‘Many believe he did. And there are others who would, despite his innocence, like to see him blamed for the deed. His sister cannot protect him for much longer. She herself is in danger.’ The god lifted a hand to stroke the snake. ‘Unless something is done to help them, neither has more than five days to live.’

A cold wind blew in through the trees, stirring the overhead leaves and sending a small shiver through the witch.

‘Kelewulf and Yirgan’s lich – where are they?’ she asked.

‘The imprisoned boy Erik knows the whereabouts of the necromancer. The young sorcerer and he spent time there as small boys.’

The witch was silent for a moment as she took this information in. Eventually she shook her head and gave the god a stony look. ‘Why did you do it?’

‘Do what?’

‘Why did you give the devil sword to Lannigon?’

‘Because he needs it for what lies ahead.’ A smile played at the edge of the god’s mouth. ‘Who knows? You yourself might need it in the not too distant future. Perhaps all our destinies are now tied to that sword and the young man who wields it.’

Fleya glared at the god, who laughed.

‘You don’t trust me, do you, witch? That is a sensible position to take. I am not to be trusted … most of the time. But ask yourself this: if I am the villain of this piece, why would I intervene at all? Why not let Lorgukk and his creatures from the Void simply enter this world unhindered?’

‘I despise you gods and your meddling.’

‘Then you must be glad that our time in this realm is coming to an end. Perhaps, however, some of us are unwilling to leave this world in the hands of a creature as vile as Lorgukk. Perhaps some of us have come to admire the chaos and madness that is human life, and want it to continue in order to see what they are truly capable of. Who knows what they might achieve if they are left alone to explore their own fates? They might build cities in the skies, fly inside the carcasses of giant silver birds. They might even travel to the very stars.’ The god smiled at her, revealing a toothless mouth. ‘But none of that will come to pass if the dark god is allowed back. Humankind will be crushed and enslaved. You know this to be true, Fleya. Just as your sister knew it.’

Fleya studied the ground at her feet, lost in thought. When she looked up again, the god was gone.