjustice.Tobreaka chaincouldunleashancienthorrorsupontherealmsoftheliving.Eventhe strangerhe'dspokenwithcouldoncehavebeenaTyrant,ahorrible dominator. ParanunsheathedChance.Asthebladeleapedfreeofthescabbardit buckedwildlyinhishands.Thecaptaingrinnedevenastremorsofterror reachedthroughhishandsfromthesword.'Oponn!DearTwins,Icallonyou! Now!' Theairgroaned.Paranstumbledoversomeone,wholoosedastreamof curses.Sheathinghissword,hereacheddown,handclosingonbrocaded cloth.Hepulledthegodtohisfeet.'Whyyou?'Parandemanded.'Iwanted yoursister.' 'Madness,mortal!'themaleTwinsnapped.'Tocallmehere!Soclosetothe QueenofDarknesshere,withinagodslayingsword!' Paranshookhim.Filledwithamindless,bestialrage,thecaptainshookthe god.HeheardtheHoundshowl,andfoughtbackasuddendesiretojoinhis voicetotheircries. TheTwin,terrorinhisbrighteyes,clawedatParan.'Whatwhatareyou doing?' Paranstopped,hisattentiondrawntotwochainsthathadgoneslack. 'They'recoming.' Thewagonseemedtoleapupward,rockedasithadneverbeenbefore. Thethunderoftheimpactfilledtheair,woodandicecascadingdown. 'Theyhaveyourscent,Twin.' Thegodshrieked,batteredhisfistsintoParan'sface,scratching,kicking, butthecaptainheldon.'Nottheluckthatpulls.'Hespatblood. 'Theluckthatpushes' Thewagonwashammeredagain,itswheelsbuckingintotheairtocome downwithasplintering,echoingconcussion.Paranhadnotimetowonderat thesavagestrengththatcoursedthroughhim,astrengthsufficienttohold downagodgrippedinpanic.Hesimplyheldon. 'Please!'theTwinbegged.'Anything!justaskit!Anythingwithinmy powers.' 'TheHounds'chains,'Paransaid.'Breakthem.' 'IIcannot!' Thewagonshudderedsickeningly,distantwoodsplintering.Paran draggedtheTwinapaceasitrolledforwardagain.'Thinkofaway,'hesaid. 'OrtheHoundswillhaveyou.' 'IIcannotbesure,Paran.' 'What?Youcan'tbesureofwhat?' TheTwingesturedtowardstheblackness.'Inthere.Thechainsareheldin

placewithinitwithintheWarrenofDarkness,withinKuraldGalain.Should theyenterIdonotknowIcannotbecertain,butthechainsmay disappear.' 'Howcantheyenter?' 'Theycouldbeleavingonenightmareonlytoenteranother.' 'Itcannotbeworse,Twin.Iaskedyou,how?' 'Bait.' 'What?' TheTwinsmiledshakily.'Asyousaid,they'recoming.But,Paran,youmust releaseme.Byallmeans,holdmebeforetheportal,butplease,atthelast moment' 'Ireleasemyholdonyou.' Thegodnodded. 'Verywell.' TheHoundsstruckthewagonagain,andthistimetheybrokethrough. ClutchingtheTwin,Paranspunroundtoseethebeastschargingoutofthe gloom.Hiscaptiveshrieked. TheHoundsleaped. Paranreleasedthegod,droppingflattothegroundastheHoundspassed throughtheairabove.TheTwinvanished.TheHoundsflashedpast, disappearedintotheportalinsilence,andweregone. Paranrolledtohisfeet,evenasdarknessreachedoutforhim,notwiththe coldofoblivionbutwithabreathlikewarm,sighingwind. Heopenedhiseyestofindhimselfonhishandsandkneesontheplain's yellowedgrass,besideaflattened,bloodsmearedpatchwherethebodyofa Houndhadoncelain.Insectsbuzzedcloseby.Hisheadaching,Paranclimbed tohisfeet.TheotherHound'sbodywasgoneaswell.Whathadhedone?And why?OfallthethingsthattheTwincouldhaveofferedhimTattersailToc theYoungerThenagain,topluckasoulbackthroughHood'sGatewasnot likelywithinOponn'spowertoachieve.HadhefreedtheHounds?He realizedhewouldprobablyneverknow. Hestaggeredovertothehorses.Atleast,forashorttimethere,hehad beenunchained.Hehadbeenfree,andwhathehaddonehehaddone,byhis ownchoice.Myownchoice. Helookedtothesouth.DarujhistanandtheAdjunctawaitme.Finishwhat youstarted,Paran.Finishitonceandforall. 'Damninconvenient,'CollgrowledasCrokuscompletedtyingthebandage. 'Shewasgood,'headded.'Sheknewexactlywhattodo.I'dsayshe'dbeen trained.Sortoffits,sinceshewasdressedlikeamercenary.' 'Istilldon'tunderstand,'Crokussaid,sittingbackonhishaunches.He glancedatMurillioandKruppe.Bothremainedunconscious.'Whydidshe attackus?Andwhydidn'tshekillme?' Colldidnotreply.Hesatglaringathishorse,whichstoodadozenfeet away,quietlycroppinggrass.He'dalreadyvoicedadozenfoulcursesatthe beast,andCrokussuspectedthattheirrelationshiphadbeen,asKruppe wouldputit,irretrievablycompromised.

'What'sthis?'Collgrunted. Crokusrealizedthatthemanwaslookingpastthehorse,afrown deepeningthelinesofhisforehead. Theboyturned,thenletoutawildshout,springingbackwardsand snatchingathisdaggers.Hisbootcaughtastoneandhesprawled.Hejumped tohisfeet,onebladefreedandinhishand.'It'sher!'heyelled. 'Thewomanfromthebar!She'sakiller,Coll.' 'Easy,lad,'Collsaid.'Shelooksanythingbutdangerous,despitethatsword onherhip.Hell,'headded,pushinghimselfstraighter,'ifanything,shelooks completelylost.' Crokusstaredatthewoman,whostoodatthesummit'sedge.'Hood's Breath,'hemuttered.Collwasright.He'dneverseenanyonelookso bewildered,soutterlyataloss.Shewaslookingatthem,tensedasifreadyto flee.Allthepoise,thedeadlyconfidenceshe'dpossessedinthePhoenixInn wasgone,asifithadneverbeen.Crokussheathedhisdagger. 'So,'heasked,'whatdowedonow,Coll?' Thewoundedmanshrugged.'Easethegirl'smind,Iguess.Fromthelooks ofit,sheneedssomehelp.' 'ButshekilledChert,'Crokusstated.'Isawthebloodonherknife.' Collsquintedatthegirl.'Idon'tdoubtyou,boy,butthisgirldoesn'tlook capableofkillinganyone.' 'YouthinkIcan'tseethat?'Crokussaid.'I'mjusttellingyouwhatIsaw.I knowitdoesn'tmakeanysense!' Collsighed.'Anyway,shestillneedsourhelp.Sogoandgether,Crokus.' Theboythrewuphishands.'HowdoIdothat?' 'DamnedifIknow,'Collreplied,grinning.'Tryflirting.' Crokusthrewthemanadisgustedlook,thenhewalkedcautiouslytowards thegirl.Shetensedandbackedastep.'Careful!'Crokuscried,pointingatthe summit'screstbehindher. Thegirlsawthatshestoodattheveryedgeofasteepslope.Oddlyenough, thisseemedtorelaxher.ShemovedafewstepsclosertoCrokus,herwide eyessearchinghis. 'That'sright,'Crokusmurmured.'Everything'sfine.Doyouunderstand?' Hepointedathismouthandmadetalkingmotions. Collgroaned. ThegirlsurprisedthembothbyreplyinginDaru,'Iunderstandyou,'she saidhaltingly.'Morenow.You'renotMalazan,you'renotspeakingMalazan. ButIunderstandyou.'Shefrowned.'How?' 'Malazan,huh?'Collsaid.'Whereareyoufrom,girl?' Shethoughtforamoment.'ItkoKan,'shesaid. 'Whatthehell?'Colllaughed.'Whatstormblewyouhere?' Realizationfloodedhereyes.'Where'smyfather?Whathappenedtothe nets?Iboughtthetwine,andtherewasthatSeerRiggalaitheSeer,thewax witch.Irememberhershedied!'Thegirlfelltoherknees.'Shedied.And then' Coll'sexpressionwassevere,thoughtful.'Andthen?'

'Idon'tremember,'thegirlwhispered,lookingdownatherhands.'Idon't rememberanythingmore.'Shebegantocry. 'Gedderone'sthousandteats,'Collcursedquietly,wavingCrokustohis side.'Listencarefully,lad.Don'twaitforus.Takethisgirltoyouruncle.Take hertoMammot,andquickly.' Crokusscowled.'Why?Ican'tjustleaveyouhere,Coll.Whoknowswhen MurillioandKruppewillcomearound?Whatifthatmercenarycomesback?' 'Whatifshedoes?'Collaskedpointedly. Crokusflushedandlookedaway. 'Murillio'satoughbastard,despitetheperfume,'Collsaid.'He'llbeupand dancinginnotime.Takethegirltoyouruncle,lad.DoasIsay.' 'Youstillhaven'ttoldmewhy,'Crokussaid. 'It'sahunch,nomore.'Collreachedupandgrippedtheboy'sshoulder. 'Thisgirl'sbeenpossessed.Ithink.Someone,something,broughtherhere,to Darujhistan,andontoourtrail.Thetruthissomewhereinherhead,Crokus, anditcouldbevital.Youruncleknowstherightpeople,theycanhelpher,lad. Now,saddleupmyhorse.I'llwaithereforourfriendstowake.Hell,Ican't walkanyway.Ishouldn'tmoveforatleastacoupleofdays.Kruppeand Murilliowillhandlethingshere.Go!' Crokuseyedtheweepinggirl.Thenhesaid.'Allright,Coll.We'llgoback, meandher.' 'Good,'Collgrunted.'Now,laymeoutabedrollandsomefood.Thenride onoutofhere,andifthatdamnhorseofminehasaheartattackoutsidethe citygates,evenbetter.Hoptoit,lad.' CHAPTERSIXTEEN Dessembraeknowsthesorrowsinoursouls. Hewalksatthesideofeachmortalavesselofregretonthefiresof vengeance. Dessembraeknowsthesorrowsandwouldnowsharethemwithusall. TheLordofTragedyHolyBookprayer(CanonofKassal) THEPUNCTUREWOUNDINLORN'SLEFTSHOULDERWASNOTDEEP. Withoutmagicalaid,however,theriskofinfectionwasacauseforconcern. ShereturnedtothecamptofindToolstillpositionedwherehehadbeen sincedawn. IgnoringtheImass,theAdjunctfoundhercollectionofherbsinhersaddle bag.Shesatdownandleanedbackagainstthesaddle,thensettotreatingthe wound. Ithadbeenafoolish,unnecessaryattack.Toomanythingshadhappened recently,toomanyideas,toomuchofthewomanLorninterferingwithher functionsanddutiesasAdjuncttotheEmpress.Shewasmakingmistakes thatshewouldnothavemadeayearago. Toolhadgivenhermoretothinkaboutthanshecouldhandle.Thewords theImasshadthrownatherfeet,asifinafterthought,hadreachedintoand

graspedsomethingdeepwithinherandnowwouldnotletgo.Emotions seepedintotheAdjunct,cloudingtheworldaroundher. She'dabandonedsorrowlongago,alongwithregret.Compassionwas anathematotheAdjunct.Yetnowallthesefeelingssweptthroughherin tidespullinghereverywhichway.Shefoundherselfclingingtothetitleof Adjunct,andwhatitmeant,asifitwasalifelinetosanity,tostabilityand control. Shecompletedcleaningthewoundasbestshecould,thenprepareda poultice.Control.Thewordreboundedinherthoughts,clipped,hardand sure.WhatwastheheartofEmpire,ifnotcontrol?WhatshapedEmpress Laseen'severyact,hereverythought?Andwhathadbeenattheheartofthe veryfirstEmpirethegreatwarsthatshapedtheT'lanImasstothisday? Shesighedandlookeddownatthedirtbeneathher.Butthatwasnomore thanweallsought,shetoldherself.Fromayounggirlbringingtwinehometo herfather,totheimmortalpowerthathadseizedherforitsownuse. Throughthegamutoflifewestruggledforcontrol,forameanstofashionthe worldaroundus,aneternal,hopelesshuntfortheprivilegeofbeingableto predicttheshapeofourlives. TheImass,andhisthreehundredthousandyearoldwords,hadgivento Lornasenseoffutility.Anditworkedonher,itthreatenedtooverwhelmher. She'dgiventheboyhislife,surprisingbothhimandherself.Lornsmiled ruefully.Predictionhadbecomeaprivilegenowlosttoher.Nevermindthe outsideworld,shecouldnotevenguessherownactions,orthecourseofher thoughts. Wasthisthetruenatureofemotion?shewondered.Thegreatdefierof logic,ofcontrolthewhimsofbeinghuman.Whatlayahead? 'Adjunct.' Startled,LornlookeduptoseeToolstandingoverher.Frostcoveredthe warrior,steamingintheheat. 'Youhavebeenwounded.' 'Askirmish,'shesaidgruffly,almostembarrassed.'It'sovernow.'She pressedthepoulticeagainstthewoundthenwrappedclotharoundher shoulder.Itwasanawkwardeffort,sinceshecoulduseonlyonehand. Toolkneltbesideher.'Iwillassistyou,Adjunct.' Surprised,Lornstudiedthewarrior'sdeath'sface.Buthisnextwords wipedoutanythoughtoftheImassrevealingcompassion. 'Wehavelittletime,Adjunct.Theopeningawaitsus.' Anexpressionlessmasksettledoverherface.ShejerkedanodasTool finished,hiswithered,shreddedhandsthenailsblunt,polishedbrownand curveddeftlytyingaknotwiththestripsofcloth.'Helpmetomyfeet,'she commanded. Themarkerhadbeenshattered,shesaw,astheImassguidedherforward. Apartfromthis,however,alllookedunchanged.'Whereisthisopening?'she asked. Toolhaltedbeforethebrokenstones.'Iwilllead,Adjunct.Followclosely behindme.Whenwearewithinthetomb,unsheathyoursword.The

deadeningeffectwillbeminimal,yetitwillslowtheJaghut'sreturnto consciousness.Enoughforustocompleteourefforts.' Lorndrewadeepbreath.Sheshruggedoffherdoubts.Therewasno turningbacknow.Hadthereeverbeensuchachance?Thequestion,she realized,wasamootone:thecoursehadbeenchosenforher.'Verywell,'she said.'Leadon,Tool.' TheImassspreadouthisarmstothesides.Thehillsidebeforethem blurred,asifacurtainofwindblownsandrosebeforeit.Achurningwind roiledthroughthisstrangemist.Toolsteppedforward. Following,Lornatfirstrecoiledatthestenchthatwaftedintoher,astench ofairpoisonedbycenturiesofpulsingsorcery,countlesswardsdispersedby Tool'sTellannpowers.Shepushedahead,hereyesfixingontheImass's broad,tatteredback. Theyenteredthehillside.Aroughcorridor,leadingintodarkness, appearedbeforethem.Frostlimnedthestackedbouldersformingthewalls andceiling.Astheywentfurther,theairgrewbittercold,strippedofscents, andthickgreenandwhiteropesoficetrackedthewalls.Thefloor,whichhad beenfrozen,packedearth,becameslabsofstone,slickwithice. NumbnessseepedintoLorn'sextremitiesandherface.Shesawherbreath curlinawhitestream,drawninwardtothedarknessbeyond.Thecorridor narrowedandshesawstrangesymbolspaintedonandwithintheice streakingthewalls,dullredochreincolour.Thesemarkingsbrushed somethingdeepinsidehershealmostrecognizedthem,butassoonasshe concentratedondoingso,thesensationoffamiliarityvanished. Toolspoke.'Mypeoplehavevisitedherebefore,'hesaid,pausingtolookat theAdjunctoveroneshoulder.'Theyaddedtheirownwardstothoseofthe JaghutwhoimprisonedthisTyrant.' Lornwasirritated.'Whatofit?' TheImassstaredatherinsilence,thenreplied,dully,'Adjunct,IbelieveI knowthenameofthisJaghutTyrant.Iamnowbesetbydoubts.Itshouldnot befreed.Yet,likeyou,Iamcompelled.' Lorn'sbreathcaught. 'Adjunct,'Toolcontinued,'Iacknowledgetheambivalenceyouhavebeen feeling.Ishareit.Whenthisisdone,Ishallleave.' Shewasconfused.'Leave?' Toolnodded.'Withinthistomb,andwithwhatwewilldo,myvowsare ended.Theywillbindmenolonger.Suchistheresidualpowerofthis sleepingJaghut.Andforthat,Iamthankful.' 'Whyareyoutellingmethis?' 'Adjunct,youarewelcometoaccompanyme.' Lornopenedhermouth,butcouldthinkofnoimmediatereplysoshutit again. 'Iaskthatyouconsidermyoffer,Adjunct.Ishalljourneyinsearchofan answer,andIshallfindit.' Answer?Towhat?shewantedtoask.Yetsomethingstoppedher,asurge offearthatsaidtoher:Youdon'twanttoknow.Remainignorantinthis.

'Let'sgetonwithit,'shegrated. Toolresumedhismarchintothedarkness. AfteraminuteLornasked,'Howmuchtimeisthisgoingtotake?' 'Time?'Therewasamusementinhisvoice.'Withinthisbarrow,Adjunct, timedoesnotexist.TheJaghutwhoimprisonedtheirkinbroughtanageof icetothisland,thebarrow'sfinalseal.Adjunct,ahalfleagueoficestands overthisburialchamberstill.Wehavecometoatimeandplacebeforethe falteringoftheJaghutice,beforethecomingofthegreatinlandseaknownto theImassasJhagraTil,beforethepassingofcountlessages' 'Andwhenwereturn?'Lorninterrupted.'Howmuchtimewillhave passed?' 'Icannotsay,Adjunct.'TheImasspausedandturnedbacktoher,hiseye socketsglimmeringwithasourcelesslight.'Ihaveneverdonethisbefore.' Despitethehardenedleatherarmour,thefeelofawomanpressingagainst Crokus'sbackhadbroughttohisfacemoresweatthantheafternoonheat couldaccountfor.Yetitwasamixoffeelingsthathadhisheartthumping againsthischest.Ontheonehandwasthebaldfactthatherewasagirlof nearlyhisage,andanattractiveoneatthat,withsurprisinglystrongarms wrappedaroundhiswaistandherwarm,moistbreathonhisneck.Onthe otherhand,thiswomanhadmurderedamanandtheonlyreasonhecould thinkofherarrivingonthescenebackthereinthehillswasthatshe'dbeen planningtokillhim,too.Sohefoundhimselftootensetoenjoysharingthe saddlewithher. TheyhadsaidlittletoeachothersinceleavingColl.Inanotherda),Crokus knew,Darujhistan'swallswouldcomeintoview.Hewonderedifshe'd rememberit.AndthenavoicespokeinhisheadthatsoundellikeColl's:'Why don'tyouaskthegirl,idiot?'Crokusscowled. Shespokefirst.'IsItkoKanfarfromhere?' Hethoughtaboutlaughing,butsomethinganinstinctstoppedhim. Treadsoftly,hetoldhimself.'I'veneverheardofsuchaplace,'hesaid.'It'sin theMalazanEmpire?' 'Yes.Wearen'tintheEmpire?' Crokusgrowled,'Notyet.'Thenhisshouldersslumped.'We'reona continentcalledGenabackis.TheMalazanscamefromtheseasbotheastand west.TheynowcontrolalltheFreeCitiestothenorth,aswellastheNathilog Confederacy.' 'Oh,'thegirlrepliedweakly.'You'reatwarwiththeEmpire,then.' 'Moreorless,thoughyou'dneverknowitasfarasDarujhistanis concerned.' 'Isthatthenameofthetownyoulivein?' 'Town?Darujhistan'sacity.It'sthebiggest,richestcityinalltheland.' Therewasaweandexcitementinherreply.'Acity.I'veneverbeentoacity. YournameisCrokus,isn'tit?' 'Howdidyouknowthat?' 'That'swhatyoursoldierfriendcalledyou.' 'Oh,ofcourse.'Whydidthefactthatshe'dknownhisnamesendhisheart

lurching? 'Aren'tyougoingtoaskmemyname?'thewomanaskedquietly. 'Youcanrememberit?' 'No,'sheadmitted.'That'sstrange,isn'tit?' Heheardpathosinthatreply,andsomethingmeltedinsidemakinghim evenangrier.'Well,Ican'tverywellhelpyouinthat,can1?' Thewomanseemedtowithdrawbehindhim,andherarmsloosenedtheir grip.'No.' Abruptlyhisangerfellaway.Crokuswasreadytoscreamatthechaosin hishead.Insteadheshiftedinthesaddle,forcinghertoclutchhimtightly.Ah, hesmirked,that'sbetter.Thenhiseyeswidened.WhatamIsaying? 'Crokus?' 'What?' 'GivemeaDarujhistanname.Pickone.Pickyourfavourite.' 'Challice,'herespondedimmediately.'No,wait!Youcan'tbeChallice.I alreadyknowaChallice.You'vegottobesomeoneelse.' 'Issheyourgirlfriend?' 'No!'hesnapped.Hepulledatthereinsandtheystopped.Crokusclawedat hishair,thenthrewalegoveranddroppedtotheground.Hepulledthereins overthehorse'shead.Iwanttowalk,'hesaid. 'Yes,'shesaid.'Iwouldliketo,too.' 'Well,maybeIwanttorun!' Shesteppedroundtofacehim,herexpressiontroubled.'Run?Fromme, Crokus?' Hesawthingsfallingintoruinsbehindhereyeswhatwerethosethings? Hefeltadesperateneedtoknow,butaskingstraightoutwasclearly impossible.Whyitwasimpossiblehecouldn'tsay.Itjustwas.Helooked downatthegroundandkickedatarock.'No,'hemumbled.'Ididn'tmean that.Sorry.' Hereyeswidened.'Thatwasmynarne!'shegasped.'Thatwasmyname, Crokusyoujustsaidmyname!' 'What?'Hefrowned.'Sorry?' 'Yes!'Shelookedaway.'Only,itwasn'talwaysmyname.Idon'tthink.No. Itwasn'tthenamemyfathergaveme.' 'Canyourememberthatone?' Sheshookherheadandranahandthroughherlong,darkhair. Crokusstartedwalking,andthegirlfellintostepbesidehim.Theroad wounddownthroughthelowhills.Inanhourthey'dreachtheCatlinBridge. Thepanicthathadfilledhimwassubsiding,perhapshavingburneditselfout. Hefeltrelaxed,andthatsurprisedhim,sincehecouldn'trecallthelasttime he'dfeltrelaxedinafemale'scompany. Theywalkedinsilenceforatime.Ahead,thesunsankdowninagolden blaze,shimmeringalongablueandgreenlineonthehorizonbeyondthehills. Crokuspointedtotheglisteningline.'That'sLakeAzur.Darujhistanliesonits southshore.' 'Haven'tyouthoughtofanameformeyet?'thewomanasked.

'Theonlynamethatcomestomind,'Crokussaidsheepishly,'ismy matron's.' Thegirlglancedathim.'Yourmother's?' Crokuslaughed.'No,notthatkindofmatron.ImeanttheLadyofThieves, Apsalar.Only,it'snotgoodtotakethatkindofname,sinceshe'sagoddess. WhataboutSalar?' Hernosewrinkled.'No,IlikeApsalar.MakeitApsalar.' 'ButIjustsaid' 'That'sthenameIwant,'thegirlinsisted,herfacedarkening. Uhoh,Crokusthought.Betternotpressthisone.'Allright.'Hesighed. 'Soyou'reathief.' 'What'swrongwiththat?' Apsalargrinned.'Givenmynewname,nothing.Nothingatall.Crokus. Whendowecamp?' Heblanched.Hehadn'tthoughtaboutthat.'Maybeweshouldjustpush on,'hesaidwarily,notmeetinghereyes. 'I'mtired.Whydon'twecampatthisCatlinBridge?' 'Well,I'veonlygottheonebedroll.Youcanhaveit.I'llstandwatch, 'Allnight?What'stheretowatchoutfor?' Crokusroundedonher.'Whyallthesequestions?'hedemandedhod,'It's dangerousouthere!Didn'tyouseeColl'swound?AndhowdoIknowthe garrison'sstillthere?' 'Whatgarrison?' Crokuscursedhimself.Heavertedhisgaze.'Thegarrisonontheotherside ofthebridge,'hesaid.'Butit'salongbridge' 'Oh,comeon,Crokus!'Apsalarlaughedanddroveherelbowintohisribs. 'We'llsharethebedroll.Idon'tmind,solongasyoukeepyourhandsto yourself.' Rubbinghisribs,Crokuscouldonlystareather. Cursing,KruppeglaredoverhisshoulderatMurillio.'Damnation!Can't youurgethatbeastanyfaster?' Themulewaslivinguptoitsreputation,refusinganythingbutaplodding walk.Murilliogrinnedsheepishly.'What'sthebighurry,Kruppe?Theboy cantakecareofhimself.' 'ItwasMasterBaruk'sexplicitcommandthatweguardhim,andguardhim wemust!'Murillio'seyesnarrowed.'Soyoukeepsaying,'hemuttered.'Isthis somefavouronMammot'sbehalf?Hastheboy'sunclegotallworriedallofa sudden?Why'sBaruksointerestedinCrokus?Youconveythealchemist's orders,Kruppe,butyoudon'texplainthem.' Kruppereinedinhismount.'Oh,verywell,'hesaid.'Mutinyintheranks forcesKruppe'sslyhand.OponnhaschosenCrokus,forwhateverpurposes thedeviousdeitymaydevise.Barukwouldhaveuskeepaneyeonthelad and,more,preventanyotherpowersfromfindinghim.' Murilliorubbedthebruiseonhisforeheadandwinced.'Damnyou.'He sighed.'Youshould'veexplainedallthisfromthestart,Kruppe.DoesRallick know?'

'Ofcoursenot,'Krupperepliedtartly.'He'stoobusy,afterall,unableto extricatehimselffromhisvariousresponsibilities.Hence,'Kruppe's expressionturnedcrafty,'theassassin'sabsenceonthisjourney.Butwhy, praytell,isKruppeinformingMurillioofsuchthings?Clearly,Murillioknows moreofRallick'sdoingsthanpoor,ignorantKruppe.' Murillio'slookwasblank.'Whatdoyoumean?' Kruppesniggered,thenkickedhismuleintomotiononceagain. Murilliofollowed. 'Andasforourpresentmission,'Kruppecontinuedblithely,'whatseemsa vastfailure,particularlyonColl'spart,isintruthanastonishingsuccess. MasterBarukmustbemadeawareofthenefariousactivitiesafootinthe GadrobiHills.' 'Success?Whatareyoutalkingabout?' Kruppewavedahand.'Dearman,thoughIwasconsciousbutamoment duringthefracas,clearitwasthatthiswomanwarriorpossessedanOtataral sword.Whichmeans,asanychildmightguess,she'sMalazan.' Murilliohissedslowlybetweenhisteeth.'AndweleftCollbackthere?Are youinsane,Kruppe?' 'He'llmendenoughtofollowusshortly,'Kruppesaid.'Theneedforhaste overwhelmsallotherconsiderations.' 'Exceptcheapdealswithacertainstabler,'Murilliogrowled.'So,there's someMalazanintheGadrobiHills.What'ssheupto?Anddon'ttrytellingme youdon'tknow.Ifyoudidn'tsuspectsomethingwewouldn'tbeinsucha hurry.' 'Suspicions,indeed.'Kruppenodded,hisshouldershunching.'Recall Crokusutteringthatperceptivecommentasweleftthecrossroads?Hunting arumour,orsomesuchthing?' 'Waitaininute.'Murilliogroaned.'Notthatbarrowlegendagain?There's nota' Kruppeheldupafingerandcutinsmoothly,'Whatwebelieveisirrelevant, Murillio.ThefactremainsthattheMalazansareseekingthetruthofthat rumour.AndbothKruppeandMasterBaruksuspect,beingofequal intelligence,thattheymightwelldiscoverit.Hencethismission,myfluttery friend.'Hewaggledhisbrows.'Otataralinthehandsofaswordmasterofthe Empire.AT'lanImasslurkinginthevicinity' 'What?'Murillioexploded,hiseyeswide.Hemadetoturnhismulearound, butthebeastcomplainedandplanteditshoofs.Hestruggledwithit,cursing. 'Coll'sallcutupandhe'sgotaMalazankilleroutthereandanImass!You've lostyourmind,Kruppe!' 'But,dearMurillio,'Kruppecrooned,'Kruppewouldhavethoughtyou eager,nay,desperatetoreturntoDarujhistanasquicklyaspossible!'That stoppedtheman.HeroundedonKruppe,facedarkening.'Comeon,'he gritted,'outwithit,then.' Kruppe'sbrowsrose.'Outwithwhat?' 'You'vebeenhintingaboutsomething,pokingmewithit.Soifyouthink youknowsomethingaboutwhatever,let'shearit.Otherwise,weturnround

rightnowandheadbacktoColl.'SeeingKruppe'seyesdart,Murilliogrinned. 'Hah,youthoughttodistractme,didn'tyou?Well,it'snotgoingtowork.' Krupperaisedhishandspalmup.'Nomatterwhosebrainwasresponsible foryourschemetoreturnColltohisrightfultitle,Kruppecandonaughtbut eagerlyapplaud!' Murillio'sjawdropped.HowinHood'snamedidKruppe? Themancontinued,'Butallthatisinconsequentialwhenfacedwiththe factofCrokus,andthegravedangerheispresentlyin.More,ifthisyounggirl wasindeedpossessed,asCollsuspects,therisksarefrighteningtobehold! Wasshetheonlyhunterforthelad'sfrail,unprotectedlife?Whatofthe thousandgodsanddemonswhowouldeagerlyconfoundOponnatthefirst opportunity?Thus,wouldMurillio,friendoflongstandingwithCrokus,so callouslyabandonthechildtothefates?IsMurillioamantosuccumbto panic,towhatifs,toahostofimaginednightmaresslinkingaboutwithinthe shadowsofhisoverwroughtimagination?' 'Allright!'Murilliobarked.'Nowholdyourtongueandlet'sride.' Kruppegaveabrusquenodatthiswiseremark. Anhourlater,asduskclamberedupthehillsidesandeverwestwardtothe dyingsun,MurilliostartedandthrewKruppeafuriousglarethatwaslostin thegloom.'Damnhim,'hewhispered,'IsaidIwasn'tabouttolethimdistract me.Sowhat'sthefirstthinghedoes?Distractme.' 'Murilliomurmurssomething?'Kruppeasked. Murilliomassagedhisforehead.'I'mhavingdizzyspells,'hesaid. 'Let'sfindacamp.Crokusandthegirlwon'tmakeittothecitybefore tomorrowanyway.Idoubthe'sinanydangerontheroad,andwe'llfindhim easilyenoughbeforetomorrow'ssunset.Theyshouldbefineinthe daytimehell,they'llbewithMammot,right?' 'Kruppeadmitstohisownweariness.Indeed,acampshouldbefound,and Murilliocanconstructasmallfire,perhaps,andsopreparedinnerwhile Kruppepondersvitalthoughtsandsuch.' 'Fine.'Murilliosighed.'Justfine.' ItcametoCaptainParanacoupledaysafterhisencounterwiththeTiste Andandtheeventswithinthelord'sswordthatRakehadnotsuspected himtobeaMalazansoldier.Orhe'dbedead.Oversightsblessedhim,it seemed.HisassassininPaleshouldhavecheckedtwiceandnowtheSonof Darkness,snatchinghimfromthejawsoftheHounds,hadinturnlethim walkfree.Wasthereapatterntothis?IthadOponn'sflavour,yetParan didn'tdoubtRake'sassertion. Thendidhisluckindeedlieinhissword?Andhadthesemerciesoffortune markedpivotalmomentsmomentsthatwouldcomebacktohauntthose who'dsparedhim?Forhisownwellbeing,hehopednot. HiswasnolongertheEmpire'sroad.He'dwalkedthatpathofbloodand treacheryfortoolong.Neveragain.Whatlaybeforehim,then,wasthe singularefforttosavethelivesofWhiskeyjackandthesquad.Ifhemanaged that,hewouldnotbegrudgehisowndeathasaconsequence. Somethingswentbeyondasingleman'slife,andmaybejusticeexisted

outsidethemindsofhumanity,beyondeventhehungryeyesofgodsand goddesses,athingshiningandpureandfinal.Somephilosophershe'dread duringhisschoolingintheMalazancapital,Unta,hadassertedwhatseemed tohimthenanabsurdposition.Moralitywasnotrelative,theyclaimed,nor evenexistingsolelyintherealmofthehumancondition.No,theyproclaimed moralityasanimperativeofalllife,anaturallawthatwasneitherthebrutal actsofbeastsnortheloftyambitionsofhumanity,butsomethingother, somethingunassailable. Justanotherhuntforcertainty.Paranscowledandstiffenedinhissaddle, hiseyesfixedonthetradertrackwindingbeforehimthroughlow,rounded hills.HerecalleddiscussingthiswithAdjunctLorn,atatimewhenneither hadbeencompelledbytheoutsideworld.Justanotherhuntforcertainty, she'dsaid,inavoicebrittleandcynical,puttinganendtothediscussionas clearlyasifshe'ddrivenaknifeintothewinestainedtablebetweenthem. Forsuchwordstohavecomefromawomannoolderthanhim,Paran suspectedthen,ashedidnow,thatherparticularviewhadbeennomore thananeasy,lazymimicryofEmpressLaseen's.ButLaseenhadarighttoit andLorndidnot.Atleast,inParan'smind.Ifanyonehadarighttoworld wearycynicism,itwastheEmpressoftheMalazanEmpire. TrulyhadtheAdjunctmadeherselfLaseen'sextension.Butatwhatcost? He'dseentheyoungwomanbehindthemaskjustonceasthey'dlookedout overaroadcarpetedwithdeadsoldiersthenproceededtopicktheirway throughthem.Thepale,frightenedgirlthatwasLornhadshownherselfina singlefrailmoment.Hecouldn'trememberwhathadtriggeredthereturnof themasklikelyithadbeensomethinghe'dsaid,somethinghe'dtossedoff inhisownguiseasahardenedsoldier. Paransigheddeeply.Toomanyregrets.Lostchancesandwitheachone passingthelesshumanweallbecame,andthedeeperintothenightmareof powerweallsank. Washislifeirretrievable?Hewishedhehadananswertothatquestion. Movementinthesouthcaughthisattention,andwithithebecameaware ofarumblingsound,risingupfromtheeartharoundhim.Heroseinthe saddle.Awallofdustcurledovertheridgeoflanddirectlyahead. Heswunghismountwestwardandnudgeditintoatrot.Momentslaterhe reinedin.Thecurtainsofdusthunginthatdirectionaswell. Cursing,hespurredtothecrestofanearbyrise.Dust.Dustonallsides. Astorm?No,thethunderistooregular.Herodedowntotheplainbelow andreinedinagain,wonderingwhattodo.Thedustwallrose,crestingthe hillhefaced.Thedeeprumblinggrew.Paransquintedintothedust.Dark, massiveshapesmovedthere,spreadingouttoeitherside,sweepingdownon hisposition.Inmomentshewassurrounded. Bhederin.He'dheardtalesofthehugeshaggycreatures,movingacrossthe innerplainsinherdshalfamillionstrong.Onallsides,Parancouldsee nothingbutthehumpedreddishbrown,dustcakedbacksofthebeasts. Therewasnowherehecouldleadhishorse,noplaceofsafetywithinsight. Paranleanedbackinhissaddleandwaited.

Somethingflashedtohisleft,tawnyandlowtotheground.Thecaptain halfturned,justassomethingheavyhammeredhimfromtherightandclung, dragginghimfromthesaddle.Cursing,Paranthumpedheavilyinthedust, grapplingwithwirylimbs,raggedblackhair.Hedrovehiskneeup, connectingwithasolidstomach.Hisattackerrolledtooneside,gasping. Paranscrambledtohisfeet,foundhimselffacingayouthintannedhides.The boysprangtoclosewiththecaptainonceagain. Paransidesteppedandcloutedtheboyonthesideofthehead.Hisattacker sprawledunconscious. Piercingcriesweresoundingonallsides.TheBhederinwereparting, movingaway.Figuresemerged,closingonParan'sposition.Rhivi.Sworn enemiestotheEmpire,alliedinthenorthwithCaladanBroodandthe CrimsonGuard. Twowarriorscametotheunconsciousboy'sside;eachtookanarmand draggedhimoff. Theherdhadcometoastop. Anotherwarriorapproached,stridingboldlyuptoParan.Hisduststreaked facewasstitchedwithdyedthreads,blackandred,fromhighonthecheeks downtothejawlinethenupandaroundthemouth.ABhederinhiderodethe broadlineofhisshoulders.Stoppinglessthananarm'slengthinfrontof Paran,thewarriorreachedoutandclosedhishandonthegripofChance. Paranstruckawaythehand.TheRhivismiled,steppedbackandlooseda highpitched,ululatingcry. FiguresroseonthebacksofthesurroundingBhederin,lancesbalancedin onehandastheycrouchedontheshaggybacks.Thehugeanimalsbeneath thewarriorsignoredthemasiftheywerebuttickbirds. ThetwoRhiviwhohadtakentheboyawaynowreturned,joiningthe stitchfacedwarrior,whosaidsomethingtotheoneonhisleft.Thisman movedforward.BeforeParancouldreact,hesurgedintomotion,throwinga legbehindthecaptainthendrivinghisshoulderintoParan'schest. Thewarriorfellontopofhim.AknifebladeslidagainstthelineofParan's jaw,slicedthroughthehelmetstrap.Theironskullcapwaspulledawayand fingerssnaggedahandfulofhishair.Draggingthewarriorwithhim,Paran pushedhimselfupright.He'dhadenough. Deathwasonething,deathwithoutdignityquiteanother.AstheRhivi's handtwisted,pullinghisheadup,thecaptainreachedbetweenthewarrior's legsandfoundhisownhandful.Heyankedhard. Thewarriorshrieked,releasingParan'shair.Aknifeappearedagain, flashingatthecaptain'sface.Heduckedtooneside,hisfreehandsnapping uptograspthewrist,pushingawaytheknife.Hesqueezedoncemorewith hisotherhand.TheRhivishriekedagain,thenParanletgo,twistedround anddrovehisarmouredelbowintotheman'sface. Bloodspatteredlikeraininthedust.Thewarriorreeledback,crumpledto theground. AlancehafthammeredaglancingblowalongParan'stemple.Hespun roundwiththeimpact.Asecondlancestruckhiminthehip,hardasakick

fromahorse,numbinghisleg.Somethingpinnedhisleftfoottotheground. ParanunsheathedChance.Theweaponwasalmostknockedfromhishand witharinging,pealingsound.Heswungitupwardanditwasstruckagain. Halfblindedwithpain,sweatanddust,Paranrearedupright,shiftingtoa twohandedgripanddrawingChancedowntoacentreguardposition.The sword'sbladewasstruckathirdtime,butheretainedhisgrip. Therewassilence.Gasping,blinking,Paranraisedhishead,lookedaround. Rhivisurroundedhim,butnonemoved.Theirdarkeyeswerewide. Paranflickedhisgazetohisweapon,glaredbackupandaroundatthe warriors,thenhiseyesreturnedtoChance.Andstayedthere. Threeironlanceheadssproutedfromthebladelikeleaves,eachpointsplit andjammed,thehaftsshatteredandgone,leavingonlywhitewoodjutting outfromthesockets. Helookeddownathispinnedfoot.Alancehadstruck,throughhisboot, butthewidebladeoftheheadwasturned,itsflatsidepressingagainsthis foot.Splinteredwoodsurroundedhim.Paranglancedathiship,sawno wound.AjaggedtearmarredtheleatherofChance'sscabbard. TheRhiviwarriorwiththesmashedfacelaymotionlessafewfeetfrom whereParanstood.Thecaptainsawthathismountandthepackhorseswere untouchedandhadnotmoved.TheotherRhivihadpulledback.The encirclementnowdividedasasmallfigureapproached. Agirl,perhapsnomorethanfiveyearsold.Thewarriorsmovedasidefrom herasifinawe,orfear,possiblyboth.Sheworeantelopeskinstiedwithcord atthewaist,andnothingonherfeet. Therewassomethingfamiliarabouther,awayofwalking,herstanceas shestoppedbeforehimsomethinginherheavyliddedeyesthatmade Paranfrownuneasily. Thegirlstoppedtoregardhim,hersmallroundfaceslowlycomingto mirrorParan'sownfrown.Sheraisedonehand,asifreachingforhim,then droppedit.Thecaptainfoundhecouldnotpullawayhiseyesfromher.Child, doIknowyou? Asthesilencebetweenthemlengthened,anoldwomancameupupbehind thegirl,restedawrinkledhandonhershoulder.Lookingworn,almost exasperated,theoldwomanstudiedthecaptain.Thegirlbesidehersaid something,thequickliltinglanguageoftheRhivi,surprisinglylowpitched foronesoyoung.Theoldwomancrossedherarms.Thegirlspokeagain, insistently. TheoldwomanaddressedParaninDaru,'Fivelancesclaimedyouasour enemy.'Shepaused.'Fivelanceswerewrong.' 'You'veplentymore,'Paransaid. 'Sowehave,andthegodfavouringyourswordhasnofollowershere.' 'Sofinishit,'Parangrowled.'I'mtiredofthegame.' Thegirlspoke,atoneofcommandthatranglikeirononstone. Theoldwomanturnedinobvioussurprise. Thegirlcontinued,herwordsnowevidentlyexplanatory.Theoldwoman listened,thenswungherdark,glitteringgazebacktothecaptain.

'YouareMalazan,andMalazanshavechosentobetheenemiesoftheRhivi. Isthischoiceyoursaswell?Andknowthis:IwillrecognizealiewhenIhear it.' 'IamMalazanbybirth,'Paransaid.'IhavenointerestincallingtheRhivi myenemy.Iwouldratherhavenoenemiesatall.' Theoldwomanblinked.'Sheoffersyouwordstoeaseyourgrief,soldier.' 'Meaning?' 'Youaretolive.' Parandidnotquitetrustthisturnofevents.'Whatwordshassheforme? I'veneverseenherbefore.' 'Norhassheseenyoubefore.Yetyouknoweachother.' 'No,wedon't.' Theoldwoman'seyeshardened.'Willyouhearherwordsornot?She offersyouagift.Willyouthrowitbackinherface?' Profoundlyuneasy,hesaid.'No,Isupposenot.' 'Thechildsaysyouneednotgrieve.Thewomanyouknowhasnotpassed throughtheArchingTreesofDeath.Herjourneywasbeyondthelandsyou cansee,beyondthoseofthespiritthatallmortalssense.Andnowshehas returned.Youmustbepatient,soldier.Youwillmeetagain,sothischild promises.' 'Whichwornan?'Parandemanded,hisheartpounding. 'Theoneyouthoughtdead.' Helookedagainatthegirl.Thefamiliarityreturnedlikeablowtohischest. Hestaggeredbackastep.'Notpossible,'hewhispered. Thegirlwithdrew,dustswirling.Shevanished. 'Wait!'Anothercrysounded.Theherdlurchedintomotion,closingin, obscuringtheRhivi.InmomentsallParancouldseewerethebacksofthe giantbeasts,shufflingpast.Hethoughttopushamongthem,butknewit wouldbringhimonlydeath. 'Wait!'thecaptainshoutedagain,butthesoundofhundreds thousandsofhoofsontheplaindrownedhisefforts. Tattersail! ItwasfullyanhourbeforetheBhederinherd'stailendappeared.Asthe lastofthebeastsstrolledpastthecaptain,helookedaround.Thewindrolled thedustcloudeastward,overthesloping,humpedhills. Paranclimbedintothesaddle,swunghismountsouthwardonceagain. ThehillsofGadrobirosebeforehim.Tattersail,whatdidyoudo? HerecalledTocnotingthetrailofsmallprintsleadingfromthescorched pillarthathadbeenallthatwasleftofBellurdanandTattersail.Hood's Breath,didyouplansuchathing?AndwhytheRhivi?Reborn,alreadyachild offive,maybesixareyouevenmortalanymore,woman?Haveyou ascended?You'vefoundyourselfapeople,astrange,primitivepeopleto whatend?Andwhenwenextmeet,howoldwillyouappeartobethen? HethoughtagainabouttheRhivi.They'dbeendrivingtheherdnorth,a herdbigenoughtofeedanarmyonthemarch.CaladanBroodhe'sonhis waytoPale.ThatissomethingIdon'tthinkDujek'spreparedfor.Old

