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Fifteen paces behind Gamet waited the other two Fists, as well as the Wickan scouts under the coh, mercifully, Admiral Nok was not-for the fleet had sailed

I to be elsewhere-anywhere-and wanting to drag the Adjunct with hi her direct order, to take position at her side

Soside him A heavy leather sack thumped into the dust, and Gamet turned to see a squat soldier, blunt-featured beneath a leather cap, wearing barely half of a marine’s standard issue of ars-over a threadbare, stained unifornia was present Thefurther round to see an additional dozen decrepitan ar unrepaired, piece an assortment of weapons-fehich were Malazan

The Fist addressed the man in the lead ‘And who in Hood’s name are you people?’

‘Sorry as late,’ the soldier grunted ‘Then again,’ he added, ‘I could be lying’

‘Late? Which squads? What coed ‘This and that We was in Aren gaol Why e there? This and that But noe’re here, sir You want these children quelled?’

‘If you can ive you a command of your own’

‘No you won’t I killed an Untan noble here in Aren Name of Lenestro Snapped his neck with these two hands’

Through the clouds of dust before the Adjunct Tavore For a moment Gaht there, but the man sheathed his short-sword as he drew up before her Words were exchanged

The Fist made a decision ‘Come with me, soldier’

‘Aye, sir’ The

Gaeant stood An odd thing happened then There was a grunt frorey-bearded sergeant’s eyes flickered past the Adjunct and fixed on the soldier A sudden broad grin, then a quick succession of gestures-a hand lifting, as if holding an invisible rock or ball, then the hand flipping, index finger inscribing a circle, followed by a jerk of the thu In answer to all this, the soldier froeant’s blue eyes widened

They arrived, coaze on Gamet

‘Your pardon, Adjunct,’ the Fist said, and would have added more, but Tavore raised a hand and et a chance