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’Sir, they are five weeks away’

’We cannot hold-’

’This truth is known, Prince’

’And does this summoner command that army?’

’No Command is shared between two men Caladan Brood and Dujek Onearh Fist Onear have you known this?’

The Shield Anvil cleared his throat ’Prelih sorcerous avenues These have since grown impassable-’

’Yes, yes, I know that well enough Continue, damn you’

’The presence of the su their company was news only recently told us -- by a Bonecaster of the Kron T’lan Imass-’

’The army, Itkovian! Tell ions have been outlawed by E independently His complement numbers perhaps ten thousand Caladan Brood has under his cohast clans, the Rhivi nation and the Tiste Andii -- a total number of combatants of thirty thousand’

Prince Jelarkan’s eyes ide Itkovian watched the information breach the man’s inner defences, watched as the host of hopes flowered then withered in swift succession

’On the surface,’ the Shield Anvil said quietly, ’all that I have told you seems of vital import Yet, as I see you now coless Five weeks, Prince Leave theht iven their limited numbers-’

’Are these Brukhalian’s conclusions, or yours?’

’Both, I regret to say’

’You fools,’ the young rated ’You Hood-damned fools’

’Sire, we cannot withstand the Pannions for five weeks’

’I know that, damn you! The question now is: why do we even try?’

Itkovian frowned ’Sir, such was the contract The defence of the city-’

’Idiot -- what do I care about your damned contract? You’ve already concluded you will fail in any case! My concern is for the lives ofbeside the river-’