Onearm'sintrouble. Hehadanothertwohoursofridingbeforesunset.BeyondtheGadrobi HillswasLakeAzur,andthecityofDarujhistan.Andwithinthecity, Whiskeyjackandhissquad.Andinthatsquad,ayoungwomanI'vebeen preparingtomeetforthreeyears.Thegodpossessingherisheevenmy enemyanymore? Thequestionarrivedunbidden,turninghisheartcold.Gods,whata journeythishasbeen,andhereIhadthoughttotravelthisplainunnoticed.A foolishthought.Scholarsandmageswriteendlesslyoffellconvergencesit seemsIamawalkingconvergence,alodestonetodrawAscendants.Totheir peril,itseems.MyswordChanceansweredthosefivelances,despitemy treatmentofoneoftheTwins.Howtoexplainthat?Thetruthis,mycause hasbecomemyown.NottheAdjunct's,nottheEmpire's.IsaidI'drather havenoenemiesatallandtheoldwomansawthoseastruewords.Andso, itseems,theyare. Endlesssurprises,GanoesParan.Rideon,seewhatcomes. Thetrackclimbedahillsideandthecaptainspurredhishorseuptheslope. Reachingthesummit,heyankedhardonthereins.Thehorsesnorted indignantlyandswungherheadround,eyesrolling.ButParan'sattention waselsewhere.Heleanedbackinthesaddleandloosenedsword. Aheavilyarmouredmanstruggledtohisfeetbesideasmallcampfire. Beyondhimwasahobbledmule.Themantottered,hisweightononeleg, andunsheathedabastardsword,whichhethenleanedonasheregardedthe captain. Parannudgedhismountforward,scanningtheimmediatearea.Itseemed thatthewarriorwasalone.Hebroughthishorsetoahaltwiththirtyfeet betweenthem. ThemanspokeinDaru.'I'minnoshapeforafight,butifyouwantoneit's yours.' OnceagainParanfoundhimselfthankfulfortheAdjunct'sinsistencethat hebethoroughlyschooled:hisreplywasasfluentasthisnative's. 'No.I'velostthetasteforit.'Hewaited,leaningforwardinthesaddle,then grinnedatthemule.'IsthatbeastaWarMule?' Themanbarkedalaugh.'I'msureitthinksitis,'hesaid,relaxing. 'I'vefoodtospare,traveller,ifyou'reofamind.' Thecaptaindismountedandapproached.'Myname'sParan,'hesaid. Hesatdownbythefire. Theotherfollowedsuit,thefirebetweenthem.'Coll,'hegrunted, stretchingoutabandagedleg.'Youdownfromthenorth?' 'Genabaris,initially.SpentsometimeinPale,recently.' Coll'sbrowsroseatthat.'You'vethelookofamercenary,'hesaid,'though likelyanofficer.Ihearditwasprettybadupthere.' 'Iarrivedalittlelate,'Paranadmitted.'Sawlotsofrubbleandlotsofdead, soI'minclinedtobelievethestories.'Hehesitated,thensaid;'Therewasa rurnourinPalethatMoon'sSpawnisnowoverDarujhistan.' Collgrunted,tossingahandfulofsticksontothefire.'Soitis,'hesaid.He

gesturedatabatteredpottuckedagainstthecoals.'That'sstew,ifyou're hungry.Helpyourself.' Paranrealizedhewasfamished.HeacceptedColl'soffergratefully.Ashe ate,usingawoodenspoonthemanloanedhim,hethoughttoaskaboutthat legwound.ButthenherecalledhisClawtraining.Whenyouplayasoldier, youplayittothehilt.Nobodytalksaboutwhat'sobvious. Somethingstaringyouintheeye,youlookarounditandgrumbleabout theweather.Anythingimportantwillcomeoutinitsowntime.Soldiershave nothingtolookforwardto,makingpatienceaneasyvirtue,andsometimes it'snotjustavirtue,butacontestofindifference.SoParanemptiedthepot, whileCollwaitedincasualsilence,pokingatthefireandaddingthe occasionalstickfromanenormouspilebehindhimwherethewoodhad comefromwasanybody'sguess. Finally,Paranwipedhismouthwithhissleeveandscrubbedthespoonas cleanashecouldmanagewithoutwater.Hesatbackthen,andbelched. Collspoke.'YouheadingintoDarujhistan,then?' 'Iam.Andyou?' 'Shouldbeabletomanageitinanotherdayorso,thoughIcan'tsayI'm lookingforwardtoridingintothecityonthebackofamule.' Paranlookedwestward.'Well,'hesaid,squinting,'sun'saboutdown.Mind ifIsharethiscampforthenight?' 'Byallmeans.' Thecaptainroseandattendedtohishorses.Hethoughtaboutdelayinga daytoletthismanmendsomemore,thenlendinghimahorse.Ifherodeinto thecityinthecompanyofalocal,there'dbeadvantagessomeonetodirect him,perhapsevengivehimaplacetostayforadayortwo.Notonlythat,but hemightlearnsomethinginthemeantime. Wouldanotherdaymatter?Possibly,butitlookedworthit.Hehobbledthe Wickanhorsesnearthemule,thencarriedhissaddlebacktothefire. 'Beenthinkingaboutyourproblem,'Paransaid,ashedroppedthesaddle andsatwithhisbackagainstit.'I'llrideinwithyou.Youcanusemypack horse.' Coll'seyeswerealert.'Agenerousoffer.' Seeingtheman'ssuspicion,Paransmiled.'Thehorsescouldusetheextra day'srest,forone.Second,I'veneverbeforebeentoDarujhistan,soin exchangeformysocalledgenerosityI'dliketoplagueyouwithendless questionsinthenexttwodays.Afterthat,Igetmyhorsebackandyou'reon yourway,andifanyone'scomeoutahead,it'sme.' 'Betterwarnyounow,Paran,I'mnotmuchofatalker.' 'I'lltaketherisk.' Collconsideredforatime.'Hell,'hesaid,'I'dbemadnottoaccept, wouldn'tI?Youdon'tlookthetypetostickmeintheback.Idon'tknowyour realstory,Paran.Ifthat'ssomethingyouwanttokeeptoyourself,that'syour business.Thatwon'tstopmefromaskingquestions,though.It'suptoyou whetheryoulieornot.' 'Ithinkthatgoesbothways,doesn'tit?'Paranresponded.'Well,youwant

mystorystraight?Fine,hereitis,Coll.I'madeserterfromtheMalazanArmy, rankedascaptain.IalsodidalotofworkwiththeClaw,andlookingbackon itthat'swherethetroublestarted.Anyway,it'sdone.'Oh,yes,andonemore thing.Peoplewhogetclosetomeusuallyendupdead.' Collwassilent,hiseyesglitteringinthefirelightandfixedontheman oppositehim.Thenhepuffedhischeeksandblewoutaloudbreathofair. 'Truthasbaldasthatmakesachallenge,don'tit?'Hestaredintothefire,then leanedbackonhiselbowsandliftedhisfacetothestarsnowappearing overhead.'IwasonceanobleinDarujhistan,thelastsonofalonglined, powerfulfamily.IwassetforanarrangedmarriagebutIfellinlovewith anotherwomanahungry,ambitiouswoman,thoughIwasblindtothat.'He smiledwryly.'Shewasawhore,infact,onlywheremostwhoresI'vemetare prettydowntoearth,shewasastwistedasoulasyoucouldimagine.' Hepassedahandacrosshiseyes.'Anyway,Irefutedmyobligationsand brokeoffthearrangedmarriage.Itkilledmyfather,Ithink,whenImarried Aystalthatwasthewhore'sname,thoughshe'schangeditsince.'He laughedharshlyatthenightsky.'Didn'ttakeherlong.I'mstillnotsurehow shemanagedthedetails,howmanymenshetooktobedtobuytheir influence,orhowtheydidit.AllIknowisIwokeuponedayandfound myselfstrippedoftitle,strippedevenofmyfamilyname.Theestatewashers, themoneywashers,itwasallhers,andherneedformehadended.' Theflameslickedthedrywoodbetweenthem.Paransaidnothing.He sensedthatmorewastocomefromthemanoppositehim,andthatCollwas strugglingwithit. 'Butthatwasn'ttheworstbetrayal,Paran,'hesaidatlength,meetingthe captain'seyes.'Oh,no.ThatcamewhenIwalkedawayfromit.Icould've foughther.Imightevenhavewon.'Hisjawtautenedtheonlyhintof anguishthatescapedhisselfcontrolthenhecontinued,inaflat,empty voice,'AcquaintancesI'dknownfordecadeslookedrightthroughme.To everyoneIwasdead.Theychosenottohearme.Theyjustwalkedpast,or didn'tevencometothegatesoftheirestateswhenIcalledonthem.Iwas dead,Paran,eventhecity'srecordsclaimedit.AndsoIagreedwiththem.I walkedaway.Disappeared.It'sonethingtohaveyourfriendsmournyour passinginyourface.Butit'sanothertobetrayyourownlife,Paran.But,as yousaid,it'sdone.' Thecaptainlookedaway,squintingintothedarkness.What'sthishuman urge,hewondered,thatbringsustosuchdevastation?'Thegamesofthehigh born,'hesaidquietly,'spantheworld.Iwasbornanoble,likeyou,Coll.But inMalazwe'dmetourmatchintheoldEmperor.Hecrushedusateveryturn untilwecoweredlikewhippeddogs.Coweredforyears.Butitwasonlyan issueofpower,wasn'tit?'hesaid,moretohimselfthantothemanwho sharedthefire.'Therearenolessonsworthyenoughforanobletoheed.I lookbackonmyyearswithinthattwisted,hungrycompanyIlookbackon thatlifenow,Coll,andIseeitwasn'talifeatall.'Hewassilentforatime, thenaslowsmilecurvedhismouthandhisgazeswungtoColl.'SinceI walkedawayfromtheMalazanEmpire,andseveredonceandforallthe

dubiousprivilegesofmynobleblood,damn,I'veneverfeltsoalive.Itwas neveralifebefore,onlythepalestshadowofwhatI'venowfound.Isthata truthmostofusaretoofrightenedtoface?' Collgrunted.'I'mnotthesharpestmanyou'llmeet,Paran,andyour thoughtsarerunningatouchtoodeepforme.ButifIunderstandyouright, you'resittingtherelookingatachoppedupoldfoolofamanandyou're tellinghimhe'salive.Rightnow.Asaliveascanbe.Andwhateverhe betrayedbackthen,itwasn'tlife,wasit?' 'Youtellme,Coll.' Themangrimacedandranahandthroughhisthinninghair.'Thethingis,I wantitback.Iwantitallback.' Paranburstoutlaughing,andcontinuedtolaughuntilsharppains crampedhisstomach. Collsatwatchinghim,thenalow,rumblingchucklerosefromhischest.He reachedback,retrievedahandfulofsticksandtossedthemintothefire,one atatime.'Well,dammit,Paran,'hesaid,amusedlinescrinklingaroundhis eyes,'you'vecomeoutofthebluelikeagodsentboltoflightning.AndI appreciateit.Iappreciateitmorethanyou'lleverknow.' Paranwipedtearsfromhiseyes.'Hood'sBreath,'hesaid.'JustoneWar Muletalkingtoanother,right?' 'Iguessso,Paran.Now,ifyou'lllookinthatpackofmine,you'llfindajug ofWorrytownwine.Itsvintageisaboutaweek.' Thecaptainrose.'Meaning?' 'Meaningit'srunningoutoftime.' BOOKSIXTHECITYOFBLUEFIRE Rumoursliketatteredflagswindsnappedandechoinginthestreetsbelow toldthetaleofthedaysuponus 'Twassaidaneelhadslippedashoreornotonebutathousandundera jaggedmoonthatmightbedead,'twaswhisperedthataclawscrapedslow onthecity'scobbles,evenasadragonwasseensailinghighsilverandblack inthenightsky. 'Twasheard,theysay,ademon'sdeathcryontherooftopsonanightof blood,evenasthemaster'shundredhandslostahundreddaggerstothe dark,and'twasrumouredthen,aladymaskedhighbornhadofferedto unbiddenguestsaftetoremember RumourBornFisher(b.?) CHAPTERSEVENTEEN Fewcanseethedarkhandholdingaloftthesplinter,orthenotchedchains fatedtobeheardbeforedeath'srattle,butharkthewheelofminionsand victimswhomoanthelord'snameinthedarkheartofMoon'sSpawn. SilverfoxOutriderHurlochel,6thArmy ASRALLICKNOMAPPROACHEDTHEPHOENIXINNFROMTHEALLEYWAY,

alarge,beefywomansteppedoutfromashadowednicheandconrontedhim. Heraisedaneyebrow.'Youwantsomething,Meese?' 'NevermindwhatIwant.'Shegrinnedinvitingly.'You'veknownaboutthat foryears.Anyway,Icometotellyasomething,Nom.Sorelax.' Hecrossedhisarmsandwaited. saMeeseglancedbackupthealley,thenhunchedclosetotheassassin. 'There'ssomeoneinthebar.Beenaskingforya.Byname.' Startled,Rallickstraightened.'What'shelooklike?'heaskedcasually. 'Likeasoldieroutauniform,'Meesereplied.'Neverseenhimaround before.Sowhatdoyathink,Nom?' Helookedaway.'Nothing.Where'shesitting?' Meesegrinnedagain.'AtKruppe'stable.Homeground.Nowain'tthat fine?' Rallicksteppedpastthewomanandheadedtowardstheinn.Asshemoved tofollowheheldouthishand.'Aminutebetweenus,Meese,'hesaid,without turning.'Where'sIrilta?' 'Inside,'shesaid,behindhim.'Goodluck,Nom.' 'Luck'sneverfree,'Rallickmuttered,asheturnedthecornerandclimbed thesteps. Hestoodstilljustwithinthedoorandsurveyedthecrowd.Afewstrangers, notenoughtocausehimconcern,however.Hisgazeslidacrosstoaman sittingatKruppe'stable.Healmosthadtotakeasecondlook,sonondescript washe.ThenRallickstrodestraightforhim,thecrowdpartingashewent somethinghe'dnevernoticedbefore. Amused,heheldhiseyesonthestrangeruntilhewasnoticed.Theylocked gazes,thoughthemanmadenomoveotherthantotakeasipfromhis tankardthensetitdowncarefullyonthetable. Rallickpulledoutachairanddraggeditopposite.'I'mRallickNom.' Therewassomethingsolidaboutthisperson,akindofassurancethatwas calming.Rallickfelthimselfrelaxinginspiteofhishabitualcaution. Theman'sfirstwordschangedthat,however. 'TheEelhasamessageforyou,'hesaidquietly.'Direct,bywordofmouth only.BeforeIdeliverit,though,I'mtogiveyousomebackgroundasonlyI can.'Hepausedtodrinkfromthetankard,thenresumed. 'Now,TurbanOrrhashiredanotherdozenhunters.Whataretheyhunting? Well,me,forone.Yourproblemisthathe'sgoingtobehardertoreach.The Eelapprovesofyoureffort'sconcerningLadySinital.Coll'sreturnisdesired byallwhovalueintegrityandhonourwithintheCouncil.Ifyourequire anything,asknowandit'syours.' Rallick'seyeshadhardened.'NeverknewMurilliohadsuchabigmouth,' hesaid. Themanshookhishead.'Yourcompatriothasrevealednothing.Norhave you.ItistheEel'sbusiness.Now,whatdoyourequire?' 'Nothing.' 'Good.'Thestrangernodded,asifhe'dexpectedthatreplyandwaspleased. 'Incidentally,TurbanOrr'seffortstopasstheproclamationhavebeen

impeded.Indefinitely.TheEelwishestothankyouforyourunwittingrolein that.Nevertheless,thecouncilmanexploresotheroptions.Hehasbeen watchedclosely.Henceourfortunatediscoverythatisattheheartofthe Eel'smessagetoyou.Lastnight,beneathDespot'sBarbican,TurbanOrrmet witharepresentativeoftheAssassins'Guildhowhemanagedthatwas quiteafeat,consideringhowdifficultyourcomradeshavebeentofind.In anycase,acontractwastenderedbyTurbanOrr.'Themanwaitedforthe shocktowearoffRallick'sface,thencontinued.'TenderedbyTurbanOrr,asI said,butnotonhisownbehalf.Rather,LadySinitalhasdecidedthatColl's deathshouldbeafactintherealworldasitisonpaper.' 'Who?'Rallickrasped.'Whowasthecontact?' 'I'mcomingtothat.First,itwasaccepted,forthepaymentwassubstantial. TheyareawarethatCollispresentlyoutsideDarujhistan.Theysimplyawait hisreturn.' 'Theassassin'sname.' 'Ocelot.'Themanrose.'TheEelwishesyousuccessinallyourventures, RallickNom.Thusthemessageends.Goodevening.'Heturnedtoleave. 'Wait.' 'Yes?' 'Thankyou,'Rallicksaid. Thestrangersmiled,thenleft. Theassassintooktheman'sseat,andleanedagainstthewall.Hewavedat Sulty,whohadapitcherofaleandatankardwaiting.Shehurriedover. Behindherstrode,atamoreleisurelypace,IriltaandMeese.Theysatdown withoutpreamble,eachwithherowntankard. 'Everybody'sstillbreathing,'Iriltasaid,raisingherdrink.'Andhere'st' that.' Meeseliftedhersaswellandthetwowomendrankdeep.ThenMeesebent forward.'AnywordofKruppeandtheboy?' Rallickshookhishead.'Imaynotbeherewhentheycomeback,'hesaid. 'TellMurilliotogoaheadifIdon'tshow,andifothereventsoccur.And,if thathappens,tellhimourman'seyesareopen.'Rallickfilledhistankardand draineditimmediately.Thenherose.'Don'twishmeluck,'hesaid. 'Howaboutsuccess?'Meeseasked,aworriedexpressiononherbroadface. Rallickjerkedhisheadinanod.Thenhelefttheinn. AnomanderRakewashidingsomething.Barukwascertainofitashe staredmoodilyintothefireplace.Inhisrighthandwasagobletofgoat'smilk, andinhisleftalargefragmentofDaruflatbread.WhyhadtheTisteAnd permittedtheImasstoenterthebarrow?He'daskedthatquestionalreadyof theLordsittingbesidehim,butananswerdidn'tseemforthcoming.Instead, allthealchemistgotfromRakewasthatirritatingsmugness.Baruktooka bitefromtheflatbread,thecrackloudbetweenthem. Rakestretchedouthislegsandsighed.'Anoddhourtodine,'hesaid. 'Allmyhourshavebeenodd,lately,'Baruksaid,aroundthebread.He drankamouthfulofmilk. 'I'dnoideathatboththeShadowLordandOponnhadbecomeinvolvedin

affairs,'Rakesaid. BarukfelttheLord'seyesonhim,butheremainedstaringatthefire. 'IhadanintimationofOponn,'hesaid.'Butnothingdefinite.' Rakesnortedinreply. Barukdownedsomemoremilk.'Youholdyourhunchesclosetoyourchest. Idothesame.' 'Thisavailsusnothing,'Rakesnapped. ThealchemistturnedinhischairtofacetheTisteAnd.'Yourravens watchedthatwomanandtheT'lanImassenterthebarrow.Doyoustill believetheywillfail?' 'Doyou?'Rakeretorted.'Iseemtorecallthatthatwasyourpositiononthe matter,Baruk.AsfarasIwasandamconcerned,Idon'tmuchcarewhether theysucceedornot.Eitherway,there'llbeafight.Isuspectyou'dimagined therewouldbeawaytoavoidone.Obviously,yourintelligenceconcerning theMalazanEmpireissorelylacking.Laseenknowsonlyonething,andthat's force.She'llignorepoweruntilit'sunveiled,andthenshe'llhityouwith everythingatherdisposal.' 'Andyoujustwaitforittohappen?'Barukscowled.'That'showcitiesare destroyed.That'showthousandsofpeopledie.Doesanyofthatmatterto you,AnomanderRake?Solongasyouwinintheend?' AtightsmileplayedontheLord'sthinlips.'Anaccurateassessment,Baruk. Inthiscase,however,LaseenwantsDarujhistanintact.Imeantoprevent that.Butdestroyingthecitytodefyherwouldbetooeasy.Icouldhave managedthatweeksago.No,IwantDarujhistantoremainasitis.Yetoutof Laseen'sreach.That,Alchemist,isvictory.'HisgreyeyeswereonBaruk.'I wouldnothavesoughtanalliancewithyouotherwise.' Thealchemistfrowned.'Unlessyouplantreachery.' Rakewassilentforatime,studyinghishandsclaspedonhislap.'Baruk,he saidsoffly,'asanycommanderoflongstandingknows,treacherybreedsits own.Oncecommitted,whetheragainstanenemyoranally,itbecomea legitimatechoiceforeveryoneinyourcommand,fromthelowestprivate seekingpromotion,toyourpersonalaides,bodyguardsandofficers.My peopleknowofouralliancewithyou,Alchemist.IfIweretobetrayit,would notlongremaintheLordofMoon'sSpawn.AndrightlysoBaruksmiled. 'Andwhocouldchallengeyourpower,Rake?' 'CaladanBrood,forone,'Rakerepliedimmediately.'Andthenthere'smy fourassassinmages.EvenSilanah,thedwellerwithintheMoon'scaverns, mighttakeituponherselftoexactjudgementonme.Icanthint 'Sofearholdsyouincheck,SonofDarkness?' Rakescowled.'Thattitleisheldbythosefoolswhothinkmeworthyof worship.Idislikeit,Baruk,andwouldnothearitagainfromyou.Doesfear holdmeincheck?No.Aspowerfulasfearis,itisnomatchforwhatcompels me.Duty.'TheLord'seyeshadshiftedintoaduntoneastheyremainedfixed onhishands,whichhenowturnedpalmsup. 'Youhaveadutytoyourcity,Baruk.Itdrivesyou,shapesyou.I'mno strangertosuchathing.WithinMoon'sSpawnarethelastoftheTisteAnd

onthisworld.Wearedying,Alchemist.Nocauseseemsgreatenoughto returntomypeoplethezestforlife.Itry,butinspirationhasneverbeena greattalentofmine.EventhisMalazanEmpirecouldnotmakeusriseto defendourselvesuntilweranoutofplacestorunto.' 'Westilldieonthiscontinent.Betterthatitbebythesword.'Helethis handsslipfromhislap.'Imagineyourspiritdyingwhileyourbodyliveson. Notfortenyears,notforfifty.Butabodythatlivesonforfifteen,twenty thousandyears.' Rakeroseswiftly.HelookeddownuponasilentBaruk,andsmiledasmile thatlaunchedadaggerofpainintothealchemist'sheart.'Thusdutyholdsme, yetadutythatisinitselfhollow.IsitenoughtopreservetheTisteAnd? Simplypreservethem?DoIraiseMoon'sSpawnintotheheavens,wherewe liveon,beyondanyrisk,anythreat?What,then,willIbepreserving?A history,aparticularpointofview.'Heshrugged.'Thehistoryisdone,Baruk, andtheTisteAndpointofviewisoneofdisinterest,stoicismandquiet, emptydespair.Arethesegiftstotheworldworthyofpreservation?Ithink not.' Barukhadnoimmediateresponse.WhatAnomanderRakehaddescribed wasalmostbeyondcomprehension,yetitsanguishedcryreachedthroughto thealchemist.'Andyet,'hesaid,'hereyouare.AlliedwiththeEmpire's victims.Doyoustandaloneinthis,AnomanderRake?Doyourpeople approve?' 'Theycarenot,'Rakesaid.'Theyacceptmycommands.Theyfollowme. TheyserveCaladanBroodwhenIaskthemto.Andtheydieinthemudand forestsofalandthatisnottheirown,inawarnottheirown,forapeople whoareterrifiedofthem.' Baruksatforward.'Thenwhy?Whydoyoudoallthis?' AharshlaughwasRake'sresponse.Afteramoment,however,hisbitter amusementfellawayandhesaid,'Isanhonourablecauseworthanything thesedays?Doesitmatterthatwe'veborrowedit?Wefightaswellasany man.Wediealongsidethem.Mercenariesofthespirit.Andeventhatisacoin wescarcelyvalue.Why?Itdoesn'tmatterwhy.Butweneverbetrayourallies. 'IknowyouareworriedthatIdidnothingtopreventtheT'lanImassfrom enteringthebarrow.IbelievetheJaghutTyrantwillbefreed,Baruk.But betternow,withmeherebesideyou,thanatsomeothertimewhenthe Jaghuthasnoonecapableofopposinghim.We'lltakethislegendandcarve thelifefromit,Alchemist,andneveragainwillthethreathauntyou.' BarukstaredattheTisteAnd.'Areyouthatcertainyou'llbeableto destroytheJaghut?' 'No.Butwhenitisfinishedwithus,itwillhavebeenmuchreduced.Thenit fallstootherstoyourCabal,infact.There'snocertaintyinthis,Baruk.That seemsafactparticularlygallingtoyouhumans.You'dbetterlearntoaccept it.WemaywellbeabletodestroytheJaghutTyrant,buteventhiswillserve Laseen'splans.' Thealchemistwasbemused.'Idon'tunderstand.' Rakegrinned.'Whenwearefinishedwithit,wewillhavebeenmuch

reduced.AndthenwillcomethepowersoftheMalazanEmpire.So,yousee, eitherwayshewins.Ifanythinghasherworried,it'syourT'orrudCabal, Baruk.Ofyourabilitiessheknowsnothing.Whichiswhyheragentsseekthis Vorcan.TheGuildMasteracceptingthecontractwillsolvetheproblemyou represent.' 'Yet,'Barukmused,'thereareotherfactorsinvolved.' 'Oponn,'Rakestated.'Thatisadangertoeveryoneinvolved.Doyouthink Oponncaresforamortalcity?Foritspeople?Itisthenexusofpowerthat matterstoOponn,thewhirlwindwheregamesgetnasty.Willimmortalblood bespilled?That'sthequestionthegodsareeagertohaveanswered.' Barukstareddownathisgobletofgoat'smilk.'Well,atleastwe'veavoided thatsofar.'Hetookasip. 'Wrong,'Rakesaid.'ForcingShadowthroneoutofthegamemarkedthe firstspillingofimmortalblood.' Barukalmostchokedonthemilk.Hesetdownthegobletandstaredupat theTisteAnd.'Whose?' 'TwoHoundsdiedbymysword.KnockedShadowthronesomewhatoff balance,Ibelieve.' Barukleanedbackandclosedhiseyes.'Thenthestakeshaverisen,'hesaid. 'AsfarasMoon'sSpawn,Alchemist.'Rakereturnedtohischairandsat, onceagainstretchinghislegsouttothefire'swarmth.'Now,whatmorecan youtellmeaboutthisJaghutTyrant?Irecallyousaidyouwishedtoconsult anauthority.' Barukopenedhiseyesandtossedtheflatbreadintothefire.'There'sa problemthere,Rake.I'mhopingyoucanhelpexplainwhat'shappened. Please,'hesaid,rising,'followme.' Grunting,Rakeclimbedbacktohisfeet.Thisnighthe'dnotwornhissword. ToBaruktheLord'sbroadbacklookedincomplete,buthewasthankfulfor theweapon'sabsence. HeledRakefromtheroomanddownthecentralstairstothelower chambers.Thefirstofthesesubterraneanroomsheldanarrowcot,andon thecotlayanoldman.Barukindicatedhim.'Asyousee,heappearstobe sleeping.HeisnamedMammot.' Rakeraisedaneyebrow.'Thehistorian?' 'AlsoaHighPriestofUrek.' 'Thatexplainsthecynicisminhiswritings,'Rakesaid,grinning.'TheWorm ofAutumnbreedsanunhappylot.' BarukwassurprisedthatthisTisteAndhadreadMammot'sHistoriesbut, then,whynot?Alifespanningtwentythousandyearsnecessitatedhobbies, hesupposed. 'So,'Rakesaid,stridingtothebed,'thisMammotsleepsadeepsleep.What triggeredit?'Hecrouchedbeforetheoldman. BarukJoinedhim.'Thatistheoddpart.Iadmittoknowinglittleofearth magic.UrissisaWarrenI'veneverexplored.IcalledonMammot,asI indicatedtoyou,anduponhisarrivalIaskedhimtotellmeallheknewofthe JaghutTyrantandthebarrow.Hepromptlysatdownandclosedhiseyes.

They'veyettoopen,andhe'snotutteredasinglewordsince.' Rakestraightened.'Hetookyourrequestseriously,Isee.' 'Whatdoyoumean?' 'Asyouguessed,heopenedhisUrissWarren.Hesoughttoansweryour questionbyrather,shallwesay,directmeans.Andnowsomething'strapped him.' 'HetravelledbyWarrentotheJaghutTyrant'sbarrow?Theoldfoo!' 'IntoaconcentrationofTellarmsorcery,nottomentionJaghutOmtose Phellack.Ontopofallthat,awomanwithanOtataralsword.' Rakecrossedhisarms.'He'llnotcomerounduntilboththeT'lanImass andtheOtataralhaveleftthebarrow.Andeventhen,ifhe'snotquick,the awakeningJaghutmighttakehim.' AchillburgeonedinBaruk'sbones.'Take,asinpossession?' Rakenodded,hisexpressiongrim.'AHighPriest,ishe?TheJaghutwould findhimveryuseful.NottomentiontheaccessMammotprovidestoUrek.Do youknow,Baruk,ifthisTyrant'scapableofenslavingagoddess?' 'Idon'tknow,'Barukwhispered,sweattricklingdownhisroundfaceashe staredatMammot'srecumbentform.'Dessembraefend,'headded. Theoldwomansittingonthetenementstepssquintedatthelate afternoonskywhileshetampeddriedItalbeleavesintohersteatitepipe.On thewoodenstepsbesideherwasasmallcoveredbronzebrazier.Thin kindlingsticksjuttedfromholesaroundthebowl.Theoldwomanwithdrew oneandsetittoherpipe,thentosseditintothestreet. Themanwalkingdowntheoppositesideofthestreetcaughtthesignal andranahandthroughhishair.CircleBreakerfeltneartopanic. Thistakingtothestreetswasfartoorisky.TurbanOrr'shunterswere closetohimhecouldfeelitwithdreadcertainty.Soonerorlater,the councilmanwouldrecallhismanymeetingsbeneathDespot'sBarbican,and theguardwho'dbeenstationedthereeverytime.Thisbrazenshowingof himselfcompromisedeverything. Heturnedacorner,passingbeyondtheoldwoman'ssight,andcontinued forthreeblocksuntilhecameoppositethePhoenixInn.Twowomenlounged bythedoor,laughingatsomejokebetweenthem. CircleBreakertuckedhisthumbsintohisswordbeltandangledthe scabbardouttotheside.Itsbronzecappedendscrapedagainstthestone wallbesidehim.Thenhewithdrewhishandsandcontinuedonhisway towardsLakefront.Well,it'sdone.Allthatremainedforhimwasonefinal contact,possiblyredundant,buthewouldfollowtheEel'sorders. Thingswerecomingtoahead.Hedidnotexpecttolivemuchlonger,but he'ddowhathemustuntilthattime.Whatmorecouldbeaskedofhim? AttheentranceofthePhoenixInn,MeesenudgedIrilta.'That'sit,'she muttered.'Youdothebackupthistime.Usualpattern.' Iriltascowled,thennodded.'Headoff,then.' Meesedescendedthestepsandturnedupthestreet.Shereversedthe routetakenbyCircleBreakeruntilshereachedthetenement.Shesawthe oldwomanstillsittingthere,lazilywatchingpassersby.AsMeesepassed

throughherlineofvision,theoldwomanremovedthepipefromhermouth andtappeditagainsttheheelofhershoe.Sparksrainedontothecobbles. Thatwasthesignal.Meesecametothecorneroftheblock,thenturned rightandenteredthealleyrunningthebuilding'slength.Adooropenedfor herathirdofthewaydownandshestrodeintoadimlylitroomwithanopen doorbeyond.Someonehidbehindthefirstdoorbutshedidnotacknowledge thatsomeone'spresence.Shepassedthroughthesecond,innerdoorand foundherselfinahallway.Fromthereitwasaquickjogupthestairs. ApsalarorSorry,asshehadbeenknownbeforehadn'tbeenmuch impressedbyherfirstsightofDarujhistan.Forsomereason,despiteher excitementandanticipation,ithadallseemedtoofamiliar. Disappointed,Crokushadwastednotimeintakinghertohisuncle'shome oncethey'dstabledColl'shorse.Thejourneytothecity,andthenthroughits crowdedstreets,hadbeen,forCrokus,acontinualstormofconfusion.This womanseemedtohaveaknackforcatchinghimoffguard,andallhedesired nowwastothrowherintosomeoneelse'slapandbedonewithit. Yet,ifthatwastrulythecase,whydidhefeelsomiserableaboutit? CrokusleftMammot'slibraryandreturnedtotheouterroom.Moby chirpedandstuckoutitsredtongueathimfromMammot'sdesk. Ignoringthecreature,CrokusstoodbeforeApsalar,who'dseatedherselfin thebetterofthetwochairshischair,ofcourse.'Idon'tunderstand.From thelooksofit,he'sbeengoneforacoupleofdaysatleast.' 'So?Isthatsounusual?'Apsalaraskedcasually. 'Itis,'hegrumbled.'DidyoufeedMobyasIasked?' Shenodded.'Thegrapes?' 'Yes.'Heplacedhishandsonhiships.'Strange.MaybeRallickknows somethingaboutit.' 'Who'sRallick?' 'Anassassinfriend,'Crokusreplieddistractedly. Apsalarshottoherfeet,hereyeswide. 'What'swrong?'Crokusasked,steppingclose.Thegirllookedpositively terrified.Heglaredaround,halfexpectingtoseesomedemonriseoutofthe floororthecupboard,buttheroomwasunchangedalittlemessierthan usual,though.Moby'sfault,heassumed. 'I'mnotsure,'shesaid,relaxingwithaneffort.'ItwasasifIwasaboutto remembersomething.Butitnevercame.' 'Oh,'Crokussaid.'Well,wecould' Aknocksoundedonthedoor. Crokusbrightened,walkingovertoit.'Oh,heprobablylosthiskeysor something,'hesaid. 'Itwasunlocked,'Apsalarpointedout. Crokusopenedthedoor.'Meese!What'reyou?' 'Quiet!'thebigwomanhissed,pushingpasthimandshuttingthedoor.Her gazefellonApsalarandhereyeswidened.ThensheturnedbacktoCrokus. 'Good.Ifoundyou,lad!You'veseennoonesincegettingAu,back?' 'Why,no.That'sjustit'

'Astabler,'Apsalarsaid,frowningupatMeese.'Havewemet?' 'She'slosthermemory,'Crokusexplained.'But,yes,westabledColl's horse.' 'Why?'Meesedemanded,thenasCrokuswasabouttoelaborateshewent on,'Nevermind.Thestablershouldn'tproveaproblem.Well,we'reinluck!' 'Dammit,Meese,'Crokussaid.'What'sgoingon?' Shemethiseyes.'ThatD'Arleguardyoukilledtheothernight.Theonein thegarden.They'vegotyournameanddescription,lad.Don'taskmehow. ButtheD'Arlesaretalkinghighgallowswhenyou'recaught.' ThebloodleftCrokus'sface.ThenhisheadjerkedtoApsalar.Heopened hismouth,thenshutitagain.No,shetrulydidn'tremember.Butitmusthave beenher.HecollapsedintoMammot'schair. 'We'vegottohideyou,lad,'Meesesaid.'Bothofyou,Iguess.Butdon'tyou worry,Crokus,meandIrilta,we'lltakecareofyoutillsomethingcanbe workedout.' 'Idon'tbelievethis,'hewhispered,staringatthewalloppositehim.'She betrayedme,damnher!' MeeselookedquestioninglyatApsalar,whosaid,'It'saguess,butI'dsaya girlnamedChallice.' Meeseclosedhereyesbriefly.'ChalliceD'Arle,thecourt'shoneythese days.'CompassionsoftenedherfaceasshelookeddownonCrokus. 'Oh,lad.That'sthewayofit,then.' Hejerkedintheseatandglaredupather.'Itisn'tanymore.' Meesegrinned.'Right.Fornow,'shesaid,armsfoldedoverherchest,'we justsittighttillnight,thenit'stherooftopsforus.Don'tworry,we'llhandle things,lad.' Apsalarrose.'Myname'sApsalar,'shesaid.'Pleasedtomeetyou,Meese. AndthankyouforhelpingCrokus.' 'Apsalar,huh?Well,'hergrinbroadened,'guesstherooftopswillbeno problemforyou,then.' 'None,'shereplied,knowingsomehowthatshewasrightinthis. 'Goodenough,'Meesesaid.'Now,howaboutwefindsomethingtodrink?' 'Meese,'Crokusasked,'doyouknowwheremyunclemighthavegone?' 'Can'thelpyouthere,lad.Noidea.' Shewasn'tsureabouttheoldwomanonthesteps,buttheone immediatelybelow,tuckedintoashadowednicheandsteadilywatchingthe tenementbuildingthatonewouldhavetobetakencareof.Itseemed,that thisCoinBearerhadprotection. Serratwasnotundulyconcerned.Nexttoherlord,AnomanderRake,she rankedthedeadliestamongtheTisteAndofMoon'sSpawn. FindingthisboyservantofOponn'shadnotproveddifficult.Onceherlord hadgivenherthenecessarydetails,Oponn'smagicalsignaturehadbeeneasy tofind.Ithelpedthatshe'dencountereditbeforeandfromthisveryboy ontherooftopstwoweekspast.HeragentshadchasedtheCoinBearerthat night,abandoninghimoncehe'denteredthePhoenixInnbutonlyather command.Ifshe'dsuspectedthenwhatshenowknew,Oponn'spresence

wouldhaveendedthatverynight. Illluck,Serratsmiledtoherself,takingamorecomfortablepositiononthe rooftop.They'dmoveatnight,shesuspected.Asforthewomanhidingbelow, she'dhavetoberemoved.Indeed,withaspellofbluffingandenoughinthe wayofshadows,shemightaseasilytakethewoman'splace. There'dbenosuspicionfromtheotherwoman,then,theonepresently insidewiththeCoinBearer.Serratnodded.Yes,thatwouldbehowshe'dplay it. Butfornow,she'dwait.Patienceeverrewards. 'Well,'Murilliosaid,ashescannedthecrowd,'they'renothere.Which meansthey'rewithMammot.' Kruppedrewadeepbreathofthesweaty,smokyair.'Ah,civilization. Kruppebelievesyourassessmentisaccurate,friend.Ifso,thenwemightas wellresthere,drinkingandsuppingforanhourortwo.'Withthat,hestrode intothePhoenixInn. Afewoldhands,seatedatKruppe'stable,gatheredtheirtankardsand pitcherandleft,murmuringapologiesandgrinningamongthemselves. Kruppegavethemagraciousnodandsettledwithaloudsighintohis usualchair.MurilliopausedatthebarandspokewithScurve,thenhejoined Kruppe. Brushingdustfromhisshirt,Murilliofrowneddistractedlyathisroad wearycondition.'Ilookforwardtoabath,'hesaid.'ApparentlyScurvesaw Rallickinhereearlier,talkingwithsomestranger.Sincethen,nobody'sseen him.' Kruppewavedanuninterestedhand.'KindSultyarrives,'heannounced.A momentlaterapitcherofalestoodonthetable.Kruppewipedhistankard withhissilkhandkerchief,thenfilleditwiththefoamingbrew. 'Weren'twesupposedtoreporttoBaruk?'Murillioasked,hiseyesonhis friend. 'Allinduetime,'Kruppesaid.'First,wemustrecoverfromourordeals. WhatifKruppeweretolosehisvoiceinverymidsentenceofsaidreport? WhatwouldavailBarukofthat?'Heraisedhistankardanddrankdeep. Murilliodrummedthefingersofonehandrestlesslyonthetable,hiseyes constantlyscanningthecrowd.Thenhestraightenedinhisseat.Hefilledhis tankard.'SonowthatyouknowwhatRallickandIareupto,'hesaid,'what doyouplantodoaboutit?' Kruppe'seyebrowslifted.'Kruppe?Why,nothingbutgood,ofcourse. Timelyassistance,andsuch.Noneedforblatantfretting,friendMurillio.By allmeansproceedasplanned.ThinkofwiseKruppeasnomorethanakindly chaperon.' 'Hood'sBreath,'Murilliogroaned,eyesrolling.'Weweredoingfine withoutyourhelp.Thebestthingyoucoulddoforusisstayoutofourway. Don'tgetinvolved.' 'Andabandonmyfriendstothefates?Nonsense!' Murilliofinishedhisaleandrose.'I'mgoinghome,'hesaid.'Youcanmake thereporttoBarukinaweek'stimeforallIcare.AndwhenRallickfindsout

youknowallaboutourplans,well,Kruppe,I'dhatetobeinyourboots.' Kruppewaveddismissively.'SeeSultyyon?UponhertrayisKruppe's supper.RallickNom'snastydaggersandnastiertemperpaletoinsignificance beforesuchrepastasnowapproaches.Goodnighttoyou,then,Murillio.Until themorrow.' Murilliostareddownathim,thengrumbled,'Goodnight,Kruppe.' Heleftthebarthroughthekitchendoor.Assoonashesteppedintothe backalleyafigureaccostedhimfromacrosstheway.Murillio,frowned.'That you,Rallick?' 'No,'theshadowedfiguresaid.'Fearmenot,Murillio.Ihaveamessageto youfromtheEel.CallmeCircleBreaker.'Themanstrodecloser.'The messageconcernsCouncilmanTurbanOrr' Rallickmovedfromrooftoptorooftopinthedarkness.Theneedfor absolutesilenceslowedhishuntconsiderably.There'dbenoconversation withOcelot.Rallickexpectedhe'dhavebutoneshotattheman. Ifhemissedhischance,hisClanLeader'ssorcerywouldprovethedeciding factor.Unless Rallickpausedandcheckedhispouch.Yearsback,thealchemistBarukhad rewardedhimforworkwelldonewithasmallbagofreddishdust.Barukhad explaineditsmagicdeadeningproperties,butRallickresistedplacinghis trustinthepowder.Haditspotencysurvivedtheyears?Wasitamatchfor Ocelot'spowers?Therewasnotelling. Hecrossedahighrooftop,skirtingtheedgeofadome.Offtohisrightand belowwasthecity'seasternwall.ThefaintglowofWorrytownrosebeyond it.TheassassinsuspectedthatOcelotwouldawaitColl'sarrivalatWorry Gate,hidingwithincrossbowrange.Bettertokillthemanbeforeheentered thecity. Thislimitedthepossibilitiesconsiderably.Linesofsightwerefew,and K'rulHillwasthebestofthem.Still,Ocelotmightwellhaveusedsorcery already,andliehiddenfrommundaneeyes.Rallickmightstumblerightover him. Hereachedthenorthsideofthedome'sskirt.BeforehimrosetheK'rul Temple.Fromthebelfry,there'dbeacleanshotjustasCollenteredthegate. Rallickremovedthepouchfromhisbag.Whateverthedustcovered,Baruk hadsaid,wouldbeimpervioustomagic.More,ithadanareaeffect.The assassinscowled.Howmuchofanarea?Anddiditwearoff?Most importantly,BarukhadsaidandRallickrememberedthisclearlydonot letittouchyourskin.Poison?he'dasked.'No,'thealchemisthadreplied.'The powderchangessomepeople.Thereisnopredictingsuchchanges,however. Bestnottotakethechance,Rallick.' Sweattrickleddownhisface.FindingOcelotwasalreadyaslimchance. Coll'sdeathwouldruineverythingand,more,itwouldstripfromRallickhis lastclaimtowhat?Tohumanity.Thepriceoffailurehadbecomeveryhigh. 'Justice,'hehissedangrily.'Ithastomeansomething.Ithasto!' Rallickuntiedthepouch.Hedippedintoitandscrapedoutahandfulofthe powder.Herubbeditbetweenhisfingers.Itfeltlikerust.'That'sit?'he

wondered.Maybeithaddeteriorated.Shrugging,hebegantomassageitinto hisskin,startingwithhisface.'Whatchanges?'hemuttered.'Idon'tfeelany changes.' Reachingunderhisclothingasmuchaswaspossible,Rallickusedupthe lastofthepowder.Thepouchitselfwasstainedontheinside.Heturnedit insideout,thenstuffeditintohisbelt.Now,hegrimaced,thehuntcontinues. Somewhereoutthereanassassinwaited,eyesfixedonJammit'sWorryRoad. 'I'llfindyou,Ocelot,'hewhispered,hiseyesfixedonK'rul'sbelfrytower. 'Andmagicornomagic,youwon'thearme,youwon'tevenfeelmybreathon yourneckuntilit'stoolate.Iswearit.' Hebeganhisascent. CHAPTEREIGHTEEN Thisbluecityhidesunderitscloakahiddenhandthatholdslikestonea bladeenvenomedbytheeightlimbedParalt thestingbringsdeathinthespanofgriefthatmarksafinalbreath sothishanddefiessorcery'swebandtremblesthegossamerstrandofa spider'sdeadlythreat. Thishandbeneaththebluecity'scloakdriveshomePower'sgentle balance. TheConspiracyBlindGallan(b.1078) SERGEANTWHISKEYJACKSTRODETOTHEBEDSIDE.'YOUSUREYOU'REUP toit?'heaskedKalam. Theassassin,sittingwithhisbackagainstthewall,glancedupfromhoning hislongknives.'Notmuchchoice,isthere?'Hereturnedtohissharpening. Whiskeyjack'sexpressionwasdrawnandhaggardfromlackofgleep,He lookedacrossthesmallroomtowhereQuickBencrouchedinthecorner.A fragmentofbedrollwasclutchedinthewizard'shands,andhiseyeswere closed. Atthetable,FiddlerandHedgehaddismantledtheirmassivearbalest. Theynowsatcleaningandexaminingeachpiece.Theywerelookingata fightaheadofthem. Whiskeyjacksharedtheirconviction.Eachhourthatpassedbroughttheir manyhuntersthatmuchcloser.OfthoseitwastheTisteAndhefearedthe most.Hissquadwasgood,butnotthatgood. BythewindowwasTrotts,leaningagainstthewallwithhisburlyarms crossed.AndagainstonewallsleptMallet,hissnoresloudintheroom. ThesergeantreturnedhisattentiontoKalam.'It'salongshot,isn'tit?'The assassinnodded.'Noreasonforthemantokeepshowinghimself.Theygot burnedthelasttime.'Heshrugged.'I'lltrytheinnagain.Ifanything,someone willmarkmeandtheGuildwillcome.IfIcangetawordinbeforetheykill me,there'sachance.It'snotmuch' 'butit'llhavetodo,'Whiskeyjackfinished.'You'vegottomorrow.Ifwe drawablank,'helookedovertoFiddlerandHedgeandfoundtheireyeson

him,'wedetonatetheintersections.Dodamage,hurtthem.' Thetwosaboteursgrinnedtheiranticipation. QuickBen'sloudhissoffrustrationbroughteveryoneround.Thewizard's eyeshadopened.Hetossedthetornclothcontemptuouslyontothefloor. 'Nogood,Sergeant,'hesaid.'Can'tfindSorryanywhere.' Kalamrumbledacurseandthrusthisweaponsintotheirscabbards. 'So,whatdoesthatmean?'Whiskeyjackaskedthewizard. 'Mostlikely,'QuickBensaid,'she'sdead.'Hegesturedatthecloth.'With that,there'snowaytheRopecouldhidefromme.Notwhilestillpossessing Sorry.' 'Maybeonceyoutoldhimyou'dfiguredhimout,'Fiddlersaid,'hetossedin hiscoinsandquitthegame.' QuickBenmadeaface.'TheRopeisn'tscaredofus,Fiddler.Comebackto earth.Ifanything,he'dbecomingdownonus.Shadowthronemust'vetold himbynowwhoIamor,rather,whoIoncewas.It'snottheRope'sbusiness, butShadowthronemightinsist.Godsdon'tlikebeingcheated.Especially beingcheatedtwice.'Heclimbedtohisfeetandstretchedthekinksfromhis back.HemetWhiskeyjack'sgaze.'Idon'tunderstandthis,Sergeant.I'm stumped.' 'Doweabandonher?'Whiskeyjackasked. QuickBennodded.'Mightaswell.'Hepaused,thensteppedforward.'We wereallwishingwewerewrongabouther,'hesaid,'butwhatSorrydidhad nothingtodowithbeinghuman.And,asfarasI'mconcerned,I'mgladof that.' 'I'dhatetothink,'Kalamsaid,fromthebed,'thatevilwasreal,thatit existedwithafaceasplainasthenextman's.Iknow,Whiskeyjack,you'vegot yourreasonsforwantingitthatway.' QuickBenmovedclosertothesergeant,hisgazesoftening.'Keepsyou saneeverytimeyouordersomebodytodie,'hesaid.'Weallknowaboutthat, Sergeant.Andwe'dbethelasttosuggestthere'ssomeotherwaythatmaybe youhaven'tthoughtofyet.' 'Well,I'mgladtohearit,'Whiskeyjackgrowled.Hesurveyedeveryonein theroom,seeingthatMalletwasawakeandwatchinghim. 'Anybodyelsegotsomethingtosay?' 'Ihave,'Fiddlersaid,thenduckedatthesergeant'sglower.'Well,youasked, didn'tyou?' 'Outwithit,then.' Fiddlerstraightenedinhischairandclearedhisthroat.Hedgepokedhim intheribsashewasabouttobegin.Afteramenacingscowl,hetriedagain. 'It'slikethis,Sergeant.We'veseenahellofalotofourfriendsdie,right?And maybewedidn'thavetogivetheorders,somaybeyouthinkit'seasierforus. ButIdon'tthinkso.Yousee,tousthosepeoplewereliving,breathing.They werefriends.Whentheydie,ithurts.Butyougoaroundtellingyourselfthat theonlywaytokeepfromgoingmadistotakeallthatawayfromthem,so youdon'thavetothinkaboutit,soyoudon'thavetofeelanythingwhenthey die.But,damn,whenyoutakeawayeverybodyelse'shumanity,youtake

awayyourown.Andthat'lldriveyoumadassureasanything.It'sthathurt wefeelthatmakesuskeepgoing,Sergeant.Andmaybewe'renotgetting anywhere,butatleastwe'renotrunningawayfromanything.' Therewassilenceintheroom.ThenHedgepunchedFiddlerinthearm.'I'll bedamned!Yougotabraininthere,afterall.IguessIbeenwrongaboutyou alltheseyears.' 'Yeah,right,'Fiddlersaid,rollinghiseyesatMallet,'andwhoisitwho's burnedhishairoffsomanytimeshe'sgottawearsomeuglyleathercapall thetime,hey?' Malletlaughed,butthetensionremainedandeveryone'sgazeswungback tofixontheirsergeant.Slowly,Whiskeyjackstudiedeachmaninhissquad. Hesawthecaringintheireyes,theopenoffertothefriendshiphe'dspent yearssuppressing.Allthattimepushingthemaway,pushingeveryoneaway, andthestubbornbastardsjustkeptoncomingback. SoSorryhadn'tbeenhuman.Hisconvictionthatallshe'ddonewaswithin thepossibilitiesofhumanitynowseemedtorestonuncertainground.Butit didnotcollapse.He'dseentoomuchinhislife.There'dbenosuddenfaithin hisviewofhumanhistory,noburgeoningoptimismtochaseawayallthe demonicmemoriesofthehellshe'dlivedthrough. NilStill,therecameatimewhensomedenialslosttheirfunction,whenthe world'srelentlessbatteringathimmadehisfoolishnessobviousevento himself.Hewas,finally,andafteralltheseyears,amongfriends.Thatwasa hardadmissionandherealizedhewasalreadyimpatientwithit. 'Allright,'hegrowled,'enoughwiththeflappinglips.We'vegotworktodo. Corporal?' 'Sergeant?'Kalamreplied. 'Getyourselfready.You'vegotthedaylighthourstoreestablishcontact withtheAssassins'Guild.Meanwhile,Iwanteveryoneelsetolayouttheir weaponsandgivethemagoodcleaning.Repairstoarmour. There'llbeaninspection,andifIfindasingledamnthingIdon'tlike, there'llbehellcomingdown.Understood?' 'Wehearya,'Malletsaid,grinning. edIedie,ilktregoto$e~ensaain~e'dismkDespitetheirslowpace, Coll'swoundhadopenedhalfadozentimessincethey'dbegunthejourney. He'dfoundawayofsittinginhissaddle,leaningtoonesideandtakingmost oftheweightonhisuninjuredleg,andsincethismorningthewoundhadyet toreopen.Theawkwardpositionbroughtpainsandcrampstotherestof him,however. Paranknewafoulmoodwhenhesawone.Thoughitwascleartobothof themthatabondhadformedbetweenthem,comfortableandunfetteredby pretences,they'dexchangedbutscantwordsastheravagesofColl'swound continuedtotakeitstoll. Coll'sentireleftleg,fromthehipwheretheswordhaddoneitsdamage downtothefoot,wasauniformsundarkenedbrowncolour. Clotsofdryingbloodgatheredinthejointsofhisupperlegplatesandknee guard.Asthethighswelled,theywereforcedtoslicetheleatherpadding

