Page 228 (1/2)

Perhaps the Crippled God had bound them, as demons could be bound, and it was this and this alone that kept the beasts from Withal’s throat An unpleasant notion

‘What’s to stop ht through his scrawny chest?’

‘Do not ask that question of me, Edur Only the Crippled God can answer it But I don’t think it could ever be that easy He’s a clever bastard, and there in that tent his power is probably absolute’

‘The vastness of his real

Yes Nohy do those words, said in that way, interest ed canvas shelter was directly ahead, s from the side that had been drawn open As they approached, the air grew hotter, drier, the grasses withered and bleached underfoot The earth seehted

They caod’s huddled for froer Unreasonable, I think, given the efficacy of o back,’ Rhulad said ‘Leaveservants to our cause appear… froine, an Avowed of the Crilad it was not Skinner, or indeed Cowl They would have takenWe’re not yet ready for that’ A hacking cough ‘Not yet ready’

‘I’iven you I understand But, Rhulad Sengar, the gold is your pay more of that power’

‘But you do,’ the Crippled God said, clearly amused ‘Consider the rewards already reaped The throne of the Tiste Edur, the woman after whom you lusted for years – now in your possession, to do with as you please Your brothers, bowing one and all before you And a burgeoning proith the sword-’

‘It’s not h, is it? It is all I can do to hold on! The skill does not belong to!’

‘And what value is all that pride you seek, Rhulad Sengar? You mortals baffle me It is a fool’s curse, to measure oneself in endless dissatisfaction It is not for s to you and you alone There, th grown? You haveyour brother Fear’s Cease your whi hed ‘And Scabandari Bloodeye did not? Oh, I know the tale now All of it The seas whisper old truths, Rhulad Sengar Revered Father Shadow, oh, such an absurd conceit Murderer, knife-wielder, betrayer-’

‘Lies!’

‘-who then led you into your own betrayal Of your once-allies, the Tiste Andii You fell upon theht alongside you That is the legacy of the Tiste Edur, Rhulad Sengar Ask Hannan Mosag He knows Ask your brother, Fear Your mother – the women know Their memory has been far less… selective’

‘Noat his face ‘You would poison me with dishonour That is your purpose… for all you say’