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The man started, and his broad brow knotted ‘Aye, I am Withal, of the Third Meckros city – which is now no ic event You are the lone survivor… through h it much strained my powers to intervene’

‘What place is this?’

‘Nowhere, in the heart of nowhere A fragine, conjured froony of my broken body does not abate Yet listen, I have talked and not coughed That is soed sleeve and scattered seeds onto the brazier’s coals They spat and popped and the smoke thickened

‘Who are you?’ Withal deod… who has need of your skills I have prepared for your coe, all the raw materials you will need Clothes, food, water And three devoted servants, whom you have already met-’

‘The bhoka’ral?’ Withal snorted ‘What can-’

‘Not bhoka’ral, h perhaps they once were These are Nachts I have na, capable of learning all that you require of them’

Withal made to rise ‘I thank you for the salvation, Fallen One, but I shall take my leave of you I would return to my oorld-’

‘You do not understand, Withal,’ the figure hissed ‘You will do as I say here, or you will find yourself begging for death I non you, Swordmaker You are my slave and I am your master The Meckros own slaves, yes? Hapless souls stolen froes and such on your raids The notion is therefore familiar to you Do not despair, however, for once you have completed what I ask of you, you shall be free to leave’

Withal still held the club, the heavy wood cradled on his lap He considered

A cough, then laughter, thenhand When the hacking was done, he said, ‘I advise you to atte untoward, Withal I have plucked you froe ret my wrath’

‘What would you have me do?’

‘Better What would I have you do, Withal? Why, only what you do best Make runted ‘That is all?’

The figure leaned forward ‘Ah well, what I have in mind is a very particular sword…’

BOOK ONE

FROZEN BLOOD