beneaththeplate. SuccourhadbeendeniedthemattheCatlinBridgegarrison,sincethelone surgeonstationedtherehadbeensleepingoffoneofhis'badnights'. Cleanbandageshadbeendonated,though,anditwasthesealready soakedthroughthatnowcoveredthewound. TherewaslittletrafficonJammit'sWorrydespitethecity'swallsbeing withinsight.Thefloodofrefugeesfromthenorthhadsinceended,andthose whowouldgatherfortheGedderoneFestivalhadalreadydoneso. AstheyapproachedtheedgeofWorrytown,Collraisedhimselffromthe semiconsciousstatehe'dbeeninforthelastfewhours.Hisfacewasdeathly white.'IsthisWorryGate?'heaskeddully. 'Ibelieveso,'Paransaid,sincetheywereontheroadsharingthatstrange name.'Willwebepermittedtopasswithin?'heasked.'Willtheycallfora surgeon?' Collshookhishead.'Takemeonthrough.PhoenixInn.Takemetothe PhoenixInn.'Hisheadsaggedagain. 'Verywell,Coll.'He'dbesurprisediftheguardspermittedit,andhe'dneed astorytotellthem,thoughCollhadsaidnothingofhowhe'dbeenwounded. 'Ihope,'hemuttered,'there'ssomeoneinthisPhoenixInnwithahealer's touch.'Themanlookedbad.Paranfixedhisgazeonthecity'sgates.He'd alreadyseenenoughtounderstandwhytheEmpresswanteditsoavidly. 'Darujhistan.'Hesighed.'My,butyouareawonder,aren'tyou?' Rallicknudgedhimselfanotherinchupward.Hislimbstrembledwith exhaustion.Ifnotforthemorningshadowsonthissideofthebelfry,he'd havebeenspottedlongago.Asitwas,hewouldnotremainhiddenmuch longer. Takingthestairswouldhavebeensuicideinthedarkness.Ocelotwould havesetalarmsallalongthewaythemanwasnofoolatcoveringthe approachestohisposition. Ifhewasupthere,Rallickremindedhimself.Ifnot,Collwasintrouble. Therewasnotellingifhisfriendhadarrivedatthegatesyet,andthesilence fromthetopofthebelfrycouldmeananything.Hepausedtorestand glancedup.Tenfeettogo,themostcriticalonesyet.Hewassotireditwasall hecoulddosimplytoretainthehandholds.Thesilentapproachwasnow beyondhim.HisonlyadvantagelayinthatOcelot'sconcentrationwouldbe eastward,whilehenowclimbedthewestsideofthetower. Hedrewsomedeepbreaths,thenreachedforanotherhandhold. PassersbystoppedtowatchParanandCollmoveslowlythrough Worrytowntowardsthegate.Ignoringthem,andthequestionstheyasked, thecaptainfocusedhisattentiononthetwoguardsatthegateitself.They'd spottedhimandColl,andnowstoodwaiting. Reachingthegate,Paranmotionedthattheywouldpassthrough.One guardnoddedwhiletheotherwalkedalongsidethecaptain'shorse. 'Yourfriendneedsasurgeon,'hesaid.'Ifyouwaitjustinsidewecanhave onehereinfiveminutes.' Paranrefusedtheoffer.'WeneedtofindthePhoenixInn.I'mfromthe

north,neverbeenherebefore.ThemansaidthePhoenixInn,sothat'swhere I'mgoingtotakehim.' Theguardwasdubious.'Besurprisedifhe'dmakeitthatfar.Butifthat's whatyouwant,theleastwecandoisgiveyouanescort.' Astheyemergedfromthegate'sshadowtheotherguardcriedoutin surprise. ParanheldhisbreathasthemansteppedclosetoColl.'Iknowhim,'he said.'He'sColljhamin,ofHousejhamin.Iservedunderhim.''What?Ithought Colldiedafewyearsback'theotherguardsaid'Screwthewrits,'his companionsnapped.'IknowwhatIknow,Vildron.ThisisColl,allright.' 'HewantstogotothePhoenixInn,'Parantoldtheman.'That'sthe'The mannodded.'Let'sdoitright,though.'Heturnedtotheotherguard.'I'lltake thegriefifthere'sany,Vildron.Getmethewagonit'sstillhitchedupfrom thismorning,right?'TheguardsmiledupatParan'Thanksforgettinghim here.Someofusinthecitystillgoteyes,anddamnwhatthehighbrows whisper.We'llputhiminthebackofthe Paranrelaxed.'Thanks,soldier.'Helookedpasttheman,eagertoseewhat hecouldofthecitynowthatthewallwasbehindhim.Immediatelybefore themroseahumpedhill,itssidesovergrownwithweedsandgnarledtrees. Onitssummitsquattedatempleofsomekind,abandonedlongago,from whichasquaresidedtowerrose,cappedbyabronzeA,ArnnfA'shisees reachedthebelfry'sopensidedplatformhesawa.Rallickraisedhishead cautiouslyovertheplatform'sedge.Healmostgaspedaloud.Thebelfrywas empty.ThenherememberedOcelot'ssorcery.Holdinghisbreath,hestrained onelasttimewithleadenarms,drawinghimselfflatontotheplatform.As soonashemovedtogatherinhisfeet,thebarrenstoneoftheplatform shimmeredandhesawOcelotlyingbeforehim,crossbowcocked,takingaim atsomething.Rallickunsheathedhisknivesandmovedallatonce.Buthisex. Ocelotspunontohisback,weaponswingingtofixonRallick.TheClan Leader'sfacetwistedintoamaskofrageandfear.Hewastednotimewith wordsandimmediatelyreleasedthequarrelsetinhiscross.Rallicktensed fortheimpactthathewascertainwouldthrowhimacrosstheplatformand possiblyovertheedge.Aflashofredbeforehischestblindedhim momentarily,butnoimpactcame.Blinking,Rallicklookeddown.Thequarrel hadvanished.Thetruthcametohiminaninstant.Thequarrelhadbeen magic,createdbysorcerytoflyunimpededbutBaruk'srustypowderhad worked.EvenasthisthoughtburstOcelotsworeanddroppedthecrossbow. Ashereachedforhisknife,Rallicklandedonhim.Aloudgruntsoundedfrom theClanLeader,hiseyessqueezingshutinpain. 1&akywv,axww&t"Xaggm~nV,.%figWhariaagainstOcelot'schest.The weaponscrapedacrossmailbeneaththeclothshirt.Damn,themanhad learnedsomethingfromthatothernightandthiswasRallick'sown precaution,cometodefyhimnow.Thebladeinhislefthandheangled upward,underOcelot'srightarm.Theweapon'spointcutintoflesh,then continuedonintotheman'sarmpit. Rallicksaw,inchesfromhisface,thedagger'stipemergefromthecloth

coveringOcelot'srightshoulder,followedbyabloomofblood.Hehearda knifeskitteracrosstheflagstones. Teethbared,OcelotsnappedhislefthanduptothebackofRallick'sneck, findinghisbraid.Hegaveitasavageyank,twistingRallick'sheadaround. ThenhetriedtosinkhisteethintoRallick'sneck. OcelotgaspedasRallickjammedakneeintohiscrotch.Hetightenedhis holdonthebraidagain,thistimenearitsknottedend. Rallickheardthesnickofmetalandattempteddesperatelytorolltohis right.WoundedasOcelot'srightarmwas,itstruckhisbodywithenough forcetodrivethewedgedwristbladethroughthechainlinksandintohis chest.Adullfireblossomedfromthewound.Ocelotjerkedthebladefreeand, stillholdingRallick'sbraid,drewbackforanotherstab. Rallickbroughtuphisrightarmand,inasinglesweepingmotion,sliced throughhisbraid.Freed,hepushedhimselfontothatside,withdrawingthe knifeinhislefthandashedidso.Ocelotslashedwildlyathisface,missingby inches. Withalltheremainingstrengthinhisleftarm,Rallickslammedhisknife intoOcelot'sstomach.Linkssnappedandthebladesanktoitshilt. TheClanLeader'sbodydoubledup,curlingaroundtheembeddedweapon. Gasping,Rallicklurchedforwardandhammeredtheotherdaggerinto Ocelot'sforehead. Rallicklayunmovingforatime,wonderingattheabsenceofpain. TheplanwouldfalltoMurillionow.Collwouldbeavenged.Murilliocould handleithehadnochoice. Ocelot'sbodyseemedtogrowheavieronhimdespitethebloodingfromit. 'I'dalwaysbelievedIwasthisman'smatch,'hemuttered.Hepushedhimself fromthestilltwitchingbodyandrolledontohisbackinthecentreofthe platform.He'dhopedtoseesky,tolookonelasttimeonitsbright,depthless blue.Instead,hefoundhimselflookingattheundersideofthebelfry'sroof, itsancientstonearchcrowdedwithnestingbats.Thisdetailfixeditselfinhis headashefeltthebloodstreamfromhischest.Hethoughthecouldsee beadyeyesglitteringdownathim. Afterseeingnoothersignofmovementonthebelfry,Paran'sgazeswung totheavenueonhisleft.Vildronapproached,seatedonawagondrawnby twohorses.TheguardwaitingbesideColl'shorsesaid,'Givemeahandhere, willyou?Let'sgettheoldmandown.' Parandismountedandhurriedtohelphim.HeglancedatColl'sface. Thoughstillhunchedonthesaddle,hewasunconscious.Howmuchlonger couldhelast?Ifthatwasme,Paranrealized,I'dbedeadbynow. 'Afterallthis,'hegrowledastheydraggedCollfromthesaddle,'you'd damnwellbetterlive.' Groaning,Serratrolledontoherback.Thesunbeatdownhotagainsther eyelidsasthescatteredfragmentsofhermemorygathered.TheTisteAnd hadbeenabouttomakehermoveonthewomaninthealleybelow.Withthat onedead,theCoinBearer'sprotectorswouldnumberbutone.Andwhen theyleftthetenementblockundercoverofdarkness,they'dwalkrightinto

thetrapshe'dset. Theassassinmageopenedhereyestoamidmorningsunoverhead. Herdaggers,whichshe'dheldinherhandsasshecrouchedatthe rooftop'sedge,nowlayonthepebbledsurfacebesideher,neatlyplacedside byside.Athick,dullachethrobbedinthebackofherskull.Sheprobedthe wound,wincing,thensatup. Theworldspun,thensettled.Serratwasbewilderedandangry.She'dbeen blindsided,andwhoeverhaddoneitwasgood,goodenoughtosneakupon aTisteAndassassinmage.Andthatwasworrying,sincethey'dyettomeet suchamatchinDarujhistan,withtheexceptionofthosetwoClawonthe nightoftheambush.ButifithadbeentheClaw,she'dbedeadnow. Instead,thearrangementslookedtohavebeendesignedmorewith embarrassmentinmindthananythingelse.Leavingherhereinbroad daylight,weaponsbesideher,hintedofasubtleandcunningsenseof humour.Oponn?Possibly,thoughgodsrarelyactedsodirectly,preferring unwittingagentsculledfromamongthemortalmasses. Onecertaintyrosefromthemystery,however,andthatwasthatshe'dlost heropportunitytokilltheCoinBeareratleast,foranotherday. Nexttime,shevowed,assheclimbedtoherfeetandaccessedherKurald GalainWarren,hersecretfoeswouldfindherreadyforthem. Theairaroundhershimmeredwithsorcery.Whenitsettled,Serratwas gone. Motesofdustdriftedthroughthedead,hotairofthePhoenixInn'sattic. Theslantingceilingrosefromfivefeetalongtheeastwalltosevenfeet alongthewestwall.Sunlightstreamedinfromwindowsateachendofthe longandnarrowroom. BothCrokusandApsalarslept,thoughatoppositeendsoftheroom. Sittingon,acratebesidethetrapdoor,Meesecleanedhernailswitha sliverofwood.LeavingMallet'stenementandmakingtheirwayacrossthe rooftopstothishidingplacehadprovedaneasytask.Tooeasy,infact.Irilta reportedthatnooneonthestreetshadfollowedthem.Andtherooftops themselveshadbeenemptyoflife.Itwasasifapathfreeofobstructionhad beenmadeforthem. MoreoftheEel'sbrillianceatwork?Meesegruntedsoftly.Maybe. MorelikelyMeesewasputtingtoomuchweightontheinstinctiveunease thattravelledlikeanelusiveitchalongherspine.Evennowshefelthidden eyesuponthem,andthat,shetoldherself,glaringaroundthemustyattic, wasimpossible. Therecameasoftknockatthetrapdoor.ThedoorswungupandIrilta appeared.'Meese?'shewhisperedloudly. 'Breathingdownyourneck,'Meeserumbled,tossingthewoodsliveronto theoilyfloor.'TellScurvethisplaceisafirewaitingtohappen.' Iriltagruntedasshepulledherselfintotheroom.Sheshutthetrapdoor andwipedthedustfromherhands.'Gettingstrangedownstairs,'shesaid. 'Citywagonrollsupandoffcomesaguardandsomeotherfellowcarrying Collbetweenthem.Theoldfool'sneardeadfromaswordcut.Theyputhim

inKruppe'sroomafloordown.Sulty'srunofftofindacutter,butitdon't lookgood.Notgoodatall.' Meesesquintedinthedustyair,hergazefixingonCrokuswherehestill slept.'What'stheotheronelooklike?'sheasked. Iriltagrinned.'Goodenoughforarollonthemat,I'dsay.SaidhefoundColl onJammit'sWorry,bleedingallovertheplace.Collwokeuplongenoughto tellhimtoridehere.Theguy'sdownstairsinthebarrightnow,eating enoughforthreemen.' Meesegrunted.'Foreigner?' Iriltastrodetothewindowfacingthestreet.'SpeaksDarulikehewasborn toit.Buthesaidhe'dcomedownfromthenorth.Pale,Genabarisbeforethat. He'sgotthesoldierabouthim,I'dsay.' 'AnywordfromtheEelyet?' 'Wekeeptheladherefornow.' 'Andthegirl?' 'Thesame.' Meesesighedloudly.'Crokusain'tgonnalikebeingcoopeduphere.' IriltaglaredoveratCrokus'ssleepingform.Wastheladtrulyasleep? 'Nochoice.Gotwordthatthere'sacoupleofguardsmenwaitingat Mammot'splacetoolate,ofcourse,butthey'vegotdamnclose.'Irilta rubbeddustfromthewindowandleanedforward.'SometimesIswearIsee someone,ormaybesomething.ThenIblinkandit'sgone.' 'Knowwhatyoumean.'Bonescreaking,Meesepushedherselftoherfeet.'I thinkeventheEel'sbeginningtosweat.'Shechuckled.'Life'sheatingup, friend.Rollingtimesahead.' Iriltanoddedgrimly.'Rollon,rollon.' CaptainParanrefilledhistankardforthethirdtime.Wasthiswhatthat TisteAndhadmeantabouthisluckturning?Sincecomingtothislandhe'd foundthreefriendssomethingwhollyunexpectedandnewtohim,precious, infact.ButtheTattersailheknewwasdead,andinherplaceachild.Toc wasdead.AndnowitlookedlikeCollwouldjointhatlist. Heranafingerthroughapoolofspilledbeeronthetable,creatingariver leadingtoacrackbetweentwoplanks,thenwatchedasthebeerdrained downandoutofsight.Hefeltaspreadingwetnessonhisrightshinbut ignoreditashiseyesfocusedonthecrack.Thewoodhadbeenbolteddown, joiningthethickplankstoanequallyrobustframeoflegs. WhathadRakesaid?Paranroseandunclippedhisswordbelt.Helaiditon thetable,thenwithdrewChance. Thefewregularsinthebarfellsilentandturnedtowatchhim.Behindthe counter,Scurvereachedforhisclub. Thecaptainnoticednoneofthis.Withtheswordinhisrighthand,heset thepointintothecrackandbroughttheweaponvertical.Workingitback andforth,hemanagedtodriveitclosetohalfitslengthbetweentheplanks. Thenhesatdownagainandreachedforhisbeer. Everyonerelaxed,andspokeamongthemselvesinsharedconfusion. Paranswallowedamouthfulofbeer,frowningatChance.WhathadRake

said?Whenyourluckturns,breakthesword.Orgiveittoyourworstenemy. HedoubtedOponnwouldacceptit,however.Andthatmeantbreakingit.The swordhadbeenwithhimforalongtime.He'duseditinbattleonlyonce,and thathadbeenagainsttheHound. Faintly,heheardthewordsofoneofhischildhoodtutors.Theman'slined faceroseintohisthoughtstoaccompanythevoice.'Thosewhomthegods choose,'tissaid,theyfirstseparatefromothermortalsbytreachery,by strippingfromyouyourspirit'slifeblood.Thegodswilltakeallyourloved ones,onebyone,totheirdeath.And,asyouharden,asyoubecomewhat theyseek,thegodssmileandnod.Eachcompanyyoushunbringsyoucloser tothem.'Tistheshapingofatool,son,theprodandpull,andthefinal succourtheyofferyouistoendyourlonelinesstheveryisolationthey helpedyoucreate.Nevergetnoticed,boy.' Hadtheshapingbegun?Paranscowled.Washeresponsiblefortaking Coll'slife?Themerebrushoffriendshipbetweenthemenoughtosealthe man'sdoom?'Oponn,'hewhispered,'you'vealottoanswerfor,andanswer forityoushall.' Hesetdownthetankardandrose.Thenhereachedforthesword. ClimbingthestepsofthePhoenixInn,Kalampaused.Damn,thereitwas again,thisfeelingthatunseeneyeswerefixedonhim.Thesensation,bornof hisClawtraining,hadstruckhimfourtimesinquicksuccessionsincehe'd comewithinsightofthisbar.Heedingsuchwarningswaswhatkepthim alive,andyethefeltnomaliceinthatunwantedattentionrather,ithadthe feelofamusedcuriosity,asifwhoeverwatchedhimknewfullwellwhoand whathewas,yetseemedunconcerned. Heshookhimself,thenenteredthebar.Assoonashetookhisfirststep intotheheavy,stagnantatmosphere,Kalamknewthatsomethingwaswrong. Heshutthedoorbehindhim,waitedforhiseyestoadjusttothegloom.He heardbreathing,thelightscuffoffurnitureandclankoftankardscomingto restontabletops.So,therewerepeoplehere.Thenwhythesilence? Asthegreyconfinesofthebargrewdefined,hesawthatitsdenizenshad turnedtheirbackstohimandwerewatchingamanstandingbehindhistable atthefarendoftheroom.Thelanternlightreflecteddullyfromasword thrustthroughthetable,andthemanhadclosedonehandarounditsgrip. Heseemedoblivioustoeveryoneelseinthebar. Kalamtookahalfdozensteps,comingtothenearendofthecounter. Hisdarkeyesremainedonthemanwiththesword,andafrowndeepened thelinesonhisbroad,flatforehead.Theassassinstopped.Wasitatrickof thisdamnlight?hewondered.'No,'hesaid,startlingtheinnkeeperbehind thecounter,'itisn't.'Hepushedhimselfbackfromthecounter,ranhiseyes overtheothersinthechamberalllocals.He'dhavetotaketherisk. AbandoftensiontightenedaroundKalam'sneckandshouldersashe strodedirectlyfortheman,wholookedtobebutmomentsawayfrom snappinghissword'sblade.Theassassinpluckedanemptychairfromatable inhispathandslammeditdownonehandedoppositetheman. StartledeyesfixedonKalam.

'Yourgodgivenluck'sholding,Captain,'theassassinrumbled,inlow,close tones.'Sitdown.' Hisexpressionconfusedandfrightened,Paranreleasedhisgriponthe weaponandsankbackintohisseat. Kalamfollowedsuitandleanedforwardoverthetable.'What'sallthis dramaanyway?'heasked,inawhisper. Thecaptainfrowned.'Whoareyou?' Behindthemconversationsresumed,loudwithrattlednerve'Ain'tyou guessed?'Kalamwaggedhishead.'CorporalKalam,NinthSquad, Bridgeburners.ThelasttimeIsawyou,youwasrecoveringfrom' Paran'shandsshotoutandgrippedKalam'sshirt.Theassassinwastoo surprisedtoreactandthecantain'swordsconfusedhimallthemore.'Isyour squad'shealerstillalive,Corporal?' 'What?Alive?Yeah,sure,whynot?What's?' 'Shutup,'Paransnapped.'Justlisten,soldier.Bringhimhere.Now!No questions.I'mgivingyouadirectorder,Corporal.'Hereleased Kalamalmostsaluted,butcaughthimselfintime.'Asyoucommand,' Paranglaredatthecorporal'sbackuntilthemandisappearedthroughthe frontdoor.Thenhesurgedtohisfeet.'Innkeeper!'hecalled,steppingaround thetable.'Theblackmanwillbeshowingupinafewminuteswithcompany. SendthemuptoColl'sroomonthedouble.Understood?'Paranstrodetothe stairs.Ashereachedthemheglancedbackatthesword'Andnobodytouch thatsword,'heordered,swingingaglareacrosseveryoneintheroom. Nobodyseemedinclinedtochallengehim. Withasharp,satisfiednod,thecaptainascendedthestairs. Onthefirstfloor,hestrodedownthehallwaytothelastroomontheright. HeenteredwithoutknockingtofindSultyandalocalsurgeonsittingatthe room'slonetableColl'sblanketcoveredformaun.Thesurgeonrose.'It'sno good,'hesaid,inathin,reedyvoice.'The'Aye,'thesurgeonreplied.'Butit won'tbeformuchlonger.Ifthewoundhadbeenfurtherdownonhisleg,I mighthavebeenabletocutitoff.Eventhen,I'mafraidthepoison'sspread throughallofhim.I'mwhatdoIoweyoufortheservices,'thecaptainasked, remembering. ThesurgeonfrownedoveratSulty.'Why,nothing,sir.Ifailed.'Heleft. Sultyjoinedthecaptainatthebedside.Shewipedherfaceasshelooked downonColl,butsaidnothing.Afewminuteslatershe,too,lefttheroom, unabletoremainanylonger. Paranfoundastoolandpulleditovertothebed.Hesatandleanedhis forearmsonhisknees.Hewasnotsurehowlonghesatthere,staringdown atthestrawlitteredfloor,butthedoorslammingopenbehindhimbrought himtohisfeet. Abeardedmanstoodinthedoorway,hisslategreyeyeshardandcold. 'AreyouMallet?'Parandemanded. Themanshookhisheadandstrodeinside.BehindhimappearedKalam andanotherman.Thelatter'sgazefoundColl,andhewalkedquicklytothe bed.

'I'mSergeantWhiskeyjack,'thebeardedmansaidquietly.'Pardonmy directness,sir,butwhatthehellareyoudoinghere?' Ignoringthequestion,Paranjoinedthehealer.Malletlaidahandoverthe crustedbandages.Heglaredupatthecaptain.'Can'tyousmelltherot?He's gone.'Malletfrownedandleanedforward.'No,waitDamn,Idon'tbelieve it.'Thehealertookaspoonshapedbladefromhispouchandremovedthe bandages.Thenhebegantodigintothewoundwiththeblade.'Shedenul's Mercy,someone'sstuffedthiswithherbs!'Hedrovehisfingersintothe wound. Colljerkedandmoaned. Malletgrinned.'Hah,thatgotyougoing,didit?Good.'Heprobeddeeper. 'Thiscut'shalfwaythroughthebone,'hebreathedinamazement.'Those damnherbshavepoisonedhismarrow.Whothehelltreatedthis?'heasked, lookingaccusinglyatParan. 'Idon'tknow,'Paransaid. 'Allright,'Malletsaid,removinghishandandwipingitontheblankets. 'Moveback,everybody.Givemesomeroom.Aminutelater,Captain,andthis manwould'vebeenstridingthroughHood'sGate.'Hepressedhishanddown onColl'schestandclosedhiseyes.'AndbegladI'masgoodasIam.' 'Now,Captain?' Paranwalkedovertothetableandmotionedforthesergeanttojoinhim. 'First,hasAdjunctLorncontactedyouyet?' Whiskeyjack'sblanklookwassufficientanswer. 'Good,I'mintime,then.'ParanglancedupatKalam,whohadstationed himselfbehindthesergeant.'You'vebeensetup.Theplanwastotakethe city,yes,butalsotomakecertainyouwereallkilledintheprocess.' Whiskeyjackheldupahand.'Amoment,sir.YouandTattersailworked thisout?' Paranclosedhiseyesbriefly.'She'sdead.ChasingHairlockoutonthe RhiviPlain.Tayschrenngottoher.Itwasalsoherintenttofindyouandtell youallthatI'mtellingyou.I'mafraidIwon'tbeherequalasyourallyonce theAdjunctshowsup,butatleastIcanprepareyousomewhat.' Kalamspoke.'Idon'tliketheideaofOponn'spawnsupposedlyhelpingus.' Parannodded.'IhaveitongoodauthoritythatI'mnotOponn's.That sworddownstairsis,though.Yoursquadwizardshouldbeabletoconfirm this.' 'TheAdjunct'splan,'Whiskeyjackremindedhim,thefingersofonehand tappingslowlyonthetabletop. 'She'llhavenotroublefindingyou.Shehasatalentinthatarea.ButIfear she'snotthemajorthreat.There'saT'lanImasswithher.Maybehermission issimplytoleadhimtoyou,thenhe'llhandletherest.' Kalamcursedandbeganpacingbehindthesergeant'schair. Whiskeyjackreachedadecision.'Thesatchel,Corporal.' Theassassinfrowned,thenpickedupthesergeant'sstandardissuesupply satchelleftbesidethedoor.Hereturnedandsetitdownonthetabletop. Whiskeyjackreleasedthestrapsandpulledoutanobjectwrappedin

burgundysilk.Heremovedthecloth,revealingtwinyellowedbonesofa humanforearm.Theelbowend'sballjointswereboundtogetherwith verdigrisedcopperwire;thewristendswerewrappedaswell,butasa misshapenknifegrip,beyondwhichjuttedaserratedblade. 'Whatisit?'thecaptainasked.'I'veneverseenitslikebefore.' 'Besurprisedifyouhad,'Whiskeyjacksaid.'Backinthedaysofthe Emperor,theinnerringofmilitarycommanderseachpossessedoneofthese, thebootyofalootedK'ChainChe'Malletomb.'Hegraspedtheboneswith bothhands.'Itwasthesourceofmuchofoursuccess,Captain.'Heroseand drovethepointintothetable. Aflashofwhitelighteruptedfromthebones,thencontractedtoaswirl spinningthreadlikebetweenthem.Paranheardavoiceheknew. 'Iwasgettingworried,Whiskeyjack,'HighFistDujekgrowled. 'Unavoidable,'thesergeantreplied,frowningatParan.'We'vehadlittleto reportuntilnow.ButIneedtoknowthesituationinPale,HighFist.' "Youwantanupdatebeforeyouspillthebadnews,eh?Fairenough,'Dujek said.'Tayschrenn'sstumblingincircles.HewaslasthappywhenBellurdan waskilledalongwithTattersail.TwomoreoftheOldGuardgoneinonefell swoop.Sincethen,allhe'sgotisquestions.WhatgameisOponnplaying? WastheretrulyaclashbetweentheKnightofDarknessandShadowthrone? Didasoulshiftedpuppetkidnap,torturethenmurderaClawofficerin Nathilogandwhattruthswererevealedbythepoorman?' 'WewerenotawarethatHairlockhaddonethat,HighFist.' 'Ibelieveyou,Whiskeyjack.Inanycase,enoughoftheEmpress'splans havebeendiscoveredand,indeed,sheseemsconvincedthatthedismantling ofmyarmywillpullmebackunderherwing,intimetosaddlemewiththe commandoftheSevenCities'garrisonsandputabloodystoptotherebellion that'sbrewing.Sheseriouslymiscalculatedthereifonlyshe'dpaid attentiontoToctheYounger'sreports.WellLaseen'sintentionsnowseem toberidingonAdjunctLornandOnosT'oolan.They'vereachedtheJaghut barrow,Whiskeyjack.' MalletjoinedthemandmetKalam'sstunnedgaze.Clearly,eventhey'dhad noideathattheirsergeantwassowellinformed.Suspiciondawnedinthe assassin'seyes,andParannoddedtohimself.Itwashappening,afterall. Dujekcontinued,'TheMoranthBlackarereadytomarch,butit'sonlyfor show,andtogetthemoutofthecity.So,whatarewelookingat,friend?The balanceoftheworldiswithyou,inDarujhistan.IfLornandOnosT'oolan succeedinunleashingtheTyrantonthecity,youcanbecertainthatyouand yoursquadareintendedtobeonthecasualtylist. 'Closertohome,here'swhatyouwant:we'rereadytomove.Tayschrenn himselfwilltriggereventswhenheannouncesthedisbandingofthe Bridgeburnerstheblindidiot.Now,I'mwaiting.' 'HighFist,'Whiskeyjackbegan,'CaptainParan'smadeit.He'ssittingacross frommerightnow.HisstoryisthatOponn'sworkingthroughhissword,not him.'Hemetthecaptain'seyes.'Ibelievehim.' Dujekspoke.'Captain?'

'Yes,HighFist?' 'WasTocanyhelp?' Paranwinced.'Hegavehislifeforthis,HighFist.ThepuppetHairlock ambushedus,tossedTocintoaarentorsomething.' Therewassilence,thenDujeksaid,hisvoicehoarse,'I'msorrytohearthat, Captain.Morethanyouknow.HisfatherWell,enoughofthat.Goon, Whiskeyjack.' 'NosuccessyetincontactingthelocalAssassins'Guild,HighFist.We've minedtheintersections,though.I'llbeexplainingeverythingtomymen tonight.ThequestionremainswhattodoaboutCaptainParan.,'Understood,' Dujekreplied.'CaptainParan?' 'Sir?' 'Haveyoucometoanyconclusions?'ParanglancedatWhiskeyjack.'Yes, sir.Ithinkso.' 'So?Whatchoicewillyoumake,Captain?' Heranahandthroughhishairandleanedbackinthechair.'HighFist,'he saidslowly,'TayschrennkilledTattersail.'Andfailed,butthatisasecretI willkeeptomyself.'TheAdjunct'splanincludedbetrayingherwordtome, andprobablykillingmeintheprocess.But,Iadmit,that'ssecondarytowhat Tayschrenndid.'Lookingup,hemetWhiskeyjack'ssteadygaze.'Tattersail tookcareofme,andIherafterthatHound.It'hehesitated'itmeant something,HighFist.'Hestraightened. 'So,IgatheryouintendtodefytheEmpress.Butwhatthen?Dowe challengetheEmpire'shundredlegionswithtenthousandmen?Dowe proclaimanindependentkingdomandwaitforLaseentomakeanexample ofus?Ineedmoredetails,HighFist,beforeIdecidewhetherIjoinyou. Because,sir,Iwantvengeance.' Dujekresponded,'TheEmpresslosesGenabackis,Captain.We'vegotthe supportforthat.BythetimetheMalazanMarinesarrivetoreinforcethe campaign,it'llalreadybeover.TheCrimsonGuardwon'tevenletthem disembark.ExpectNathilogtoriseupandGenabaristofollow.TheMoranth allianceisabouttoloseitspunchthoughI'mafraidIcan'tgiveyouthe detailsonthat. 'Myplans,Captain?Theymightnotmakesense,becauseIdon'thavetime toexplain.Butwe'rereadyingourselvestotakeonanewplayerinthe gamesomeonecompletelyoutsideallofthis,andthatsomeoneisdamn nasty.HeiscalledthePannionSeer,whoevennowprepareshisarmiesfora holywar.Youwantvengeance?LeaveTayschrenntoenemiesclosertohome. AsforLorn,she'sallyours,ifyoucanmanageit.Ican'tofferyouanything more,Captain.Youcansayno.Nobodywillkillyouforthat.' Paranstaredathishands.'IwanttoknowwhenHighMageTayschrenn getswhathedeserves.' 'Agreed.' 'Verywell,HighFist.Asfarasthispresentsituationisconcerned,however, I'dratherSergeantWhiskeyjackremainedincommand.' Dujekasked,agrininhisvoice,'Whiskeyjack?'

'Accepted,'thesergeantanswered.HesmiledatParan.'Welcomeaboard, Captain.' 'Enough?'Dujekasked. 'We'llspeakagainafterit'salldone,'Whiskeyjacksaid.'Untilthen,High Fist,success.' 'Success,Whiskeyjack.' Thethreadsoflightfaded.AssoonastheyweregoneKalamroundedon hissergeant.'Youoldbastard!FiddlertoldmeDujekwouldn'thearanytalk ofrevolt!Notonlythat,theHighFisttoldyoutowalkafterthismission.' Whiskeyjackshrugged,removingthestrangecontraptionfromthetable. 'Thingschange,Corporal.WhenDujekgottheAdjunct'swordonnextyear's reinforcements,itbecameobviousthatsomeonewasensuringthatthe GenabackanCampaignwouldendindisaster.Now,evenDujekwon'ttolerate that.Obviously,planswouldhavetoberevised.'HefacedParan,hiseyes hardening.'I'msorry,Captain,butLornhastolive.' 'ButtheHighFist' Whiskeyjackshookhishead.'She'sonherwayintothecity,assumingthat sheandtheImasssucceedinfreeingtheJaghut.TheTyrantwillneeda reasontocometoDarujhistan,andwecanonlyassumethat,somehow,Lorn willbethatreason.Shewillfindus,Captain.Oncethathappens,we'lldecide, what'stobedonewithher,dependingonwhatshetellsus. 'Ifyouchallengeheropenly,shewillkillyou.Ifnecessary,shewillhaveto die,butherdemisewillbesubtle.Doyouhaveproblemswithanyofthis?' Paranreleasedalongbreath.'Canyouatleastexplainwhyyouwentahead andminedthecity?' 'Inamoment,'Whiskeyjacksaid,rising.'First,'hesaid,'who'sthewounded man?' 'Notwoundedanymore,'Malletsaid,grinningatParan.'Justsleeping.' Paranalsorose.'Inthatcase,I'llalsoexplaineverything.justletmego downstairsandretrievemysword.'Atthedoorhepausedandturnedto Whiskeyjack.'Onemorething.Where'syourrecruit,Sorry?' Kalamanswered,'Missing.Weknowwhatsheis,Captain.Doyou?' 'Yes.'Butshemaynotbewhatsheoncewas,assumingShadowthrone didn'tlie.Hethoughttorelatethatpartofhisstory,thendismissedthe notion.Hecouldn'tbesure,afterall.Bettertowaitandsee. Theburialchamberprovedtobeasmall,nondescriptbeehivetomb,the lowdomeconstructedofroughlydressedstones.Thepassagewayleadingto itwasnarrowandlessthanfourfeethigh,slopingslightlydownwards.The chamber'sfloorwasofpackedearthandinitscentreroseacircularwallof stones,cappedbyasingle,massivelintelstone. Frostcrustedobjectslayonthisflatsurface. ToolswungtotheAdjunct.'TheobjectyouseekiscalledaFinnest.Within itisstoredtheJaghutTyrant'spowers.Itisperhapsbestdescribedasaself containedOmtosePhellackWarren.Hewilldiscovcritismissingoncefully awakened,andwillunerringlyhuntitdown,nslowlyapproachedLornblew onhernumbhands,thedthelintelstone.'Andwhileit'sinmypossession?'

sheasked. 'YourOtataralswordwilldeadenitsaura.Notcompletely...TheFinnest shouldnotremaininyourhandsforlong,Adjunct.' Shescannedtheobjectsscatteredonthestonesurface.TheImassjoined her.Lornpickedupascabbardedknife,thendiscardedit.InthisToolcould nothelpher.Shehadtorelyuponherownsenses,honedbythestrange, unpredictableeffectsoftheOtataral.Amirrorsetinanantlercaughthereye. Themicasurfacewaslatticedinaweboffrost,yetitseemedtoglimmerwith alightofitsown.Shereachedforit,thenhesitated.Besideit,almostlost amongthecrystallinefrost,wasasmall,roundobject.Itlayuponaflapof hide.Lornfrowned,thenpickeditup. Asitsicecoatingmelted,shesawthatitwasnotperfectlyround.She polishedtheblackenedsurfaceandstudieditclosely. 'Ibelieveitisanacorn,'Toolsaid. Lornnodded.'Andit'stheFinnest.'Hergazefelltothecappedmoundof rocks.'Whatanoddchoice.' TheImassshruggedinaclatterofbones.'TheJaghutareoddpeople.' 'Tool,theyweren'tverywarlike,werethey?Imean,beforeyourkind soughttodestroythem.' TheImasswasslowtoreply.'Eventhen,'hesaidatlast.'Thekeylayin makingthemangry,forthentheydestroyedindiscriminately,includingtheir own.' Lornshuthereyesbriefly.ShepocketedtheFinnest.'Let'sgetoutofhere.' 'Yes,Adjunct.EvennowtheJaghutTyrantstirs.' CHAPTERNINETEEN Butsomeonediedherealas.Whodrinksofthisnowandthenandstirsthe ashesofthineownpyre? MakerofPaths,youwereneversothirstyinyouth OldTempleSivynStor(b.1022) 'THISISN'TRIGHT,MEESE,'CROKUSSAID,ASHERUBBEDTHESLEEPfrom hiseyes.'Wecan'tjusthideinhereforever.' Apsalarsaid,fromthewindow,'It'salmostdark.' Meesecrouchedonceagaintocheckthetrapdoor'slock.'We'removing youagain,afterthetwelfthbell.Irilta'sdownbelow,gettingdetails.' 'Who'sgivingtheseorders?'Crokusdemanded.'HaveyoufoundUncle Mammotyet?' 'Relax,lad.'Meesestraightened.'No,weain'tfoundyouruncle.Andthe orderscomefromyourprotectors.Iwon'tansweranyquestionsaboutwho theyare,Crokus,sosaveyourbreath.' ApsalarshiftedpositionbythewindowtotakeinMeese.'Yourfriend's beenalongtime,'shesaid.'Doyouthinksomething'shappened?' Meeselookedaway.Thisgirlwassharp.Ofcourse,Meesehadknownthat thefirsttimethey'dmet,andoldCherthadfoundoutthehardway.

'Notsure,'sheadmitted.Shebenttounlockthetrapdoor.'Youbothstay put,'sheordered,glaringatCrokus.'Iain'tgoingtobehappyifyoudo somethingstupid.Understand?' 'Yes.' Theboylookedglum,hisarmscrossed.HewatchedasMeeseopenedthe trapdoorandclimbeddowntheladder. 'Closethisupafterme,'shesaid,frombelow,'andlockit.Waittohearfrom eithermeorIrilta,gotit?' 'Yes.'Crokusstrodetothesquareholeinthefloorandstareddownat Meese.'Wegotit,'hesaid,graspingthedoor.andswingingitshut.Thenhe lockedit. 'Crokus,'Apsalarasked,'whydidyoukillaguard?' Thiswastheirfirsttimealonesinceenteringthecity.Crokusglancedaway. 'Itwasanaccident.Idon'twanttotalkaboutit.'Hecrossedtheroomtothe backwindow.'Allthesepeopletryingtoprotectme,'hesaid.'Makesme uneasy.There'smoregoingonthanjustanorderformyarrest.Hood's Breath,theThieves'Guildtakescareofsuchthings,that'swhytheygetten percentofeveryjobIdo.No,noneofitmakessense,Apsalar.And,'hesaid, asheunlatchedthewindow,'I'msickofeverybodytellingmewhattodo.' Shecametohisside.'Areweleaving,then?' 'Damnright.It'salreadydusksowe'lltaketherooftops.'Hepulledandthe windowswunginward. 'Where?' Crokusgrinned.'I'vegotagreathidingplaceinmind.Nobodywillfindus, notevenmyprotectors.Oncethere,IcandowhatIwant.' Apsalar'sbrowneyessearchedhisface.'Whatdoyouwanttodo?'she askedsoftly. Helookedaway,concentratingonproppingupthewindow.'Iwanttotalk toChalliceD'Arle,'hesaid.'Facetoface.' 'Shebetrayedyou,didn'tshe?' 'Nevermindthat.Areyoustayinghere?' 'No,'shesaid,surprised.'I'mcomingwithyou,Crokus.' ThepowerofherWarrenbristledonherbody.Serratscannedthearea onemoretime,stillseeingandsensingnothing.Shewascertainshewas alone. TheTisteAndtensedasthewindowintheatticbeneathhercreaked inwardonrustyhinges.Knowingherselftobeinvisible,sheleanedforward. Thelad'sheadpoppedout.Heglancedatthealleybelow,theopposite rooftopsandthosetoeitherside,thenhelookedup.Hisgazepassedright throughSerrat,andshesmiled. Ithadn'ttakenlongtofindhimagain.Hisonlycompany,shecouldsense, wasayoungwomanwhoseaurawasharmless,astonishinglyinnocent.The othertwowomennolongeroccupiedtheattic.Excellent. Itwouldbethatmucheasier.ShesteppedbackastheCoinBearerclimbed throughthewindow. Amomentlaterhescrambledontotheslopingrooftop.

Serratdecidedthatshewouldwastenotime.EvenastheCoinBearer pushedhimselftohisfeet,shesprangforward. Herchargemetaninvisiblehand,drivingintoherchestwithbonejarring force.Itpushedherbackthroughtheair,givingafinalshovethatsenther cartwheelingbeyondtheroof'sedge.Herspellsofinvisibilityandflight remainedwithher,evenwhenshereboundedoffabrickchimney,dazedand drifting. Apsalarappearedontheroof'sedge.Crokuscrouchedbeforeher,daggers inhandandglaringallaroundhim.'What'swrong?'shewhispered, frightened. Slowly,Crokusrelaxedandturnedaruefulgrinherway.'Justnerves,'he said.'ThoughtIsawsomething,feltawind.LookedlikeWell,nevermind.' Helookedaroundagain.'There'snothinghere.Comeon,then.' 'Where'sthisnewhidingplaceofyours?'Aspalarasked,asshegainedthe rooftop. Hefacedeastandpointedtotheshadowedhillsrisingontheothersideof thewall.'Upthere,'hesaid.'Rightundertheirverynoses.' Murillioclaspedonhisswordbelt.ThelongerhewaitedforRallickto arrivethemorecertainhewasthatOcelothadkilledhisfriend.Theonly questionthatremainedwaswhetherCollstilllived.MaybeRallickhaddone enough,woundedOcelotsufficientlytopreventtheClanMasterfrom completingthecontract.Icanhope,anyway. They'dknowatthePhoenixInn,andeachminutethatpassedmadehis Spartanroomseemsmaller,morecramped.IfColllived,Murilliovowedto attemptRallick'sroleintheplan.Hecheckedhisrapier.It'dbeenyearssince hislastduel,andTurbanOrrwassaidtobethecity'sbest.Hischances lookedpoor. Hecollectedhiscapeandfastenedthecollararoundhisneck.Andwhowas thisCircleBreakerwithallthedevastatingnews?HowdidthisEeljustify involvinghimselforherselfintheirschemes?Murillio'seyesnarrowed.Was itpossible?Thatlittleroundruntofaman? Hepulledonhisdoeskingloves,mutteringunderhisbreath. Ascrapeatthedoorcaughthisattention.Aheavysighofreliefescaped him.'Rallick,youoldbastard,'hesaid,asheopenedthedoor. Foraninstanthethoughtthehallwayempty,thenhisgazefelltothefloor. Theassassinlaythere,hisclothingsoakedthroughwithblood,lookingupat himwithaweakgrin. 'SorryI'mlate,'hesaid.'Mylegskeepgivingout.' Cursing,MurilliohelpedRallickintotheroomandontothebed.He returnedtothedoor,checkedthehallway,thenshutandsetthelock. Rallickpushedhimselfuprightagainsttheheadboard.'Orroffereda contractonColl' 'Iknow,Iknow,'Murilliosaid,asheapproached.Hekneltbesidethebed. 'Let'sseetoyourwound.' 'Ineedtotakeoffmyarmourfirst,'Rallicksaid.'Ocelotstuckmeone.Then Ikilledhim.Coll'sstillaliveasfarasIknow.Whatdayisthis?'

'Thesameday,'Murilliosaid,ashehelpedhisfriendremovehismail hauberk.'We'restillonschedule,thoughfromallthisblooditlookslikeyou won'tbeduellingOrratSinital'sFte.I'llhandlethat.' 'Stupididea.'Rallickgroaned.'You'lljustgetkilledandTurbanOrrwill walkaway,stillLadySinital'sbackerandstillpowerfulenoughtoprevent Coll'sclaimtorights.' Murilliomadenoreplytothat.Hepeeledbacktheleatherpaddingto exposethewound.'What'swithallthisbloodonyou?'hedemanded. 'There'snothingherebutaweekoldscar.' 'Huh?'RallickprobedtheplacewhereOcelot'swristbladehadstabbed him.Itfeltmildlytender,itchyattheedges.'I'llbedamned,'hemuttered. 'Anyway,getmeawashcloth,soIcancleanallthisrustoff.' Murilliosatbackonhishaunches,clearlyconfused.'Whatrust?' 'Thestuffonmyface,'Rallicksaid,scowlingathisfriend. Murillioleanedclose. 'Baruk'smagicdeadeningpowder!'theassassinsnapped.'Howthehelldo youthinkImanagedtokillOcelot?' 'Yourfaceisclean,Rallick,'Murillio,said.'You'rewelcometothewashcloth. We'llgetallthatdriedbloodoffyouinanycase.' 'Givemeamirrorfirst,'Rallicksaid. MurilliofoundoneandstoodwatchingRallickstudyhisownpallid reflection,whichboreadeepfrown.Heobserveddrily,'Well,thatexpression confirmsitforme.' 'Confirmswhat?'theassassinasked,inadangeroustone. 'Thatyou'reyou,Rallick.'Murilliosquaredhisshoulders.'Restherefora while.You'velostalotofblood.I'mofftofindtheEelandtellhimathingor two.' 'YouknowwhotheEelis?' Hestrodetothedoor.'I'vegotahunch.Ifyoucanwalk,trylockingthis doorbehindme,willyou?' Kruppemoppedhisbrowwithhislimp,soddenhandkerchief.'Kruppehas utteredeverysingledetailatleastathousandtimes,MasterBaruk,'he complained.'Willthisordealneverend?Lookatyonwindow,awholedayin Kruppe'slifehaspassed!' Thealchemistsatfrowningdownathisslippers,occasionallywigglinghis toes,astheminutespassed.Itwasasifhe'dforgottenKruppe'spresencein theroom,andithadbeenthiswayforthepasthour,nomatterhowmuch Kruppetalked. 'MasterBaruk,'Kruppetriedagain,'mayyourloyalservantleave?He'snot yetrecoveredfromhishorrificjourneyintheeasternwastelands.Simplefare, ofroastmutton,potatoes,friedonionsandcarrots,musselsingarlicbutter, dates,cheese,smokedslipperminnowsandacarafeofwine,nowoccupies Kruppe'smindtotheexclusionofallelse.Suchashehasbeenreduced,his worldcontractingapacewithhisstomach' Barukspoke.'Forthepastyear,'hesaidslowly,'anagentoftheEel's, knowntomeasCircleBreaker,hasbeenprovidingmewithvitalinformation

regardingtheCityCouncil.' Kruppe'smouthshutwithanaudibleclick. 'Itlieswithinmypowers,ofcourse,toidentifythisCircleBreakeratmy leisure.Ihaveascoreofmissiveswritteninhisownhandtheparchment alonesuffices.'Baruk'seyesliftedtofixonthemantelpiece.'Iamconsidering doingso,'hesaid.'ImustspeakwiththisEel.We'vereachedacritical junctureinthelifeofDarujhistan,andImustknowtheEel'spurposes.We couldworkinclosealliance,sharingallweknow,andperhapswecansave thelifeofthiscity.Perhaps.' Kruppeclearedhisthroatandwipedhisbrowagain.Hecarefullyfolded thehandkerchiefonhislap,thenstuffeditintoasleeve.'Ifyouwishto conveysuchamessage,'hesaidquietly,'KruppecanobligeMasterBaruk.' Baruk'sgazedroppedcalmlytoKruppe.'Thankyou.Howsoonthereply?' 'Bythisevening,'Kruppesaid. 'Excellent.IadmittoresistingmyowndecisiontocompromisethisCircle Breaker.Themeansyouofferseemthebest.Youmaygonow,Kruppe.' Kruppe'sheadbobbed.Herose.'Untiltonight,then,MasterBaruk.' Collsleptwhilethemenintheroomcontinuedtheirdiscussion.Malletsaid thatthemanmightwellsleepfordays,Hood'sGatehavingbeencloseasit was. Paranfeltfrustrated.SomethingwasmissingfromWhiskeyjack's explanations.Thesaboteurshadgoneaheadwithplantingthemines,and evennowitwasWhiskeyjack'splantodetonatethem.More,theeffortsto contacttheAssassins'Guildremainedwiththepurposeofofferingacontract onDarujhistan'struerulers.Thesefactshardlycomplementedthisideaofa fullscale,continentwiderevolt.Ifanything,wouldn'tDujekbeseekinglocal alliances? Asthesergeantwenton,moreandmoreofwhatthemansaidgatheredin thecaptain'smind,andhesensedapatternemerging.Hebrokehishourlong silenceandaddressedWhiskeyjack.'YoustillintendtocrippleDarujhistan. AndIkeepthinkingaboutthat,andnowIthinkI'veworkedoutwhy.'He studiedWhiskeyjack'sblankexpression.'Whatyouseekistocrackthiscity wideopen.Chaosinthestreets,aheadlessgovernment.Everybodywho mattersshowsupandtheykilleachother. 'Whatdoesthatleave?'Paranleanedforward,hiseyeshard.'Dujek'sgot anarmytenthousandstrong,abouttobecomeoutlawsoftheEmpire. Maintainingtenthousandsoldiersisanexpensivebusiness.Housingthemis eventougher.DujekknowsPale'sdaysarenumbered.CaladanBrood'son themarchdowntheRhiviPlainrightnow.AretheMoranthabouttopullout ofthealliance?Maybemakeamoveoftheirown? 'Tayschrenn'sinPalemaybeoldOnearmcanhandlehim,maybenot. 'HowamIsofar,Sergeant?' WhiskeyjackglancedoveratKalam,thenshrugged.'Goon,'hesaidto Paran. 'Darujhistan'sfilledwithpanic.Nooneknowsanything.InmarchesDujek, rebelarmyathisheels.He'llsetthingsaright.Wealthbeyondmeasurefalls

intohislapandhe'llneedallofitifhe'stoopposewhattheEmpresssends afterhim.So,thecitygetsconqueredafterall.Fancythat.'Hesatback. 'Notbad,'Whiskeyjackadmitted,grinningatthesurpriseonthefacesof MalletandKalam.'Withonepiecemissing.Something,'heeyedParan,'that mightrelievethecaptain'ssenseofbetrayal,ifnothisoutrage.' Paran'ssmilewascold.'Surpriseme.' 'Allright,Captain.Wedon'tgiveadamniftheEmpresswantstocome afterus.Shewon'thavemuchtodoitwith,sinceSevenCitiesisdaysaway fromreclaimingitsindependence.It'scomingdown,Captain.Onallsides.So whydowemaintainourarmy?Looktothesouth.Something'sgrowingthere, souglyitmakestheImasslooklikekittens. 'WhenIsaywe'reintrouble,Idon'tmeanjustGenabackis,Imeanthe world.We'reallinforafight,Captain.Andthat'swhyweneedDarujhistan.' 'Thesouth?'Paranaskedsceptically. %n.%Ntxta,hiswordsabreathoffear,'ThePannionSeer.Sothe,qore,the rumoursaretrue,then.'TheSeer'sproclaimedaholywar.Thegenocide's purposeofbegun.' .rdlycornWhiskeyjackgottohisfeet.'Explainittotheman,'hesaidto Kalam. 'ThatGuildstillneedscontacting,ifpossible.Hoodknows,we'vemadea showofourselvesatthisbar.Mightbewhat'sneeded,though.'Helookedto Paran.'Captain,Idon'tthinkAdjunctLornshouldknowyou'realive,doyou?' 'No.' 'CanyoustayhereuntilIcallforyou?' ParanglancedatKalam,thennodded. 'Good.Mallet,let'smove.' 'We'velostatleasttwodays,'Lornpronounced,thankfulfortheday's lingeringheat.'Thesearethirstyhorses.' Toolstoodneartheshatteredbarrowmarker,watchingtheAdjunctready herhorsesforthejourneyintoDarujhistan.'Howfaresyourwound, Adjunct?'heasked. 'Mostlyhealed,'shereplied.'Otataralhasthateffectonme.' 'Mytaskisfinished,'theImasssaid.'Ifitbecomesyourdesireto accompanymeafteryouhavecompletedyourmission,Iwillbefoundhere forthenexttendays.IwishtoobservethisJaghutTyrantthoughitwillnot seeme,norwillIinterfere.Mythoughtsofsuccessarewithyou,Adjunct.' LornclimbedontoherhorseandstareddownattheImass.'Farewellin yoursearch,OnosT'oolan.' 'Thatnameispast.IamnowTool.' Shegrinned,thengatheredthereinsandkickedhermountforward,the packhorsetrailingonitslead.OncetheFinnestwasoutofherhands,she wouldfocushertalentsondiscoveringthisCoinBearer.Untilnowshehad notallowedherselftothinkaboutOponn.Shehadhadtoomanyother,more immediateconcerns,likeSorry. AstrongsenseofregretfilledheratthelossofCaptainParan.Thatman wouldhavemadehertaskmucheasier,possiblyevenenjoyable.

