Page 286 (2/2)

The wizard blinked, knocked sideways by Hood’s statement ’The House of Chains? It’s the poison we’re trying to excise, isn’t it? Burn’s fever -- the infected warrens-’

’The Master of the Deck must be convinced,adherents -’

’Wait athe pantheon?’

’Betrayal, aye Poliel, Mistress of Pestilence, aspires to the role of Consort to the King in Chains A Herald has been recruited An ancient warrior seeks to become Reaver; whilst the House has found, in a distant land, its Mortal Sword Mowri now embraces the Three -- Cripple, Leper and Fool -- which are in place of Spinner, Mason and Soldier Most disturbing of all, ancient power trembles around the last of the dread cards mortal, the Master of the Deck must not remain blind to the threat’

Quick Ben scowled ’Captain Paran’s not the blinkered type, Hood Indeed, he likely sees things clearer than even you -- fartells me that cold reason is ill be needed come the time to decide In any case, the House of Chains may be your problem, but the poison within the warrens isto Burn

’Misdirection, wizard -- you are being led astray You will find no answers, no solutions within the Pannion Doether different tale’

’I’d guessed asthe bastard -- and his power’

’Which will avail you nothing’

’That’s what you think,’ Quick Ben replied, grinning ’I aain, Hood’

’ And why should I answer? You’ve not heard a word I’ve -’

’I have, but consider this, Lord The Barghast godsand inexperienced, but that won’t last Besides, young gods are dangerous gods Scar theet the one who delivered the wound You’ve offered to help, so you’d better do just that, Hood’

’You dare threaten ? I a you And not just about the Barghast gods, either Treach has found a worthy Mortal Sword -- can you not feel him? Here I am, a thousand paces or more away from him, with at least twenty walls of stone between us, and I can feel the man He’s wrapped in the pain of a death -- someone close, whose soul you now hold He’s no friend of yours, Hood, this Mortal Sword’