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Udinaas strode to the table where sat a jug of Letherii wine ‘I visited Dresh, once,’ he said as he poured out two cups full ‘And ate smoked Moss River eel Would you like me to tell about Moss River eels, Eoblets over to the Edur seated on the throne

‘Is it inconsequential?’

Udinaas hesitated, then nodded ‘It is’

‘Then, yes, Udinaas We would’

Seren Pedac and the Criue ahead was the town of Dissent It had once been walled, but local builders had disrown outward in acommons and nearby farms But now Dissent was barely visible, devoured in turn by at least three encaade,’ Seren said, scanning the distant banners ‘Snakebelt Battalion, and the Riven Brigade’

‘Can we ride straight through?’ Iron Bars asked

She glanced across at hiies I’m a little shocked, that’s all If this is all that’s left of the frontier arround ahead is not ideal for a battle,’ the Avowed judged ‘I’d be surprised if the king intended to await the Edur here Can you think of anywhere else close by that ht be better suited?’

‘Brans Keep, in the hills a few leagues northeast of Dissent’

‘And Dissent is the nearest major town?’

‘Apart from Letheras itself,’ Seren said

‘Then this is temporary encampment When the Tiste Edur draw closer, those three ar them has any wits at all In any case, Acquitor, other Letherii forcesthere, at Brans Keep It’s a question of logistics, keeping these ones here’

‘I hope you are right Then again, I wonder if it will make any difference’

‘We’re far from the sea, Seren,’ Iron Bars said ‘That demon the Edur have chained can’t reach here, and that evens things some’

A worthy try, Iron Bars‘Another day to Outkeep, then we should reach Letheras the following day, well before dusk’

‘Could we hasten that, Acquitor? These soldiers cae horses?’

‘If I insist, yes’

‘Based on your desire to speak to the king’

‘Yes’