Thoughhe'dbeenadourman,gettinggrimmerbytheminute,shehadto admitthatshehadbeenattractedtohim.Theremighthavebeensomething there. 'Well,'shesighed,assheurgedherhorseupahillside,'dying'sneverin anybody'splans.' Tool'sestimationgavehertwodaysatthemost.ThentheJaghutwouldbe fullyawake,andfreeofthebarrow.TheFinnestwouldhavetobesecurelyin placelongbeforethen.ShelookedforwardtohermeetingwithSorry,and instinctivelybrushedahandagainsthersword'spommel.Tokillaservantof Shadow,perhapstheRopehimself.TheEmpress'spleasureatthatwouldbe immense. Sherealizedthatthedoubtsthathadplaguedher,borneonthosewingsof knowledge,nowlayquiescent.Aneffectofhertimeinthebarrow?More likelythisacorninherpocket.Orperhapsshe'dmovedunconsciously beyondthem.Whenthetimeforactioncomes,alldoubtsmustbediscarded. AnoldClawtenet.Sheknewherselfwell,andsheknewhowtocontrolall thatwaswithinher.Yearsoftraining,discipline,loyaltyandduty.Thevirtues ofasoldier. Shewasreadyforthemission,andwiththisrealizationtheweightonher shouldersvanished.Sheurgedhermountintoagallop. Crokuscranedhisheadandsquintedintothedarknessabove.'Righttothe top,'hesaid.'Wecanseethewholecityfromthere.' Apsalareyedthestairsdubiously.'It'sawfullydark,'shesaid.'Areyousure thistowerisabandoned?Imean,myfathertoldmestoriesaboutghosts, undeadmonsters,andtheyalwayslivedinruinedplaces.'Shelookedaround withwideeyes.'Placesjustlikethisone.' Crokusgroaned.'ThegodK'rul'sbeendeadforthousandsofyears,'hesaid. 'Besides,nooneevercomeshere,sowhatwouldallthosemonstersdowith allthatsparetime?Whatwouldtheyeat?Tellmethat!Stupidstories.'He walkedtothefootofthespiralstaircase.'Comeon,theview'sworthit.' ShewatchedCrokusclimbupwardandhurriedtofollowbeforehe disappearedfromsight.Whatatfirstseemedtobeimpenetrabledarkness slowlyfadedtogrey,andApsalarwassurprisedtofindherselfableto discerneventheminutestdetails.Thefirstthingsshenoticedwerethesoot stainedpaintingsonthewalltotheirleft.Eachstonepanelwasaswideasa singlestep,risinghalfadozenfeetinajaggedprocessionthatmimickedthe stairs.'Crokus,'shewhispered,'there'sastorypaintedonthiswall.' Crokussnorted.'Don'tberidiculous!Youcan'tevenseeyourhandinfront ofyourfaceinhere.' Ican't? Hecontinued,'Waittillyougetuptop.Thosecloudswesawshouldhave clearedthemoonbynow.' 'There'ssomethingwetonthesesteps,'Apsalarsaid. 'Runofffromuptop,'heexplained,exasperated. 'No,itisn't,'sheinsisted.'It'sthick,andsticky.' Crokusstoppedaboveher.'Look,willyoubequietforaminute?We're

almostthere.' Theyemergedontoaplatformbathedinthemoon'ssilverglow.Nearone ofthelowwallsCrokussawaheapofcloth.'What'sthat?'hewondered. 'Lookslikesomebody'sbeencampinguphere.' Apsalarstifledagasp.'That'sadeadman!' 'What?'Crokushissed.'Notanotherone!'Herushedtothehuddledfigure andcrouchedbesideit.'BlessedMowri,somebody'sstabbedhiminthe head.' 'There'sacrossbowoverhere.' Hegrunted.'Anassassin.Isawonejustlikethiskilledherelastweek There'sanassassinwargoingon,justlikeItoldKruppeandMurillio.' 'Lookatthemoon,'Apsalarbreathed,fromthefarsideoftheplatform. Crokusshivered.Shewasstillacoldone,attimes.'Whichone?'heasked, rising. 'Theshiningone,ofcourse.' Feelingcontrary,CrokusstudiedMoon'sSpawninstead.Afairreddish glowsuffuseditsomethinghe'dnotseenbefore.Awormoffearsquirmed inhisstomach.Thenhiseyeswidened.Fivemassivewingedshapesseemed tosweepdowntheMoon'sface,anglingnortheast.Heblinked,andthey weregone. 'Doyouseeitsoceans?'Apsalarasked. 'What?'Heturned. 'Itsoceans.Grallin'sSea.That'sthebigone.TheLordoftheDeadWaters livingthereisnamedGrallin.Hetendsvast,beautifulunderwatergardens. Grallinwillcomedowntous,oneday,toourworld.Andhe'llgatherhis chosenandtakethemtohisworld.Andwe'llliveinthegardens,warmedby thedeepfires,andourchildrenwillswimlikedolphins,andwe'llbehappy sincetherewon'tbeanymorewars,andempires,andnoswordsandshields. Oh,Crokus,it'llbewonderfulwon'tit?' Herprofilewasinsilhouette.Hestaredather.'Ofcourse,'hesaidquietly. 'Whynot?'Andthenthatquestionrepeateditselfinhisheadanentirely differentreason.Whynot? BOOKSEVENTHEFTE TheFlayingofFander,SheWolfofWinter,markstheDawnofGedderone. Thepriestessesracedownthestreets,stripsofwolffurstreamingfromtheir hands.Bannersareunfurled.Thenoisesandsmellsofthemarketriseinto themorningair.Masksaredonned,thecitizensdiscardtheyear'sworries anddanceacrossthedayintonight. TheLadyofSpringisbornanew. Itisasifthegodsthemselvespausetheirbreath FacesofDaruihistanMaskraljemre(b.1101) CHAPTERTWENTY Itissaidthatthematron'sbloodlikeicebroughtforthintothisworlda

birthingofdragonsandthisflowingriveroffatebroughtlightintodarkand darkintolight,unveilingatlastincold,coldeyesthechildrenofchaos.. 7"matha'sChildrenHeboric MURILLIOWONDEREDAGAINATRALLICK'SHEALEDWOUND.HE'D alreadyconcludedthatwhatevermagicdeadeningpowderofBaruk'sthe assassinhadusedhadbeenresponsibleforthehealing.Nevertheless,much bloodhadbeenlost,andRallickwouldneedtimetorecovertimethey didn'thave.WastheassassincapableofkillingOrrnow? Inanswertohisownquestion,Murilliolaidahandontherapierathisside. Hestrodedowntheemptystreet,cleavingthelowlyingmiststhatswirled likeincandescentcloaksinthegaslight.Dawnwasstilltwohoursaway.As wastheDarucustom,thenewyear'scelebrationswouldbeginwithsunrise, lastingthroughthedayandwellintothenight. Hewalkedthroughasilentcity,asifhewerethelastofthelivingyetto fleethepastyear'sturmoil,andnowsharedtheworldwithghoststolled amongtheyear'sdead.TheFiveTuskshadslippedbehindintheancient cycle,andtakingitsplacewastheYearoftheMoon'sTears. Murilliomusedonsuchobscure,arcanetitles.Amassivestonediscin MajestyHallmarkedtheCycleoftheAge,namingeachyearinaccordance withitsmysteriousmovingmechanisms. Asachild,he'dthoughtthewheelmagicalinhowitspunslowlyastheyear rolledby,comingintothenewyearalignedpreciselywiththedawnwhether therewascloudintheskyornot.Mammothadsinceexplainedtohimthat thewheelwasinfactamachine.IthadbeenagifttoDarujhistanovera thousandyearsago,byamannamedIcarium.ItwasMammot'sbeliefthat IcariumhadJaghutblood.Byallaccountshe'driddenaJaghuthorse,anda Trellstrodeathissideclearevidence,Mammotasserted,toaddtothe wonderofthewheelitself,fortheJaghutwereknowntohavebeenskilledat suchcreations. Murilliowonderedatthesignificanceofthenameseachyearbore. ThecloseassociationoftheFiveTuskswithMoon'sTearsheldprophecy, accordingtotheSeers.TheBoarTennerock'stuskswerenamedHate,Love, Laughter,WarandTears.WhichTuskwouldprovedominantintheyear? Thenewyear'snameprovidedtheanswer.Murillioshrugged. Heviewedsuchastrologywithascepticaleye.Howcouldamanofa thousandyearsagoJaghutorotherwisehavepredictedsuchthings? Still,headmittedtomorethanafewqualms.ThearrivalofMoon'sSpawn threwthenewyear'stitleintoadifferentlight,andheknewthatthelocal scholarsparticularlythosewhomovedinthenoblecircleshadbecomean agitatedandshorttemperedlot.Quiteunliketheirusualpatronizingselves. MurillioturnedacorneronhisapproachtothePhoenixInn,andcollided withashort,fatmaninaredcoat.Bothgrunted,andthreelargeboxesthat themanhadbeencarryingfellbetweenthem,spillingouttheircontents. 'Aye,why,Murillio!SuchfortuneasKruppeisknownfor!Thusdoesyour searchend,hereinthisdank,darkstreetwhereeventheratsshunthe

shadow.What?Issomethingthematter,friendMurillio?' Hestareddownattheobjectsonthecobblesathisfeet.Slowly,Murillio, asked,'Whatarethesefor,Kruppe?' Kruppesteppedforwardandfrowneddownatthethreeexpertlycarved masks.'Gifts,friendMurillio,ofcourse.ForyouandRallickNom.Afterall,'he lookedupwithabeatificsmile,'theLadySinital'sftedemandsthefinestin workmanship,thesubtlestofdesignperfectlymatedwithironicintent.Don't youthinkKruppe'stasteissufficientlyexpensive?Doyoufear embarrassment?' 'You'llnotdistractmethistime,'Murilliogrowled.'Firstofall,there 'Indeed!'Kruppereplied,bendingdowntopickoneup.Hebrushed spattersofmudfromthepaintedface.'ThisisKruppe'sown.Wellchosen, Kruppepronounceswithcertainaplomb.' Murillio'seyeshardened.'You'renotcoming,Kruppe.' 'Well,ofcourseKruppewillattend!DoyouthinkLadySinitalwouldever showherselfifherlongtimeacquaintance,KruppetheFirst,wasnotin attendance?Why,she'dwitherwithshame!' 'Dammit,you'veneverevenmetSinital!' 'NotrelevanttoKruppe'sargument,friendMurillio.Kruppehasbeen acquaintedwithSinital'sexistenceformanyyears.Suchassociationismade better,nay,pristine,forthefactthatshehasnotmetKruppe,norKruppeher. And,infinalargumentdesignedtoendalldiscussion,here,'hepulledfrom hissleeveaparchmentscrolltiedinbluesilkribbon,'Kruppe'sinvitation, signedbytheLadyherself.'MurilliomadeagrabforitbutKruppereplacedit deftlyinhissleeve. 'Rallickwillkillyou,'Murilliosaidlevelly. 'Nonsense.'Kruppeplacedthemaskoverhisface.'Howwilltheladever recognizeKruppe?' Murilliostudiedtheman'sroundbody,thefadedredwaistcoat,gathered cuffs,andtheshortoilycurlsatophishead.'Nevermind.'Hesighed. 'Excellent,'Kruppesaid.'Now,pleaseacceptthesetwomasks,giftsfrom yourfriendKruppe.Atripissaved,andBarukneednotwaitanylongerfora secretmessagethatmustnotbementioned.'Hereplacedhismaskinitsbox, thenspunroundtostudytheeasternskyline.'Offtoyonalchemist'sabode, then.Goodevening,friend' 'Waitaminute,'Murilliosaid,graspingKruppe'sarmandturninghim round.'HaveyouseenColl?' 'Why,ofcourse.Themansleepsadeep,recoveringsleepfromhisordeals. 'Twashealedmagically,Sultysaid.Bysomestranger,yet.Collhimselfwas broughtinbyyetasecondstranger,whofoundathirdstranger,whointurn broughtafifthstrangerinthecompanyofthestrangerwhohealedColl.And soitgoes,friendMurillio.Strangedoings,indeed.Now,Kruppemustbeoff. Goodbye,friend' 'Notyet,'Murilliosnarled.Heglancedaround.Thestreetwasstillempty. Heleanedclose.'I'veworkedsomethingsout,Kruppe.CircleBreaker contactingmeputeverythingintoorderinmymind.Iknowwhoyouare.'

'AaahhKruppecried,withdrawing.'I'llnotdenyit,then!It'strue,Murillio, KruppeisLadySinital,connivinglydisguised.' 'Notthistime!Nodistractions.You'retheEel,Kruppe.Allthisblubbering, sweatymeekmousestuffisjustanact,isn'tit?You'vegothalfthiscityin yourpocket,Eel.' Eyeswide,Kruppesnatchedthehandkerchieffromhissleeveandmopped hisbrow.Hewrungsweatfromit,dropletsspatteringonthecobbles,thena veritabletorrentsplashedontothestones. Murilliobarkedalaugh.'Nomoremagicalcantrips,Kruppe.I'veknown youalongtime,remember?I'veseenyoucastspells.You'vegoteverybody fooled,butnotme.I'mnottelling,though.Youdon'thavetoworryabout that.'Hesmiled.'Thenagain,ifyoudon'tcomeoutwithithereandnow,I mightgetannoyed.' Sighing,Kruppereturnedthehandkerchieftohissleeve.'Annoyanceis uncalledfor,'hesaid,wavingahandandflutteringhisfingers. Murillioblinked,suddenlydizzy.Herubbedhisforeheadandfrowned. Whathadtheyjustbeentalkingabout?Itcouldn'thavebeenimportant. 'Thanksforthemasks,friend.They'llcomeinhandy,I'msure.'Hisfrown deepened.Whataconfusingthingtosay!Hewasn'tevenangrythatKruppe hadfiguredthingsout;northatthefatlittlemanwouldattendtheFte.How odd!'GoodthatColl'sallright,isn'tit?Well,'hemumbled,'I'dbetterhead backtocheckonRallick.' Smiling,Kruppenodded.'UntiltheFte,then,fareyouwell,Murillio, Kruppe'sfinestanddearestfriend.' 'Goodnight,'Murillioreplied,turningtoretracehissteps.Helackedsleep. Alltheselatenightsweretakingtheirtoll.Thatwastheproblem. 'Ofcourse,'hemuttered,thenbegantowalk. Hisfeaturesdarkening,BarukstudiedtheTisteAndlounginginthechair acrossfromhim.'Idon'tthinkit'saverygoodidea,Rake.' TheLordraisedaneyebrow.'AsIunderstandsuchthings,theevent includesthewearingofdisguises,'hesaid,withaslightsmile.'DoyoufearI lacktaste?' 'I'venodoubtyourattirewillbesuitable,'Baruksnapped.'Particularlyif youchoosethecostumeofaTisteAndwarlord.It'stheCouncilthatworries me.They'renotallfools.' 'Iwouldbesurprisediftheywere,'Rakesaid.'Indeed,Iwouldhaveyou pointoutthecunningones.Idon'timagineyouwillrefutemysuspicionthat therearethosewithintheCouncilseekingtopavethewayfortheEmpress foraprice,ofcourse.Powercomestomind.Noblesdelvinginmerchant tradesnodoubtdroolattheprospectofEmpiretrade.AmIfaroffthemark, Baruk?' 'No,'thealchemistadmittedsourly.'Butwehavethatundercontrol.' 'Ah,yes,'Rakesaid.'Thisbringstomindmyotherreasonforwishingto attendthisLadySinital'sFte.Asyousaid,thecity'spowerwillbethere.I assumethisincludessuchmagesasareinyourT'orrudCabal?' 'Somewillattend,'Barukconceded.'ButImusttellyou,AnomanderRake,

yourd6bicleswiththeAssassins'Guildhasmadeagoodnumberofthemrue ouralliance.They'llnotappreciateyourpresenceintheleast.' Rake'ssmilereturned.'Totheextentthattheywillrevealtheircommunity tocunningCouncilmembers?Ithinknot.'Heroseinafluidmotion.'No,I wouldliketoattendthisFte.Myownpeopleholdlittletosuchsocialaffairs. TherearetimeswhenIgrowwearyoftheirdourpreoccupations.' Baruk'sgazefocusedontheTisteAnd.'Yoususpectaconvergence,don't you?Afellgatheringofpowers,likeironfilingstoalodestone.' 'Withsomuchpowergatheredinoneplace,'Rakeadmitted,'it'slikely.I'd ratherbeonhandinsuchcircumstances.'HiseyesheldBaruk's,theircolour flowingfromdungreentoamber.'Also,ifthiseventisaspubliclyknownas yousuggest,thentheEmpire'sagentswithinthecitywillknowofit.Should theywishtocutoutDarujhistan'sheart,they'llhavenobetteropportunity.' Barukbarelyrepressedashiver.'Extraguardshavebeenhired,ofcourse. IfanEmpireClawshouldstrike,theywillfindtheirhandsfullwiththe T'orrudmagesbesides.'Hethoughtforatime,thennoddedwearily.'Very well,Rake.Sinitalwillacceptyouasmyguest.Youwillwearaneffective disguise?' 'Naturally.' Barukclimbedtohisfeetandstrodetothewindow.Beyondtheskyhad beguntopale.'Andsoitbegins,'hewhispered. Rakejoinedhim.'Whatbegins?' 'Thenewyear,'thealchemistreplied.'PastistheFiveTusks.Thedawnyou seemarksthebirthoftheYearoftheMoon'sTears.' LordAnomanderRakestiffened. Baruknoticed.'Indeed.Anunusualcoincidence,thoughIwouldputlittle weightuponit.Thetitlesweredevisedoveramillenniumago,byavisitorto theselands.' WhenRakespokehisvoicewasaravagedwhisper.'Icarium'sgifts.I recognizethestyle.FiveTusks,Moon'sTearstheWheelishis,correct?' Eyeswide,Barukhissedhissurprisebetweenhisteeth.Adozenquestions struggledtobeutteredfirst,buttheLordcontinued.'Inthefuture,I'dsuggest youheedIcarium'sgiftsallofthem.Athousandyearsisnotsolongatime, Alchemist.Notsolongatime.Icarium.lastvisitedmeeighthundredyears ago,inthecompanyoftheTrellMappo,andOsricorOsserc,asthelocal worshipperscallhim.'Rakesmiledbitterly.'OsricandIargued,asIrecall, anditwasallBroodcoulddotokeepusapart.Itwasanoldargument. intogrey.Hefellsilent,lostinmemories. TherecameaknockatthedoorandbothturnedtoseeRoaldenterand bow. 'MasterBaruk,Mammothasawakenedandappearsrefreshed.More,'his almondeyesshaded,'youragentKruppehasdeliveredaverbalmessage.He extendshisregretthathecannotdeliverittoyouinperson.Doyouwishto receiveitnow?' 'Yes,'Baruksaid. Roaldbowedagain.'TheEelwillcontactyoutheeveofthisday.AtLady

Sinital'sFte.TheEelfurtherfindstheprospectofsharedinformationand cooperationintriguing.Thatisall.' Barukbrightened.'Excellent.' 'ShallIbringMammottoyou,Master?' 'Ifhe'sable.' 'Heis.Amoment,then.'Roaldleft. Thealchemistsmiled.'AsIsaid,'helaughed,'everyonewillbethere,andin thiscase,everyoneisanappropriateterm.'HissmilebroadenedatRake's blanklook.'TheEel,Lord.Darujhistan'smasterspy,afigurewithoutaface.' 'Amaskedface,'theTisteAndremindedhim. 'Ifmysuspicionsarecorrect,'Baruksaid,'themaskwon'thelptheEelone bit.' ThedooropenedagainandtherestoodMammot,lookingfitandfullof energy.HenoddedtoBaruk.'WithdrawalprovedeasierthanI'dimagined,' hesaid,withoutpreamble.HisbrightgazefixedonAnomanderRakeandhe smiled,thenbowed.'Greetings,Lord.I'velookedforwardtothismeeting eversinceBarukbroughttoustheofferofalliance.' RakeglancedatBarukandraisedaneyebrow. Thealchemistsaid,'MammotnumbersamongtheVorrudCabal.'Hefaced theoldmanagain.'Weweredeeplyworried,friend,giventheEldermageries atplayaroundthebarrow." 'Iwassnaredforatime,'Mammotadmitted,'butattheextremeedgesof theOmtosePhellackinfluence.Quiescentregardprovedthecorrectcourse, astheonestirringwithindidnotsenseme.' 'Howmuchtimedowehave?'Barukaskedtightly. 'Two,perhapsthreedays.EvenforaJaghutTyrant,itisanefforttomake thereturnjourneytolife.'Mammot'seyesfelluponthemantelpiece.'Ah, yourcarafeofwineawaitsasisusual.Excellent.'Hestrodeovertothe fireplace.'Haveyouwordofmynephew,byanychance?' Barukfrowned.'No,shouldIhave?ThelasttimeImetthechildwas,what, fiveyearsago?' 'Mmm,'Mammotsaid,raisinghisfreshlyfilledgobletandtakinga mouthful.'Well,Crokushasgrownsomewhatsincethen,Iassureyou.Ihope thelad'sallright.Hewas' Barukthrewupahandandstaggeredastepforward.'What?'he demandedinsuddenfear.'What'shisname?Crokus?Crokus!'Thealchemist rappedhisforehead.'Oh,whatafoolI'vebeen!' Mammot'sfacecrinkledintoawisesmile.'Oh,youmeanthematterofthe CoinBearer,doyou?' ShockregisteredinBaruk'sface.'Youknew?' Standingtooneside,hischarcoalgreyeyesfixedintentlyonMammot, Rakesaid,inastrangelyflattone,'Mammot,forgivemeforinterrupting.Will youbeattendingLadySinital'sFte?' Theoldmannoddedeasily.'Ofcourse.' 'Verygood,'Rakesaid,withsomethinglikeanticipation.Hepulledhis leatherglovesfromhisbelt.'We'llspeakthen.'

BarukhadnotimetothinkaboutRake'ssuddendeparture.Itwashisfirst mistakeoftheday. Awomanwithashavedheadandlongflowingrobesranshriekingfrom thegates,ashredofbrownfurstreamingfromonehand.AdjunctLorn steppedbacktoletthepriestesspass.Shewatchedasthewomanplunged intothecrowdbehindher.ThefestivalhadspilledoutbeyondDarujhistan's walls,andWorrytown'smainstreetwasastreamingmobshe'dspentthelast halfhourpushingthroughonherwaytothegates. Absentlysherubbedtherapierwoundinhershoulder.Herjourneyinto thebarrowseemedtohaveslowedthehealing,andanachehadsettled insidethepuncture,coldastheiceinthebarrow'stunnel.Eyeingthetwo guardsstationedatthegate,sheapproachedwarily. Onlyoneseemedtopayheranyattention,andthismansparedherbutthe briefestglancebeforereturninghisattentiontotheWorrytownmob. Lornenteredthecityunremarked,simplyonemoretravellercometo attendthespringfestival. Immediatelywithinthegatestheavenuesplitaroundthebaseofasquat hill,onwhichcrouchedahalfruinedtempleandtower.Offtoherrightrose anotherhill,evidentlyagarden,giventhewidestepsascendingtothe summit,coveredintrees,andthemanyfetishesandbannerstiedtobranches andthegaslamps. Lorn'ssenseofthoseshesoughtwasstrong,unerring.Oncepastthehills, shecouldseeaninnerwall.SergeantWhiskeyjackandhissquadwere somewherebeyondit,inthelowercity.Lornstrodethroughthesurging crowds,onehandhitchedinherswordbelt,theothermassagingthepuffed redflesharoundherwound. TheguardatWorryGatepushedhimselffromthewallhehadbeenleaning againstandpacedaslowcircleonthecobblestones.Hepausedtoadjusthis peakedhelmet,looseningthestrapanotch. Theotherguard,anolderman,bandyleggedandshort,approached. 'Thosefoolsouttheremakingyouuneasy?'heaskedwithagrinmoregaps thanteeth. Thefirstmanglancedthroughthegateway.'Hadanearriothereacouple ofyearsback,'hesaid. 'Iwasthere,'theoldmansaid,hawkingontothestones.'Wehadtopull thehoodsoffourpolearms,drawsomeblood.Thatsentthempacking,andI don'tthinkthelesson'sgoneonthem.Iwouldn'tworrymuch.Thisain'tyour regularduty,isit?' 'No,justfillingintimeforafriend.' 'That'sthewayofit,isn'tit?What'syourusualround?' 'Midnighttillthethirdbell,Despot'sBarbican,'CircleBreakerreplied. Headjustedhishelmetagain,hopingtheunseenfriendlyeyeshadmarked hissignal.Thatwomanwhohadpassedthroughafewminutesagohad matchedtheEel'sdescriptionperfectly.CircleBreakerknewhewasn't mistaken. She'dlookedthewarrior,dressedasamercenaryandtryingtohidethe

bloodstainsofawoundonhershoulder.Hissearchingglancehadbeenbut momentary.Yearsofpractice,however,madeitsufficient.He'dcaught everythingtheEel'smessengerhadtoldhimtolookfor. 'That'sahellofawatch,'theoldmansaidbesidehim,turningtosquintup atDespot'sPark.'Andyouwereheret'meetthedawn.'Hewaggedhishead. 'Thebastardsgotusworkingtoohardthesedays,whatwiththecity infiltratedwithEmpirespiesandthelike.' 'Itdoesn'tgetanybetter,'CircleBreakeragreed. 'I'mhereforanotherthreehours,andyouthinktheygivemesometimeto joinmywifeandkidsinthefestival?'Theoldmanspatagain. 'Noway.OldBerrute'sofftostandaroundwatchingotherpeoplehaving funinsomebloodyestate.' CircleBreakerheldhisbreath,thensighed.'LadySinital'sFte,Isuppose.' 'Damnright.BloodyCouncilmenchuffingaroundwithalltheirstinking airs.Andmewithsorefeetandall,standinglikeastatue.' Thiswasabitofluck,CircleBreakersmiledtohimself.Hiscompanion's nextstationwaspreciselywhattheEelhadwantedforCircleBreaker.Better yet,theoldmanwascomplainingaboutit.'Theyneedthosestatues,'hesaid. 'Keepsthemsecure.'HesteppedclosetoBerrute. 'Didn'tyoutellthesergeantaboutyourbadfeet?' 'What'sthepoint?'Berrutecomplained.'Hejustdeliveredthemorders,he didn'tcomeupwiththein.' CircleBreakerlookedupthestreet,asifconsideringsomething,thenhe laidahandontheother'sshoulderandmethisgaze.'Look,Idon'thaveany family.Forme,today'sjustanotherday.I'llstandinforyou,Berrute.Next timeIwantsometimeoff,though,I'llcomecalling.' Genuinerelieflittheoldman'seyes.'Nerruseblessyou,'hesaid,grinning again.'It'sadeal,friend.Hey,Idon'tevenknowyourname!' CircleBreakersmiled,thentoldhim. Withmostoftherevelryoutinthestreets,theinteriorofQuip'sBarwas allbutdeserted.AdjunctLornpausedinsidethedoorwayandwaitedforher eyestoadjusttothegloom.Afewdesultoryvoicesdriftedouttoher, minglingwiththeclatterofwoodencards. Sheenteredthelowceilingedchamber.Adishevelledoldwomanwatched herdullyfrombehindthecounter.Againstthefarwallwasatableatwhich satthreemen.Coppercoinsglitteredinthelamplight,amidpoolsofspilled beeronthetabletop.Themenheldcardsintheirhands. Themanwithhisbackagainstthewall,wearingascorchedleathercap, lookeduptomeetLorn'seyes.Hegesturedtoanemptychair.'Haveaseat, Adjunct,'hesaid.'Joininthegame.' Lornblinked,thenhidhershockwithashrug.'Idon'tgamble,'shesaid, loweringherselfintothericketychair. Themanexaminedhiscards.'NotwhatImeant,'hesaid. Theoneseatedonherleftmuttered,'Meantadifferentgame,didHedge.' Sheturnedtoregardhim.Skinny,short,withmassivewrists.'Andwhat's yourname,soldier?'sheaskedquietly.

'Fiddler.TheguylosinghiscoinsisMallet.We'vebeenexpectingyou.' 'SoIgather,'Lornsaiddrily,leaningback.'Yourintelligenceimpressesme, gentlemen.Isthesergeantnearby?' 'Makingtherounds,'Fiddlersaid.'Shouldbebyintenminutesorso.We've gotthebackroominthisrattrap.RightupagainsttheTierwall.' Hedgeadded,'MeandFiddugthroughthatdamnwall,sevenbloodyfeet thickatitsbase.AnabandonedhouseontheDaruside.'Hegrinned. 'It'sourbackdoor.' 'Soyou'rethesaboteurs.AndMallet?Ahealer,correct?' Malletnodded,stillcontemplatinghiscards.'C'mon,Fiddler,'hesaid,'it's yourgame.Let'shearthenextrule.' Fiddlersatforward.'KnightofHouseDarkisthewildcard,'hesaid. 'That'stheopeningsuit,too.Unlessyou'reholdingtheVirginofDeath.If yougetheryoucanopenwithhalfanteanddoubleupifyouwintheround.' MalletslappeddowntheVirginofDeath.Hetossedasinglecoppercoin intothecentreofthetable.'Let'srunitthrough,then.' Fiddlerdealtthemananothercard.'Weanteupnow,Hedge,twocoppers apieceandHighHellcometheHeraldofDeath.' Lornwatchedthebizarregameproceed.ThesemenwereusingaDeckof Dragons.Astonishing.ThemanFiddlerwasinventingtherulesastheywent along,andyetshewatchedthecardsmergeintoapatternonthetabletop. Herbrowsknittedthoughtfully. 'YougottheHoundontherun,'Fiddlersaid,pointingatthelatestcard placedonthetablebyMallet.'KnightofDark'sclose,Icanfeelit.' 'ButwhataboutthisdamnedVirginofDeath?'grousedthehealer. 'She'shadherteethpulled.Takealook,theRope'srightoutathepicture, ain'the?'Fiddlerlaidanothercard.'Andthere'stheDragonbastardhimself, swordallsmokingandblackasamoonlessnight.That'swhat'sgotthe Houndscampering.' 'Waitaminute,'Hedgecried,rammingdownacardatoptheKnightofDark. 'YousaidtheCaptainofLight'srising,right?' Fiddlerconcentratedonthepattern.'He'sright,Mallet.Wepayovertwo copperseachautomatically.ThatCaptain'salreadydancingontheKnight's shadow' 'Excuseme,'Lornsaidloudly.Thethreemenlookedather.'Areyoua Talent,Fiddler?Shouldyoubeusingthisdeck?' Fiddlerscowled.'Itain'tyourbusiness,Adjunct.Webeenplayingforyears, nobody'stossedadaggerourway.Youwantin,justsayso.Here,I'llgiveyou yourfirstcard.' Beforeshecouldprotestheplacedacardbeforeher,faceup.Shestared downatit. 'Now,ain'tthatodd?'Fiddlerremarked.'Throne,inverted.Youoweusall tengoldeachayear'spayforallofus,hellofacoincidence.' Hedgesnortedloudly.'AlsohappenstobetheEmpireGuiltCoinpaidto ourkinoncewe'reconfirmeddead.Thanksalot,Fid.' 'Takethecoinandshutup,'Fiddlersnapped.'Weain'tdeadyet.'

'I'mstillholdingacard,'Malletsaid. Fiddlerrolledhiseyes.'Solet'sseethedamnthing,then.' Thehealersetthecarddown. 'Orb.'Fiddlerlaughed.'Truesightandjudgementclosesthisgame, wouldn'tyouknowit?' Lornsensedapresenceatherback.Sheturnedslowlytofindabearded manbehindher.Hisflatgreyeyesheldhers.'I'mWhiskeylack,'hesaidsoftly. 'Goodmorning,Adjunct,andwelcometoDarujhistan.' Hefoundanearbychairandpulledittothetable,sittingdownbeside Hedge.'You'llwantareport,right?Well,we'restilltryingtocontactthe Assassin'sGuild.Allthemining'sdone,readyfortheorder.Onesquad memberlostthusfar.Inotherwords,we'vebeendamnlucky.ThereareTiste Andinthecity,huntingus.' 'Whohaveyoulost,Sergeant?'Lornasked. 'Therecruit.Sorrywashername.' 'Dead?' 'Beenmissingforafewdaysnow.' Lornclenchedherteethtobitebackacurse.'Soyoudon'tknowifshe's dead?' 'No.Isthereaproblem,Adjunct?Shewasjustarecruit.Evenifshe'dbeen nabbedbytheguard,there'sscantlittleshecouldtellthem.Besides,we've heardnosuchnews.Morelikelysomethugsscrubbedherinsomeback alleywe'vebeenscurryingdownalotofratholestryingtofindtheselocal assassins.'Heshrugged.'It'sariskyoulivewith,that'sall.' 'Sorrywasaspy,'Lornexplained.'Averygoodone,Sergeant.Youcanbe certainthatnothugkilledher.No,she'snotdead.She'shiding,becauseshe knewI'dcomelookingforher.I'vebeenonhertrailforthreeyears.Iwant her.' 'Ifwe'dhadahintofallthis,'Whiskeyjacksaidtightly,'itcould'vebeen arranged,Adjunct.Butyoukeptittoyourself,andthatmakesyouonyour ownnow.'Hiseyeshardenedonher.'WhetherwecontacttheGuildornot, wedetonatetheminesbeforetomorrow'sdawn,andthenwe'reoutofhere.' Lorndrewherselfup.'IamAdjuncttotheEmpress,Sergeant.Asofnow thismissionisundermydirection.Youwilltakeordersfromme.Allthis independentcrapisover,understand?'Foramomentshealmostthoughtshe sawaflashoftriumphintheman'seyes.Asecondlookrevealedittobeno morethantheexpectedanger. 'Understood,Adjunct,'Whiskeyjackrepliedcurtly.'Whatareyourorders?' 'Iamseriousinthis,Sergeant,'shewarned.'AndIdon'tcarehowangry thismakesyou.Now,Isuggestweretiretomoreprivatesurroundings.'She rose.'Yourmencanremainhere.' Whiskeyjackstood.'Ofcourse,Adjunct.Wehavethebackroom.Ifyouwill followme.' Lornreacheddowntothebed'stopblanket.'Thereisbloodhere, Sergeant.'Sheturnedtoregardthemanasheclosedthedoor. Hefacedher.'OneofmymenhadabrushwithaTisteAndassassinmage.

He'llrecover.' 'Highlyunlikely,Sergeant.TheTisteAndareallwithCaladanBroodinthe north.'Hereyeswidenedindisbelief.'Youdon'tmeantosuggestthatthe LordofMoon'sSpawnhimselfhaslefthisfortress?Todowhat?Huntdown Malazanspies?Don'tbeabsurd.' Whiskeyjackscowled.'CorporalKalamandmysquadmagehadarooftop engagementwithatleasthalfadozenTisteAnd.Thatmymensurvived makesithighlyunlikelythattheMoon'slordwasanywhereinthevicinity, doesn'tit,Adjunct?Putittogether.TheMoonstationsitselfjustsouthofthe city.ItslordstrikesanalliancewithDarujhistan'srulers,andtheirfirsttask istowipeoutthelocalAssassins'Guild.Why?Topreventpeoplelikeusfrom contactingthemandofferingacontract.And,sofar,it'sworked.' Lornthoughtforatime,thenshesaid,'SoiftheGuildcannotbecontacted, whynotdotheassassinationsyourselves?YourCorporalKalamranked amongthebestintheClawbeforehishisfallingout.Whynottakeoutthe city'srulers?' Themanfoldedhisarmsacrosshischestandleanedagainstthewall besidethedoor.'We'vebeenconsideringthat,Adjunct.Andwe'reastep aheadofyou.Rightnow,oneofmymenisnegotiatingforustoworkas privatestrongarmsforahighbrowFtethisevening.Everybodywho's anybodyissupposedtoattendCouncilmembers,HighMages,theworks. Mysaboteurshaveenoughleftovermunitionstomakeitapartythiscitywill haveahardtimeforgetting.' Lornstruggledagainstagrowingsenseoffrustration.Asmuchasshe'd intendedtotakecommandofthings,itseemedthatthisWhiskeyjackhad beendoingjustfineupuntilnow,giventhecircumstances.Shesuspectedshe couldnothavedonethingsanybetter,thoughshestilldoubtedthestory abouttheTisteAnd.'Whyonearth,'sheaskedfinally,'wouldanestatehire abunchofstrangersasguards?' 'Oh,there'llbecitysoldiersthereaswell.ButnoneofthemisaBarghast.' Whiskeyjacksmiledcynically.'Titillationfactor,Adjunct.It'swhatmakesthe nobilitydrool.Lookthere,abigtattooedbarbariangloweringdownatthem. Exciting,yes?'Heshrugged.'It'sarisk,butoneworthtaking.Unless,of course,youhaveabetteridea,Adjunct?' Sheheardthechallengeinhistone.Hadshethoughtaboutit,shewould haverealizedlongbeforenowthathertitleandpowerwouldnotintimidate thisman.He'dstoodatDassemUltor'sside,arguingtacticswiththeSwordof theEmpireinthemidstofbattle.Anditseemedthatdemotiontosergeant hadfailedtobreakthismanthatmuchshe'dgatheredfromthe Bridgeburners'reputationatPale.Hewouldnothesitatetochallengeher everycommandifhefoundreasontodoso. 'Yourplanissound,'shesaid.'Tellmethenameofthisestate.' 'SomewomannamedLadySinital.Idon'tknowthefamilyname,but everybodyseemstoknowher.Saidtobeareallooker,withinfluenceinthe Council.' 'Verywell,'Lornsaid,adjustinghercloak.'I'llreturnintwohours,

Sergeant.ThereareothermattersImustattendto.Becertainthatallis readydetonationproceduresincluded.Ifyoudon'tgethired,we'llhaveto findanotherwayofbeingatthatfte.'Shestrodetothedoor. 'Adjunct?' Sheturned. Whiskeyjackwalkedtothebackwallandpulledasideatatteredhanging. 'Thistunnelemergesintoanotherhouse.FromityoucanentertheDaru District.' 'Unnecessary.'Lornwasirritatedbyhiscondescendingtone. AssoonasshewasgoneQuickBenscrambledfromthetunnel. 'DammitSergeant'hemuttered.'Youalmosthadherwalkinginonme!' 'Nochance,'Whiskeyjackobserved.'Infact,Imadecertainshewouldn't useit.AnythingfromKalam?' QuickBenpacedthesmallroom.'Notyet.Buthe'sabouttorunoutof patience.'Heturnedtothesergeant.'So?Doyouthinkshewasfooled?' 'Fooled?'Whiskeyjacklaughed.'Shewasreeling.' 'Paransaidshewasgoingtodropsomethingoff,'QuickBensaid. 'Didshe?' 'Notyet.' 'It'sgettingtight,Sergeant.Damntight.' TheotherdooropenedandTrottsentered,hisfiledteethexposedin somethingbetweenasmileandagrimace. 'Success?'Whiskeyjackasked. Trottsnodded. AstheafternoonwanedCrokusandApsalarwaitedatopthetower's platform.Everynowandthentheypeeredovertheedgetowatchthe festivities.Therewasatasteofmaniaamongthecrowdsbelow,asifthey dancedontherimofdesperation.Inspiteoftheseason'srejoicing,the shadowoftheMalazanEmpirehungoverall.Indeed,withMoon'sSpawn immediatelytothesouth,Darujhistan'splacebetweenthetwoforceswas obvioustoeveryone. 'Somehow,'Crokusmuttered,ashewatchedthecrowdsmovingdownthe streetslikechurningrivers,'Darujhistanseemssmaller.Almostinsignificant.' 'Itlookshugetome,'Apsalarsaid.'It'soneofthebiggestcitiesI'veever seen,'shesaid.'AsbigasUnta,Ithink.' Hestaredather.She'dbeensayingstrangethingslately,whichdidnot seemrightcomingfromafishergirlfromasmallcoastalvillage. That'stheEmpirecapital,isn'tit?' Shefrowned,whichmadeherlookolder.'Yes.OnlyI'veneverbeenthere.' 'Well,howcouldyouknowhowbigitis,then?' 'I'mnotsure,Crokus.' Possession,Collhadsaid.Twosetsofmemorywarredinthewoman,and thewarwasgettingworse.HewonderedifMammothadshownupyet.Fora momenthecameneartoregrettingtheirescapefromMeeseandIrilta.But thenhisthoughtsturnedtowhatwastocome.Hesatdownontheplatform andproppedhimselfagainstthelowwall.Hestaredattheassassin'sbody

acrossfromhim.Thebloodthathadbeenspilledhadblackenedunderthe hotsun.Atrailofdropletscrossedthefloortothestairs.Clearly,this assassin'skillerhadhimselfbeenwounded.YetCrokusdidnotfeelindanger, uphere,althoughhewasn'tsurewhy.'Foranabandonedbelfrytower,this placehadwitnessedalotofdramalately.' 'Arewewaitingfornight?'Apsalarasked. Crokusnodded. 'ThenwefindthisChallice?' 'That'sright.TheD'ArleswillbeatLadySinital'sFte,I'msureofit.The estatehasanenormousgarden,almostaforest.Itgoesrightuptotheback wall.Gettinginshouldbeeasy.' 'Won'tyoubenoticedonceyoujointheguests,though?' 'I'llbedressedasathief.Everybodywillbewearingcostumes.Besides, there'llbehundredsofpeoplethere.Itmighttakeanhourortwo,butI'llfind her.' 'Andthen?' 'I'llthinkofsomething,'Crokussaid. Apsalarstretchedoutherlegsonthepavingstonesandcrossedherarms. 'AndI'msupposedtohideinthebushes,huh?' Heshrugged.'MaybeUncleMammotwillbethere,'hesaid.'Then everythingwillbeallright.' 'Why?' 'Becausethat'swhatCollsaid,'Crokusshotback,exasperated. supposedtotellhershe'dbeenpossessedforwhoknewhowlong?'We workoutawaytogetyouhome,'heexplained.'That'swhatyouwant,right?' Shenoddedslowly,asifnolongercertainofthat.'Imissmyfather,'she said. ToCrokus,Apsalarsoundedasthoughshewastryingtoconvinceherself. He'dlookedatherwhenthey'darrived,thinking,Whynot?Andhehadto admittohimselfnowthathercompanywasn'tbad.Exceptforallthe questions,ofcourse.Mind,whatifhe'dbeeninhersituation,wakingup thousandsofleaguesfromhome?It'dbeterrifying.Wouldhehaveheldupas wellassheseemedtobedoing? 'I'mfeelingallright,'shesaid,watchinghim.'It'sasifsomethinginsideis keepingthingstogether.Ican'texplainitanybetter,butit'slikeasmooth, blackstone.Solidandwarm,andwheneverIstartgettingscaredittakesme inside.Andtheneverything'sfineagain.'Sheadded,'I'msorry.Ididn'tmean topushyouaway.' 'Nevermind,'hesaid. Withintheshadowsofthestairwell,Serratstudiedthetwofiguresouton theplatform.Enoughwasenough.She'dopenedherKuraldGalainWarren intoadefensivelayeringofwardsaroundher.Nomoreoftheseinvisible enemies.Iftheywantedher,they'dhavetoshowthemselves. Andthenshe'dkillthem.AndasfortheCoinBearerandthegirl,where couldtheyhopetoescapeto,uphereonthistower? Sheunsheathedherdaggersandpreparedforherattack.Adozenwards

protectedherback,allalongthestaircase.Anapproachfromtherewas impossible. Twosharppointstouchedherflesh,oneunderherchinandtheother beneathherleftshoulderblade.TheTisteAndfroze.Andthenshehearda voiceclosetoherearavoicesherecognized. 'GiveRakethiswarning,Serrat.He'llonlygetone,andthesameforyou. TheCoinBearershallnotbeharmed.Thegamesaredone.Trythisagainand you'lldie.' 'Youbastard!'sheexploded.'Mylord'sanger' 'Willbeinvain.Webothknowwhosendsthismessage,don'twe?And,as Rakewellknows,he'snotasfarawayasheoncewas.'Thepointbeneathher chinmovedawaytoallowhertonod,thenreturned.'Good.Deliverthe message,then,andhopewedon'tmeetagain.' 'Thiswillnotbeforgotten,'Serratpromised,shakingwithrage. Alowchuckleansweredher.'ComplimentsofthePrince,Serrat.Takeitup withourmutualfriend.' Thedaggersleftherflesh.Serratexhaledalongbreath,thensheathedher weapons.ShesnappedaKuraldGalainspellandvanished. Crokusjumpedatafaintploppingsoundfromthestairwell.Helaidhis handsonhisknives,tensing. 'What'swrong?'Apsalarsaid. 'Shhh.Wait.'Hefelthisheartpoundhardagainsthischest.'I'mduckingat shadows,'hesaid,sittingback.'Well,we'reoffsoon,anyway.' Itwasanageofwind,sweepingacrossthegrassplainsbeneathapewter sky,awindwhosethirstassailedalllife,mindless,unrelentinglikeabeast thatdidnotknowitself. Strugglinginhismother'swake,itwasRaest'sfirstlessoninpower.Inthe huntfordominationthatwouldshapehislife,hesawthemanywaysofthe winditssubtlesculptingofstoneoverhundredsandthenthousandsof years,anditsraginggalesthatflattenedforestsandfoundclosesttohis hearttheviolentpowerofthewind'sbansheefury. Raest'smotherhadbeenthefirsttofleehisdeliberateshapingofpower. She'ddeniedhimtohisface,proclaimingtheSunderingofBloodandthus cuttinghimfree.Thattheritualhadbrokenherhedisregarded. Itwasunimportant.Hewhowoulddominatemustlearnearlythatthose resistinghiscommandshouldbedestroyed.Failurewasherprice,nothis. WhiletheJaghutfearedcommunity,pronouncingsocietytobethe birthplaceoftyrannyofthefleshandthespiritandcitingtheirown bloodyhistoryasproof,Raestdiscoveredahungerforit.Thepowerhe commandedinsisteduponsubjects.Strengthwaseverrelative,andhecould notdominatewithoutthecompanyofthedominated. AtfirsthesoughttosubjugateotherJaghut,butmoreoftenthannotthey eitherescapedhimorhewasforcedtokillthem.Suchcontestsheldonly momentarysatisfaction.Raestgatheredbeastsaroundhim,bendingnature tohiswill.Butnaturewitheredanddiedinbondage,andsofoundanescape hecouldnotcontrol.Inhisangerhelaidwastetotheland,drivinginto

extinctioncountlessspecies.Theearthresistedhim,anditspowerwas immense.YetitwasdirectionlessandcouldnotoverwhelmRaestinits agelesstide.Hiswasafocusedpower,preciseinitsdestructionand pervasiveinitseffect. ThenintohispathcamethefirstoftheImass,creatureswhostruggled againsthiswill,defyingslaveryandyetlivingon.Creaturesofboundless, pitifulhope.ForRaest,hehadfoundinthemthegloryofdomination,forwith eachImassthatbrokehetookanother.Theirlinkwithnaturewasminimal, fortheImassthemselvesplayedthegameoftyrannyovertheirlands.They couldnotdefeathim. Hefashionedanempireofsorts,bereftofcitiesyetplaguedwiththe endlessdramasofsociety,itspatheticvictoriesandinevitablefailure.The communityofenslavedImassthrivedinthisquagmireofpettinesTheyeven managedtoconvincethemselvesthattheypossessedfreedom,awilloftheir ownthatcouldshapedestiny.Theyelectedchampion.Theytoredowntheir championsoncefailuredrapeditsshroudoverthem.Theyraninendless circlesandcalleditgrowth,emergence,knowledge.Whileoverthemall,a presenceinvisibletotheireyes,Raestflexedhiswill.Hisgreatestjoycame whenhisslavesproclaimedhimgodthoughtheyknewhimnotand constructedtemplestoservehimandorganizedpriesthoodswhoseactivities mimickedRaest'styrannywithsuchcosmicironythattheJaghutcouldonly shakehishead. Itshouldhavebeenanempiretolastformillennia,anditsdayofdying shouldhavebeenbyhisownhand,whenheatlasttiredofit. RaesthadneverimaginedthatotherJaghutwouldfindhisactivities abhorrent,thattheywouldriskthemselvesandtheirownpoweronbehalfof theseshortlived,smallmindedImass.YetwhatastonishedRaestmorethan anythingelsewasthatwhentheJaghutcametheycameinnumbers,in community.Acommunitywhosesolepurposeofexistencewastodestroyhis empire,toimprisonhim. Hehadbeenunprepared. Thelessonwaslearned,andnomatterwhattheworldhadbecomesince thattime,Raestwasreadyforit.Hislimbscreakedatfirst,throbbingwith dullachesbridgedbysharppangs.Theeffortofdigginghimselffromthe frozenearthhadincapacitatedhimforatime,butfinallyhefeltreadytowalk thetunnelthatopenedoutintoanewland. Preparation.Alreadyhe'dinitiatedhisfirstmoves.Hesensedthatothers hadcometohim,hadfreedthepathofOmtosePhellackwardsandseals. Perhapshisworshippersremained,fanaticswhohadsoughthisreleasefor generations,andevennowawaitedhimbeyondthebarrow. ThemissingFinnestwouldbehisfirstpriority.Muchofhispowerhad beenstoredwithintheseed,strippedfromhimandstoredtherebythe Jaghutbetrayers.Ithadnotbeencarriedfar,andtherewasnothingthat couldpreventhisrecoveringit.OmtosePhellacknolongerexistedintheland abovehecouldfeelitsabsencelikeanairlessvoid.Nothingcouldoppose himnow.

