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‘Thus,’ Rhulad said in a whisper ‘Come, my brothers It is time’

Trull cleared his throat He had to speak He had to ask his questions, to say what no-one else would say ‘We saw you dead’

‘And I have returned’

‘By the power of the sword you hold, Rhulad? Why would this ally give the Edur such a thing? What does that ally hope to gain? Brother, the tribes have been unified We have won our peace-’

‘You are the weakest of us, Trull Your words betray you We are Tiste Edur Have you forgotten what that means? I think you have’ He looked round ‘I think you all have Six pathetic tribes, six pathetic kings Hannan Mosag knew a greater ambition Sufficient to conquer He was necessary, but he cannot achieve what must come now’

Trull could hear the brother he knew in Rhulad’s words, but soe, poisonous roots – was this the voice of power?

Dull clicking of coin edges, as Rhulad faced the silent crowd beyond the inner circle ‘The Edur have lost sight of their destiny The Warlock King would twist you away from what must be My brothers and sisters – all of you here are that to me, and more I shall be your voice Your will The Tiste Edur have journeyed beyond kings and warlock kings What awaits us is e once possessed, yet lost long ago Of what aive answer Empire ’

Trull stared at Rhulad Empire And for every empire… there is an emperor

Kneel , Rhulad had co Of everyone here Tiste Edur do not kneel before s…

Fear spoke, ‘You would be e to face hiesture ‘Do I make you want to turn away in horror, Fear? In revulsion? Oh, but did not that slave fashion well? Ae of hysteria in the tone

Fear made no reply

Rhulad ser drags at me I feel… unburdened Yes, my brother, I find myself pleased Oh, does that shock you? Why? Can you not see my wealth? My armour? Am I not a bold vision of an Edur warrior?’

‘I a Is it truly Rhulad ells within that body?’

‘Die, Fear, and claw your way back Then ask yourself if the journey has not changed you’

‘Did you find yourself a our ancestors?’ Fear asked

Rhulad’s answering laugh was brutal He swung the sword into the air, twisting the blade into a wild salute, revealing a grace with the weapon that Trull had never before seen in his brother ‘Our ancestors! Proud ghosts They stood in ranks ten thousand deep! Roaring their welcome! Blooded kin was I, worthy to join theainst that vast host of ignorance Oh yes, Fear, it was a tilory ’