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’I am not She was insane A prisoner of herself, possessed by her own demons Not alone in that curse, we must presume’
’Not any more,’ Whiskeyjack answered
’It is as a plague, is it not? Ever spreading Devouring lives That is why you will, ultimately, fail All of you You become what you destroy’
The tone of Anoar ’No more appropriate words could come from a cannibal What, Anaster, do you think we should do with you? Be honest, now’
The young aze to the Lord of Moon’s Spawn Whatever self-possession he contained seemed to falter suddenly with that contact, for he reached up a tentative hand to hover before the bloodied eye-socket, and his pale face grew paler ’Kill me,’ he whispered
Rake frowned ’Korlat?’
’Aye, he lost control, then His fear has a face One that I have not seen before-’
Anaster turned on her ’Shut up! You saw nothing!’
’There is darkness within you,’ she replied in calm tones ’Virulent cousin to Kurald Galain A darkness of the soul When you falter, child, we see what hides within it’
’Liar!’ he hissed
’A soldier’s face,’ Anomander Rake said He slowly faced ard ’From the city From Capustan’ He turned back to Anaster ’He is still there, isn’t he? It seems, mortal, that you have acquired a ne other than death, so’
’You do not understand! He is Itkovian! Shield Anvil! He wishes my soul! Please, kill me!’
Dujek and Caladan Brood had arrived from the allied lines, as well as Kallor and Artanthos They sat on their horses, watchful, silent
’Perhaps ill,’ the Lord of Moon’s Spawn replied after a moment ’In time For noill take you with us to Capustan-’
’ No! Please! Kill me now! ’
’I see no absolution in your particular madness, child,’ Anomander Rake said ’No cause forthe one -- Itkovian? -- who so terrifies you, ill judge otherwise, and so grant you a swift end As you are our prisoner, that is our right You ht be spared your nemesis after all’ He faced Brood and the others ’Acceptable?’
’Aye,’ Dujek growled, eyes on Whiskeyjack
’Agreed,’ Brood said
Anaster er from a Tiste Andii warrior beside him, which was effortlessly denied The youth collapsed, then, weeping, down onto his knees, his thin frame racked by heaves