Preparation.Raest'swithered,crackedfacetwistedintoasavagegrin,his lowertuskssplittingdesiccatedskin.Thepowerfulmustgatherotherpower, subjugateittotheirownwill,thendirectitunerringly.Hismoveshad alreadybegun. Hesloshedthroughtheslushnowcoveringthebarrow'smuddyfloor. Beforehimrosetheslantedwallthatmarkedthetomb'sbarrier.Beyond thelimestreakedearthwaitedaworldtobeenslaved.Raestgesturedand thebarrierexplodedoutward.Brightsunlightflaredinthecloudsofsteam rollingaroundhim,andhefeltwavesofcold,ancientairsweepingpasthim. TheJaghutTyrantwalkedintothelight. TheGreatRavenCronerodethehotstreamsofwindhighabovethe GadrobiHills.Theburstofpowerthatlaunchedtonsofearthandrocksa hundredfeetintotheskyelicitedacacklefromher.Shedippedawing,eyes onthewhitepillarofsteam,andbankedtowardsit. This,shelaughedtoherself,shouldproveinteresting. Awashofairpoundeddownontoher.Shriekingheroutrage,Crone twistedandslidalongtheshuntingwind.Massiveshadowsflowedoverher. Herangerwassweptawayonasurgeofexcitement.Headcraning,shebeat theairwithherwingsandclimbedagain.Inmatterssuchasthese,aproper pointofviewwasessential.Croneclimbedhigherstill,thencockedherhead andlookeddown.Bythelightofthesunscalesflashediridescentfromfive ridgedbacks,butofthefiveoneshonelikefire.Sorcerouspowerbledin ripplesfromtheweboftheirspreadwings. Thedragonssailedsilentoverthelandscape,closingonthebillowingdust cloudabovetheJaghuttomb.Crone'sblackeyesfixedonthedragonthat blazedred. 'Silanah!'shescreamed,laughing.'DragnipuraketnaDraconiaes!Eleint, eleint!'ThedayoftheTisteAndhadcome. Raestemergedintorichafternoonsunlight.Yellowgrassedhillsrosein weatheredhumpsineverydirectionbuttheonehefaced.Totheeastbehind athinningcurtainofdriftingduststretchedanemptyplain. TheJaghutTyrantgrunted.Notsodifferentafterall.Heraisedhisarms, feelingwindslidealonghiscabledmuscles.Hedrewabreath,tastingthelife richair.Hequestedlightlywithhispowerandexultedinthewavesoffear thatanswereditanswersthatcamefromthemindlesslifebeneathhisfeet orhidinginthegrassesaroundhim.Buthigherlife,higherconcentrationsof power,hesensednothing.Hedrovehissensesdownintotheground,seeking whatdweltthere.Earthandbedrock,thesluggishmoltendarknessbeneath, down,downtofithesleepinggoddessyoungasfarastheJaghutTyrant wasconcerned.'ShallIwakeyou?'hewhispered.'Notyet.ButIshallmake youbleed.'Hisrighthandclosedintoafist. Hespearedthegoddesswithpain,drivingafissurethroughthebedrock, feelingthegushofherblood,enoughtomakeherstirbutnotawaken. Thelineofhillstothenorthliftedskyward.Magmasprayedintotheair amidarisingpillarofsmoke,rockandash.Theearthshudderedevenasthe soundoftheeruptionsweptoverRaestinafierce,hotwind.TheJaghut

Tyrantsmiled. Hestudiedtheshatteredridgeandbreathedtheheavy,sulphurousair, thenturnedaboutandstrodewesttowardsthehighesthillinthathisthenot sair,thatdirection.HisFinnestlaybeyondit,perhapsthreedays'walk.He consideredopeninghisWarren,thendecidedtowaituntilhereachedthe hill'ssummit.Fromthatvantagepoint,hecouldbetterjudgetheFinnest's location. Halfwayuptheslopehehearddistantlaughter.Raeststiffenedjustasthe daydarkenedsuddenlyaroundhim.Ontheswardbeforehimhesawfive enormousshadowssweepinguptheslope,thenbeyondthehill'ssummit. Thesunlightreturned.TheJaghutTyrantlookedintotheskyabovehim. Fivedragonsbankedinperfectformation,theirheadsdippingtowatch himastheyglidedbackinhisdirection.'Estideeineleint,'hewhispered,in hisJaghuttongue.Fourwereblack,barbedinsilveralongthewingsand flyingtwotoeithersideofthefifthdragon,thisoneredandtwiceatlargeas theothers.'Silanahredwings,'Raestmuttered,eyesV&Tv~swin%.'Elder bornandtruebloodedTiarn,youleadSoletaken,,4kintbloodisalientothis world.Ifeelyouall!'Heraisedfiststothesky.'Colderthantheicebornof Jaghuthands,asdarkasblindnessIfeelyou!' Heloweredhisarms.'Harassmenot,eleint.Icannotenslaveyou,butIwill destroyyou.Knowthat.Iwilldriveyoutotheground,eachandall,andwith myownhandsIshalltearyourheartsfromyourchests.' Hiseyesnarrowedonthefourblackdragons.'Soletaken.Youwould challengemeatthecommandofanother.Youwouldbattlewithmeforno reasonofyourown.Ah,butifIweretocommandyouIwouldnotthrowyour livesawaysocarelessly.Iwouldcherishyou,Soletaken,Iwouldgiveyou causesworthbelievingin,showyouthetruerewardsofpower.'Raest scowled,astheirderisionsweptthroughhismind.'Sobeit.'Thedragons passedlowoverheadinsilence,bankingonceagainanddisappearingbehind thehillstothesouth.RaestspreadhisarmswideandunleashedhisWarren. Hisfleshsplitaspowerflowedintohim.Hisarmsshedskinlikeash.Heboth feltandheardhillscrackallaroundhim,thesnappingofstone,thesundering ofcrags.Toallsidesthehorizonsblurredasdustcurtainedskyward.He facedsouth.'Thisismypower!Cometome!'Alongminutepassed.He frownedatthehillsbeforehim,thencriedoutandwhirledtohisrightjustas Silanahandthefourblackdragons,alllessthantenfeetabovetheground, plungedoverthesummitofthehillhe'dbeenclimbing. Raestscreamedatthewhirlwindofpowerbatteringhim,hisshrunken eyeslockedonSilanah'sblank,empty,deadlygazeeyesaslargeasthe Jaghut'sheadasitboredownuponhimwiththespeedofaspringingviper. Thereddragon'sjawsopenedwideandRaestfoundhimselfstaringdown thebeast'sthroat. Hescreamedasecondtimeandreleasedhispowerallatonce. TheairdetonatedastheWarrenscollided.Jaggedshardsofrockrippedin alldirections.StarvaldDemelainandKuraldGalainwarredwithOmtose Phellackinasavagemaelstromofwill.Grasses,earthandrockwitheredto

fineashonallsides,andwithinthevortexstoodRaest,hispowerroaring fromhim.Lashesofsorceryfromthedragonslancedintohisbody,boring throughhiswitheredflesh. TheJaghutTyrantflayedhispowerlikeascythe.Bloodspatteredthe ground,sprayedingouts.Thedragonsshrieked. AwaveofincandescentfirestruckRaestfromtheright,solidasabattering fist.Howling,hewasthrownthroughtheair,landinginabankofpowdery ash.Silanah'sfireracedoverhim,blackeningwhatwasleftofhisflesh.The Tyrantclamberedupright,hisbodyjerkinguncontrollablyassorcerygouted fromhisrighthand. ThegroundshookasRaest'spowerhammeredSilanahdown,drivingthe dragonskiddingandtumblingacrosstheslope.TheTyrant'sexultantroar wascutshortastalonsthelengthofaforearmcrunchedintohimfrom behind.Asecondclawedfootjoinedthefirst,snappingthroughthebonesof Raest'schestasiftheyweretwigs.Moretalonsflexedaroundhimasa seconddragonsoughtgrip. TheTyranttwistedhelplesslyastheclawsliftedhimintotheairand startedrippinghisbodyapart.Hedislocatedhisownshoulderinreaching roundtodighisfingersintoasleekscaledshin.Atthecontact,Omtose Phellacksurgedintothedragon'sleg,shatteringbone,boilingblood.Raest laughedastheclawsspasmedlooseandhewasflungaway. Morebonessnappedashestrucktheground,butitdidnotmatter.His powerwasabsolute,thevesselthatcarriedithadlittlerelevance.Ifneedbe, theTyrantwouldfindotherbodies,bodiesinthethousands. Heclimbedoncemoretohisfeet.'Now,'hewhispered,'Ideliverdeath.' CHAPTERTWENTYONE Thefloweringoflightfromdarknessbroughtintomysightthereonthe fieldahostofdragonscaughtlikeacrestofwindbeforetheeternalflame. Isawtheagesintheireyesaworldlymapinscribedineachwhirledscale ontheirhides. TheirsorcerybledfromthemlikethebreathingofstarsandIknewthen thatdragonshadcomeamongus AnomandarisFisher(b.?) SHADOWSCROWDEDTHEGARDEN'SUNDERGROWTH.ADJUNCTLORN rosefromhercrouchandbrushedthedirtfromherhands.'Findanacorn.' Shesmiledtoherself.'Plantit.' Somewherebeyondtheheavilywoodedgarden,servantsshoutedateach otherastheyscrambledaboutmakinglastminutearrangements. Shehitchedhercloak'stailintoherbeltandquietlyslippedamongthe bolesofvinewrappedtrees.Amomentlaterthebackwallcameintoview. Analleylaybeyond,narrowandchokedwiththeleavesandfallen branchesfromthegardensrisingabovethewallsonitseitherside.Herroute inandnowoutwasathingofease.Shescaledtheroughstonedwall,

graspingvineswhennecessary,thenslidoverthetop. Shelandedwithasoftcrunchoftwigsanddryleaves,withinshadowsas deepasthoseinthegarden.Sheadjustedhercloak,thenwalkedtooneend ofthealleywheresheleanedagainstacorner,crossedherarmsandsmiled atthecrowdspassingtoandfroonthestreetbeforeher. Twotaskslefttoperform,thenshewouldleavethiscity.Oneofthosetasks, however,mightproveimpossible.ShesensednothingofSorry'spresence. Perhapsthewomanwasindeeddead.Underthecircumstancesitwasthe onlyexplanation. Shewatchedtheseaofpeople,itstideoffacesswirlingpast.Thelatent madnesstheremadeheruneasy,especiallywiththecity'sguards maintaininganaloofdistance.Shewonderedatthetaintofterrorinthat multitudeoffaces,andhowalmosteveryfaceseemedfamiliar. Darujhistanblurredinhermind,becomingahundredothercities,each risingoutofherpastasifonparade.joyandfear,agonyandlaughterthe expressionsmergedintoone,thesoundscomingtohernodifferentfrom eachother.Shecoulddistinguishnothing,thefacesbecomingexpressionless, thesoundsaroarofhistorywithoutmeaning. Lornpassedahandoverhereyes,thenstaggeredbackastepandreeled intothealley'sshadowsbehindher.Shesliddownonewallintoasagging crouch.Acelebrationofinsignificance.Isthatallweareintheend?Listento them!Inafewhoursthecity'sintersectionswouldexplode.Hundredswould dieinstantly,thousandstofollow.Amidtherubbleofshatteredcobblesand toppledbuildingswouldbethesefaces,lockedinexpressionssomewhere betweenjoyandterror.Andfromthedyingwouldcomesounds,hopeless criesthatdwindledinthepassingofpain. She'dseenthemallbefore,thosefaces.Sheknewthemall,knewthesound oftheirvoices,soundsmiredinhumanemotions,soundsclearandpurewith thought,andsoundswaveringinthatchasmbetweenthetwo. Isthis,shewondered,mylegacy?AndonedayI'llbejustonemoreofthose faces,frozenindeathandwonder. Lornshookherhead,butitwasawaneffort.Sherealized,withsudden comprehension,thatshewasbreakingdown.TheAdjunctwascracking,its armourcrumblingandthelustregonefromitsmarbledgrandeur.Atitleas meaninglessasthewomanbearingit.TheEmpressjustanotherfaceshe'd seensomewherebefore,amaskbehindwhichsomeonehidfrommortality. 'Nousehiding,'shewhispered,frowningdownatthedeadleavesand branchesaroundher.'Nouse.'Afewminuteslatershepushedherself uprightonceagain.Shebrushedthedirtmeticulouslyfromhercloak.One taskremainedwithinherabilities.FindtheCoinBearer.Killhim,andtake Oponn'sCoin. MakethegodpayforitsintrusioninEmpireaffairstheEmpressand Tayschrennwouldseetothat. Thetaskdemandedconcentration,fixinghersensesupononeparticular signature.Itwouldbeherlastact,sheknew.Butshewouldsucceed. Deathatthehandsoffailurewasunthinkable.Lornturnedtothestreet.

Duskcreptfromthegroundandengulfedthecrowds.Farofftotheeast thundersounded,yettheairwasdry,withnohintofrain.Shecheckedher weapons.'TheAdjunct'smission,'shesaidquietly,'isalmostdone.' Sheenteredthestreetanddisappearedintothemob. KrupperosefromhistableatthePhoenixInnandattemptedtofastenthe lastbuttononhiswaistcoat.Failing,helethisstomachrelaxonceagainand letlooseawearysigh.Well,atleastthecoathadbeencleaned. Headjustedthecuffsofhisnewshirt,thenwalkedoutofthemostlyempty bar. He'dspentthelasthourseatedathistable,toalloutwardappearances musingonnothingofgreatimportance,thoughinhisheadapatternformed, bornofhisTalent,anditdisturbedhimgreatly.MeeseandIriltalosing Crokusandthegirlbroughteverythingintofocusaswithmostunwitting servantsofthegods,oncethegamewasdonesowastheservant'slife.The Coinmightbegambledinasinglecontest,buttohaveitfloatingaround indefinitelywasfartoodangerous.No,Crokuswouldfindhisluck abandoninghimwhenheneededitmost,anditwouldcosttheladhislife. 'No,no,'Kruppehadmurmuredoverhistankard.'Kruppecan'tpermit that.'Yetthepatternofsuccessremainedelusive.Hefeltcertainhehad coveredallthepotentialthreatsregardingthelador,rather,someonewas doingagoodjobofprotectingCrokusthatmuchthepatternshowed,him. Heexperiencedanaggingsuspicionthatthe'someone'wasn'thimself,orany ofhisagents.Andhe'djusthavetotrustinitsintegrity. CircleBreakerhadcomethroughyetagain,andKruppewasstillconfident thatTurbanOrr'shuntforthemanwouldprovefruitless.TheEelknewhow toprotecthisown.Infact,CircleBreakerwasdueforretirementforthe man'sownsafetyandKruppeintendedtodeliverthegoodnewsthisvery night,atLadySinital'sfte.CircleBreakerdeservednolessafterallthese years. Thepatternalsotoldhimsomethinghealreadyknew:hiscoverwasblown. ThespellhehadcastonMurilliowouldn'tlastmuchlonger,norwasit requiredto.Kruppehadwantedhisfreedomunimpededthisday. Afterthat,well,thingswouldfallastheywouldfallandthesameapplied forhismeetingwithBaruk. IfanythinggaveKruppepause,itwasthepattern'sabruptending. Beyondtonight,thefuturewasblank.Clearly,acruxhadbeenreached,and itwouldturn,heknew,atLadySinital'sfte. KruppenowenteredtheHigherEstatesDistrict,withagenerousnodat theloneguardstationedneartheramp.Themanscowled,butotherwise madenocomment.TheFtewassettobegininthirtyminutes,andKruppe plannedonbeingoneofthefirsttoarrive.Hismouthwateredatthethought ofallthosepastries,freshanddrippingwithwarm,sweetliquids.He removedhismaskfrominsidehiscoatandsmiledatit. Perhaps,amongallthoseattending,HighAlchemistBarukalonewould appreciatetheironyofthismouldedvisage.Ah,well,hesighed.Oneismore thanenough,givenwhothatoneis.Afterall,isKruppegreedy?

Hisstomachrumbledinanswer. Crokusstrainedhiseyestowardsthedarkeningeast.Somethinglike lightningflashedeverynowandthenbeyondthehills,eachonecloserthan thelast.Butthethunder'srumble,whichhadbegunearlythatafternoonand stillcontinued,soundedsomehowwrong,itstimbreunlikethenormalbass thatrolledthroughtheearth.Itseemedalmostbrittle.Thecloudsthathad appearedoverthehillearlierhadbeenaneerieochrecolour,sickly,and thosecloudsnowapproachedthecity. 'Whenareweleaving?'Apsalarasked,leaningonthewallbesidehim. Crokusshookhimself.'Now.It'sdarkenough.' 'Crokus?WhatwillyoudoifChalliceD'Arlebetraysyouasecondtime?' Hecouldbarelyseeherfaceinthegloom.Hadshemeantthattocut? Itwashardtotellfromhervoice.'Shewon't,'hesaid,tellinghimselfthat hebelievedit.'Trustme,'andheturnedtowardsthestairwell. 'Ido,'shesaidsimply. Crokuswinced.Whydidshemakethingsseemsoeasyforher? Hood'sBreath,hewouldn'ttrusthim.Ofcourse,hedidn'tknowChallice verywell.They'donlyhadthatone,confusingconversation. Whatifshecalledtheguards?Well,he'dmakesureApsalargotaway safely.Hepausedandgraspedherarm.'Listen,'hisownvoicesounded undulyharsh,buthepushedon,'ifsomethinggoeswrong,gotothePhoenix Inn.Right?FindMeese,Irilta,ormyfriendsKruppeandMurillio.Tellthem whathappened.' 'Allright,Crokus.' 'Good.'Hereleasedherarm.'Wishwehadalantern,'hesaid,ashestepped intothedarkness,onehandreachingbeforehim. 'Why?'Apsalarasked,slippingpasthim.Shetookhishandandledhim down.'Icansee.Don'tletgoofmyhand.' Thatmightbeahardthingtodoevenifhe'ddesiredit,herealized. Still,therewerealotofroughcallusesonthatsmallhand.Heletthem remindhimofwhatthiswomanwascapableofdoing,thoughtheeffort embarrassedhiminsomevagueway. Eyeswide,yetseeingnothing,Crokusallowedhimselftobeguided captainofSinital'sHouseGuardviewedWhiskeyjackandhismenwith obviousdistaste.'IthoughtyouwereallBarghast.'HesteppeduptoTrotts andjabbedafingerintothewarrior'smassivechest.'Youledmetobelieve youwerealllikeyou,Niganga.' Alow,menacinggrowlemergedfromTrotts,andthecaptainsteppedback, onehandreachingforhisshortsword. 'Captain,'Whiskeyjacksaid,'ifwewereallBarghast' Theman'snarrowfaceswungtohimwithascowl. 'you'dneverbeabletoaffordus,'thesergeantfinishedwithatightsmile. HeglancedatTrotts.Niganga?Hood'sBreath!'Nigangaismysecondin command,Captain.Now,howwouldyoulikeuspositioned.' 'Justbeyondthefountain,'hesaid.'Yourbackswillbetothegarden,which has,ah,runwildoflate.Wedon'twantanyguestsgettinglostinthere,soyou

gentlysteerthemback.Understood?AndwhenIsaygentlyImeanit.You're tosaluteanyonewhotalkstoyou,andifthere'sanargumentdirectthemto me,CaptainStillis.I'llbemakingtherounds,butanyoneofthehouseguard canfindme.' Whiskeyjacknodded.'Understood,sir.'Heturnedtosurveyhissquad. FiddlerandHedgestoodbehindTrotts,bothlookingeager.Pastthem MalletandQuickBenstoodontheedgeofthestreet,headsbenttogetherin conversation.Thesergeantfrownedatthem,noticinghowhiswizardwinced witheveryboomofthundertotheeast. CaptainStillismarchedoffaftergivingthemdirectionsthroughtheestate's roomsouttotheterraceandgardenbeyond.Whiskeyjackwaitedfortheman toleavehislineofsight,thenhestrodetoQuickBenandMallet.'What's wrong?'heasked. QuickBenlookedfrightened. Malletsaid,'Thatthunderandlightning,Sergeant?Well,itain'tnostorm. Paran'sstoryislookingreal.' 'Meaningwehavelittletime,'Whiskeyjacksaid.'WonderwhytheAdjunct didn'tshowupyouthinkshe'smeltingherbootsgettingawayfromhere?' Malletshrugged. 'Don'tyougetit?'QuickBensaidshakily.Hetookacoupleofdeepbreaths, thencontinued,'Thatcreatureoutthereisinafight.We'retalkingmajor sorceries,onlyit'sgettingcloser,whichmeansthatit'swinning.Andthat means' 'We'reintrouble,'Whiskeyjackfinished.'Allright,wegoasplannedfor now.Comeon,we'vebeenassignedrightwherewewanttobe.QuickBen, yousureKalamandParancanfindus?' Thewizardmoaned.'Directionsdelivered,Sergeant.' 'Good.Let'smove,then.Throughthehouseandeyesforward.' 'Helookslikehe'sgoingtosleepfordays,'Kalamsaid,straighteningbeside Coll'sbedandfacingthecaptain.Paranrubbedhisredshoteyes.'Shemust havegiventhemsomething,'heinsistedwearily,'eveniftheydidn'tseeit.' Kalamwaggedhishead.'I'vetoldyou,sir,shedidn't.Everyonewasonthe lookoutforsomethinglikethat.Thesquad'sstillclean.Now,we'dbetterget moving.' Paranclimbedtohisfeetwithaneffort.Hewasexhausted,andheknewhe wasjustanaddedburden.'She'llturnupatthisestate,then,'heinsisted, strappingonhissword. 'Well,'Kalamsaid,ashewalkedtothedoor,'that'swhereyouandshe comein,right?Sheshowsupandwetakeheroutjustlikeyou'vewantedto doallalong.' 'Rightnow,'Paransaid,joiningtheassassin,'theshapeI'minwillmakemy roleinthefightashortone.Considermethesurprisefactor,theonething shewon'tbeexpecting,theonethingthat'llstopherforasecond.'Helooked intotheman'sdarkeyes.'Makethatsecondcount,Corporal.' Kalamgrinned.'Ihearyou,sir.' TheyleftCollstillsnoringcontentedlyandwentdowntothebar'smain

floor.Astheypassedalongthecounter,Scurvelookedatthemwarily. Kalamreleasedanexasperatedcurseand,inasurgeofmotion,reached outandgraspedhimbytheshirt.Hepulledthesquealinginnkeeperhalfway acrossthecounteruntiltheirfaceswereinchesapart. 'I'msickofwaiting,'theassassingrowled.'Yougetthismessagetothis city'sMasteroftheAssassins.Idon'tcarehow.justdoit,anddoitfast.Here's themessage:thebiggestcontractofferoftheMaster'slifewillbewaitingat thebackwallofLadySinital'sestate.Tonight.IftheGuildMaster'sworthyof thatnamethenmaybejustmaybeit'snottoobigfortheGuildtohandle. Deliverthatmessage,evenifyouhavetoshoutitfromtherooftops,orI'm comingbackherewithkillinginmind.' Paranstaredathiscorporal,tootiredtobeamazed.'We'rewastingtime,' hedrawled. KalamtightenedhisgripandglaredintoScurve'seyes.'We'dbetternot be,'hegrowled.Hereleasedthemanbygentlyloweringhimontothe countertop.ThenhetossedahandfulofsilvercoinsbesideScurve. 'Foryourtroubles,'hesaid. Parangesturedandtheassassinnodded.TheyleftthePhoenixInn. 'Stillfollowingorders,Corporal?' Kalamgrunted.'Wewereinstructedtomaketheofferinthenameofthe Empress,Captain.Ifthecontract'sacceptedandtheassassinationsaredone, thenLaseenwillhavetopayup,whetherwe'vebeenoutlawedornot.' 'AguttedcityforDujekandhisarmytooccupy,withtheEmpresspaying forit.She'llchokeonthat,Kalam.' Hegrinned.'That'sherproblem,notmine.' Inthestreet,theGreyfacesmovedthroughthenoisycrowdlikesilent spectres,lightingthegaslampswithlongpoledsparkers.Somepeople, brazenwithdrink,huggedthefiguresandblessedthem.TheGreyfaces, hoodedandanonymous,simplybowedinreplyandcontinuedontheirway oncefreed. Kalamstaredatthem,hisbrowsknitting. 'Somethingthematter,Corporal?'Paranasked. 'Justsomethingnaggingme.Can'tpinitdown.Only,it'sgottodowith thoseGreyfaces.' Thecaptainshrugged.'Theykeepthelanternslit.Shallwemakeourway, then?' Kalamsighed.'Mightaswell,sir.' Theblacklacqueredcarriage,drawnbytwodunstallions,movedslowly throughthepress.AdozenfeetaheadmarchedabraceofBaruk'sownhouse guards,drivingawedgedownthestreet'scentre,usingtheirwrapped weaponswhenshoutsandcursesfailed. Intheplushconfinesofthecarriagetheoutsideroarsurgedandebbedlike adistanttide,mutedbythealchemist'ssounddeadeningspells.Hesatwith hischinloweredonhischest,hiseyeshiddenintheshadowofhisbrow andhalfshutstudyingtheTisteAndseatedacrossfromhim.Rakehad saidnothingsincehisreturntotheestatejustminutesbeforetheirplanned

departure. Baruk'sheadthrobbed.Sorceryshookthehillstotheeast,sendingwaves ofconcussionthatstruckeverymagewithinrangelikemailedfists.Hewell knewitssource.Thebarrowdwellerapproached,itseverystepcontestedby AnomanderRake'sTisteAnd.ItseemedthatMammot'spredictionhadbeen toogenerous.Theydidn'thavedays,theyhadhours. Yet,despitethewarringWarrens,despitethefactthattheJaghutTyrant's powerwassuperiortoRake'smages'thatthebarrondwellercameon, relentless,unstoppable,agrowingstormofOmtosePhellacksorcerythe LordofMoon'sSpawnsatateaseonthepaddedcouch,hislegsstretchedout beforehimandglovedhandsfoldedinhislap.Themasklyingonthevelvetat hissidewasexquisite,ifghastly.InbettertimesBarukmighthavebeen amused,appreciativeofitsworkmanship,butrightnowwhenheregardedit hisloneresponsewassuspicion.Asecretwaslockedinthatmask,something thatbespokethemanwhowouldwearit.ButthesecreteludedBaruk. TurbanOrradjustedhishawkmaskandpausedjustbeforethewidesteps leadingtotheestate'smaindoors.Heheardanothercarriagearriveatthe gatesandturned.Fromthedoorwayathisbackcametheshuffleoffootsteps. LadySinitalspokebehindhim.'Iwouldratheryou'dpermittedoneofmy servantstoinformmeofyourarrival,Councilman.Allowmetheprivilegeof escortingyouintothemainchamber.'Sheslippedherarmthroughhis. 'Amoment,'hemuttered,eyesonthefigurenowemergingfromthe carriage.'It'sthealchemist'scarriage,'hesaid,'butthat'shardlyBaruk,now, isit?' LadySinitallooked.'Trakeunleashed!'shegasped.'Whowouldthatbe?' 'Baruk'sguest,'Orrsaiddrily. Hergripbitintohisarm.'I'mawareofhisprivilege,Councilman.Tellme, haveyouseenthisonebefore?' Themanshrugged.'He'smasked.HowcouldItell?' 'Howmanymendoyouknow,Turban,whoaresevenfeettallandwear twohandedswordsstrappedtotheirbacks?'Shesquinted.'Thatwhitehair; doyouthinkit'spartofthemask?' Thecouncilmandidnotreply.HewatchedasBarukemergedbehindthe stranger.Thealchemist'smaskwasaconservativesilverinlaidhalfshield thatnomorethancoveredhiseyes.Anobviousstatementdenyingduplicity. TurbanOrrgrunted,knowingwellthathissuspicionsaboutthealchemist's influenceandpowerwereaccurate.Hiseyesreturnedtothestranger.His maskwasthatofablackdragon,lacqueredwithfinesilvertracedhighlights; somehowthedragon'sexpressionseemedsly. 'Well?'LadySinitaldemanded.'Arewegoingtolingerouthereallnight? Andwhere'syourdearwife,anyway?' 'Ill,'hesaiddistractedly.Hesmiledather.'Shallweintroduceourselvesto thealchemist'sguest?AndhaveIcomplimentedyouyetonyourattire?' 'Youhaven't,'shesaid. 'Ablackpanthersuitsyou,Lady.' 'Butofcourseitdoes,'sherepliedtestily,asBarukandhisgueststrdown

thepavedwalktowardsthem.Shedisengagedherarmandsteppedforward. 'Goodevening,AlchemistBaruk.Welcome,'sheaddedtotheblackdragon maskedman.'Anastonishingpresentation.Havewemet?' 'Goodevening,LadySinital,'Baruksaid,bowing.'CouncilmanTurbanOrr. Permitmetointroduce,'hehesitated,buttheTisteAndhadbeenfirmon this,'LordAnomanderRake,avisitortoDarujhistan.' Thealchemistwaitedtoseeifthecouncilmanwouldrecognizethename. TurbanOrrbowedformally.'OnbehalfoftheCityCouncil,welcome,Lord AnomanderRake.' Baruksighed.AnomanderRake,anameknownbypoetsandscholars,but not,itappeared,bycouncilmen. Orrcontinued,'Asalord,Iassumeyouholdtitletoland?'Healmost steppedbackasthedragon'svisageswungtoregardhim.Deepblueeyes fixedonhis. 'Land?Yes,Councilman,Iholdtitle.However,mytitleishonorary, presentedtomebymypeople.'RakelookedpastOrr'sshouldertotheroom beyondthewidedoorway.'Itseems,Lady,thattheeveningiswellunder way.' 'Indeed.'Shelaughed.'Come,joininthefestivities.' Barukbreathedanotherrelievedsigh. MurilliohadtoadmitthatKruppe'schoiceofmasksuitedhimperfectly. Hefoundhimselfgrinningbehindhisfeatherdeckedpeacockmaskin spiteofhistrepidation.Hestoodneartheopeneddoorwayleadingouttothe patioandgarden,agobletoflightwineinonehand,theotherhitchedinhis belt. Rallickleanedagainstthewallbesidehim,armscrossed.Hismaskwas thatofaCatlintiger,idealizedtomimicthegodTrake'simage. Murillioknewtheassassinletthewallbearhisweightoutofexhaustion ratherthanfromalazyslouch.Hewonderedyetagainifmatterswouldfallto him.Theassassinstiffenedsuddenly,eyesontheentranceacrossfromthem. Murilliocranedtoseepastthecrowd.There,thehawk.Hemurmured, 'That'sTurbanOrrallright.Who'shewith?' 'Sinital,'Rallickgrowled.'AndBaruk,andsomemonsterofamanwearing adragon'smaskandarmed.' 'Baruk?'Murilliolaughednervously.'Let'shopehedoesn'trecognizeus.It wouldn'ttakehimasecondtoputeverythingtogether.' 'Itdoesn'tmatter,'Rallicksaid.'Hewon'tstopus.' 'Maybeyou'reright.'ThenMurillioalmostdroppedhisglass.'Hood's WearyFeet!' Rallickhissedbetweenhisteeth.'Dammit!Lookathim!He'sheading straightforthem!' LadySinitalandTurbanOrrexcusedthemselves,leavingBarukandRake momentarilyaloneinthemiddleofthechamber.Peoplemovedaroundthem, somenoddingdeferentiallyatBarukbutallkeepingtheirdistance.Acrowd gatheredaroundSinitalwhereshestoodatthefootofthewindingstaircase, eagerwithquestionsregardingAnomanderRake.

AfigureapproachedBarukandhiscompanion.Short,round,wearinga fadedredwaistcoat,bothhandsclutchingpastries,themanworeacherub's mask,itsopenredlippedmouthsmearedwithcakeicingandcrumbs.His routetothemmetwithoneobstacleafteranotherashenegotiatedhisway acrosstheroom,excusinghimselfateveryturnandtwist. Rakenoticedthenewcomer,forhesaid,'Seemseager,doesn'the?' Barukchuckled.'He'sworkedforme,'hesaid.'AndI'veworkedforhimas well.AnomanderRake,beholdtheonetheycalltheEel.Darujhistan'smaster spy.' 'Doyoujest?' 'No.' Kruppearrived,hischestheaving.'MasterBaruk!'hesaidbreathlessly. 'Whatasurprisetofindyouhere.'Thecherubfaceswungoverandupto Rake.'Thehairisanexquisitetouch,sir.Exquisite.IamnamedKruppe,sir. KruppetheFirst.'Heraisedapastrytohismouthandjammeditin. 'ThisisLordAnomanderRake,Kruppe.' Kruppenoddedvigorously,thenswallowedaudibly.'Ofcourse!Whythen, youmustbequiteusedtosuchaloftystance,sir.Kruppeenviesthosewho canlookdownuponeveryoneelse.' 'Itiseasytofooloneself,'Rakeanswered,'intoviewingthosebeneathone assmallandinsignificant.Therisksofoversight,youmightsay.' 'Kruppemightwellsay,assumingthepunwasintended.Butwhowould disagreethatthedragon'slotiseverbeyondthekenofmerehumankind? Kruppecanonlyguessatthethrillofflight,thewailofhighwinds,therabbits scurryingbelowasone'sshadowbrushestheirlimitedawareness.' 'MydearKruppe,'Baruksighed,'itisbutamask.' 'Suchistheironyoflife,'Kruppeproclaimed,raisingonepastryfilledhand overhishead,'thatonelearnstodistrusttheobvious,surrenderinginstead toinsidioussuspicionandconfusedconclusion.But,isKruppedeceived?Can aneelswim?Hurrah,theseseemingmuddywatersarehometoKruppe,and hiseyesarewidewithwonder.'Hebowedwithaflourish,spatteringbitsof cakeoverRakeandBaruk,thenmarchedoff,stilltalking.'Asurveyofthe kitchenisinorder,Kruppesuspects' 'Aneelindeed,'Rakesaid,inanamusedtone.'Heisalessontousall,ishe not?' 'Agreed,'Barukmuttered,shouldersslumping.'Ineedadrink.Letmeget youone.Excuseme.' TurbanOrrstoodwithhisbacktothewallandsurveyedthecrowded room.Hewasfindingitdifficulttorelax.Thelastweekhadbeenexhausting. HestillawaitedconfirmationfromtheAssassins'GuildthatCollwasdead.It wasn'tlikethemtotakesolongtocompleteacontract,andstickingaknife intoadrunkshouldn'thavebeentoodifficult. Hishuntforthespyinhisorganizationshadreachedadeadend,buthe remainedconvincedthatsuchamanorwomanexisted.Againandagain, andespeciallysinceLini'sassassination,he'dfoundhismovesintheCouncil blockedbycountermoves,toounfocusedforhimtopointafingeratanyone

person.Buttheproclamationwasdeadinthewater. He'dcometothatconclusionthismorning.Andhe'dacted.Evennowhis mosttrustedandcapablemessengerrodethetrader'strack,probably passingthroughtheGadrobiHillsandthatthunderstormatthisvery moment,onhiswaytoPale.TotheEmpire.TurbanOrrknewtheMalazans wereontheway.NooneinDarujhistancouldstopthem.AndtheMoon'slord hadbeendefeatedonce,atPale.Whywoulditbeanydifferentthistime around?No,thetimehadcometoensurethathisownpositionwouldsurvive theEmpire'soccupation.Or,betteryet,anevenhigherranktorewardhis vitalsupport. Hiseyesfellcasuallyonaguardstationedtoonesideofthespiralstaircase. Themanlookedfamiliarsomehownothisface,butthewayhestood,the setoftheshoulders.Wastheman'susualstationatMajestyHall?No,the uniformwasthatofaregular,whileMajestyHallwasthedomainoftheelites. TurbanOrr'sfrowndeepenedbehindthehawkmask.Thentheguard adjustedhishelmetstrap,andTurbanOrrgasped. Heleanedbackagainstthewall,overcomebytrembling.Despot'sBarbican! Allthosenights,nightafternightforyearsthatguardhadwitnessedhis midnightmeetingswithhisalliesandagents.Therestoodhisspy. Hestraightened,closingonehandoverthepommelofhisduellingsword. He'dleavenoroomforquestions,anddamnSinital'ssensibilitiesanddamn thisparty.Hewantedhisvengeancetobeswiftandimmediate.He'dletno onestophim.Hiseyesfixingontheunsuspectingguard,TurbanOrrstepped forward. Hecollidedwithahardshoulderandstaggeredback.Alargemaninatiger maskturnedtohim.Orrwaitedforanapology,butreceivedonlysilence.He movedtosteppasttheman. Thestranger'sarminterceptedhim.TurbanOrrcursedasaglovedhand pouredwinedownhischest.'Idiot!'hesnapped.'IamCouncilmanTurban Orr!Outofmyway.' 'Iknowwhoyouare,'themansaidquietly. Orrjabbedafingerintotheman'schest.'Keepthatmaskon,soI'llknow whotolookforlater.' 'Ididn'tevennoticeyourmask,'themansaid,hisvoicecoldandflat. 'Fooledbythenose,Isuppose.' Thecouncilman'seyesnarrowed.'Eagertodie,areyou?'hegrated.'Iwill obligeyou.'Hishandtwitchedonhissword'spommel.'Inafewminutes. RightnowIhave' 'Iwaitonnoman,'RallickNomsaid.'Andcertainlynotforsomethinlipped prancerpretendingtomanhood.Ifyou'vethebellyforaduel,makeitnowor stopwastingtimewithallthistalk.' Shaking,TurbanOrrtookastepbackandfacedthemandirectly. 'What'syourname?'hedemandedhoarsely. 'Youarenotfittohearit,Councilman.' TurbanOrrraisedhishandsandwhirledtothecrowd.'Hearme,guests! Unexpectedentertainmentforyouall!'Conversationdiedandeveryonefaced

thecouncilman.Hecontinued,'Afoolhaschallengedmyhonour,friends.And sincewhenhasTurbanOrrpermittedsuchaninsult?' 'Aduel!'someonecriedexcitedly.Voicesrose. OrrpointedatRallickNom.'Thisman,soboldastowearTrake'sface,will bedeadshortly.Lookuponhimnow,friends,ashelooksuponyouand knowthatheisallbutdeadalready.' 'Stopbabbling,'Rallickdrawled. Thecouncilmanpulledthemaskfromhisface,revealingatightgrin. 'IfIcouldkillyouathousandtimes,'hesaid,'itwouldnotbeenoughto satisfyme.Imustsettlewithyoubutonce.' Rallickremovedhismaskandtosseditontothecarpetedstairs.Helooked uponTurbanOrrwithflat,darkeyes.'Donebreakingwind,Councilman?' 'Unmaskedandstillastranger,'Orrsaid,scowling.'Sobeit.Findyourselfa second.'Athoughtstruckhim,andheturnedbacktothecrowd,searchingit. Towardsthebackhesawthemaskhesought,thatofawolf.Hischoosingofa secondcouldwellhavepoliticalbenefits,assumingthemanaccepted.And,in thiscrowd,he'dbeafooltodenyhim. 'Formyself,'hesaidloudly,'IwouldbehonouredifCouncilmanEstraysian D'Arleactasmysecond.' Thewolfstarted.Besidehimstoodtwowomen,onenomorethanagirl. D'Arle'swifewasdressedasaveiledwomanofCallows,whilethegirlhad selectedoutrageouslytheminimalgarbofaBarghastwarmaiden.Both wifeanddaughterspoketoEstraysian.Hesteppedforward.'Thehonouris mine,'herumbled,completingtheritualacceptance. TurbanOrrfeltasurgeoftriumph.Tohavehismostpowerfulenemyin theCouncilathissideforthisduelwouldsendamessagemixedenoughto panichalftheCouncilmemberspresent.Pleasedathiscoup,hefacedhis namelessopponentagain.'Andyoursecond?' Silencefellovertheroom. 'Ihaven'tmuchtime,'LadySinitalsaidinalowvoice.'Afterall,asthe hostessforthisfte...' 'It'syourduty,'murmuredthemanbeforeher,'tosatisfyyourguests.' Hereachedforthandbrushedthehairfromherforehead.'Whichis somethingI'mcertainyoucando,anddowell.' Shesmiledandwalkedtothedoor.Shelockeditslatch,thenspuntoface themanagain.'Perhapshalfanhour,'shesaid. Themanstrodetothebedandtosseddownhisleathergloves.'I'm confident,'hesaid,'thatthosethirtyminuteswillbesatisfyingindeed,each morethanthelast.' LadySinitaljoinedhimbesidethebed.'Isuppose,'shewhispered,asshe slippedherarmsaroundtheman'sneckanddrewhisfacedowntoherlips, 'thatyou'venochoicenowbuttotelltheWidowLinithesadnews.'She touchedherlipstohis,thenranhertonguealongthelineofhisjaw. 'Mmm?Whatsadnewsisthat?' 'Oh,thatyou'vefoundyourselfamoreworthylover,ofcourse.'Hertongue reachedintohisear.Abruptlyshepulledbackandmethiseyessearchingly.

