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’So I shall, Shield Anvil, so I shall’
The tiles proved to be fixed to larger, rectangular slabs of stone The workers hadit to one side, revealing trusses of pitch-stained wooden bearidwork, suspended above a subterranean chaid air flowed Once the first slab was free, the removal process quickened in pace
’I think,’ Rath’Hood said, ’we should postpone our discussion with the Mortal Sword, for it seems that the chamber will soon lose its floor in answer to Hetan’s demands When that particular discussion resumes, Prince Jelarkan will attend, in order that he may hold the Mortal Sword’s hand in the face of our questioning In thewhich is swiftly acquiring our collective attention So be it’
’Gods,’ Rath’Shadowthrone muttered, ’you do prattle on, Deathmask Even so, let us heed your advice Quickly, you damned soldiers, aith the floor! Let us see these ed closer to stand at Hetan’s side ’Well played,’ he murmured
Tension made her breath shallow, and she clearly did not trust herself to ed clear Pole-lanterns were found and readied, but thus far, darkness continued to s all that lay beneath the floor
Cafal came to Itkovian’s other side, his chant ended ’They are here,’ he ru us’
The Shield Anvil nodded in understanding The spirits, drawn through into our world by the chant Arrived Avid with yearning J feel them indeed …
A vast pit had been opened, its sides ragged but geometric, perhaps seven paces across and al out to the centralatop a stone column The Rath’ priests and priestesses of the Council had risen fro down for a closer look One figure separated himself from the others and approached the trio of Grey Swords
Brukhalian and Itkovian bohen Rath’Fener arrived The man’s tusked, furredKarnadas ’I have quested,’ he said in a quiet, soft tone, ’to the very hooves of our Lord I fasted for four days, slipped through the reeds and found myself on the blood-soaked shore of the Tusked One’s own realm When last, sir, did you make such a journey?’
The Destriant smiled ’And what did you learn when there, Rath’Fener?’
’The Tiger of Summer is dead His flesh rots on a plain far to the south of here Slain by minions of the Pannion Seer Yet, look upon Rath’Trake -- he is possessed of a renewed vigour, nay, a silent joy’
’It would seem, then,’ Karnadas said after a moment, ’the tale of Trake is not yet done’
Rath’Fener hissed, ’Is this a true gaodhood? There is but one lord of war!’