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‘I have known death,’ Rhulad said, his voice rough ‘I have returned, and I am not the saan our journey to the ice wastes I have returned, to bring to you the memory of our destiny To lead you’ He was silent then, as if needing to recover from his short speech A dozen heartbeats, before he continued, ‘Fear Sengar Brother, step forward’

Fear did as co in front of the dais

Rhulad stared down at hier in those brittle eyes

‘Second only to Hannan Mosag’s, your loyalty, Fear, is reatest need’

Fear looked rattled, as if such a matter did not need to be questioned

The slave Udinaas returned then, but held back, his red-ri the scene And Trull wondered at the sudden narrowing of that Letherii’s gaze

‘What, Eift, brother’

‘All I have is yours-’

‘Are you true to that clai forward

‘I would not make it otherwise’

Oh No, Rhulad – no -

‘The e back, ‘requires an empress’

Comprehension cast a pall on Fear’s face

‘A wife Fear Sengar, will you gift rotesque bastard – Trull stepped forward

Rhulad’s hand snapped out to stay him ‘Be careful, Trull This is not your concern’ He bared stained teeth ‘It never was’

‘Must you break those ould follow you?’ Trull asked