'Doyouhearthat?'sheasked. Hebroughthisarmsaroundheranddrewhercloser.'Hearwhat?' 'That'sjustit,'shesaid.'It'ssuddenlyquietdownstairs.I'dbetter' 'They'reinthegarden,nodoubt,'themansaidreassuringly.'Theminutes arepassing,Lady.' Shehesitated,thenmadethemistakeoflettinghimpresshisbodyagainst hers.LadySimtal'seyeswidenedinnearalarm.Herbreathingchanged.'So,' shegasped,'whatarewedoingstilldressed?' 'Goodquestion,'Murilliogrowled,pullingbothofthemontothebed. InthesilencefollowingTurbanOrr'squestion,Barukfoundhimself preparingtostepforward.Knowingwellwhatthatwouldreveal,hefelt compellednevertheless.RallickNomwasheretorightadreadfulwrong. More,themanwasafriend,closertothealchemistthanKruppeor Murillioand,inspiteofhisprofession,amanofintegrity.AndTurbanOrr wasLadySinital'slastlinktorealpower.IfRallickkilledtheman,she'dfall. Coll'sreturntotheCouncilwassomethingBarukandhisfellowVorrud magesgreatlydesired.AndTurbanOrr'sdeathwouldbearelief. MorewasridingonthisduelthanRallickimagined.Thealchemistadjusted hisrobeanddrewadeepbreath. Alargehandclosedonhisupperarmand,beforeBarukcouldreact,Lord AnomanderRakesteppedforward.'Ioffermyservicesassecond,'hesaid loudly.HemetRallick'seyes. Theassassinbetrayednothing,notoncelookingatBaruk.Heanswered Rake'sofferwithanod. 'Perhaps,'TurbanOrrsneered,'thetwostrangersknoweachother.' 'We'venevermet,'Rakesaid.'However,Ifindmyselfinstinctivelysharing hisdistasteforyourendlesstalk,Councilman.ThusIseektoavoidaCouncil debateonwhowillbethisman'ssecond.Shallweproceed?' TurbanOrrledthewayouttotheterrace,EstraysianD'Arlebehindhim.As Barukturnedtofollowhefeltafamiliarcontactofenergiesathisside.He swunghisheadandrecoiled.'Goodgods,Mammot!Wheredidyougetthat hideousmask?' Theoldman'seyesheldhisbrieflythenshiedaway.'Anaccuraterendition ofJaghutfeatures,Ibelieve,'hesaidsoftly.'ThoughIthinkthetusksarea littleshort.' Barukshookhimself.'Haveyoumanagedtofindyournephewyet?' 'No,'Mammotreplied.'Iamdeeplyworriedbythat.' 'Well,'thealchemistgruntedastheywalkedoutside,'let'shopethat Oponn'sluckholdsforthelad.' 'Ofcourse,'Mammotmurmured. Whiskeyjack'seyeswidenedasacrowdofexcitedguestspouredoutfrom themainchamberandgatheredontheterrace. Fiddlerscurriedtohisside.'It'saduel,Sergeant.Theguywiththewine stainonhisshirtisoneofthem,acouncilmannamedOrr.Nobodyknows whotheothermanis.He'sovertherewiththatbigmaninthe'Thesergeant hadbeenleaning,armscrossed,againstoneofthemarblepillarsencircling

thefountain,butatseeingthetalldragonmaskedfigurehecamenearto topplingintothefountainbehindhim. 'Hood'sBalls!'hecursed.'RecognizethatIoniasilverhair,Fid?' Thesaboteurfrowned. 'Moon'sSpawn,'Whiskeyjackbreathed.'That'sthemage,theLordwho stoodonthatportalandbattledTayschrenn.'Hereeledoffanimpressivelist ofcurses,thenadded,'Andhe'snothuman.' Fiddlergroaned.'TisteAnd.Thebastard'sfoundus.We'vehadit.' 'Shutup.'Whiskeyjackwasrecoveringfromhisshock.'Lineeverybodyup thewaythatCaptainStilliswantedus.Backstothewoodsandhandson weapons.Move!' Fiddlerscrambled.Thesergeantwatchedthesaboteurrounduphismen. WherethehellwereKalamandParananyway?HecaughtQuickBen'seye andgesturedthemageover. 'Fidexplainedit,'QuickBensaid,leaningclose.'Imaynotbemuchuse, Sergeant.Thatbarrowdweller'sunleashingwavesofnastystuff.Myhead feelsreadytoexplode.'Hegrinnedwanly.'Andlookaround.Youcanpickout allthemagesbythesicklooksontheirfaces.IfweallaccessedourWarrens, we'dbefine.' 'Thenwhydon'tyou?' Thewizardgrimaced.'ThatJaghutwouldfixonusasifwewereabeacon offire.Andhe'dtaketheweakeronesevenfromthisdistance,he'dtake them.Andthenthere'dbehelltopay.' Whiskeyjackwatchedtheguestscreateaspaceontheterrace,liningupon eitherside.'CheckwithHedgeandFiddler,'heordered,eyeslingeringonthe TisteAnd.'Makesurethey'vegotsomethinghandy,incaseitallcomes apart.Thisestate'sgottoburnthen,hotandlong.We'llneedthediversionto setofftheintersectionmines.Givemethenodtellingmethey'reuptoit.' 'Right.'QuickBenmovedoff. Whiskeyjackgruntedinsurpriseasayoungmansteppedroundhim, dressedasathief,completewithfacemask. 'Excuseme,'themanmuttered,ashewalkedintothecrowd. Thesergeantstaredafterhim,thenglancedbackatthegarden.Howthe hellhadthatladgotpasttheminthefirstplace?Hecould'veswornthey'd sealedoffthewoods.Heloosenedhisswordsurreptitiouslyinitssheath. CrokushadnoideawhatkindofcostumeChalliceD'Arlewouldbewearing, andhewasresignedtoalonghunt.HeldleftApsalarattheu&.iAbackwall, andnowfeltguilty.Still,she'dseemedtotakeitwellthoughinawaythat madehimfeelevenworse.Whydidshehavetokv&(~eaboutthingsa thoughtaboutthecrowd'sstrangeformation,lookingashewasforahead somewhereatchestleveltoeveryoneelse.Asitturnedout,thatproved unnecessary,forChalliceD'Arle'scostumewasnodisguise. Crokusfoundhimselfbetweentwoburlyhouseguards.Acrossfromhim, twentyfeetawaywithnoonetoblockhisview,stoodChalliceandanolder womanCrokustooktobehermother.Theirattentionwasheldunerringlyon atall,severelookingmanstandingatoneendoftheclearedspaceand

speakingwithanotherman,whowasstrappingonaduellingglove.Itslowly dawnedonthethiefthataduelwasbutmomentsaway. Squeezingbetweenthetwoguards,Crokuscranedhisnecktofindthe otherduellist.Atfirsthethoughthimthegiantwiththedragonmaskand twohandedsword.Thenhisgazefoundtheman.RallickNom.Hiseyes snappedbacktothefirstduellist.Familiar.Henudgedtheguardonhisleft. 'IsthatCouncilmanTurbanOrr?' 'Itis,sir,'theguardreplied,anoddtightnessinhistone. Crokusglanceduptoseetheman'sfacewetwithsweat,tricklingdown fromunderhispeakedhelmet.Strange.'So,where'sLadySinital?'heasked casually. 'Nowhereinsight,'theguardanswered,withobviousrelief.'Otherwise she'dstopthis.' Crokusnoddedatthat.'Well,'hesaid,'Rallickwillwin.' Theguard'sgazewasonhim,theeyeshardandpiercing.'Youknowthe man?' 'Well' Someonetappedhisbackandheturnedtofindacherub'sfacesmiling mindlesslyathim.'Why,Crokuslad!Whataninventivecostumeyou're wearing!' 'Kruppe?' 'Wellguessed!'Kruppereplied.Thepaintedwoodenfaceswungtothe guard.'Oh,kindsir,Ihaveawrittenmessageforyou.'Kruppeplacedascroll intotheman'shand.'Complimentsofalongtimesecretadmirer.' Crokusgrinned.Theseguardshadalltheluckwhenitcametonobleladies. CircleBreakeracceptedthescrollandslidfromitthesilktiein.Morethan oncehehadsensedTurbanOrr'seyesonhim.Firstinthecentralchamber, whenitlookedasiftheCouncilmanmightaccosthimdirectly,andnow, whileothersarguedoverwhoshouldrefereetheduel. CircleBreakerprayedRallickwouldkillTurbanOrr.Hefelthisownfear racingthroughhisbody,anditwaswithtremblinghandsthathereadthe Eel'smessage. ThetimehascomeforCircleBreakertoretirefromactiveduty.Thecircle ismended,loyalfriend.ThoughyouhaveneverseentheEel,youhavebeen hismosttrustedhand,andyouhaveearnedyourrest. ThinknotthattheEelsimplydiscardsyounow.SuchisnottheEel'sway. Thesigilatthebottomofthisparchmentwillprovideyoupassagetothecity ofDhavran,whereloyalservantsoftheEelhavepreparedyourarrivalby purchasinganestateandalegitimatetitleonyourbehalf.Youentera differentworldsoon,withitsowngames. Trustyournewservants,friend,inthisandallotherconcerns. Proceed,thisverynight,totheDhavrantrader'spierinLakefront. YouseektheriverlongboatnamedEnskalader.Showthesigiltoany crewmanaboardallareservantsoftheEel.Thetimehascome,Circle Breaker.Thecircleismended.Fareyouwell. Barukthrewuphishandsinexasperation.'Enoughofthis!'hebellowed.

'Iwillrefereethisduel,andacceptallresponsibility.Judgementofvictory ismine.Acceptedbybothparties?' TurbanOrrnodded.EvenbetterthanEstraysianbeinghissecond.Baruk's proclaiminghimvictorintheduelwouldbeacoupinitsownright.'Iaccept.' 'AsdoI,'Rallicksaid,hisshortcloakdrawnabouthisbody. Asuddenwindthrashedthetreetopsinthegarden,sweepingdownfrom theeast.Thunderboomedfromthissideofthehills.Anumberofonlookers seemedtoflinch.TurbanOrrgrinned,steppingintotheclearedarea.Leaves skirledpast,clatteringliketinybones.'Beforeitrains,'hesaid. Hisalliesinthecrowdlaughedatthis.'Ofcourse,'Orrcontinued,'itmight provemoreentertainingtodrawthingsout.Awoundhere,awoundthere. ShallIcuthimtopiecesslowly?'Hefeigneddismayatthechorusofeager assent.'Tooeagerforblood,friends!Musttheladiesdanceonslickflagstones oncedarknessfalls?Wemustconsiderourhost'AndwherewasSinital?His imaginationconjuredanimageinanswerandhefrowned.'Noindeed,'he saidcoldly,'itshallbequick.' Thecouncilmanunsheathedhisswordandfastenedhisglove'sleather strapstotheornategripbehindthebellguard.Hescannedthefacesofhis audience,evennowseekingsomebetrayalofexpressionhehadfriends whowereenemies,enemieswhowouldbefriends,thegamewouldcontinue beyondthismoment,butitcouldproveatellingmoment.Hewouldrecall everyfacelater,andstudyitathisleisure. TurbanOrrassumedhisstance.Hisopponentstoodtenfeetaway,both handshiddenbeneathhiscloak.Helookedatease,almostbore'What'sthis?' Orrdemanded.'Whereisyourweapon?' 'I'mready,'Rallickreplied. Barukplacedhimselfequidistantbetweenthetwoduellists,slightlytoone side.Hisfacewaspale,asifhehadfallenill.'Commentsfromseconds?'he askedfaintly. Rakemadenoreply. EstraysianD'Arleclearedhisthroat.'IherebymakeitknownthatIoppose thisduelasfacileandtrite.'HestaredatTurbanOrr.'Ifindthecouncilman's lifeirrelevantinthebestoftimes.Shouldhedie,'themanlookedoverto Rallick,'therewillbenovengeancepactfromtheHouseofD'Arle.You,sir, arefreedofthat.' Rallickbowed. TurbanOrr'ssmiletightened.Thebastardwouldpayforthat,hevowed. Heloweredhimselfintoacrouch,readytolaunchanattacksoonastheduel began. Baruksaid,'Youhavebeenheard,EstraysianD'Arle.'Thealchemistraised ahandkerchiefbeforehim,thenreleasedit. TurbanOrrjumpedforwardandlungedinasingle,fluidmotion,fasthe'd fullyextendedhisweaponbeforethehandkerchiefstruckthepavingstones. Hesawhisopponent'slefthanddartunderhisblade,thentwistupand outward,ashort,curvedknifeflashinginitsgrip.Thepawasablur,yetOrr caughtitanddeftlydisengaged,drivinghispointIandtowardstheman's

midsection.Hehadnotimeeventonoticethesecondknife,asRallickturned hisbodysideways,thebladeinhisrighthandguidingTurbanOrr'ssword pasthim.Theassassinsteppedinthhislefthandmovinginahighswingthat burieditsbladeinthecouncilman'sneck.Rallickfollowedthisbydrivinghis otherknifeintoOrr'schest. Thecouncilmanstaggeredtooneside,hisswordclangingonstonesashe clutchedatthegushingwoundinhisneck.Themotionwasreflex,forhewas alreadydeadfromthewoundinhisheart. Hetoppled. Rallicksteppedback,weaponsonceagainhiddenbeneathhiscloak.'A thousandotherdeaths,'hewhispered,solowthatonlyBarukandRakeheard him,'wouldnothavesatisfiedme.ButI'llsettleforthisone.'Barukstepped closeandmadetospeak,butthen,atagesturefromRake,heturnedtosee EstraysianD'Arleapproaching. Thecouncilman'sheavyeyesheldRallick.'Imightsuspect,'hesaid'given yourstyle,thatwehavewitnessedanassassination.Ofcourse,eventheGuild ofAssassinsisbrashenoughtocommitpublicmurder.ThereforeI'veno choicebuttokeepsuchsuspicionstomyself.Andleaveitatthat.Good evening,gentlemen.'Hewhirledandstrodeaway. 'Ithink,'Rakesaid,hismaskedfaceswingingtotheassassin,'thatthatwas aratherunevenmatch.' ArushofpeopleclosedinaroundTurbanOrr'sbody.Voicesshoutedin dismay. BarukstudiedthecoolsatisfactiononRallick'sface.'It'sdone,Rallick.Go home.' Alarge,roundedwomaninabrightgreen,goldtrimmedrobejoinedthem. Unmasked,shesmiledbroadlyatBaruk.'Greetings,'shesaid.'Interesting times,yes?'Apersonalservantstoodatherside,bearingapaddedtrayon whichsquattedawaterpipe. Rallicksteppedbackwithaslightbow,thenleft. Baruksighed.'Greetings,Derudan.PermitmetointroduceLord AnomanderRake.Lord,thewitchDerudan.' 'Forgivethemask,'Rakesaidtoher.'Itisbestthatitremainon,however.' SmokestreameddownfromDerudan'snose.'Mycompatriotssharemy growingunease,yes?Wefeeltheapproachingstorm,andwhileBaruk continuestoreassureus,stillthemisgivings,yes?' 'Shoulditprovenecessary,'Rakesaid,'Iwillattendtothematter personally.Idonotbelieve,however,thatourgreatestthreatistheone beyondthecity'swalls.Asuspicion,Witch,nomore.' 'Ithink,'Baruksaidtentatively,'thatwewouldliketohearthese suspicionsofyours,Rake.' TheTisteAndhesitated,thenshookhishead.'Unwise.Thematteris presentlytoosensitivetobebroached.Ishallremainherefornow,however.' DerudanwaveddismissivelyatBaruk'sangrygrowl.'True,theT'orrud Cabalisunusedtofeelinghelpless,yes?Truealso,dangersabound,andany mightproveafeint,adiversion,yes?CunningistheEmpress.Formyself,I

affirmthetrustbetweenus,Lord.'ShesmiledatBaruk.'Wemustspeak,you andI,Alchemist,'shesaid,linkingarmswithhim. Rakebowedtothewoman.'Apleasuremeetingyou,Witch.'Hewatched thewitchandthealchemistwalkaway,theservantscurryingatDerudan's heel. Kruppeinterceptedaservantburdenedwithdeliciouslooking savouries.Takingtwohandfulsatrandom,heturnedbacktoresumehis conversationwithCrokus.Hestopped.Theladwasnowhereinsight. Thecrowdmilledaboutontheterrace,someupsetalthoughthemajority appearedsimplyconfused.WherewasLadySinital?theyasked. Some,grinning,changedthequestionto:Who'sshewith?Alreadyanew waveofanticipationroseamongthenobles.Theycircledlikevultures, waitingfortheirfalteringhostess. Smilingbeatificallybehindthecherubmask,Krupperaisedhiseyesslowly tothebalconyoverlookingthepatio,intimetoseeafigureappearasadark, femininesilhouettebehindtheshutters.Helickedstickysugarfromhis fingers,smackinghislips.'Therearetimes,Kruppemurmurs,whencelibacy bornofsaddeprivationbecomesaboon,nay,asourceofgreatrelief.Dear Murillio,prepareforastorm.' Sinitalpushedaparttwoslatsoftheshuttersandlookeddown.'Youwere right,'shesaid.'Theyhaveindeedretiredtotheterrace.Odd,withthatstorm coming.Ishouldgetdressed.'Shereturnedtothebedandbegantocollect herclothing,whichlayscatteredallaroundit.'Andwhataboutyou,Murillio?' sheasked.'Don'tyouthinkyourcompanionbelowiswonderingwhereyou are,dearlover?' Murillioswunghislegsoverthebedsideandpulledonhistights.'Ithink not,'hesaid. Sinitalshothimacuriouslook.'Whodidyoucomewith?' 'Justafriend,'heanswered,buttoninghisshirt.'Idoubtyou'drecognize thename.' Atthatmomentthedoor'slocksnappedandthedooritselfslammed inward. Dressedonlyinherunderclothes,Sinitalloosedastartledcry.Hereyes flashedatthetall,cloakedmanstandinginthedoorway.'Howdareyouenter mybedroom?Leaveatonce,orI'llcall' 'Bothguardspatrollingthishallwayhavedeparted,Lady,'RallickNomsaid, steppingintotheroomandclosingthedoorbehindhim.Theassassin glancedatMurillio.'Getdressed,'hesnapped. 'Departed?'SinitalmovedtoplacethebedbetweenherselfandRallick. 'Theirloyaltyhasbeenpurchased,'theassassinsaid.'Thelessonshouldn't belostonyou.' 'Ineedonlyscreamandotherswillcome.' 'Butyouhaven't,'Rallickgrinned,'becauseyou'recurious.' 'Youdon'tdareharmme,'Sinitalsaid,straightening.'TurbanOrrhuntyou down.'Theassassintookanotherstepforward.'I'mhereonlytotalk,Lady Sinital,'hesaid.'Youwon'tbeharmed,nomatterwhatyoudeserve.'

'Deserve?I'vedonenothingIdon'tevenknowyou.' 'NeitherdidCouncilmanLini,'Rallicksaidquietly.'Andtonightthesame couldbesaidforTurbanOrr.Bothmenpaidfortheirignorance,alas. Fortunatethatyoumissedtheduel,Lady.Itwasunpleasant,butnecessary.' Hiseyeshardenedonthepalewoman.'Allowmetoexplain. TurbanOrr'sofferofcontracttotheAssassins'Guildisnowofficially cancelled.Colllives,andnowhisreturntothishouseisassured.You'redone with,LadySinital.TurbanOrrisdead.' Heturnedandwalkedfromtheroom,closingthedoorbehindhim. Murillioroseslowly.HelookedintoSinital'seyes,seeingthereagrowing terror.Underminedbythestrippingawayofherlinkstopower,heronce securedefencescollapsed.Hewatchedassheseemedphysicallytocontract, hershouldersdrawinginward,herhandsclaspedatherstomach,knees bending.Thenhecouldlooknolonger.TheLadySinitalwasgone,andhe darednotstudytoocloselythecreatureinherplace. Heunsheathedhisornamentaldaggerandtosseditonthebed. Withoutanotherwordorgesture,helefttheroom,knowingwithcertainty thathewouldhavebeenthelastmantoseeheralive. Outinthehallwayhepaused.'Mowri,'hesaidsoftly.'I'mnotcutoutfor this.'Planningtoreachthispointwasonething;havingnowreacheditwas another.Hehadn'tconsideredhowhe'dfeel.Justicegotinthewayofthat,a whitefirehe'dhadnoreasontolookbehind,orpushaside. Justicehadseducedhimandhewonderedwhathehadjustlost,he wonderedatthedeathhefeltspreadingwithinhim.Theregretfollowingin thatdeath'swake,sounanswerableitwas,threatenedtooverwhelmhim. 'Mowri,'hewhisperedasecondtime,asclosetoprayingashe'deverbeen,'I thinkI'mnowlost.AmIlost?' Crokusedgedroundamarblepillar,hiseyesontherathershortBarghast warmaidensittingonthefountain'srim.Damnthoseguardsatthewood's edge,anyway.Hewasathief,wasn'the?Besides,theyalllookedpretty distracted. Hewaitedforhisopportunity,andwhenitcamehedartedfortheshadows betweenthefirstlineoftrees.Noshoutofalarmorcalltohaltsounded behindhim.Slippingintothedarkness,Crokusturnedandcrouched.Yes,she stillsatthere,facinginhisdirection. Hedrewadeepbreath,thenstoodstraight,apebbleinonehand. Eyeingtheguards,hewaited.Halfaminutelaterhefoundhischance. Hesteppedforwardandflungthepebbleintothefountain. ChalliceD'Arlejumped,thenlookedroundasshewipeddropletsofwater fromherpaintedface. Hisheartsankashergazepassedoverhim,thenherheadwhippedback. Crokusgestureddesperately.Thiswasit,thiswaswhenhe'dfindout whereshestoodasfarashewasconcerned.Heheldhisbreathandgestured again. Withabackwardglancetowardsthepatio,Challiceroseandrantohim. Asshecamecloseshesquintedathim.'Gorlas?Isthatyou?I'vebeen

waitingallnight!'Crokusfroze.Then,withoutthinking,helungedforward andclaspedahandoverhermouth,hisotherarmencirclingherwaist. Challicesquealed,tryingtobitehispalm,andstruggledagainsthim,buthe draggedherintothedarknessofthegarden.Nowwhat?hewondered. CircleBreakerleanedagainstthemarblepillarjustinsidetheestate'smain chamber.BehindhimguestsmilledaroundTurbanOrr'sbody,arguing loudlyandvoicingemptythreats.Theairhungheavyoverthegarden, smellingofblood. Hewipedathiseyes,tryingtocalmhisheart.It'sover.QueenofDreams, I'mdone.Icanrestnow.Finallyrest.Hestraightenedslowly,takingadeep breath,adjustedhisswordbeltandglancedaround. CaptainStilliswasnowhereinsight,andthechamberwasalmostempty exceptforaknotofservantsoutsidethekitchenentrance.LadySinitalwas stillmissing,andconfusionnowseepedintothevoidofherabsence. CircleBreakerlookedonelasttimeattheguestsinthegarden,thenhe madehiswaytothedoors.Ashepassedalongtableonwhichsatthe remnantsofpastriesandpuddings,heheardfaintsnoring.Anotherstep forwardbroughthimtothetable'sendandintoviewthesmallroundman seatedinaplushantiquechair.Thesmearedcherubmaskhidtheman'sface, butCircleBreakercouldseetheclosedeyes,andthenasaldronethat matchedtheriseandfallofhischestwasloudandsteady. Theguardsmanhesitated.Then,shakinghishead,hemovedon. BeyondthegatesnowwithinsightwaitedthestreetsofDarujhistan,and freedom.Nowthathe'dbegunhisfirststepsonthatpath,hewouldlet nothingdeterhim. I'vedonemypart.justanothernamelessstrangerwhocouldn'trunfrom thefaceoftyranny.DearHood,taketheman'sshrivelledsoulhisdreams areover,endedbyanassassin'swhim.Asformyownsoul,well,youshall havetowaitawhilelonger. Hepassedthroughthegates,welcomingatlastthesmilethatcame unbiddentohismouth. CHAPTERTWENTYTWO Ravens!GreatRavens! Yourdamningcawlsderidehistoriessweepingbeneathyourblackened wings ShatterthedayOflagsofnight,rendwithshadowsthisinnocentlight Ravens!GreatRavens! Yourdrummingcloudsarriveswoop'dsuddensheer,hissingtravailsfrom noplacet'theother Shattertheday,Oflagsofnight,rendwithshadowsthisinnocentlight Ravens!GreatRavens! Yourbeaksclatteropendisgorgingthesweatofstrainingdismaytheclack ofbonespromisedthisday I'veseenthesheenofyoureyesthelaughterthatrimesthelivingyour

passingbutanillusion Westop,westarewecurseyourcoldwindsinknowingyourflight'spath wheelingyouroundusagain,oh,foreveragain! RavensCollitt(b.978) RAESTHADDRIVENTWOOFTHEBLACKDRAGONSFROMTHEBATTLE. iningtwonowcircledhighoverheadwhileSilanahRedddownandoutof sightbeyondthehill.Shewashurting,theJaghutTyrantknew,thepowerof herimmenselifeforcebleedingaway. 'Andnow,'hesaid,throughtatteredlips,'shewilldie.'Raest'sfleshhad beentornaway,ravagedbythevirulentpowerofthedragons,powerthat burstfromtheirjawslikebreathoffire.Hisbrittle,yellowedboneswere splintered,crushedandshattered.Allthatkepthimuprightandmovingwas hisOmtosePhellackWarren. OncetheFinnestwasinhishands,hewouldmakehisbodyanew,fillingit withthevigourofhealth.Andhewasnearhisgoal.Onelastridgeofhillsand thecity'swallswouldbevisible,itsfortificationsallthatstoodbetweenRaest andhisgreaterpowers. Thebattlehadlaidwastetothehills,incineratingeverythinginthedeadly clashofWarrens.AndRaesthaddrivenbackthedragons.He'dlistenedto theircriesofpain.Laughing,he'dflungdensecloudsofearthandstone skywardtoblindthem.Heignitedtheairinthepathoftheirflight.Hefilled cloudswithfire.Itwas,hefelt,goodtobealiveagain. Ashewalked,hecontinuedtodevastatethelandaroundhim.Asinglejerk ofhisheadhadshatteredastonebridgespanningawide,shallowriver. Therehadbeenaguardhousethere,andsoldierswithironweaponsodd creatures,tallerthanImass,yethesensedthattheycouldbeeasilyTherema Ungsspeenslaved.Theseparticularmen,however,hedestroyedlestthey distracthiminhisbattlewiththedragons.He'dmetanotherman,similarly cladandridingahorse.Hekilledbothmanandbeast,irritatedattheir intrusion. Wreathedinthecracklingfireofhissorcery,Raestascendedthesideofthe hillbehindwhichSilanahhaddisappearedminutesearlier. Anticipatinganotherambush,theJaghutTyrantgatheredhispower,fists clenching.Yethereachedthecrestunmolested.Hadshefled?Hecraned skyward.No,thetwoblackdragonsremained,andbetweenthemaGreat Raven. Raestcrossedthehill'ssummitandstoppedwhenthevalleybeyondcame intoview.Silanahwaitedthere,herredpebbledskinstreakedwithblack, wetburnsacrossherheavingchest.Wingsfolded,shewatchedhimfromher positionatthebaseofthevalley,whereastreamwoundatorturedcut throughtheearth,itslaggedpathchokedwithbramble. TheJaghutTyrantlaughedharshly.Hereshewoulddie.Thefarsideofthe valleywasalowridge,andbeyond,glowinginthedarkness,wasthecitythat heldhisFinnest.Raestpausedatseeingit.EventhegreatJaghutcitiesofthe earlytimesweredwarfedbycomparison.Andwhatofitsstrangeblueand

greenlight,fightingthedarknesswithsuchsteady,unfalteringdetermination? Thereweremysterieshere.Hewaseagertodiscoverthem.'Silanah!'he cried.'Eleint!Igiveyouyourlife!Fleenow,Silanah.Ishowmercybutonce. Hearme,eleint!'Thereddragonregardedhimsteadily,hermultifaceted eyesglowinglikebeacons.Shedidnotmove,nordidshereply. Raeststrodetowardsher,surprisedtofindherWarrengone.Wasthis surrender,then?Helaughedasecondtime. Asheneared,theskyabovehimchanged,fillingwithasourceless mercurialglow.Thecitybeyondvanished,replacedbywindwhipped mudflats.Thedistantjaggedlineofmountainsloomedmassive,uncarvedby riversofice,brightandsavagewithyouth.Raest'sstepsslowed.Thisisan Eldervision,avisionbeforeeventheJaghut.Whohasluredmehere? 'Oh,my,oh,my...' TheTyrant'sgazesnappeddowntofindamortalstandingbeforehim. Raestcockedawitheredbrowattheman'speculiarclothing,thecoat tatteredandfadedredwithlarge,foodstainedcuffs,thebaggyshimmering pantaloonsdyedanastonishingpink,andthebroadblackleatherboots coveringhissmallfeet.Themanwithdrewaclothandpattedthesweatfrom hisbrow.'Dearsir,'hewheezed,'you'venotagedwellatall!' 'ThereisImasswithinyou,'Raestrasped.'Eventhelanguageyouspeak echoestheirgutturalthroats.Haveyoucomeforthtogrovelatmyfeet?Are youmyfirstacolyte,then,eagerformyrewards?' 'Alas,'themanreplied,'youaremistaken,sir.Kruppethishumble,weak mortalwhostandsbeforeyoubowstonoman,beheJaghutorgod.Such arethenuancesofthisnewagethatyouarefelledbyindifference,made insignificantinyourmightystrugglesbylowlyKruppeintowhosedreamyou haveignoblystumbled.Kruppestandsbeforeyousothatyoumaygazeupon hisbenigncountenanceinthelastmomentsbeforeyourdemise. MagnanimousofKruppe,allthingsconsidered.' Raestlaughed.'Ihavewalkedinthedreamsofmortalsbefore.Youbelieve youarethemasterhere,butyouaremistaken.'TheTyrant'shandshotout, virulentpowereruptingfromit.ThesorceryengulfedKruppe,blazingdarkly, thenfaded,leavingnotevenaremnantoftheman. AvoicespoketoRaest'sleft:'Rude,Kruppeproclaims.Disappointing,this precipitateness.' TheJaghutswungaround,eyesnarrowing.'Whatgameisthis?' Themansmiled.'Why,Kruppe'sgame,ofcourse.' AsoundbehindRaestalertedhim,buttoolate.Hespunevenasa massiveflintswordcrunchedthroughhisleftshoulder,tearingapaththat snappedribs,slicedthroughsternumandspine.Theblowdraggedthe Tyrantdownandtooneside.Raestsprawled,piecesofhisbodystrikingthe groundaroundhim.HestaredupattheT'lanImass. Kruppe'sshadowmovedoverRaest'sfaceandtheTyrantmetthemortal man'swateryeyes. 'HeisClanless,ofcourse.Unboundandbeyondbinding,yettheancientcall commandshimstilltohisdismay.Imaginehissurpriseatbeingfoundout.

OnosT'oolan,SwordoftheFirstEmpire,isoncemorecalleduponbythe bloodthatoncewarmedhislimbs,hisheart,hislifeofsoverylongago.' TheT'lanImassspoke.'Youhavestrangedreams,mortal.' 'Kruppepossessesmanysurprises,evenuntohimself.' 'Isense,'OnosT'oolancontinued,'aBoneCaster'shandinthis summoning.' 'Indeed.PranCholeofKigAven'sclanoftheKronT'lanImass,Ibelievehe calledhimself.' Raestraisedhimselffromtheground,drawinghissorceryaroundhisbody toholditsshatteredpartsinplace.'NoT'lanImasscanwithstandme,'he hissed. 'Adubiousclaim,'Kruppesaid.'Evenso,heisjoinedinthisendeavour.' TheJaghutTyrantstraightenedtoseeatall,blackshroudedfigureemerge fromthestreambed.Hecockedhisheadastheapparitionapproached.'You remindmeofHood.IstheDeathWandererstillalive?'Hescowled.'But,no.I sensenothingfromyou.Youdonotexist.' 'Perhaps,'thefigurereplied,inadeep,softtonethathintedofr'Ifso,'he continued,'thenneitherdoyou.WearebothoftheJaghut.'Thefigurehalted fifteenfeetawayfromRaestandswunghoodedheadinthedragon's direction.'Hermasterawaitsyourarrival,Jaghut,buthewaitsinvainandfor thisyoushouldthankus.Hewoulddeliverakindofdeathfromwhichthere isnoescape,evenbysuchacreatureasyou.'Theheadturned,andthe darknesswithinthehoodonceagainregardedtheTyrant.'Here,withina mortal'sdream,webringanendtoyourexistence.' Raestgrunted.'Inthisagetherearenonewhocandefeatme.' Thefigurelaughed,alowrumble.'Youareafool,Raest.Inthisageevena mortalcankillyou.Thetideofenslavementhasreverseditself.Itisnowwe godswhoaretheslaves,andthemortalsourmastersthoughtheyknowit not.' 'Youareagod,then?'Raest'sscowldeepened.'Youareachildtomeifso.' 'Iwasonceagod,'thefigurereplied.'WorshippedasK'rul,andmyaspect wastheObilisk.IamtheMakerofPathsdoyoufindsignificanceinthat ancienttitle?' Raesttookastepback,raisinghisdesiccatedhands.'Impossible,'he breathed.'YoupassedintotheRealmsofChaosreturnedtotheplaceof yourbirthyouareamongusnomore' 'AsIsaid,thingshavechanged,'K'rulsaidquietly.'Youhaveachoice,Raest. OnosT'oolancandestroyyou.Youhavenounderstandingofwhathistitleof Swordsignifiesheiswithoutequalinthisworld.Youcanfallignobly beneaththebladeofanImass,oryoucanaccompanymeforinonething wearethesame,youandI.Ourtimehaspassed,andtheGatesofChaosawait us.Whatchoicedoyoumake?' 'Imakeneither,ElderingOne.'Withasoft,hollowlaugh,Raest'sbattered, witheredbodycollapsed. K'rulcockedhishead.'He'sfoundanotherbody.' Kruppepulledouthishandkerchief.'Oh,my,'hesaid.

KalamgesturedsharplyandParanduckeddown.Thecaptain'smouthwas dry.Therewassomethingverywrongwiththisgarden.Hewonderedifit wassimplytheexhaustionhefelt.Thegarden'sairitselfrubbedhissenses raw.Hethoughthecouldseethedarknesspulse,andthesmellofdecayhad thickenedtoastench. Kalamreachedforhisknives.Parantensed,unabletoseeanythingbeyond theassassin.Toomanytrees,notenoughlight.Somewhereaheadflickered gaslamps,andpeopleweregatheredontheterrace.Butcivilizationseemed athousandleaguesaway.Here,thecaptainfeltasifhewaswithina primordialpresence,breathingslowlyandheavilyonallsides. KalamgesturedthatParanremainwherehewas,thenslippedintothe shadowstotheirright.Crouchinglow,thecaptainedgedforwardtowhere theassassinhadbeenstandingmomentsearlier.Therelookedtobeaglade, orclearing,justahead.Hecouldn'tbecertain,however,norcouldhesee anythingamiss.Yethisfeelingofwrongnessnowachedinhisskull.Hetook anotherstep.Somethingoccupiedtheglade'scentre,blockish,likeadressed stone,oranaltar,andbeforeitstoodasmallwoman,almostwraithlikein thedarkness.HerbackwastoParan. Onemomentshestoodalone,thenextKalamrosebehindher,knives glimmeringinhishands.Hedrewbackhisarms. Thewomanmovedinablur,oneelbowdrivingbackwardsintothe assassin'sstomach.Shetwistedroundanddroveherkneeintotheman's crotch.AshoutburstfromKalamashereeledbackastep,thenfelltothe groundwithaheavythump. Paran'sswordwasinhishand.Hedashedintotheclearing. Thewomansawhimandvoicedasurprised,frightenedyelp.'No!'she cried.'Please!'Thecaptainstoppedatthatgirlishvoice.Kalamsatup.He groaned,thensaid,'Dammit,Sorry.Wasn'texpectingyou.Wefiguredyou weredead,girl.' ThewomaneyedParanwarilyasheapproachedcautiously.'Ishouldknow you,shouldn'tI?'sheaskedKalam.Then,asParancameclosersheraiseda frightenedhandbetweenthemandsteppedback.'IIkilledyou!'Withasoft moanshefelltoherknees.'Yourbloodwasonhands.Irememberit!'Afireof rageflaredinParan.Heraisedhisswordandmovedtostandoverher. 'Wait!'Kalamhissed.'Wait,Captain.Something'snotrighthere.' Withgreatdifficulty,theassassinclimbedtohisfeet,thenpreparedtosit downonthestoneblock. 'Don't!'thegirlgasped.'Can'tyoufeelit?' 'Ican,'Parangrowled.Heloweredhisweapon.'Don'ttouchthing, Corporal.' Kalamsteppedaway.'Thoughtitwasjustme,'hemuttered. 'It'snotstoneatall,'thewomansaid,herfacefreeoftheanguishthathad twisteditamomentbefore.'It'swood.'Sheroseandfaced'Andit'sgrowing.' AsuspicioncametoParan.'Girl,doyourememberme?DoyouknowwhoI am?' Shefrownedathim,thenshookherhead.'He'sanoldfriend,Ithink.'

Theassassinchokedonsomething,thencoughedloudly,wagginghishead. 'IknowKalam,'shesaid.Thewomanpointedatthewoodenblock.'See? It'sgrowingagain.' Bothmenlooked.Ahazeblurredtheblock'sedges,swellingandshifting, thenvanished,yetitwascleartoParanthatthethingwasnowbigger. 'Ithasroots,'thewomanadded. Paranshookhimself.'Corporal?Remainherewiththegirl.Iwon'tbelong.' Hesheathedhisswordandlefttheglade.Afterwindingthroughthe undergrowthforaminute,hecametoitsedgeandlookedoutonaterrace crowdedwithguests.Alowwalledfountainrosefromthepavingstonesto hisleft,encircledbymarblepillarsspacedaboutayardapart. ThecaptainsawthatWhiskeyjackandthesquadhadarrayedthemselves inaroughlineadozenfeetfromthegarden'sedge,facingtheterrace.They lookedtense.Paranfoundadeadbranchandsnappeditinhalf. Atthesoundallsixmenturned.ThecaptainpointedatWhiskeyjackand Mallet,thensteppedbackbetweenthetrees.Thesergeantwhispered somethingtoQuickBen.Thenhecollectedthehealerandtheycameover. ParanpulledWhiskeyjackclose.'Kalam'sfoundSorry,andsomethingelse besides,'hesaid.'Thegirl'snotallthere,Sergeant,andIdon'tthinkit'sanact. Oneminutesherememberskillingme,thenextshedoesn't.Andshe'sgotit intoherheadrightnowthatKalam'sanoldfriend.' Malletgrunted. Afterabriefglancebackattheparty,Whiskeyjackasked,'Sowhat'sthis "somethingelse"?' 'I'mnotsure,butit'sugly.' 'Allright.'Thesergeantsighed.'Gowiththecaptain,Mallet.Takealookat Sorry.AnycontactfromtheAssassins'Guildyet?'heaskedParan. 'No.' 'Thenwemovesoon,'Whiskeyjacksaid.'WeletFiddlerandHedgeloose. BringKalamwhenyoucomeback,Mallet.Weneedtotalk.' Rallickfoundhispathunobstructedashemovedacrossthecentral chambertowardsthefrontdoors.Facesturnedtohimandconversationsfell away,risingagainashepassed.Abonedeepwearinessgrippedtheassassin, morethancouldbeaccountedforbythebloodlosttoawoundalready healed.Themalaisegrippinghimwasemotional. HepausedatseeingKrupperisingfromachair,maskdanglingfromone plumphand.Theman'sfacewassheathedinsweatandtherewasfearinhis eyes. 'You'vearighttobeterrified,'Rallicksaid,approachinghim.'IfI'dknown you'dbehere' 'Silence!'Kruppesnapped.'Kruppemustthink!' Theassassinscowledbutsaidnothing.He'dneverbeforeseenKruppe withouthisusualaffablefaade,andthesightofhimsoperturbedmade Rallickprofoundlyuneasy. 'Beonyourway,friend,'Kruppesaidthen,hisvoicesoundingstrange. 'Yourdestinyawaitsyou.More,itseemsthisnewworldiswellpreparedfor

onesuchasRaest,nomatterwhatfleshhewears.' Rallick'sscowldeepened.Themansoundsdrunk.Hesighed,thenturned away,hismindreturningonceagaintowhathadbeenachievedthisnight.He continuedonhisway,leavingKruppebehind.Whatnow?hewondered.So muchhadgoneintoreachingthismoment.Thesharpfocusofhisthoughts seemeddullednowbysuccess.Neverthecrusader,Rallick'sobsessionto rightthewronghadbeen,inasense,nomorethantheassassinassumingthe roleCollhimselfshouldhavetaken.He'dplayedtheinstrumentofColl'swill, relyingonafaiththattheman'sownwillwouldreturn. Andifitdidn't?Hisscowldeepening,Rallickcrushedthatquestionbefore itcouldleadhisthoughtinsearchofananswer.AsBarukhadsaid,thetime hadcometogohome. Ashepassedasilvermaskedwomantouchedhisarm.Startledbythe contact,heturnedtolookather.Longbrownhairsurroundedthefeatureless mask,itseyeholeslitsrevealingnothingofwhatlaybehindit. Thewomansteppedclose.'I'vebeencurious,'shesaidquietly,'forsome time.However,IseenowIshouldhaveobservedyoupersonally,RallickNom. Ocelot'sdeathcouldhavebeenavoided.' Theassassin'sgazedarkened.'Vorcan.' Herheadtiltedinafractionofanod. 'Ocelotwasafool,'Rallicksnapped.'IfOrr'scontractwassanctionedbythe Guild,Iawaitpunishment.' Shedidnotreply. Rallickwaitedcalmly. 'You'reamanoffewwords,RallickNom.' Hisanswerwassilence. Vorcanlaughedsoftly.'Yousayyouawaitpunishment,asifalready resignedtoyourowndeath.'Hergazeshiftedfromhimtowardsthecrowded terrace.'CouncilmanTurbanOrrpossessedprotectivemagic,yet,itavailed himnaught.Curious.'Sheseemedtobeconsideringsomething,thenshe nodded.'Yourskillsarerequired,RallickNom.Accompanyme.Heblinked, then,asshestrodetowardsthegardenattherearofthehouse,hefollowed. CrokusheldonehandoverChallice'smouthashelayatopher.Withhis otherheremovedhisthief'smask.Hereyeswidenedinrecognition.'Ifyou scream,'Crokuswarnedinaharshvoice,'you'llregretit.' He'dmanagedtodragherperhapstenyardsintotheundergrowthbefore shetrippedhim.They'dthrashedabout,buthe'dwonthebattle. 'Ijustwanttotalktoyou,'Crokussaid.'Iwon'thurtyou,Challice,Iswearit. Unlessyoutrysomething,ofcourse.Now,I'mgoingtoremovemyhand. Pleasedon'tscream.'Hetriedtoreadtheexpressioninhereyes,butallhe sawwasfear.Ashamed,heraisedhishand. Shedidn'tscream,andamomentlaterCrokusfoundhimselfwishingshe had.'Damnyou,thief!Whenmyfathercatchesyouhe'llhaveyouskinned alive!That'sifGorlasdoesn'tfindyoufirst.Youtryanythingwithmeand he'llhaveyouboiled,slowly' Crokusjammedhishandoverhermouthagain.Skinned?Boiled?

'Who'sGorlas?'hedemanded,glaring.'Someamateurchef?Soyoudid betrayme!' Shestaredupathim. Heliftedhishandagain. 'Ididn'tbetrayyou,'shesaid.'Whatareyoutalkingabout?' 'Thatmurderedhouseguard.Ineverdidit,but' 'Ofcourseyoudidn't.FatherhiredaSeer.Awomankilledthatguard,a servantoftheRope's.TheSeerwasterrifiedanddidn'tevenstaytobepaid! Nowgetoffme,thief.' Helethergoandsatbackontheground.Hestaredintothetrees. 'Youdidn'tbetrayme?WhataboutMeese?TheguardsatUncleMammot's? Thebighunt?' Challiceclimbedtoherfeetandbrusheddeadleavesfromherhidecloak. 'Whatareyoubabblingabout?Ihavetogetback.Gorlaswillbelookingfor me.He'sthefirstsonofHouseTholius,intrainingtobeamasterduellist.If heseesyouwithme,there'llberealtrouble.' Helookedupatherblankly.'Wait!'Hesprangtohisfeet.'Listen,Challice! ForgetthisGorlasidiot.Withintheyearmyunclewillintroduceusformally. Mammotisafamouswriter.' Challicerolledhereyes.'Getyourfeetbackontheground.Awriter?Some oldmanwithinkstainedhandswhowalksintowallshashishousepower? Influence?HouseTholiushaspower,influence,everythingrequired.Besides, Gorlaslovesme.' 'ButI'Hestopped,lookingaway.Didhe?No.Didthatmatterthough? Whatdidhewantfromher,anyway? 'Whatdoyouwantfromme,anyway?'Challicedemanded. Hestudiedhisfeet.Thenhemethereyes.'Company?'heasked,diffidently. 'Friendship?WhatamIsaying?I'mathief!Irobwomenlikeyou.' 'That'sright,'shesnapped.'Sowhypretendotherwise?'Herexpression softened.'Crokus,Iwon'tbetrayyou.Itwillbeoursecret.'Forthebriefestof momentshefeltlikeachildbeingstrokedandconsoledbyakindlymatron, andhefoundhimselfenjoyingit. 'Beforeyou,'sheadded,smiling,'I'dnevermetarealthieffromtheHis enjoymentendedinasurgeofanger.'Hood'sBreath,no,'hesneered.'Real? Youdon'tknowwhat'sreal,Challice.You'veneverhadbloodonyourhands. You'veneverseenamandie.Butthat'sthewayitshouldbe,isn'tit?Leave thedirttous,we'reusedtoit.' 'Isawamandietonight,'Challicesaidquietly.'Ineverwanttoagain.If that'swhat"real"means,thenIdon'twantit.It'sallyours,Crokus.' Crokusstaredatherback,herbraidedhair,asherwordsranginhis. Suddenlyexhausted,heturnedtothegarden.HehopedApsalarhad remainedwherehe'dlefther.Thelastthinghewantednowwastohaveto trackherdown.Heslippedintotheshadows. Malletrecoiledwithhisfirststepintotheglade.Parangrippedhisarm. Thehealershookhishead.'I'llnotapproachanycloser,sir.Whateverlives thereisanathematomyDenulWarren.Andititsensesmewithhunger.'

Hewipedsweatfromhisbrow,drewashakybreath.'Bestbringthegirlto mehere.' Paranreleasedhisarmanddartedintotheclearing.Theblockofwood wasnowthesizeofatable,veinedinthick,twistingrootsandpockedonits sideswithroughsquaredholes.Theeartharounditlookedsoakedinblood. 'Corporal,'hewhispered,chilled.'Sendthegirloverto Kalamlaidahandonhershoulder.'It'sallright,lass,'hesaid,inthetoneof akindlyuncle,'yougoon,now.We'lljoinyoushortly.' 'Yes,'shesmiledandmovedtowherethehealerstoodattheglade's Kalamrubbedhisbristlyjaw,eyesfollowingher.'NeverseenSorrysmile before,'hesaid,asParanarrived.'Andthat'sashame.' TheystoodandwatchedasMalletspokequietlytothegirl,thenstepped forwardandlaidahandonherforehead. Parancockedhishead.'Thestorm'sstopped,'hesaid'Yeah.Hopeitmeans whatwe'dlikeittomean.' 'Someone'sstoppedit.Ishareyourhope,Corporal.'Forthecaptain however,itwasasmallhope.Somethingwasbuilding.Hesighed.'It'snot eventhetwelfthbellyet.Hardtobelieve.' 'Longnightaheadofus,'theassassinsaid,makingitclearthathe,too, foundhimselfsorelylackinginoptimism.Hegrunted.Mallethadvoicedan amazedcrythatreachedthem.Thehealerdrewbackhishandandwavedat ParanandKalam.'Yougo,'theassassinsaid. Thecaptainfrownedattheblackman,confused.Thenhewentoverto wherethehealerandSorrywaited.Thegirl'seyeswereclosed,andshe seemedinatrance. Malletwasdirect.'Thepossession'sgone,'hesaid. 'Guessedasmuch,'Paranreplied,eyeingthegirl. 'There'smoretoit,though,'thehealercontinued.'She'sgotsomeoneelse insideher,sir.' Paran'sbrowsrose. 'Someonewhowasthereallalong.HowitsurvivedtheRope'spresenceis beyondme.AndnowI'vegotachoice.' 'Explain.' Malletcrouched,foundatwigandbegantoscratchaimlesspatternsinthe dirt.'Thatsomeone'sbeenprotectingthegirl'smind,actinglikean alchemist'sfilter.Inthelasttwoyears,Sorry'sdonethingsthatwoulddrive herinsaneifshe'drememberedanyofit.Thatpresenceisfightingthose memoriesrightnow,butitneedshelp,becauseitisn'tasstrongasitonce was.It'sdying.' Paransquattedbesidetheman.'You'rethinkingofofferingthathelp, then?' 'Notsure.Yousee,sir,Idon'tknowitsplans.Don'tknowwhatit'supto, can'treadthepatternit'stryingtomake.Solet'ssayIhelpit,onlywhatit wantsisabsolutecontrol?Thenthegirl'spossessedalloveragain." 'SoyouthinkthepresencewasprotectingSorryfromtheRope,onlysoit couldnowjumpinandtakeover?'

'Putitthatway,'Malletsaid,'anditdoesn'tmakesense.Whatgetsme, though,iswhyelsewouldthatpresencecommititselfsothoroughly?Its body,itsfleshisgone.Ifitletsgoofthegirlit'sgotnowheretogo,sir.Now, maybeit'salovedone,arelativeorsomethinglikethat.Apersonwhowas willingtosacrificeherselfabsolutely.That'sapossibility.' 'Herself?It'sawoman?' 'Itwas.DamnedifIknowwhatitisnow.AllIgetfromitissadness.' ThehealermetParan'seyes.'It'sthesaddestthingI'veeverknown,sir.' Paranstudiedtheman'sfacebriefly,thenherose.'I'mnotgoingtogive youanorderonwhattodo,Healer.' 'But?' 'But,forwhatit'sworth,Isaydoit.Giveitwhatitneedssoitcandowhatit wantstodo.' Malletpuffedouthischeeks,thentosseddownthetwigandstraightened. 'Myinstinct,too,sir.Thanks.' Kalamspokeloudlyfromtheglade.'Farenough.Showyourselves.' ThetwomenspunaroundtoseeKalamlookingintothewoodstotheirleft. ParangraspedMallet'sarmandpulledhimintotheshadows. ThehealerdraggedSorrywiththem. Twofiguresenteredtheglade,awomanandaman. Crokussnakedcloserthroughthevinesandmulchoftheforestfloor.For anofflimitsgarden,thiswasabusytangleofwood.Thevoiceshe'dheardin hissearchforApsalarnowrevealedthemselvesastwomenandonesilver maskedwoman.Allthreewerelookingatanodd,blurrytreestumpinthe centreoftheglade.SlowlyCrokusletoutabreath.Oneofthemenwas RallickNom. 'Thereisillinthis,'thewomansaid,steppingback.'Ahunger.' Thelargeblackskinnedmanathersidegrunted.'Wouldn'targuewithyou onthat,GuildMaster.Whateveritis,itain'tMalazan.' Thethief'seyeswidened.Malazanspies?GuildMaster?Vorcan! Seeminglyimpervioustothestrangenessaroundher,thewomannow turnedtoRallick.'Howdoesitaffectyou,Rallick?' 'Itdoesn't,'hesaid. 'Approachit,then.' Theassassinshruggedandwalkeduptothewrithing,knottedblock. Itsblurredmovementstopped. Vorcanrelaxed.'Youseemtodamageitsefforts,Rallick.Curious.' Themangrunted.'Otataraldust.' 'What?' 'Irubbeditintomyskin.' Vorcanstared. Theotherman'seyesnarrowedonRallick.'Irememberyou,Assassin.Our quarrywhenwefirstsoughttomakecontact.Thenightoftheambushfrom above.' Rallicknodded. 'Well,'theMalazancontinued,'I'msurprisedyousurvived.'

