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"And in those places, alagai took root and grew Creatures of the blackness, their only purpose to uncreate; killing Everam’s creatures their only joy

"But lo, the world turned, and the sun shone light and warmth across Nie’s creatures of cold dark, and they were undone The lifegiver burned away their unlife, and the alagai screa deep into the world, infecting its very core

"There, in the dark abyss at the heart of creation, grew Alagai’ting Ka, the Mother of Demons Handmaiden of Nie Herself, she waited only for the world to turn that she e creation

"Everae the evil from His world, but Nie stood fast, and His hand was stayed

"But He, too, touched the world one last tiainst itself Giving thele for the sake of all He had made, Everam had no choice but to turn His back on the world and throw Hiainst Her cold strength

"And as above, so below"

Every day of Jardir’s first ht the nie’Sharum out into the hot sun to stand for hours as the dalory of Everam Their bellies were empty and their knees weak from exertion and lack of sleep, but the boys did not protest The sight of Jardir, returned reeking and bloody froht them all to obey without question

Drillmaster Qeran struck Jardir hard with his strap "Why do you suffer?" he deai!" Jardir shouted

Qeran turned and whipped Abban "Why is the Hannu Pash necessary?"

"Alagai!" Abban screaai, all the world would be the paradise of Heaven, suffused in Everam’s embrace," Dama Khevat said

The drillain Since his insolence the first day, he had taken two lashes for every one suffered by another boy

"What is your purpose in this life?" Qeran cried

"To kill alagai!" Jardir screa Jardir around the throat and pulling hiai talons," Jardir choked The drill back to attention before Qeran could find further reason to beat hiai talons!" Khevat cried "Dal’Sharum do not die old in their beds! They do not fall prey to sickness or hunger! Dal’Sharulory, they bathe and drink froins beyond count devoted to theai!" the boys all screa their fists "Glory to Everaiven their bowls, and the gruel pot was set out There was never enough for all, and er boys, led by Hasik, had established their pecking order and filled their bowls first, but even they took but one ladle each To take ruel in a scuffle at the pot, was to invite the wrath of the ever-present drillest and weakest of nie’Sharu the and the day in the pits, Jardir was in no shape to fight for days, but Abban had taken well to using his weight as a weapon, and always secured them a place, even if it was close to the back

When the boere ean