Page 258 (1/2)

‘For my sacrifices Well, that is odd indeed, since he did not think much of me before my… rebirth Which particular loss does he mark?’

‘I could not say-you will have to ask him that, I’ressed to the point of an exchange of confessions, then’

He said nothing to that Well, no, he couldn’t For that would acknowledge he has soaze froard the potential field of battle I can envision the armies arrayed, yes But then what? How are they moved? What is possible and what is impossible? Goddess, you have no answer to such questions They are beneath you Your power is your will, and that alone But, dear Goddess, soh‘Korbolo Do… arena’

‘I alanced back at hied, and she watched him search for an alternative to what he had been about to say ‘Korbolo Dom would have Tavore do precisely what he wants her to do To array her forces here, or there, and nowhere else To make this particular approach To contest where he would have her contest He expects the Malazan arhtered, as if by will alone he can make Tavore foolish, or stupid’ L’oric nodded towards the vast basin ‘He wants her to fight there Expects her to But, ould she?’

She shivered beneath the cloak as her chill deepened Yes, ould she? Korbolo’s certainty … is it naught but bluster? Does he too de to be simply because that is how he must have it ? But then, were any of the others any different? Ka pups, Fayelle and Henaras? And Febryl and Bidithal? Leoh all of Korbolo’s descriptions of the battle to co… as if he alone is indeed different But then, that half-s, after all I should expect nothing of hienius Besides, Korbolo Doer,’ L’oricto a cohter’

‘Rather than what?’

His brows rose fractionally ‘Why, victory’

‘Does not slaughter of the enemy achieve victory, L’oric?’

‘But therein lies the flaw in Korbolo’s thinking, Chosen One As Leoo, the flaw is one of sequence Mistress, victory precedes slaughter Not the other way round’

She stared at him ‘Why, then, have neither you nor Leoman voiced this criticism e discussed Korbolo Dom’s tactics?’

‘Discussed?’ L’oric smiled ‘There was no discussion, Chosen One Korbolo Dom is not a man elcomes discussions’

‘Nor is Tavore,’ she snapped