'Heisamanofmanysurprises,'Vorcansaid.'Verywell,CorporalKalamof theBridgeburners,yourrequestforanaudiencereachedmeandIhave grantedit.Beforewebegin,however,Iwouldappreciateitiftherestofyour partyweretojoinus.'Sheturnedtothetreesonherright. Crokus'sheadwasalreadyreelingBridgeburners!butitfeltmoments awayfromburstingwhenhesawtwomenemergefromtheshadows,with Apsalarbetweenthem.Shelookeddrugged,andhereyeswereclosed. Oneofthemensaid,'GuildMaster,IamCaptainParanoftheNinthSquad.' Hedrewadeepbreath,thencontinued,'Inthismatter,however,Kalam speaksfortheEmpire.' Vorcanturnedbacktotheblackman.'Thentheaudienceisbegun.' 'Webothknow,GuildMaster,thattheCityCouncilisnotDarujhistan'strue powerbase.Andsinceyou'renot,either,we'veconcludedthatthecity's magesoperatecovertly,keepingthestatusquointactbeingtheiroverriding interest.Whoevertheyare,they'regoodathidingthemselves.Now,wemight justdecidetokilleverymageinDarujhistan,butthatwouldtaketoolong, anditmightprovemessy. 'Instead,GuildMaster,theMalazanEmpirehasissuedacontracton Darujhistan'struerulers.Onehundredthousandgoldjakatas.Each. 'More,theEmpressoffersthemantleofthecity'scontrol,accompanied withthetitleHighFirstandalltheprivilegesthatcomewithit.'Hecrossed hisarms. Vorcanwassilent,thenshesaid,'EmpressLaseeniswillingtopaynine hundredthousandjakatastome?' 'Ifthat'sthenumber.Yes,'Kalamagreed. 'TheT'orrudCabalisapowerfulforce,Corporal.ButbeforeIanswer,I wouldknowofthecreaturewhoapproachesfromtheeast.'Herface tightenedfractionally.'Fivedragonsopposeditforatime,presumably hailingfromMoon'sSpawn.IassumethatMasterBarukandhisCabalhave sealedanagreementwiththeSonofDarkness.' Kalamlookedstunned,thenrecoveredquickly.'GuildMaster,the approachingforcewasnotofourmaking.We'dwelcomeitsdestructionat thehandsoftheSonofDarkness.Asforyourhiddenquestion,Iwould assumethatthealliancebetweentheTisteAndandtheCabalwillbecome voidwiththedeathofthecabal'smembers.We'renotaskingyoutotrytokill theLordofMoon'sSpawn.' Paranclearedhisthroat.'GuildMaster,Moon'sSpawnandtheMalazan Empirehaveclashedbefore.ThepatternindicatesthattheSonofDarknessis likelytoretreatratherthanstandagainstusalone.' 'Accurate,'Vorcanagreed.'CorporalKalam,Ihavenowishtowastethe livesofmyassassinsonsuchaneffort.OnlyanassassinwhoisaHighMage couldhopetosucceed.Therefore,Iacceptthecontract.Iwillconductthe assassinations.Now,astothematterofpayment' 'DeliveredbyWarrenuponcompletionofthecontract,'Kalamsaid.'You mayknowthisalready,GuildMaster,buttheEmpresswasonceanassassin. Sheabidesbytherulesofconduct.Thegoldshallbepaid.Thetitleandrule

ofDarujhistangivenwithouthesitation.' 'Accepted,CorporalKalam.'VorcanturnedtoRallick.'Ibeginimmediately. RallickNom,thetaskInowgiveyouisvital.Ihaveconsideredyourstrange abilitytonegatethegrowthofthisillthing.Myinstinctsaresuch:itmust notbepermittedtocontinuegrowing.Youwillremainhere,thusholdingitin stasis.' 'Forhowlong?'hegrowled. 'Untilmyreturn.AtthattimeIwilltestitsdefences.Oh,andonemore thing:Ocelot'sactionswerenotsanctionedbytheGuild.Executinghim fulfilledtheGuild'sjudgementastofitpunishment.Thankyou,RallickNom. TheGuildispleased.' Rallickwalkedovertothestrangestumpandsatdownonit. 'Untillater,'Vorcansaid,andstrodefromtheglade. CrokuswatchedasthethreeMalazanspiesgatheredforawhispered discussion.ThenoneofthemengraspedApsalar'sarmandgentlyguidedher intothewoods,makingfortherearwall.Theremainingtwo,CaptainParan andCorporalKalam,glancedoveratRallick. Theassassin'sheadwasinhishands,hiselbowsonhisthighs,staring gloomilyattheground. Kalamhissedasighthroughhisteethandshookhishead.Amomentlater bothmenleft,inthedirectionoftheterrace. Crokushesitated,apartofhimwantingtorushintothegladeandconfront Rallick.Assassinatethemages!HandDarujhistantotheMalazans?Howcould themanallowsuchathingtohappen?Hedidnotmove,however,afear growinginsidehimthathe,intruth,knewnothingofthisman.Wouldthe assassinlistentohim?OrwouldheanswerCrokuswithaknifeinthethroat? Crokusdidn'tfeelliketakingchance. InthelastminuteRallickhadnotmoved.Thenherose,turneddirectlyto whereCrokuslayhidden. Thethiefgroaned. Rallickbeckoned. Slowly,Crokusapproached. 'Youhidewell,'Rallicksaid.'AndyouwereluckyVorcankepthermask onshecouldn'tseemuchoutofit.Youheard,then?' Crokusnodded,hiseyesdrawntowhathe'dcalledatreestumpinspiteof himself.Itlookedmorelikeasmallwoodenhouse.Thepocksonitssides couldwellhavebeenwindows.UnlikeVorcan,hesensednothungerbuta kindofurgency,almostfrustration. 'Beforeyoucondemnme,listencarefully,Crokus.' Thethiefdraggedhisattentiohfromthewoodenblock.'I'mlistening.' 'Barukmayyetbeattheparty.Youmustfindhim,tellhimexactlywhat's happened.TellhimVorcanisaHighMageandshe'llkillthemallunless theygathertodefendeachother.'Theassassinreachedoutahandto Crokus'sshoulder.Theboyflinched,hiseyeswary.'AndifBarukhasgone home,findMammot.Isawhimherenotlongago.Hewearsthemaskofa tuskedbeast.'

'UncleMammot?Buthe's' 'He'saHighPriestofD'riss,Crokus,andamemberoftheT'orrudCabal. Now,hurry.There'snotimetowaste.' 'Youmeanyou'regoingtostayhere,Rallick?justsitthereonthatthat stump?' Theassassin'sgriptightened.'Vorcanspoketrue,lad.Whateverthisthing is,itseemsIcanholditincheck.Barukneedstoknowofthisconjuring.I trusthissensesmorethanIdoVorcan's,butfornowIwillobeyherinthis.' ForamomentCrokusresisted,histhoughtsonApsalar.They'ddone somethingtoher,hewascertainandifthey'dharmedher,he'dmakethem pay.ButUncleMammot?Vorcanwasplanningtokillhisuncle?Thethief's eyeshardenedashelookedupatRallick.'Consideritdone,'hesaid. Atthatinstant,aroarofrageandagony,comingfromtheterrace,shook thetrees.Theblockofwoodbehindthemrespondedwithaburstofbright yellowfire,itsrootswrithingandswellinglikegropingfingers. RallickpushedCrokushardthenwhirledanddivedontotheblock. Theyellowfirewinkedoutandcracksopenedintheearth,spreadinginall directions.'Go!'yelledRallick. Thethief,hishearthammering,turnedandsprintedforLadySinital's estate. angrilyBaruk'shandsnappedoutandyankedsavagelyonthebellcord. Abovehim,heheardthewagonercryout.Thecarriageskiddedtoahalt. 'Something'shappened,'hehissedtoRake.'Welefttooearly,dammit!' Hemovedontheseattothewindowandopeneditsshutters. 'Amoment,Alchemist,'Rakesaidlevelly,hisbrowsknittedandhishead cockedasiflisteningforsomething.'TheTyrant,'hepronounced.'Butheis weakened,andenoughmagesremaintodealwithhim.'Heopenedhismouth toaddsomething,thenshutitagain.Hiseyesdeepenedtoazureashe studiedthealchemist.'Baruk,'hesaidquietly,'returntoyourestate.Prepare fortheEmpire'snextmovewe'llnothavelongtowait.' BarukstaredattheTisteAnd.'Tellmewhat'shappening?'hesaidy.'Will youchallengetheTyrantornot?' Raketossedhismaskontothefloorbetweenthemandclaspedthecollar ofhiscloak.'Ifitprovesnecessary,Ishall.' Fistspoundedonthecarriageandvoicesshoutedgoodnaturedly.The crowdsaroundthempushedinonallsides,rockingthecarriage.Thefestival approachedtheTwelfthBell,theHourofAscensionastheLadyofSpring tooktotheskyinthecomingofthemoon. Rakecontinued,'Inthemeantimethecity'sstreetsmustbecleared,'he said.'Iimagineit'syourdesiretominimizethelossoflife.' 'Andthisisallyougiveme,Rake?'Barukgesturedsharply.'Clearthe streets?HowinHood'snamedowemanagethat?Therearethreehundred thousandpeopleinDarujhistan,andthey'reallinthestreets!' TheTisteAndopenedthedoorbesidehim.'Thenleavethattome.Ineed tofindahighvantagepoint,Alchemist.Suggestions?' Baruk'sfrustrationwassogreatthathehadtofightthedesiretodefy

AnomanderRake.'K'rul'sBelfry,'hesaid.'AsquaretowernearWorryGate.' Rakesteppedoutofthecarriage.'We'llspeakagainatyourestate, Alchemist,'hesaid,leaningbackinside.'Youandyourfellowmagesmust prepareyourselves.'Hefacedthecrowds,pausingforamomentasif smellingtheair.'Howfartothisbelfry?' 'Threehundredpacessurelyyoudon'tmeantogoonfoot?' 'Ido.IamnotyetreadytounveilmyWarren.' 'Buthow?'Barukfellsilent,asAnomanderRakeprovidedtheanswerto hisquestion. Standingheadandshouldersabovethejostlingcrowds,heunsheathedhis sword.'Ifyouvalueyoursouls,'theSonofDarknessbellowed,'makeway!' Raisedhigh,theswordgroanedawake,chainsofsmokewrithingfromthe blade.Aterriblesoundasofwheelscreakingfilledtheairandbehinditarose achorusofmoaningfilledwithhopelessness.BeforeLordAnomanderRake thecrowdinthestreetshrankback,allthoughtsoffestivitysweptaway. 'Godsforfend!'Barukwhispered. Ithadbeguninnocentlyenough.QuickBenandWhiskeyjackstood togethernearthefountain.Servantsscurriedas,despitethenight's bloodshedandthehostess'sabsence,theparty'senergyburgeonedanewas thetwelfthbellapproached.TheywerejoinedbyCaptainParan. 'WehavemetwiththeGuildMaster,'hesaid.'Shehasacceptedthe contract.' Whiskeyjackgrunted.'Wherewouldweallbewithoutgreed?' 'Ijustnoticedsomething,'QuickBensaid.'Myheadache'sgone.I'm temptedtoaccessmyWarren,Sergeant.SeewhatIcansee.' Whiskeyjackthoughtbriefly.'Goahead.' QuickBensteppedbackintotheshadowofamarblepillar. Beforethem,anoldmanwearingaghastlymaskdriftedtowards Whiskeyjack'slineofmen.Thenalarge,buxomwomanwithawaterpipe approachedtheoldman.Herservantfollowedhalfastepbehind. Trailingsmokeasshewalked,shecalledtotheoldman. Thenextmomentthenightwasshatteredasawaveofenergyflowedlikea streamofwaterbetweenWhiskeyjackandParan,strikingtheoldmaninthe chest.Thesergeant'sswordwasinhishandasheturnedtofindhiswizard, magicswirlingfromhim,pushinghimtoonesideandracingforthewoman. 'No!'QuickBenscreamed.'Stayawayfromhim!'Paran,too,hadunsheathed hisswordinhishand,thebladekeeningasiffilledwithterror.Hesprinted forward. Abestialroarofrageshooktheairastheoldman,hismasktornaway, whirled.Hisburningeyesfoundthewomanandheflungahandtowardsher. Thesurgeofpowerthatstreamedfromhimwasasgreyasslate,cracklingin theair. Whiskeyjack,frozen,watchedindisbeliefasQuickBen'sbodyhurledinto thewoman's.Bothcollidedwiththeservantandallthreewentdownina heap.Thewrithingstreamofenergycutaswaththroughthestunnedcrowd, incineratingeveryoneittouched.Wheremenandwomenhadstooda

momentearliertherewasnothingbutwhiteash.Theattackbranchedout, rippingthrougheverythinginsight.Treesdisintegrated,stoneandmarble explodedincloudsofdust.Peopledied,somewithpartsoftheirbodysimply gone,bloodsprayinginblackflecksastheycrumpled. Alanceofenergyshotwildlyskyward,flashinginthenightskywithina heavycloud.Anotherstrucktheestatewitharattlingboom.Athirdsnaked towardsParanasheclosedthegapbetweenhimandtheoldman. Thepowerstruckthesword,anditandParanvanished. Thesergeanttookahalfstepforward,thensomethinghardandmassive struckaglancingblowtohisshoulder.Hewasspunround,hisrightknee bucklinginwardashefell. Hefeltthesnapofbone,thenthemeatytearingoffleshandskinashis weightborehimdown.Hisswordclanged.Agonylancingthroughhim,he rolledtofreehispinnedleg,andcameupagainstatoppledpillar. Aninstantlaterhandsgraspedhiscloak.'Igotyou!'Fiddlergrunted. Whiskeyjackbellowedinpainasthesaboteurdraggedhimacrossthe pavingstones.Thendarknesssweptinaroundhimandheknewnomore. QuickBenfoundhimselfburiedbeneathflesh,andforasecondhecould notbreathe.Thenthewoman'shandspresseddownonhisshouldersand shepushedherselfoffhim.Sheshoutedattheoldman. 'Mammot!Anikaletharaest!' QuickBen'seyeswidenedashesensedthewaveofpowerrisethroughher body.Theairsuddenlysmelledofdeepforestloam. 'Araest!'sheyelled,andthepowerburstfromherinavirulentpulse. QuickBenheardMammot'sscreamofpain. 'Attend,Wizard!'thewomansaid.'HeisJaghutpossessed.' 'Iknow,'hegrowled,rollingontohisstomachthenclimbingtohishands andknees.AquickglanceshowedMammotontheground,wavingafeeble hand.Thewizard'sgazeflickedtowhereWhiskeyjackhadbeen.Thepillars aroundthefountainhadtoppled,andthesergeantwasnowhereinsight.In fact,herealized,noneofthesquadwasvisible. Ontheterracecrumpledbodieslayingrotesquepiles,nonemoving. Everyoneelsehadfled. 'Mammotrecovers,'thewomansaiddesperately.'Ihavenothingleft, Wizard.Youmustdosomethingnow,yes?' Hestaredather. Paranstumbled,slidacrossgreasyclayandrolledupagainstabankof tuftedreeds.Astormrackedtheskyabovehim.Hescrambledtohisfeet,the swordChancehotandmoaninginhishand.Acalmshallowlakestretched outonhisleft,endinginadistantridgeoffaintlyluminescentgreen.Tohis rightthemarshescontinuedouttothehorizon.Theairwascool,sweetwith decay. Paransighedshakily.Hestudiedthestormoverhead.jaggedarcsof lightningwarredwitheachother,thecloudsdarkandtwistingasifinagony. Aconcussionsoundedtohisrightandhespun.Athousandpacesaway, somethinghadappeared.Thecaptainsquinted.Itroseabovethemarsh

grasseslikeananimatedtree,gnarledandblack,pullingattherootsthat grippeditandflingingthemaside.Anotherfigureappeared,dancedlithely aroundit,abrownbladedjaggedswordinitshands.Thisfigurewasclearly inretreat,asthegnarledmanshapelashedatitwithmiasmicwavesof power.TheywereapproachingParan'sposition. Heheardbubbling,suckingsoundsbehindhimandturned.'Hood's Breath!' Ahousewasrisingoutofthelake.Swampgrassandmudslidfromits batteredstonewalls.Ahugestonedoorwaygapedblack,hissingwithsteam. Thesecondlevelofthestructurelookedmisshapen,scarred,thecutstones meltedawayhereandthere,revealingaskeletalwoodenAnotherexplosion drewhisattentionbacktothefighters.Theyweremuchclosernow,and Parancouldseethefigurewiththetwohandedswordclearly.AT'lanImass. Despiteitsawesomeskillwiththechalcedonyweaponinitshands,itwas beingdrivenback.Itsattackerwasatall,leancreaturewithfleshlikeoak. Twogleamingtusksrosefromitslowerjaw,anditwasshriekingwithrage.It strucktheT'lanImassagain,flingingthewarriorfifteenpaces,torollthrough themuckandcometorestalmostatParan'sfeet. Thecaptainfoundhimselfstaringdownintodepthlesseyes. 'TheAzathisnotyetready,mortal,'theT'lanImasssaid.'Tooyoung,not yetofstrengthtoimprisonthatwhichcalleditintobeingtheFinnest.When theTyrantfled,Isoughtoutitspower.'Ittriedtorise,failed.'Defendthe Azath,theFinnestseekstodestroyit.' Paranlookeduptoseetheapparitionstalkingtowardshim.Defend? Againstthat?Thechoicewastakenfromhim.TheFinnestroaredanda sizzlingwaveofpowerrolledtowardshim.HeswungChanceintoitspath. Thebladeslidthroughtheenergy.Unaffected,thepowersweptover,then intoParan.Blinded,hescreamedasbittercoldlancedthroughhim, shatteringhisthoughts,hissenseofself.Aninvisiblehandclosedaroundhis soul.Mine!Thewordranginhishead,triumphantandfilledwithsavageglee. Youaremine! ParandroppedChance,felltohisknees.Thegriponhissoulwasabsolute. Hecouldonlyobey.Fragmentsofawarenessreachedthrough. Atool,nothingmore.AllIhavedone,allIhavesurvived,toreachbutthis. Deepwithinhimheheardasound,repeatingagainandagain,growing louder.Ahowl.Thechillofhisbloodthathadseamlesslyfilledeverypartof hisbodybegantobreakapart.Flashesofheat,bestialanddefiant,ripped throughthecold.Hethrewbackhishead,thehowlingreachinghisthroat.As itbrokeloose,theFinneststaggeredback. BloodofaHound!BloodnoonecanenslaveParanlaunchedhimselfat theFinnest.Hismusclesfilledwithpainasoverwhelmingstrengthflowed intothem.Youdare!Hestruckthecreature,drivingittotheground, batteringitsoakfleshwithhisfists,sinkinghisteethintothebarkofitsface. TheFinnesttriedtopushhimaway,andfailed.Itscreamed,flailingitslimbs. Paranbeganrippingitmethodicallytopieces. Ahandclosedonthecollarofhiscloak,pulledhimfromthetatteredbody.

Frenzied,Parantriedtotwistround,torendthecreatureholdinghim.The T'lanImassshookhim.'Cease!' Thecaptainblinked. 'Cease!YoucannotdestroytheFinnest.Butyouhaveheldit.Longenough. TheAzathwilltakeitnow.Doyouunderstand?' Paransagged,thefireswithinhimebbing.GlancingdownattheFinnest,he sawrootsandfibroustendrilsrisingfromthewetearthtowrapthemselves aroundthebatteredapparitionandbegintopulltheircaptivedownintothe cloyingmud.Inamoment,theFinnestwasgone. TheT'lanImassreleasedParanandsteppedback.Itregardedhimsteadily foralongmoment. Paranspatbloodandsplintersfromhismouth,wipedhislipswiththe backofahand.HebentdownandretrievedChance.'Damnedluckturned,'he mumbled,sheathingtheweapon.'Doyouhavesomethingtosay,Imass?' 'Youarealongwayfromhome,mortal.' Paranreappearedamomentlater,staggeringhalfblindacrosstheterrace, thencollapsinginaheap.QuickBenscowled.WhatinHood'sBreath happenedtohim? AJaghutcurseescapedMammot,fierceasifrippedfromthesoul.Theold manregainedhisfeet,tremblingwithrage.Thenhishoodedeyeswereon thewizard. 'AwakentheSevenwithinme!'QuickBenroared,thenshriekedasseven Warrensopenedwithinhim.Hisagonizedscreamrodethecascadingwaves ofpowerastheysweptacrosstheterrace. TheJaghutPossessedthrewuphisarmsbeforehisfaceasthewaves struck.Mammot'sbodywitheredbeneaththeclambering,frenziedattack. Fleshwasrippedaway,fireslancing,boringholesthroughhim. Hewasdriventohisknees,avortexswirlinglikemadnessaroundhim. Mammothowled,raisingafistthatwasnothingbutcharredbone. ThefistspasmedandoneofQuickBen'sWarrensslammedshut.Thefist jerkedagain. QuickBensagged.'I'mdone.' Derudangrabbedahandfulofthewizard'scloak.'Wizard!Listentome!' AnotherWarrenwasdrivenaway.QuickBenshookhishead.'done.' 'Listen!Thatmantheoneovertherewhat'shedoing?' QuickBenlookedup.'Hood'sBreath!'heyelled,insuddenterror.Adozen pacesawaycrouchedHedge,onlyhisheadandshouldersshowingbehinda bench.Thesaboteur'seyesshonewithamanicglazethatthewizard recognized,andalarge,bulkyarbalestwasinhishands,pointdirectlyat Mammot. Awordless,wailingscreamcamefromHedge. Thewizardshoutedanddivedforthewomanasecondtime.Asheflew throughtheair,heheardthethockofthesaboteur'scrossbow.QuickBen closedhiseyesbeforecollidingonceagainwiththewoman. CroneflewtightcirclesovertheplainwheretheJaghutTyranthadbeen. HehadreachedtowithinfiftypacesofSilanah,thenvanished.Notaflight

throughaWarren,butavanishingmorecomplete,moreabsoluteandallthe morefascinatingforthat. Ithadbeenagloriousnight,abattleworthyofremembrance,anditsend provednoendatall.'Deliciousmystery,'shecackled.Croneknewher presencewasdemandedelsewhere,butshewasreluctanttoleave. 'SuchterribleenergiesIhavewitnessed.'Shelaughed.'Imockthewaste, thesheerfoolishness!Ah,andnowallthatremainsisquestions,questions!' Shecranedherheadupward.Herlord'stwoTisteAndSoletaken remainedoverhead.NoonewantedtoleavebeforethetruthoftheJaghut Tyrant'sfatewasrevealed.They'dearnedtherighttowitnessit,though Cronewasbeginningtosuspectsuchanswerswouldnevercome. Silanahloosedakeeningcry,thenrosefromtheground,theWarrenthat birthedherflightastrong,pungentexhalation.Thereddragon'sheadswung westward,andshevoicedasecondcry. Withamadflapofwings,Cronebroughtherdescentundercontrol,then skirtedthetatteredground.Sheclimbedskywardagain,andsawwhat Silanahhadseen.Croneshriekedinjoyandanticipationandsurprise.'And nowitcomes!Itcomes!' Asheshuthiseyes,QuickBencollapsedthelastofhisWarrens.The woman'sarmsclosedaroundhimashestruckher.Shegruntedloudlyand collapsedbeneathhismomentum. Thedetonationsnatchedtheairfromhislungs.Thestonesunderthem jumpedandaflashoffireandflyingmasonryfilledtheirworldtothe exclusionofallelse.Theneverythingwasstill. QuickBensatup.HelookedtowhereMammothadbeenstanding. Thepavingstonesweregone,andawide,deep,steamingholenow yawnedneartheshatteredfountain.Theoldmanwasnowhereinsight. 'Dearwizard,'thewomanmurmuredbeneathhim.'Welive?' QuickBenglanceddownather.'You'dclosedyourWarren.Veryclever.' 'Closed,yes,butnotbychoice.Whyclever?' 'Moranthmunitionsaremundaneweapons,Witch.OpenedWarrensdraw theirexplosiveforce.ThatTyrantisdead.Obliterated.' AndthenHedgewasbesidethem,hisleathercaphalfblownawayand flashburnscoveringonesideofhisface.'Youallright?'hegasped. Thewizardreachedoutandcuffedtheman.'Youidiot!Howmanytimes haveI''He'sdead,ain'the?'Hedgeretorted,hurt.'Justasmoulderinghole inthegroundbestwaytodealwithmages,right?' TheysawCaptainParanriseshakilyfromtherubblestrewnterrace. Hescannedthescene,hisgazefindingthewizard.'WhereisWhiskeyjack?' hedemanded. 'Inthewoods,'Hedgeanswered. Paranstumbledinthatdirection. 'Bighelphewas,'Hedgemuttered. 'Quick!'ThewizardturnedtoseeKalamapproach.Theassassinpausedas heskirtedtheedgeofthecrater,thenhesaid.'Something'smovingdown there.'

Paling,QuickBenrose,thenhelpedthewitchtoherfeet. Theyapproachedthecrater.'Impossible,'thewizardbreathed.A manshapedformhadcoalescedatthebaseofthepit.'We'redead.Orworse.' Thrashingfromthegardendrewtheirattention.Thethreefrozeas strangelyblurredrootsbrokefreeoftheundergrowthandsnakedhungrily towardsthecrater. TheJaghutPossessedstraightened,spreadinggrey,swirlingarms. Therootsclosedaroundthecreature.Itshriekedinsuddenterror. 'Azathedieirmarn!No!You'vetakenmyFinnestbutleaveme!Please!' Tendrilsclamberedinafrenzy,entwiningitslimbs.TheOmtosePhellack powerwrithedinapanickedefforttoescape,tonoavail.Therootspulledthe apparitiondown,thendraggeditscreamingintothegarden. 'Azath?'QuickBenwhispered.'Here?' 'None,Iwouldswear,'Derudansaid,herfacewhite.'It'ssaidtheyarise' 'Whereunchainedpowerthreatenslife,'thewizardfinished. 'Iknowwhereitis,'Kalamsaid.'QuickBen,willthatJaghutescape?' 'No.' 'Sowe'redonewithit.WhatoftheAzath?' QuickBenhuggedhimself.'Leaveit,Kalam.' 'Imustleave,'Derudansaidhastily.'Again,mygratitudefortwicesaving mylife.' Theywatchedherrushaway. Fiddlerjoinedthem,lookingdistracted.'Mallet'stendingtothesergeant,' hesaid,closingthestrapsonabulkybaghecarried.'We'reoff,then.'He nudgedHedge.'Gotacitytoblow.' 'Whiskeyjack'shurt?'QuickBenasked. 'Brokenleg,'Fiddleranswered.'Prettybad.' AtasurprisedcryfromDerudan,whohadgonetotheoppositesideofthe fountain,theyallturned.She'dwalkedontoablackcladyouth,whomust havebeencrouchingbehindthefountain'sstonewall.Dartinglikearabbit, theboyleapedthefountainandracedtowardstheestate. 'Whatdoyouthinkheheard?'Fiddlerwondered. 'Nothingthatwouldmeanmuchtohim,'saidQuickBen,recallingtheir conversation.'YouandHedgegoingtodothedeed?' 'Skyhigh.'Fiddlergrinned. Thetwosaboteurscheckedtheirequipmentonelasttime,thenturnedto thepatio. Meanwhile,Kalamstoodgloweringintothepit.Ancientcopperwater pipesstreamedwaterdownitsraggedsides.Forsomereasonamemoryof theGreyfacesflashedintohishead.Theassassincrouched,seeingonepipe thatleakednowater.Hesniffedtheair,thenlayflatonthegroundand reacheddowntolayhishandoverthepipe'sbrokenend. 'Osserc,'hebreathed. Herolledandgainedhisfeet,thenaskedQuickBen,'Wherearethey?' Thewizard'sexpressionwasblank.'Who?' Kalamroared,'Thesaboteurs,dammit!'

'Justleft,'QuickBenreplied,bemused.'Throughtheestate.' 'Tothebackwall,soldier,'theassassinsnapped.'FindtheothersParan's takencommand.Tellhimtopullout.FindaplaceIknow.I'llmeetyouthere.' 'Whereareyougoing?' 'Afterthesaboteurs.'Kalamwipedsweatfromhisface.'Pulloutthecity mapwhenyoucan,QuickBen.'Theassassin'seyesweretightwithfear. 'Checkthelegendonit.We'veplantedminesateverymajorintersection.It's themainvalvesdon'tyousee?'Hewavedanarm.'TheGreyfaces!Thegas, QuickBen!' Kalamwhirledandcrossedthepatio.Amomentlaterhedisappearedinto theestatehouse. QuickBenstaredafterhim.Thegas?Hiseyeswidened.'We'llallgosky high,'hewhispered.'Thewholedamncity!' CHAPTERTWENTYTHREE Itwassaidsheturnedthebladeonherselfthentostealthemagicoflife. CalltoShadow(IX.) Felisin(b.1146) EXHAUSTED,PARANMADEHISWAYTHROUGHTHEUNDERGROWTH. Heduckedbeneathatreeintoshadowandtheworldshifted. Jawsclosedonhisleftshoulder,teethgrindingthroughchain,andlifted himfromtheground.Asurgeofunseenmuscleflunghimthroughtheair.He landedheavily,rolledtohiskneesandlookedupintimetoseetheHound closeonceagain.Paran'sleftarmwasnumb;hereachedvainlyforhissword astheHoundopeneditsmawandcloseditaroundhischest.Mailpopped, fleshtoreandbloodsprayedastheHoundliftedParanonceagain. Thecaptainhunginthegiantbeast'smouth.HefeltChanceslidefreeofits scabbard,itsweightpullingitawayfromhistwitchinghand.TheHound shookhim.Bloodspatteredtheground.Thenitdroppedhimandstepped back,lookingalmostbaffled.Itwhined,begantopacebackandforth,eyes dartingagainandagaintothecaptain. PainsurgedthroughParaningrowingwaves;hislimbsshook uncontrollably,hecouldbarelydrawbreath. 'ItseemsRoodmustfindsomeonetoblame,'avoicesaid.Paranblinked, openedhiseyestoseeablackcowledmanstandingabovehim. 'Buthewaspremature,andforthatIapologize.Evidently,someoldscores needsettlingbetweenyouandtheHounds.'ThemanfrownedatRood.'More, somethinghasconfusedhimaboutyouKinship?Now,howcouldthatbe?' 'Youweretheone,'Paransaid,asnumbnessspreadthroughhim,'theone whopossessedthegirl' Themanfacedthecaptain.'Yes,IamCotillion.Shadowthroneregrets leavingyououtsideHood'sGatesatthecostoftwoHounds.Doyourealize thatthosepreciouscreatureshadlivedforathousandyears?Doyourealize thatnomanmortalorAscendanthaseverbeforekilledaHound?'

DidIsavetheirsouls?Wouldn'ttellingthatstorymatter?No,toomuchlike begging.ParanglancedatRood.Kinship?'Whatdoyouwantfromme?'he askedCotillion.'Mydeath?Leavemehere,then,it'salmostdone.' 'Youshouldhaveleftustoourwork,Captain,sinceyounowhatethe Empressso.' 'Whatyoudidtothegirl' 'WhatIdidwasmerciful.Iusedher,yes,butsheknewitnot.Canthesame besaidforyou?Tellme,isknowingyou'rebeingusedbetterthannot knowing?' Paransaidnothing. 'Icanreleasetothegirlallthosememories,ifyoulike.Thememoriesof whatIdid,whatshedid,whenIpossessedher...' 'No.' Cotillionnodded. Parancouldfeelthepainreturninganditsurprisedhim.He'dlostsomuch bloodthathe'dexpectedtobefadingfromconsciousnessbynow. Instead,thepainwasback,incessant,throbbingamidunbearableitching. Hecoughed.'Nowwhat?' 'Now?'Cotillionseemedsurprised.'NowIstartagain.' 'Anothergirllikeher?' 'No,theplanwasflawed.' 'Youstoleherlife!'Cotillion'sdarkeyeshardened.'Nowshehasitback.I seeyoustillcarryChance,sothesamecannotbesaidforyou.' Paranturnedhishead,foundtheweaponanarm'slengthaway.'Whenmy luckturns,'hemuttered.Andturnitdid.Hefoundhecouldmovehisleftarm, andthepaininhischestseemedlessinsistentthanithad. CotillionlaugheddrilyatParan'swords.'Itwillbetoolatethen,Captain. YougamblethattheLadycontinuestolookkindlyonyou.You've surrenderedwhateverwisdomyoumayhaveoncepossessed.Suchisthe poweroftheTwins.' 'Iamhealing,'Paransaid. 'Soyouare.AsIsaid,Roodwaspremature.' Thecaptainslowly,cautiously,satup.Hischainarmourwasinshreds,but beneathhecouldseetheredflameofnewlyhealedflesh.'IIdon't understandyou,Cotillion,orShadowthrone.' 'Youarenotaloneinthat.Now,astoChance...' Paranlookeddownattheweapon.'It'syours,ifyouwantit.' 'Ah,'Cotillionsmiled,steppingovertopickitup.'I'dsuspectedachangeof heart,Captain.Theworldissocomplex,isn'tit?Tellme,doyoupitytheones whousedyou?' Paranclosedhiseyes.Aterribleburdenseemedtodrainfromhim.He recalledtheFinnest'sgriponhissoul.HeglancedupattheHound.InRood's eyeshesawsomethingalmostsoft.'No.' 'Wisdomreturnsquickly,'Cotillionsaid,'oncethebondissevered.Iwill returnyounow,Captain,withthisonelastwarning:trynottobenoticed. AndwhennextyouseeaHound,run.'

TheairswirledintodarknessaroundParan.Heblinked,sawthetreesof theestategardenrisingbeforehim.Iwonder,willIrunfromitorwithit? 'Captain?'ItwasMallet'svoice.'WhereinHood'sNameareyou?' Paransatup.'NotinHood'sName,Mallet.I'mhere,intheshadows.' Thehealerscrambledtohisside.'We'vegottroubleeverywhere.You look' 'Dealwithit,'thecaptainbarked,climbingtohisfeet. MalletstaredatParan.'Hood'sBreath,youlookchewedtopiecesSir.' 'I'mgoingafterLorn.IfwealllivethroughthiswewillmeetatthePhoenix Inn.Understood?' Malletblinked.'Yes,Sir.' Paranturnedtoleave. 'Captain?' 'What?''Don'ttreatherkindly,Sir.' Paranmovedoff. TheimagesremainedwithCrokus,brutallysharp.Theyreturnedagainand againevenashetriedtomoveawayfromthem,histhoughtsdrivenbypanic anddesperation. UncleMammotwasdead.Intheyouth'sheadadistant,steadyvoicetold himthatthemanwhohadborneMammot'sfacewasnotthemanhe'd knownallhislife,andthatwhathadbeenclaimedbytheroots,was somethingelse,somethinghorrific.Thevoicerepeatedthis,andheheardits clearstatementrisingandfallingbeneaththestormofwhathehadseenwith hisowneyes:theimagesthatwouldnotleavehim. ThecentralchamberofLadySinital'sestatewasabandoned,thefte's trappingsscatteredaboutontheflooramidpuddlesandsmearsofblood. ThedeadandthosewhomMammothadhurthadbeencarriedawaybythe guards;theservantshadallfled. Crokusracedacrosstheroomtotheopenfrontdoors.Beyond,torchlight castahissingblueglowdownontothewalkway'spavedstonesandthe gates,whichhadbeenleftajar.Thethiefleapeddownthestepsandhurried forthegate.Heslowedasheapproachedit,forsomethingwaswronginthe street. LikeSinital'smainfloor,thestreetwasempty,litteredwithpennants, bannersandfetishes.Eddiesofdrywindwhippedtattersofclothandreed paperaboutindancingcircles.Theairfeltheavyandclose. Crokusemergedontothestreet.Ineitherdirection,asfarashecouldsee, notasinglerevellerwasvisible,andathicksilencehungoverall. Thewindcurledroundhim,firstfromonedirection,thenfromanother,as ifseekingescape.Acharnelsmellfilledtheair. Mammot'sdeathreturnedtohim.Hefeltutterlyalone,yetRallick'swords urgedhimon.Daysago,theassassinhadclosedangryhandsonthethief's shirt,pullinghimcloseandhe'dcalledCrokusadrinkerofthecity'sblood. Hewantedtorefutethat,especiallynow.Darujhistanmattered.Itwashis home,anditmattered. HeturnedinthedirectionofBaruk'sestate.Atleast,withthestreets

empty,thiswouldn'ttakelong.Hebegantorun. Thegustingwindbeatagainsthim,whippinghishairintohisface. Darknesshunglowabovethestreet'sgaslamps.Crokusskiddedtoahalt onacorner.He'dheardsomething.Cockinghishead,heheldhisbreathand listened.There,again.Birdshundredsofthemfromthesound,murmuring, talking,clucking.Andamidthecharnelsmellhenowdetectedthereekof birds'nests.Crokusfrowned,thinking.Thenhelookeddirectlyoverhead. Ashoutbrokefromhislipsandheduckedinstinctively.Abovehim, blottingoutthenightsky'sstars,wasaceilingofjaggedblackstone,hanging solowastoseeminchesfromthehighestbuildings.Hestaredupatit,then pulledawayhisgazeasawaveofdizzinessspunthroughhim.Theceiling wasrevolvingslowly.Initspocks,shelvesandcragshe'dseentherestless motionofnestingravens,oilyblotsagainstthegrainybackground. Moon'sSpawnhadarrived,toclearthestreets,tosilencethefestivalof rebirth.Whatcoulditmean?Crokusdidn'tknow,butBarukwould. Ofcourse. Thethiefresumedhisrun,hismoccasinsawhisperonthecobbles. Kruppetookanexpansivebreath,hiseyesbrightashesurveyedthe hastilyabandonedleavingsinthekitchen.'Alwaysthewayofthings.'He sighed,pattinghisstomach.'Everandanon,Kruppe'sdreamscometrue. 'Granted,thepatternstillfindsshape,butKruppesensesthatalliswell withtheworld,symbolizedbythevisionofbountynowarrayedbeforehis renewedappetites.Rigoursofthefleshdemandreplenishment,afterall.' Hedrewanothersatisfiedbreathofthesteamyair.'Wemustneedsawait, attheend,thespinofacoin.Inthemeantime,ofcourse,wondrousfood beckons.' InanalleyfacingthegatesofLadySinital'sestate,AdjunctLornhad watchedtheCoinBearerappear,andaslow,satisfiedsmilespreadoverher lips.Findingtheboyhadbeenonething,butshe'dhadnodesiretoenterthe gardenwhereshe'dburiedtheFinnest. Minutesearliershe'dsensedthedeathoftheJaghutTyrant.HadtheLord ofMoon'sSpawnbeendrawnintothebattle?Shehopedso.Ithadbeenher hopethattheJaghutwouldreachthecity,perhapsevenretrievetheFinnest, thuschallengingtheSonofDarknessasanequal.Inretrospect,however,she realizedthattheLordwouldneverhavepermittedthat. WhichmeantthatWhiskeyjackstilllived.Well,there'dbeanothertimefor that,oncethecitywasinthehandsoftheEmpressandTayschrenn.Perhaps thenthey'dfindnoneedtodisguisetheirefforts:theycouldmakethearrest apublicspectacle.WiththiscoupevenDujekcouldnotchallengethem. She'dwatchedtheCoinBearerracedownthestreet,seemingnotevento havenoticedMoon'sSpawnhangingsocloseoverhead.Amomentlater,she followed.WiththeCoininherhands,theEmpresswouldbringOponntoits knees. Likeadrowningvoice,deepwithinhermind,cameaquestionheavywith dismayanddespair:Whatofyourdoubts?Whatofthewomanwho'donce challengedTayschrenn,inPale?Hassomuchchanged?Hassomuchbeen

destroyed? TheAdjunctshookherhead,dispellingtheplaintivecries.Shewasthearm oftheEmpress.ThewomancalledLornwasdead,hadbeendeadforyears, andwouldremainforeverdead.AndnowtheAdjunctmovedthroughthese hollowshadows,inacitycoweringinfear.TheAdjunctwasaweapon.Its edgecouldbitedeep,oritcouldsnap,break.Shemightoncehavecalledthe latter'death'.Now,itwasnomorethanthemisfortuneofwar,aflawinthe weapon'sdesign. ShepausedandhidagainstawallastheCoinBearerstoppedonacorner andrealizedforthefirsttimewhathoveredabovehim.Sheconsidered attackingnow,whilehewassoconfused,possiblyterrified.Butthenhe continuedon. TheAdjunctcroucheddown.TimeforTayschrenn'sgambit. HopefullytheJaghutTyranthadmanagedtoinflictdamageuponthe Moon'slord.Sheremovedasmallflaskfromhershirtandheldthepatinated glassuptotheshineofgaslight.Thecontentsswirledliketrappedsmokeas shegaveitashake. Sheroseandthrewitacrossthestreet.Theflaskstruckastonewalland shattered.Glowingredsmokecurledupward,slowlytakingshape. TheAdjunctspoke:'Youknowyourtask,LordoftheGalayn.Succeed,and freedomwillbeyours.' Sheunsheathedherswordandclosedhereyesbriefly,locatingtheCoin Bearerinhermind.Hewasfast,butshewasfaster.TheAdjunctsmiledagain. Now,theCoinwouldbehers. Whenshemoved,itwasasablur,quickerthananyeyecouldfollow,even thatofaGalaynlordlooseonthematerialplane. Inhisstudy,Barukcradledhisheadinhishands.Mammot'sdeathhad comelikeaknifetohisownheart,andhestillfeltitsstabbingpain.Hewas aloneinthechamber,havingdismissedRoaldearlier. Rakehadsuspected.He'drefusedtospeakofit,consideringittoosensitive amatter.ThealchemisthadwearilytoadmitthattheTisteAndhadbeen correct.WouldheevenhavebelievedRake? Undoubtedly,thepowerpossessingMammothadshieldeditself,defying detection.RakehadanticipatedBaruk'sangeratsuchasuggestion,andhad, wiselyandwithcompassion,chosentosaynothing. AndnowMammotwasdead,evenaswastheJaghutTyrant.Haditbeen Rakewhohadkilledhisoldfriend?Ifso,hehadn'tusedhissword,yet anothermercygrantedbothMammotandBarukthealchemisthadsensed, ifanything,akindofreliefinMammot'sdeathcry. Asoftcoughatthedooralertedhim.Barukroseswiftlyandturned. Hisbrowsrose.'WitchDerudan!' Herfacewaspale,hersmilewan.'Ithoughtofyou,uponMammot'send.I amhere,so.Alas,'shesaid,asshestrodetoachairbythefireplaceandset herwaterpipedownonthefloorbesideit,'myservanthastakentherestof theeveningoff.'Sheremovedtheashcupandtappeditscontentsintothe unlithearth.'Suchmundaneexertions,'shesaid,sighing.

Atfirst,Barukresentedherintrusion.Hepreferredtomournalone. Butashewatchedher,thesupplegraceofhermovements,histhoughts changed.HerWarrenwasTennes,ancientandboundtothecyclesofseasons; andamongthehandfulofdeitiesshecouldcalluponwasTennerock,the BoarofFiveTusks.Derudan'sgreatestpowertheonesheshared,inany casewastheTusknamedLove.Hechastisedhimself.Slowhadthe realizationcomethatshewasbringinghimagift. Derudanreplacedtheashcupandpackeditwithleaves.Sheclosedahand aroundit,andthecontentsglowedwithsuddenheat.Amomentlaterthe witchsatheavilyinthechair.Shedrewdeeplyonthemouthpiece. Barukstrodetotheotherchair.'Rakebelievesitisn'tyetover,'hesaid, sitting. Shenodded.'IwaswitnesstoMammot'send,yes?Hewasopposedby myselfandamostremarkablewizard.ThefleshthatwasMammotwas destroyedbyaMoranthincendiary.TheJaghutspiritsurvivedbutwas takenbyanAzath.'Herheavyliddedeyesappraisedhim. 'Azath?Here,inDarujhistan?' 'Indeed,suchmysteriousconjurings,knownfortheirhungerformages, willimposeuponoureffortsacertaincaution,yes?' 'Wherehasitarisen?' 'InthegardenofSinital'sestate.DidInotalsomentionaMoranth incendiary?LadySinital'sFtehadsomeunusualguests,yes?' 'Malazans?' 'TwicemylifesavedthewizardofwhomIspoke,whocommandswithin himsevenWarrens' 'Seven?'Baruksaid,flinching.'Hood'sBreath,isthatevenpossible?' 'Iftheymeanill,itshallfalltotheSonofDarknesstomeetthechallenge.' Bothstiffenedaspowersurgedintolifesomewherenearby.Thealchemist wasonhisfeet,fistsclenched.'Ademonisunleashed,'hehissed. 'Ifeelitaswell,'Derudansaid,herfacewhite.'Ofgreatpower.' 'ADemonLord.'Baruknodded.'ThisiswhatRakeawaited.' Derudan'seyeswidenedandshepulledonhermouthpiecebeforeasking, 'Ishecapableofdefeatingsuchacreature?SonofDarknessheis,butfeelthis creature'spower,yes?' 'Idon'tknow,'Baruksaidquietly.'Ifnot,thenthecityisdoomed.' Atthatpointtherecameanotherblow,followedbyanother.Thewitchand thealchemiststaredateachotherinrecognition.TwooftheirCabalhadjust diedviolentdeaths. 'Paral,'shewhisperedinfear. 'AndTholas,'Baruksaid.'It'sbegun,anddamnRakeforbeingsoright.' Shelookedathimblankly. Barukgrimaced.'Vorcan.' Standingonthestained,pittedbronzetilesofthebelfry'sroof,Anomander Rake'sheadsnappedaround.Hiseyesdeepenedtoblack. Thewindclawedathislong,silverhairandhisgreycloak,itsmoanhollow andlost.HeraisedhisgazemomentarilytoMoon'sSpawnasitmovedwest.

Hecouldfeelitspain,asifthewoundsithadreceivedatPaleweresomehow echoedinhisownbody.Aflashofregretcrossedhisleanfeatures. Airbuffetedhimandheheardtheheavyflapofwings.Rakesmiled. 'Silanah,'hesaidsoftly,knowingshewouldhearhim.Thereddragon slippedbetweentwotowersandbanked,returningtohisposition.'Iknow yousensetheDemonLord'spresence,Silanah.Youwouldhelpmeinthis.I know,Iknow.'Heshookhishead.'ReturntoMoon'sSpawn,dearfriend.This battleismine.Yoursisdone.Butknowthis:ifIfail,youmayseektoavenge mydeath.' Silanahsweptoverheadandloosedathinwail. 'Gohome,'Rakewhispered. Thereddragoncriedagain,thenswungwestwardandrosethroughthe nightair. Hesensedapresenceathissideandturnedtofindatall,hoodedman sharinghisviewofthecitybelow.'Unwise,'Rakemurmured,'toappear unannounced.' Themansighed.'Thestonesbeneathyourfeet,Lord,arenewlysanctified.I amreborn.' 'ThereisnoplaceintheworldforanElderinggod,'Rakesaid.'Takemy wordforit.' K'rulnodded.'Iknow.IanticipatedreturningtotheRealmsofChaos,with aJaghutTyrantforcompany.Alas,heevadedme.' 'Andfoundimprisonmentelsewhere.' 'Iamrelieved.' Thetwoweresilentforalongminute,thenK'rulsighed.'Iamlost.Inthis world.Inthistime.' Rakegrunted.'Youarenotalonewiththosesentiments,ElderingOne.' 'DoIfollowinyoursteps,Lord?DoIseekoutnewbattles,newgamesto playinthecompanyofAscendants?Areyourewardedinspiritforyour efforts?' 'Sometimes,'Rakesaidquietly.'Butmostly,no,Iamnot.' ThehoodedfaceturnedtotheTisteAnd.'Thenwhy?' 'Iknownootherwayofliving.' 'Ihavenomeansofassistingyouthisnight,AnomanderRake.Iam manifestinthissanctifiedplace,andmanifestinalonemortal'sdreams,but nowhereelse.' 'Iwilldomybest,then,'Rakesaid,'toavoiddamagingyourtemple.' K'rulbowed,thenvanished. Aloneonceagain,Raketurnedhisattentiontothestreetbelow.An apparitionarrived.itpausedtosnifftheair,thenbeganchangingveering.A LordoftheGalayn,andaSoletaken. 'Well,'theLordofMoon'sSpawngrowled,'soamI.'TheTisteAndspread hisarmswide,thenroseupward.KuraldGalainsorceryswirledaroundhim, blendinghisclothing,hismassivesword,drawingallinwardtotheshapehe nowclimbedtowards.Theveeringwassmooth,eloquent,asjetblackwings unfoldedfromhisshoulders.Fleshandbonesurgedinsize,changedinshape.

