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’You said you are glad that I’ve come,’ Gruntle rumbled ’Why?’

’Well, you’re a Mortal Sword, right? They’re calling uess, uh, well What does that mean, anyway?’

’You don’t know?’

’No Do you?’

Gruntle said nothing for a long rinned ’Not really’

The tension left Anaster in a heartfelt sigh He stepped close ’Listen Before this -- uh, before I arrived in this body, I was a scout in the Malazan army And as far as I was concerned, temples here poor people paid to keep the priests’ wine cellars well stocked I don’t want followers That Destriant back there, the Shield Anvil -- gods, what a hard wo like thatanything, I suppose Hood, justhis name breaks my heart and I never even knew hi Did you think I asked to be Trake’s Mortal Sword? I was a caravan guard, and a miserable one and I was happy with it-’

’You were happy being ht I was’

Anaster suddenly smiled ’I stumbled on a small cask of ale -- it’s back in the cao for a walk, Gruntle’

’Under the trees, aye I’ll find Stonny -- a friend You’ll like her, I think’

’A woet the ale, meet you back here’

’A sound plan, Anaster Oh, and don’t tell the Destriant or the Shield Anvil-’

’I won’t, even if they torture row paler than usual Then he shook his head ’See you soon, friend’

’Aye’ Friend … Yes, I think so

He watched Anaster swing back onto the horse -- the man he had been kne to ride

No, not theaway for a er, then turned back to find Stonny