Asheflewhigher,eyesfixedonthestars,AnomanderRakebecameablack dragon,silvermanedanddwarfingevenSilanah.Hiseyesgleamedsilver,the verticalslitsofthepupilsdilating.Hisbreathgustedinheavygrunts,the snapofhiswingsloudamidthedeepgroanofmuscleonbone.Hischest swelledtodrawinthecold,dryair,andpowerfilledhisbeing. Rakeclimbedeverhigher,slippingthroughastraycloudthatscuddedin darknessoverthecity.Whenhefinallytiltedhiswingsforwardandcaressed thesurfaceofawaywardwind,helookeddownonacitythatglimmeredlike amottledcoppercoinatthebottomofapellucidpond. Sorceryflaredoccasionally,centredmostlyintheEstateDistrict,andRake senseddeathwithinthoseemanations.Heconsideredthemessagedelivered bySerrat,courtesyofafoulmagehe'dthoughtathousandleaguesaway.Was thesorcerytheworkoftheseunwelcomeintruders? Herumbledinfrustrationhewoulddealwiththemlater.Beforehimnow wasabattle.TheEmpressandherEmpirehadchallengedhimagainand again,wilfulinthedesiretotesthisstrength.Eachtimehe'dwithdrawn, unwillingtocommithimself.Verywell,Empress,mypatienceisatanend. Themembraneofhiswingstautened,thejointscreaking,ashegrunteda strainingbreath.Hehungalmostmotionlessforasecondstudyingthegreat citybeneathhim.Then,tuckinginhiswings,AnomanderRake,theSonof DarknessandLordofMoon'sSpawn,plummeted. Kalamknewthepatternofdetonationthesaboteurswouldfollow.He skirtedonesideofthestreetasheran.SowhatifMoon'sSpawnhungover themasifreadytodescendonthecityandcrushthelifefromitlikeagod's heelFiddlerandHedgewouldn'tgiveadanm.Theyhadajobtodo. Theassassincursedeverystubbornboneintheirheads.Whydidn'tthey runawaylikenormal,sanepeople?Hecametoacornerandcrossedthe intersectiondiagonally.Ahead,atthefarendofthestreet,roseMajestyHill. Ashereachedthecornerhealmostcollidedwiththetwosaboteurs.Fiddler dartedtoonesideofhim,Hedgetotheother,runningasifnoteven recognizinghim,terrorplainontheirfaces. Kalamreachedbackandwitheachhandgraspedacloak'shood.Thenhe gruntedinpainasthetwomenjerkedhimbackwardandoffhisfeet. 'Damnyoubastards!'heyelled.'Holdit!''It'sKal!'Hedgeyelled. Kalamtwistedaroundtofindarustyshortswordinchesfromhisface,with Fiddler'swhitefaceandwideeyesimmediatelybehindit.'Putthatpieceof junkaway,'theassassinsnapped.'Youwanttogivemeaninfection?' 'We'regettingoutofhere!'Hedgehissed.'Forgetthedamnmines!Forget everything!' Stillgrippingtheircloaks,Kalamshookthemboth.'Calmdown.What's happened?' Fiddlermoanedandpointedupthestreet. Turning,Kalamstiffened. Atwelvefoottallcreatureshambleddownthemiddleoftheroad, hunchedshoulderswrappedinaglitteringcapewithahighcowl.Atwo bladedaxewasslunginitswidedragonhidebelt,itshandleaslongasKalam

wastall.Thecreature'swide,squatfaceheldtwoslittedeyes. 'Oh,Hood'sGatesandback,'theassassinmuttered.'That'sTayschrenn's preciouslord.'Hepushedthetwosaboteursaroundthecorner.'Getmoving. BacktoSinital'sestate.'Neitherobjected,andmomentslaterwererunningas fastastheycoulddownthestreet.Kalamcrouchedatthecornerandwaited fortheGalaynlordtocomeintoview. Whenitdid,heblanched.'Soletaken.' TheGalaynwasassumingaformbettersuitedtowholesaledestruction. Thedunbrowndragonpaused,itswingtipsbrushingthebuildingsoneither side.Itsrumbletrembledthecobbles. Kalamwatchedasthecreaturetenseditslimbs,thenroseupwardona waveofpower.Thedarknessswallowedit.'Hood'sBreath,'hesaid.'Now thingsaregoingtogetmessy.'Hewhirledandrantocatchupwiththe saboteurs. TheCoinBearercametoastreetlinedwithwalledestates.Heslowedhis pace,studyingeachstructurehepassed. Thetimehadcome,theAdjunctknew.Beforetheboyhadachancetoget insideoneofthoseplaces,wherehemightfindprotection.Sheadjustedher griponthesword,paddinginsilencenotfifteenfeetbehindhim. Shedrewalong,deepbreath,thensurgedforward,sword'spointextended. Atthesharp,ringingclangofmetalimmediatelybehindhim,Crokusdived forward.Hedippedashoulderandrolled,regaininghisfeet.Hecriedoutin shock.ThewomanwhohadattackedCollinthehillswasinawhirlwind exchangewithatall,roundshoulderedmanwithtwoscimitars. Thethief'sjawdroppedashewatchedthefight.Asgoodasthewomanhad shownherselfagainstColl,shewasnowbeingdrivenbackasaflurryof attackssweptaroundher.TheybothmovedsoquicklythatCrokuscouldnot evenseetheparries,orthebladesthemselves,butashewatched,hesawthe blossomingofwoundsonthewomanherarms,legs,chest.Herexpression heldcompletedisbelief. Thenavoicechuckledbesidehim,'He'sgood,ain'the?' Crokuswhirledtoseeatall,thinman,wearingagreyandcrimsonlongcoat, hishandsinitspockets.Heswunganarrowhatchetfacetothethiefand grinned.'Youheadin'somewhere,boy?Somewheresafe?' Crokusnoddednumbly. Theman'sgrinwidened.'I'llescortyou,then.Anddon'tworry,you're coveredfromtheroofs,too.Cowl'supthere,damnhissnakeskinhide.But he'sapowerfulmage,anyway.Serratwasfurious,Ihear.Let'swalk,then.' Crokusletthemantakehisarmandleadhimawayfromtheduel.Thethief castaglanceoverhisshoulder.Thewomanwastryingtodisengagenow,her leftarmhanginguselessandglisteninginthegaslight.Heropponent continuedpressing,silentasaghost. 'Don'tworry,'themanbesidehimsaid,pullinghimalong.'That'sCorporal Blues.Helivesforthisstuff.' 'CCorporal?' 'We'vebeencoveringyourback,CoinBearer.'Theman'sotherhand

reacheduptohiscollar,whichheturnedbacktorevealabrooch.'The name'sFingers,SixthBlade,CrimsonGuard.You'rebeingprotected,boy, complimentsofPrinceK'azzandCaladanBrood.' Crokusstared,thenhescowled.'CoinBearer?What'sthatmean?Ithink you'vegotthewrongperson.' Fingerslaugheddrily.'Wefiguredyouwaswalkingblindanddumb,boy. Theonlyexplanation.You'vegototherpeopletryingtoprotectyou,too,you know.There'sacoininyourpocket,probablytwoheaded,right?'Hegrinned atthethief'sstunnedexpression.'It'sOponn'sown.You'vebeenservinga godandyoudidn'tevenknowit!How'syourluckbeen,lately?'Helaughed again. Crokusstoppedatagate. 'Thisistheplace,then?'Fingersasked,glancingattheestaterisingbehind thecompoundwall.'Well,there'sapowerfulmagelivinginthere,ain'tthere? Well,'hereleasedthethief'sarm,'youshouldbesafeenoughinside.Good luck,boy,andImeanthat.Butlisten,'Fingers'eyeshardened,'ifyourluck goessour,youdumpthatcoin,y'hear?' ConfusionflickeredacrossCrokus'sface.'Thankyou,sir.' 'Ourpleasure,'Fingerssaid,asheplacedhishandsinhispocketsagain. 'Getamoveon,then.' TheAdjunctbrokeaway,takingacutacrossherrightshoulderbladeas shedidso.Sheran,bloodsprayingwiththeeffort,andthemandidnot pursue. Whatafoolshe'dbeen!ThinkingthattheCoinBearerwasn'tprotected! Butwhowasthatman?Neverbeforehadshefacedsuchaswordsman,and themostappallingthingwasthathehadfoughtwithouttheaidofsorcery. Foronce,herOtataralbladeandherskillhadnotbeenenough. Shestaggered,halfblind,downthestreet,thenwheeledroundacorner. Outofthecornerofhereyeshesawaflashofmovement.TheAdjunctthrew herbacktoawallandraisedherswordagain. Alargewomanstoodbeforeher,regardingherquizzically.'Lookstome,' shedrawled,'likeyou'realreadydone.' 'Leavemebe,'Lorngasped. 'Can'tdoit,'Meesesaid.'WebeenonyousinceCircleBreakerpickedyou upatthegate.TheEelsaysyou'vegotsomethingst'payfor,lady.Andwe're heretocollect.' Assoonasthewomansaidthat,theAdjunctsensedanotherpresence, immediatelyonherleft.Shecriedoutasshetriedtospinintoadefensive crouch,andinthecrywasanoverwhelmingsenseoffrustrationanddespair. Whatawaste!shecursed.No,notlikethis! Evenasthatthoughtthunderedthroughherhead,bothwomenattacked. Sheparriedthebladecomingatherfromtheleft,butcouldonlywatchin horrorasthewomanwho'dspokenrevealedtwoblades,bothdrivingforher chest. TheAdjunctscreamedinrageastheweaponspunchedintoher.Hersword clangedandboundedasitstruckthecobbles.Handsgroping,Lornsliddown

thewall.'Who?'shemanaged,ablindneedbehindtheword.'Who?' Oneofthewomenbentlowoverher.'What'sthat?' AnguishfilledLorn'sface,thecornersofhermouthdroopingashereyes closed.'Who?'sheaskedagain.'WhoisthisEel?' 'Let'sgo,Meese,'thewomansaid,ignoringthebodyatherfeet. Paranfoundhersprawledonthegrimycobblesofanalleymouth. Somethinghaddrawnhimtoherunerringly,afinalclosingofthe mysteriouslinkbetweenthem.Herswordwasbesideher,thegripslickwith blood,itsedgesgougedandnicked.Thecaptaincrouchedbesideher. 'Youmadeitahardfight,'hewhispered,'forwhatthatisworth.' Hewatchedhereyesflickeropen.Shestaredupathimasrecognition arrived.'Captain.Ganoes.' 'Adjunct.' 'Theyhavekilledme.' 'Who?' Shemanagedastainedsmile.'Idon'tknow.Twowomen.Lookedlike thieves.Thugs.Doyouseetheirony,GanoesParan?' Thinlipped,henodded. 'NogloriousendfortheAdjunct.Ifyou'dcomeafewminutes sooner...' Thecaptainsaidnothing.HewatchedthelifeleaveLorn,feelingnothing.Ill luck,knowingme,Adjunct.I'msorryforthat.ThenhecollectedtheOtataral swordandslippeditintohisscabbard. Abovehimtwovoicesspokeinunison.'Yougavehimoursword.' HestraightenedtofindhimselffacingOponn.'TheRopetookitfromme,to bemoreprecise.' TheTwinscouldnotconcealtheirfear.TheylookeduponParanwith somethingakintopleading.'Cotillionsparedyou,'thesistersaid,'theHounds sparedyou.Why?' Paranshrugged.'Doyoublametheknife,orthehandwieldingit?' 'Shadowthroneneverplaysfair,'thebrotherwhined,hugginghimself. 'YouandCotillionbothusedmortals,'thecaptainsaid,baringhisteeth, 'andpaidforit.Whatdoyouwantfromme?Sympathy?Help?' 'ThatOtataralblade'thesistersaid. 'Willnotbeusedtodoyourdirtywork,'Paranfinished.'You'dbestflee, Oponn.IimagineevennowCotillionhasgivenShadowthronethesword Chance,andthetwoareputtingtheirheadstogethertoplanhowbesttouse it.' TheTwinjestersflinched. Paranlaidahandoverthesword'sstickygrip.'Now.ElseIreturn Cotillion'sfavour.' Thegodsvanished. Thecaptaindrewadeepbreath.HeturnedonceagaintoLorn. Herarmourremoved,sheprovedlightinhisarms. TheairroaredaroundAnomanderRakeasheplummeted,buthemadeno othersound,hisWarrendrawnintightaroundhim.Below,nowsweeping

lazycirclesoverDarujhistan,wasthedundragonRake'sequalinsize,with thepowertomatch. Butitwasafool,huntingforhiminthestreetsbelow. Rakecarefullyspreadhiswings,anglingtowardstheGalaynlord.Hishind limbsreacheddown,talonsspreading.Hedrewintheairaroundhim, preparingforaburstofpower.HewasKuraldGalain,TisteAnd,and darknesswashishome. TheGalaynlordwasimmediatelybeneathhimnow,growinglargerwith incrediblespeed.Rakeopenedhismouth,headsnappingbackashebitintoa wallofair.Thissoundbroughtthedundragon'sgazeupward,butitwas alreadytoolate. CHAPTERTWENTYFOUR IamtheHouseimprisoninginmybirthdemonichearts,solockedineach chambersometremblingenragedantiquity. Andtheserootsofstonespreadthedeepestcracksinparchedground holdingforeverthedreamoffruit,ah,pilgrimscometomydoorandstarve IAzath(.i) Adaephon(b.?) THECOMPOUNDBEYONDTHEGATEWASEMPTY.CROKUSRANACROSS it,wonderingifhewastoolate.Heboundedupthestepsandreached "Cowfoorthedoorlatch.Aburstofenergyflunghimbackwards. Dazed,thethieffoundhimselfsittingonthepavingstonesbeforethesteps, hisfleshtingling.Atthedooradeepcrimsonglowslowlyfaded. Award.'Hood!'hehissed,climbingtohisfeet.He'drunintobarrierslike thesebefore,intheHigherEstates.Therewasnowaytogetthroughthem. Cursingagain,Crokuswhirledandracedtothegate.Heemergedontothe streetandlookedaround,seeingnoone.IfthoseCrimsonGuardstill protectedhim,theyweren'tshowingthemselves. TherewasaslightchancethatthegardenentrancetoBaruk'sestatewas unguardedbymagicaveryslightchance.Herandownthestreetand turnedintothefirstalleytohisright.There'dbeawalltoscale,buthedid notconsiderthatmuchofanobstacle. Hecametothealley'sendandskiddedtoahaltonthestreetbeyond. Thewallwashigh,hesaw.He'dneedarunningstart.Crokustrottedacross thestreet,tryingtocatchhisbreath.Whatwasthepointofallthis?Couldn't Baruktakecareofhimself,afterall?Wasn'theaHighMage,andhadn'teven Fingerscommentedonthealchemist'ssorcerousdefences? Hehesitated,scowlingatthewalloppositehim. Atthatmomentapiercing,earthshakingscreamwaslooseddirectly abovethestreet.Crokusthrewhimselfagainstthewallbehindhimasan enormousshapedescendedintothegaslight.Fillingthestreet,itstruckthe groundlessthantwentyyardstothethief'sleft.Hewasthrownfromhisfeet bytheimpact.Stonesshattered. Heduckedbeneaththehailofbricksandcobbles,then,asthescatterof rubblediminished,hejumpedtohisfeet. Adragon,itswingstatteredandstreakedwithblood,slowlyregainedits

feetinthestreet,waggingitsmassivewedgeshapedheadfromsidetoside. Alongitsbrownflanks,scaleshadbeentornaway,revealingdeeppuncture wounds.Itsneckandshouldersglistenedwithblood. CrokussawthatthewallbeyonditBaruk'shadbeenobliterated, openingthegardentohisview.Snappedtreetrunksroseamidsteaming earth.Araisedpatiomarkedtheapproachoftheestate'sbackentrance. Twotoppledstatueslayinpiecesbeforethedoors. Thedragonlookedstunned.Crokustensed.Nowwasthetimetomove. Almostdisbelievinghisowntemerity,thethiefdartedintothestreetbehind thecreature,hopingtoreachthecoverofthegarden.Hisgazeremainedon thedragonasheran,histhoughtsonthecoinofluckinhispocket. Then,beforehiseyes,thecreature'sshapechanged,drawingintoitselfina shimmeringhaze.Crokusslowed,thenstopped,unabletopullawayhis attention.Hishearthammeredagainsthisribs,asifseekingescape. Eachdrawnbreathwasapainfulgasp.Hisluck,hetoldhimselfinterror, hadjustended. Theshimmeringfaded,andagiantmanshapedapparitionnowstoodon thestreetcloakedandcowled. Crokustriedtowillhimselftomove,buthisbodyrefusedtoobey.He stared,eyeswidening,asthedemonturnedtohim.Itsnarledandremoved anenormousaxefromitsbelt.Heftingtheweapon,itspokeinadeep,soft voice.'Whatreasontocontinuethis?'itaskedreasonably. 'TheEmpresspermitsyourescape,Lord.Onceagainshegrantsyou 'Goodidea,'thethiefwhispered.Thenhefrowned,forthedemon's attention,henowsaw,wasdirectedpasthim. Amanspokebehindhim.'Werunnofurther,Galayn.' Ahandfellonthethief'sshoulder,breakingthespellofimmobility. Crokusduckedandspuntooneside,thenlookedupintoshifting,indigo eyessetinablack,narrowface. Flee,mortal,'thesilverhairedmansaid,drawingatwohandedsword fromthescabbardslungbetweenhisshoulderblades.Theblackweapon seemedalmostinvisible,asifitswallowedalllightthatfoundit. 'Youwereatthefte!'Crokusblurted. Theman'seyesflickered,asifseeinghimforthefirsttime.'CoinBearer,' hesaid,withawrysmile,'fearnot.Broodhasconvincedmetospareyou,at leastforthemoment.Begone,child.'HisgazereturnedtotheGalaynlord. 'Thiswillbeaclosething.' 'Iknowthatweapon,'thedemonsnarled.'Dragnipurake.AndIsmellthe reekofTiamainyou,Lord.ThereismoreofherinyouthanTisteAnd blood.' CrokusbackedagainstwhatremainedofBaruk'swall. TheGalaynlordgrinned,revealinglong,curvedcanines.'TheEmpress wouldrewardyourservices,Lord.You'veonlytosayyes,andthisbattle AnomanderRakesteppedforward.'Attend,Galayn.' WitharoarthedemonattackedaxewhistlingthroughtheairandRake whirledhisswordinacircle,catchingtheaxeandaddingtoitsmomentum.

Asthedoublebladessweptpast,theTisteAndsteppedinclose,sword drawnback,pommelagainsthislefthip.Inablurofmotionheextendedthe blade.Thedemonduckedand,releasingonehandfromtheaxehaft,reached forRake'sthroat.TheTisteAndtwistedhisright.Thrownbackwards,Rake landedheavilyonthecobbles. Thedemonpounced,flamingweaponaboveitshead. Rakeregainedhisfeetintimetocatchtheaxewithhisswordstheclashof weaponssentajoltthroughtheairandground.Thedemon'saxeflared brightwhite,cascadinglightlikeliquid.Rake'sswordwasswallowedin darkness,devouringthelashingwavesoflightthatstruckTheflagstones beneathCrokus'sfeettiltedsickeningly,asifthestonesthemselveshad turnedtosoftclay.Overheadthestarsswamwildly. Rakebegantolaunchattacks,savageswingsofhisblackweapon.Atfirst thedemonhelditsground,deliveringfierceripostes,thenstaggeredbacka step,thenanother.Relentless,Rakepressedhisattack.'TotheMother's regret,'hegratedbetweenblows,'wasLightgrantedbirth.Toherdismay shesawtoolateitscorruption.Galaynyouaretheunintendedvictimto punishmentlongoverdue.' Thedemonreeledbeneaththeblows,desperatelyparryingeveryattack, nolongercounterattacking.Thelightbleedingfromtheaxeflickered, dimmed,flaredfitfullyasdarknessclosedinaroundtheblade. Shrieking,thedemonlauncheditselfatRake.Asitdescendedoverthe TisteAnd,Crokussawastreakofblackburstfromthedemon'sback,slicing throughthecloak.Theaxeflewfromthecreature'shands,itsfiredyingasit clatteredontheground. Squealinginhorror,thedemonclawedattheswordimpalingit.Black smokespreadinswifttendrilsfromtheweapon,engulfingthedemon. Thesmoketwisted,becamechains,drawingtaut.TheGalaynscreamedin earnest. Rakeregainedhisfeetandpushedtheswordthroughthedemon'schest untilthehiltjammedagainstbone.Thedemonsanktoitsknees,itsblack eyeslockingwithRake'sown. Theswimmingstarssettled,theflagstonesbeneaththethiefbecamesolid onceagain,thoughwarpedandtwisted.Crokusswallowedbile,hiseyesfixed onthedemon.Itseemedtocollapseinonitself,thechainsofblacksmoke evertightening,pullingthecreatureintothesword.Ittoppledbackwards andRakedrovetheweapon'spointintothecobbledstreet,pinningthe demon.ThentheTisteAndleanedheavilyonthehilt,andCrokusnow noticedthebloodsoakedclothsurroundingRake'sshoulder,wherethe demon'shandhadstruck.Wearily,theTisteAndswunghisgazetothethief. 'Movequickly,'herasped.'Thealchemistisindanger.Icannotprotecthim now.Hurry,CoinBearer.' Crokuswhirledandran. ThedeathofTravale,thirdintheCabal,stillechoedintheirthoughts. ThewitchDerudanhadinscribedanashcircleonthefloorinthecentreof thechamber.WithBaruk'shelp,sheplacedthetwoplushchairswithinit,

andnowsat,smokingsteadily,herdarkeyesfollowingthealchemistashe paced. Barukfoundhimselfreluctanttoentertheprotectivecircle.Whilethey wouldbesafethere,surroundedbyHighTennessorcery,theywouldnotbe abletocounterattack,shouldVorcanarrive.More,somethingscould penetratethedefencesofmagic.Otataral,thatstrangerustlikeorefromthe TannoHillsofSevenCities,immediatelycametomind.Itwasunlikelythat Vorcanwouldpossesssuchmaterial,giventhatshewasaHighMage,yetstill Barukfeltreluctanttoplacehimselfinapositionwherehecouldnotusehis Warrenagainsttheassassin. 'ThoseoftheCabal,'Derudansaidslowly,'whoarenowdead,yes? Stubborn,convincedoftheirowninvincibility.Nodoubttheypacedrestless steps,awaitingtheassassin'simminentarrival.' Barukpausedtoreply,butwasinterruptedbyaloud,inhumanscream fromoutside.Thiswasfollowedimmediatelybyaconcussionthatrattledthe walls.Thealchemistmadeamovetowardsthedoor. 'Wait!'Derudancalledfromthecircle.'Appeasenotthiscuriosity,Baruk, forVorcanwillsurelytakeadvantage,yes?' 'Awardwasshattered,'Baruksaid.'Mydefencesarebreached.' 'Morethereasonforcaution,'Derudanadmonished.'Friend,Ipleadwith you,joinmehere.' 'Verywell,'Baruksighed,movingtowardsher.Agustofairbrushedthe leftsideofhisface.Derudancriedoutawarningevenasthealchemistturned. Vorcan,herglovedhandsglowingred,surgedtowardsBaruk.Heraisedhis arms,knowingfullwellthathewouldbetoolate.Atthatmoment,however, anotherfigureappeared,emergingfromdarknesstointercepttheMaster Assassinwithaflurryofblows.Vorcanreeledback,thenlashedoutwitha hand,catchingherattackeraglancingblow. Anagonizedshriekrangthroughthechamber.Barukstared,onlynow realizingthathisprotectorwasaTisteAndwoman.Hesteppedasidelithely assheflewpasthimtostrikethefloorthenthewall,whereshelayunmoving. ThealchemistpulledhisgazebacktoVorcan,seeingthatoneofherhandsno longerglowed. Hegestured,andvirulentsorceryeruptedfromhisarm,arcingyellow lightning.Vorcanhissedacounterspellandthelightningwasswallowedbya redhazebeforeherthatdimmedquickly,thendisappeared.Sheadvanced. Vaguely,BarukheardthewitchDerudanshoutingathim.Yetitwasthe MistressoftheAssassins'deathfilledeyesthatheldhim.Theeasewith whichshe'ddispelledhispowermadeitclearthatshewashismasterin sorcery.Allhecoulddonow,heunderstoodwithclarity,wasawaithisdeath. ButBarukheardagruntbehindhim,thenVorcangasped.Thehiltofa daggerprotrudedfromtheassassin'schest.Frowning,shereachedforit, thenpulleditoutandtosseditaside. 'All'thealchemistheardtheTisteAndwomangaspfromthefloor behindhim'allIcando.Myapologies,Lord.' DerudanappearedbehindVorcan.Assheraisedherhandsandbeganan

incantation,Vorcanwhirledandsomethingspedfromherhand.Thewitch grunted,thencrumpled. AnguishfloodedBaruk.Withawordlessroarhelaunchedhimselfat Vorcan.Shelaughedandduckedtooneside,throwingoutherglowinghand. Thealchemisttwisted,offbalance,narrowlyavoidingthekillingtouch,then staggeredpast.Heheardherlaughteragain,asshemovedin.Adozenfeetin frontofBarukwasthedoor.Thealchemist'seyeswidenedtofinditopen.A youthcrouchedthere,holdingbricks.Expectingatanymomenttofeel Vorcan'stouch,Barukthrewhimselfforward.Hesawtheboystraightenat thesametimeandthrustforwardfirsthisrightarm,thenhisleft.Asthe alchemistfelltowardsthefloor,twobricksflewoverhim.Heheardthem strikethewomanbehindhim,onemakingacrunchingsound,theother crackling.Aflashofred.Ashestruckthefloor,thebreathwashammered fromBaruk'slungs. Agonizedsecondspassedashestruggledtodrawairintohistortured chestHerolledontohisback.Vorcan,hesaw,laymotionlessalmostagainst hisfeet.Theboy'sfacecameintoview,streakedwithsweat,broweboy sighed,thengrinned.'You'realive.Good.Rallicksentmeto.Baruksatup. 'Thewitch,'hesaidhoarsely.Hepointed.'Tendtoher,Hefelthisstrength returningashewatchedtheboycrouchbesideher.'She'sbreathing,'Crokus announced.'There'ssomekindofknifeinherlookslikeit'scoveredin paralt.'Hereacheddowntotouchit. 'Poison,'thealchemistsaid,climbingtohisfeet.'Helpmetoher,quickly.'A momentlaterhekneltbesideDerudan.Aquickglanceatthesaplike substancecoatingthebladeconfirmedhissuspicion.WhileBaruklaidahand onDerudan.'Yourknowledgesurprisesme,boy,'hesaid.'Fortunately,she's inthehomeoftheonemanwhopossessesitsantidote.'Hemuttered somethingandaphialappearedinhishand'Rallicksaidtherewasno antidotetowhiteparalt.' 'It'snotsomethingI'mlikelytoannounce.'Barukunstopperedthephial andpouredthecontentsdownthewitch'sthroat,triggeringcoughingfit.As Derudan'sbreathingbecameeven,BarukleanedbackandeyedCrokus.'You seemwellacquaintedwithRallick.What'syourname?' 'Crokus.Mammotwasmyuncle,sir.Isawhimdie.' Derudan'seyelidsflickered,thenopened.Shesmiledlazily.'WhatIsee pleasesme,'shesaidweakly.'Yes?' Barukreturnedthesmile.'Yes,myfriend.ButImakenoclaimfor defeatingVorcan.ThatfallstoCrokus,nephewofMammot.' Derudan'sgazeswungtotheyouth.'Ah,theoneIcameneartotreadingon earlierthisevening.'Theamusementleftherexpression.'Iamsorryfor Mammot,child.' 'SoamI,'hereplied. Barukroseandturned.Hehissedavehementcurse.Vorcan'sbodywas gone.'She'sfled.'HehurriedovertotheTisteAndwoman,hebentdown andexaminedher.Shewasdead.'Iwillsoonknowyourname,'hewhispered, 'andIwillrememberit.'

'Ihavetogo!'Crokusannounced. Barukwonderedatthesuddenpanicintheboy'sface. 'Imean,'Crokuscontinued,'ifeverything'soverhere,thatis.' 'Ibelieveitis,'thealchemistanswered.'Ithankyou,Crokus,foryourskill atthrowingbricks.' Theboywenttothedoor.Hepaused,thentossedacoinintotheair.He caughtit,andgrinnedtightly.'Justlucky,Isuppose.'Thenhewasgone. CaptainParancrouchedbesideColl'sbed.'Stillasleep,'hesaid,rising,and facingWhiskeyjack.'Goahead.' Kalamandthetwosaboteurshadarrivedminutesearlier.Sofar,the sergeantmused,nolosses,thoughthecaptain'sarmourhadtakenabeating andthelookinhisfacewhenhe'denteredtheroomwithLorn'sbodyinhis armswarnedWhiskeyjackawayfromprobingParan'sstateofmindtoo deeply.TheAdjunct'sbodynowoccupiedasecondbed,motionlessandpale, astrangeironicsmilecurvingherbloodlesslips. Thesergeantstudiedeveryoneinthesmallroom,thefacesheknewso wellallwatchinghim,waiting.HisgazeheldonSorry,orApsalarasshenow calledherself.WhateverMallethaddonetoher,shewasachangedwoman fromtheonehe'dknown.Less,andsomehowmoreaswell. EvenMalletwasunsureofwhathe'ddone.Certainmemories,skillshad beenfreed,andwiththemabrutalknowledge.Thepainwasthereinthe woman'seyes,apainlayeredinyearsofhorroryetitseemedthatshehad itundercontrol,thatshe'dfoundaway,astrength,tolivewithwhatshe'd been.Heronlywordsuponmeetinghimhadbeen:'Iwishtoreturnhome, Sergeant.' Hehadnoobjection,thoughhewonderedhowsheplannedtocrosstwo continentsandtheoceanbetweenthem.Whiskeyjackreachedforthe wrappedforearmboneslyingonthetable.'Yes,sir."hesaid,inanswerto Paran'scommand. Thehotsweatyairintheroomthickenedwithtension.Whiskeyjack hesitated.There'dbeenabattleinDarujhistan'sstreets,andQuickBenhad confirmedtheGalaynlord'sdeath.Infact,theblackwizardseemedstillin shock.Thesergeantsighedunderhisbreathandmassagedhisnewlyhealed leg,thendrovetheforearm'sbladeintothetabletop. Contactwasimmediate.HighFistDujek'sgravellyvoicefilledtheroom. 'Abouttime,Whiskeyjack!Don'tbothertellingmeabouttheGalaynlord Tayschrenn'sinacomaorsomething.EveryoneinHeadquartersheardhis scream.SoAnomanderRaketookoutthebeast. 'Whatelse?' WhiskeyjackglancedatParan,whonoddeddeferentially.'AdjunctLorn's gambitfailed,'thesergeantsaid.'She'sdead.Wehaveherbodywithus.The intersectionsremainminedwe'renotdetonatingthem,HighFist,since they'relikelytoopenthegascavernsbeneaththecityandturnusallintoash. So.'Hedrewadeepbreath,feelingatwingefromhislegMallethaddone whathecould,andthat'dbeenalot,butsomedamageremained,anditmade himfeelfragile.'So,'herepeatedsoftly,'we'repullingout,HighFist.'

Dujekwassilent,thenhegrunted.'Problems,Whiskeyjack.One,we're abouttolosePale.AsIsuspected,CaladanBroodlefttheCrimsonGuardto handlethingsupnorth,andmarcheddownherewithhisTisteAnd.He's alsogotRhiviwithhim,andJorrick'sBarghast,who'vejustfinishedchewing upGoldMoranth.Two,itgetsworse.'TheHighFistswallowedaudibly. 'SevenCitiesismaybeaweekawayfromopenrebellion.TheEmpressknows it.SomeClawfromGenabarisarrivedhalfanhourago,lookingfor Tayschrenn.Mypeoplegottohimfirst. 'Whiskeyjack,hewascarryingahandwrittenmessagefromtheEmpressto Tayschrenn.I'vejustbeenoutlawedbytheEmpire.It'sofficial,and Tayschrennwastohaveeffectedmyarrestandexecution.We'reonourown, friend.' Theroomwassilent.Whiskeyjackclosedhiseyesbriefly.'Understood, HighFist.So,whendoyoumarch?' 'SeemstheBlackMorantharewithusdon'taskwhy.Anyway,Ihavea parleyatdawntomorrowwithCaladanBroodandKallor.Thatwilldecide matters,Isuspect.Eitherheletsuswalk,orhekillsustakingPale. Everything'sridingonwhatheknowsaboutthePannionSeer.' Whiskeyjacksaid,'We'rerendezvousingwithsomeBlackMoranthina coupleofdays,HighFist.Makesmewonderhowmuchthey'dguessedwhen thatarrangementwasmade.Anyway,they'lltakeustoyou,whereveryou are.' 'No,'Dujekreplied.'Wemaybeundersiegehere.TheBlackwilldropyou offontheCatlinPlain.Theirordersareclearonthis,butyou'rewelcometo tryoverrulingthem.' Thesergeantgrimaced.Notlikely.'CatlinPlainitis.justmeansit'lltakeus longertogettoyou,sir.' Theglowsurroundingthebonesflickeredbrieflyandtheyheardan echoingthump.Fiddlerchuckled.Dujekhadjustpoundedafistonthetable athisendoftheconversation. Whiskeyjackshotthesaboteuraferociouslook. 'CaptainParan?'Dujekbellowed. 'Here,HighFist,'Paranreplied,steppingforward. 'WhatI'mabouttosayistoWhiskeyjack,butIwantyoutohearit, Captain.' 'I'mlistening.' 'Sergeant,ifyouwanttobeinmyarmy,you'dbettergetusedtothenew order.First,I'mplacingtheBridgeburnersunderCaptainParan'scommand. Second,you'renotasergeantanymore,Whiskeyjack.Youaremysecondin command,andthatmeansresponsibilities.Idon'twantyouanywherenear Pale.AndyouknowI'mright,dammit.CaptainParan?' 'Yes?' 'Whiskeyjack'ssquadhasearnedtherighttowalk.Understood?Ifanyof themelecttorejointheBridgeburners,fine.ButIdon'twantany recriminationsiftheydecideotherwise.Itrustthat'sclear.' 'Yes,HighFist.'

'AndwithWhiskeyjackbetweencommissions,'Dujekcontinuedinexorably, 'he'sjustcomingalongfortheride,ifyoufollowme,Captain.' Parangrinned.'Ido.' 'Now,theBlackMoranthwillknowthestorybythetimetheypickyouup, sogowiththem.' 'Yes,HighFist.' Dujekgrowled,'Questions,Whiskeyjack?' 'No,'thegrizzledveteranansweredglumly. 'Allright.Hopefully,we'lltalklater.' Thebones'glowdied. CaptainParanroundedonthesoldiers.Hestudiedeachface.Theywereto havebeenmycommand.Icouldnothavedonebetteranywhere. 'Verywell,'hesaidgruffly.'Whoisreadytobeoutlawedandcounted amongDujek'srebels?' Trottswasthefirsttorise,histeethbared.HewasfollowedbyQuickBen, HedgeandMallet. eyre. ediTherewasashockedsilence,thenKalamnoddedatFiddlerand clearedhisthroat.'We'rewithyou,onlywe'renotgoingwithyou.Meand Fiddler,thatis.' 'Canyouexplainthat?'Paranaskedquietly. Apsalarspokeup,surprisingeveryone.'They'llfindthathardtodo, Captain.And,Iadmit,I'mnotsurewhatthey'reupto,butthey'recoming withme.BacktotheEmpire.Home.' Withanuneasyshrug,FiddlerroseandfacedWhiskeyjack.'Wefeelwe oweittoher,sir,'hesaid.Helookedtothecaptain.'Andwe'resettledonit, sir.Butwe'recomingback,ifwecan.' Bemused,Whiskeyjackpushedhimselfpainfullytohisfeet.Asheturnedto faceParan,hefroze.Behindthecaptain,Collsatuprightonthebed.'Um,' Whiskeyjacksaid,gesturing. TensionburgeonedintheroomonceagainaseveryoneswungtoColl. Paransteppedforwardingenuinerelief. 'Coll!I'm'Hestoppedabruptly,thensaidtonelessly,'You'vebeenawake forsometime,Isee.' Coll'seyesflickedtothebonesstuckinthetabletop,thenreturnedto Paran.'Hearditall,'hesaid.'Sotellme,Paran,doyousoldiersneedanyhelp gettingoutofDarujhistan?' Rallickstoodinthedarknessbeneaththetreesattheedgeoftheglade. Itseemedthathismagicdeadeningpowershadprovedinsufficientafter all.He'dbeendrivenfromhisseatbywhathadfeltlikeagianthandagod's hand,sureandpowerfulandunyielding.He'dwatchedinastonishmentasa mazeofrootsclamberedswiftlyacrosstheclearing,headedtowardsthe terrace.He'dheardashriek,thentherootsreturned,wrappedaroundaman shapedapparition,whichtherootspulledunceremoniouslyintotheearth. Rallickhadbeenfilledsuddenlywithneareuphoria.Heknewwith unaccountablecertainty,thatwhatgrewherewasright,andJust.

Itwasnew,young.Evennow,ashecontinuedwatchingit,hesawtrembles ofshapingripplebeneathitsangular,geometricsurfaces.Whathadbeenno morethanatreestumplessthananhouragowasnowahouse.Amassive doorlayhalfburiedinshadowsbeneathanarchingbranch.Vinesbarred shutteredwindows.Abalconyhungaboveandtotheleftofthedoor, festoonedwithleavesandcreepers.Itledintoakindoftower,turreted abovethesecondstoreyandshingledtoagnarledpeak.Anothertower markedthehouse'sfrontrightflank,thisonestockierandwindowless,its roofflatwithjaggedmerlonsliningtheedge.Hesuspectedthatthisroofwas aplatform,withaccessthroughatrapdoorofsomekind. Thegladearoundthestructurehadchanged,too,becomingmoundedhere andthereasifthehouse'syardwasaburialground.Young,scragglytrees ringedeachoblongmound,eachgrowingasifaninvisiblewindtwistedthem awayfromthehumped,grassyearth.Therootshaddraggedtheapparition intoonesuchmound. Itfeltright,andjust.Thesetwowordsechoedintheassassin'shead,with anappealthatwrappedcalmaroundhisheart.Healmostimaginedhefeltan affinitywiththischildhouseasifitknewofhimandacceptedhim. Heknewthehousetobeempty.Anothersourcelesscertainty. Rallickcontinuedwatching,asthelinesofthehousegrewfirm,sharply defined.Amustysmellpervadedthearea,asoffreshlyturnedearth.The assassinfeltatpeace. Amomentlaterheheardthrashingbehindhim,andwhirledtoseeVorcan staggerthroughtheundergrowth.Herfacewascoveredinbloodfromagash toherbrow,andshenearlycollapsedintoRallick'sarms. 'TisteAnd,'shegasped.'Afterme.Hunting.Theyseektoavengea murder!' Rallicklookedpasther,andhiseyes,longaccustomedtothesurrounding darkness,detectedsilentmovementamongthetrees,closingin.Hehesitated, grippingthenowunconsciouswomaninhisarms.Thenhebentdown,threw Vorcanoveroneshoulder,turnedandrantowardsthehouse. Heknewthatthedoorwouldopenforhim,anditdid.Beyondwasadark antechamberandanarchway,leadingintoahallwayrunningfromsideto side.Agustofwarm,sweetairflowedoverRallick,andheenteredwithout pause. Korlat,bloodkintoSerrat,slowedassheapproachedthestrangehouse, Thedoorhadclosedbehindtheirquarry.Shecametotheedgeoftheclearing, thensquattedonherhaunches.Herfellowhuntersgatheredslowlyaround her. Horulthissedangrily,thensaid.'Haveyousummonedourlord,Korlat?' Thewomanshookherhead.'Iknowofsuchcreationsfromold,'shesaid. 'TheDeadhouseofMalazCity,theOdhanhouseofSevenCitiesAzath edieimarn,PillarsofInnocencethisdoorwillnotopentous.' 'Yetitopenedtothem,'Horultsaid. 'Thereisprecedence.TheAzathchoosetheirown.Itwassowiththe Deadhouse.Twomenwerechosen:onewhowouldbeEmperor,theother

whowouldaccompanyhim.KellanvedandDancer.' 'Isenseitspower,'Orfantalwhispered.'Ourlordcoulddestroyit,now, whileit'sstillyoung.' 'Yes,'agreedKorlat.'Hecould.'Shewassilentamoment,thensherose.'I ambloodkintothefallen,'shesaid. 'Youarebloodkin,'theothersintoned. 'Thequestforvengeanceisended,'Korlatsaid,thelinesaroundher almondshapedeyestightening.'Ourlordwillnotbesummoned.Leavehim tohisrecovery.TheAzathwillnotbetouched,foritisnew,achild.' Hereyes,softbrown,slowlyregardedthoseofhercompanions.'The QueenofDarknessspokethusofLightwhenitwasfirstborn:"Itisnew,and whatisnewisinnocent,andwhatisinnocentisprecious.Observethischild ofwonder,andknowrespect."' Orfantalscowled.'ThusdidLightsurvive,andsowasDarknessdestroyed, thepurityvanquishedandnowyouwouldhaveusflawedasourQueen wasflawed.Lightbecamecorruptedanddestroyedourworld,Korlat,orhave youforgotten?' Korlat'ssmilewasasadone.'Cherishsuchflaws,dearsister,forour Queen'swashope,andsoismine.Nowwemustleave.' Kruppe'sexpressionwasbenignashewatchedCrokusapproach,clearly exhaustedbythisnightofendlessrunning.HenudgedMurillioandfluttered hisfingersintheyoungthief'sdirection.'Theladreturnswithunduehaste, yetIfearsuchsadtidingsasKruppemustbring.' 'He'shadaroughnightallaround,'Murilliocommented.Heleanedagainst thegate'ssupportwalloutsidetheSinitalEstate.Thestreetsremainedempty, thecitizensshockednumbwiththenight'shorrors. KruppegesturedatMoon'sSpawn,nowaleaguetothewest,wellbeyond thecity'swalls.'Aremarkablecontraption,that.However,Kruppeispleased thatithaschosentodepart.Imagine,eventhestarsblottedout,leaving naughtbutdreadinthisworld.' 'Ineedadrink,'Murilliomuttered. 'Excellentidea,'Kruppesaid.'Shallweawaitthelad,however?' Thewaitwasnotlong.Crokusrecognizedthemandslowedhisfranticrun. 'Apsalar'sbeenkidnappedbytheEmpire!'heshouted.'Ineedhelp!'He wobbledtoahaltbeforeMurillio.'AndRallick'sstillinthegarden' 'Tut,tut,'Kruppesaid.'Easy,lad.Apsalar'slocationisknowntoKruppe.As forRallick,well'Hefacedthestreetandwavedhisarmsexpansively. 'Breathethenightair,Crokus!Anewyearhasbegun!Come,letuswalk,the threeofus,mastersofDarujhistan!'Helinkedarmswithhiscomradesand pulledthemforward. Murilliosighed.'Rallick'smissing,'heexplained.'There'ssomekindof extraordinaryhouseinColl'sgardennow.' 'Ah,somuchunveiledinthatsinglestatement.'Kruppeleanedagainst Crokus.'While,nodoubt,thelad'ssecret,overridingconcernatthemoment regardsthefateofafairyoungmaiden,whoselifewassavedatthelast momentbyanoblesonnamedGorlas,ofallthings.Saved,Kruppesays,from

atonofmasonryshruggedoffawall.'Twasheroic,indeed.Thelassnear swoonedwithsatisfaction.' 'Whatareyoutalkingabout?'Crokusdemanded.'Whowassaved?' Murilliosnorted.'Ithink,dearKruppe,MasterofDarujhistan,you'vegot thewrongfairmaideninmind.' 'She'snotfair,anyway,'Crokusasserted. Kruppe'schestswelledslightly.'Youneedbutaskthegods,lad,andthey'll tellthatlifeitselfisn'tfair.Now,areyouinterestedinhowLadySinital's estatehasjustthisnightbecomeColl'sestate?Orisyourmindsothoroughly enamouredofthisnewloveofyoursthateventhefatesofyourdearest friendsKruppeincludedyieldsuchlackofinterest?' Crokusbridled.'OfcourseI'minterested!' 'Thenthestorybegins,asalways,withKruppe...' Murilliogroaned.'ThusspaketheEel.' EPILOGUE Ihaveseenarumourbornswathedinsnugmysteryleftlyingunderthe suninthehillsoftheGadrobiwherethesheephavescatteredonwolfladen windsandtheherdshavefledawhisperingofsandsanditblinkedinthe glareahearthardenedintostonewhilsttheshadowoftheGatesofNowhere crept'crossthedriftingdustofhome.Ihaveseenthisrumorbornahundred thousandhuntersoftheheartinacitybathedinbluelight. RumourBorn(I.iiv)Fisher WHENSUNLITTHEMORNINGMISTSINTOASHIELDOFWHITEOVER THElake.Downonthebeachafisherboatrockedinthefresheningwaves. Unmoored,itwasmomentsbeforepullingfreeofthepebbles. MallethelpedWhiskeyjacktoadomeofrockabovethebeach,wherethey sat.Thehealer'sgazehesitatedonthefigureofQuickBen,standingwith shouldershunchedandstaringacrossthelake.Hefollowedthewizard'sgaze. MoonSpawnhunglowonthehorizon,agoldcasttoitsravagedbasalt.Mallet grunted.'It'sheadingsouth.Iwonderwhatthatmeans?' WhiskeyJacksquintedagainsttheglare.Hebegantomassagehistemples. 'Moreheadaches?'Malletasked. 'Notsobad,lately,'thegrizzledmansaid. 'It'sthelegthatworriesme,'thehealermuttered.'Ineedtoworkonit somemore,andyouneedtostayoffitawhile.' Whiskeyjackgrinned.'Assoonasthere'stime,'hesaid. Malletsighed.'We'llworkonitthen.' FromtheforestedslopebehindthemHedgecalled,'They'recomingin!' ThehealerhelpedWhiskeyjackstand.'Hell,'hewhispered.'Itcould've beenalotworse,right,Sergeant?' Whiskeyjackglaredacrossthelake.'Threelostain'tthatbad,considering.' ApainedexpressioncrossedMallet'sface.Hesaidnothing. 'Let'smove,'Whiskeyjackgrowled.'CaptainParanhatestardiness.And

maybetheMoranthhavegoodnews.Beachange,wouldn'tit?' Fromthebeach,QuickBenwatchedMalletsupportinghissergeantupthe slope.Wasittime?hewondered.Tostayaliveinthisbusiness,noonecould affordtoletup.Thebestplansworkinsideotherplans,andwhenit'srightto feint,feintbig.Keepingtheotherhandhiddenisthehardpart. Thewizardfeltastabofregret.No,itwasn'ttime.Givetheoldmana chancetorest.Heforcedhimselfintomotion.Hewouldn'tlethimselflook backneveragoodidea.Theschemewashatched. 'Whiskeyjack'sgoingtohowlwhenhehearsthisone,'hewhisperedto himself. CaptainParanlistenedtotheothersonthebeachbelow,butmadeno movetojointhem.Notyet.HisbrushwithAscendantsseemedtohaveleft himwithanewsensitivityorperhapsitwastheOtataralsword scabbardedathisside.Buthecouldsenseher,now,alreadyinher adolescence,plumpasheknewshe'dbe,smilingwithherheavyliddedeyes deceptivelysleepyasshestudiedthemorningsky. Iwillcometoyou,hepromisedher.WhenthisPannionSeerandhis cursedholywariscrushed,Iwillcometoyouthen,Tattersail. Iknow. Hestiffened.Thatvoiceinhisheadhadnotbeenhisown.Orhadit? Hewaited,waitedformore.Tattersail?Onlysilenceansweredhim.Ah,my imagination,nothingmore.Tothinkyouwouldcallupenoughofyouroldlife, tofindthefeelingsyouonceheldforme,findthemandfeelthemonceagain. Iamafool. HerosefromhiscrouchatLorn'sgravesideamoundofrocksand brushedtwigsandorangepineneedlesfromhisclothing.Lookatmenow. AgentfortheAdjunctonce,nowasoldier.Finally,asoldier. Smiling,hemadehiswaydowntohissquad. ThenIshallawaitthecomingofasoldier. Paranstoppedinhistracks,then,smiling,continuedon.'Nowthat,'he whispered,'wasnotmyimagination.' Thetradecrafthuggedthesouthernshore,makingforDhavranandthe rivermouth.Kalamleanedonthegunwale,hisgazesweepingthenorth horizon'sragged,snowcappedmountains.Nearhimstoodanother passenger,hardlymemorableanddisinclinedtotalk. TheonlyvoicesreachingtheassassincamefromApsalarandCrokus. Theysoundedexcited,eachrevolvingaroundtheotherinasubtledance thatwasyettofinditsaccompanyingwords.Aslow,halfsmilequirked Kalam'smouth.It'dbeenalongtimesincehe'dheardsuchinnocence. Amomentlater,Crokusappearedbesidehim,hisuncle'sdemonfamiliar clutchinghisshoulder.'CollsaysthattheEmpire'scapital,Unta,isasbigas Darujhistan.Isit?' Kalamshrugged.'Maybe.Alotuglier.Idon'texpectwe'llhaveachanceto visitit,though.ItkoKanliesonthesouthcoast,whileUntaisonKartoolBay, thenortheastcoast.MissDarujhistanalready?' AnexpressionofregretcameoverCrokus'sface.Hestareddownintothe

waves.'Justsomepeoplethere,'hesaid. Theassassingrunted.'Knowhowyoufeel,Crokus.Hell,lookatFiddler backthere,mooningawayasifsomebodyhadcutoffoneofhisarmsandone ofhislegs.' 'Apsalarstillcan'tbelieveyou'dgotoallthistroubleforher.Shedoesn't rememberbeingmuchlikedinyoursquad.' 'Wasn'ther,though,wasit?Thiswomanhereisafishergirlfromsome twocoppervillage.Andshe'salongwayfromhome.' 'She'smorethanthat,'Crokusmuttered.Hehadacoininhishandandwas playingwithitabsently. Kalamthrewtheboyasharplook.'Really,'hesaid,deadpan. Crokusnoddedaffably.Heheldupthecoinandexaminedthefaceonit.'Do youbelieveinluck,Kalam?' 'No,'theassassingrowled. Crokusgrinnedhappily.'Meneither.'Heflippedthecoinintotheair. Theywatcheditplummetintothesea,flashonce,thenvanishbeneaththe waves. Fromnearthebow,CircleBreakerslowlynoddedtohimself.TheEel wouldbedelightedwiththenews,nottomentiongreatlyrelieved.Thenhe returnedhisattentiontothewest,andwonderedwhatitwouldbelike,no longeranonymoustotheworld.