Sulmar shrugged. ‘My Imperial commission was granted by a High Fist, sir. Based on that, it is within my right to ask for adjudication. Fist Coltaine, it has always been the strength of the Malazan Army that a tenet of our discipline insists that we speak our mind. Regardless of your commands – which I will obey fully – I have the right to have my position duly recorded, as stated. If you wish, I can recite the relevant Articles to remind you of these rights, sir.’

There was silence, then Bult swung in his saddle to Duiker. ‘Historian, did you understand any of that?’

‘As well as you, Uncle.’

‘Will his position be duly recorded?’

‘Aye.’

‘And presumably adjudication requires the presence of advocates, not to mention a High Fist.’

Duiker nodded.

‘Where is the nearest High Fist?’

‘Aren.’

Bult nodded thoughtfully. ‘Then, to resolve this matter of the captain’s commission, we must make all haste to Aren.’ He faced Sulmar. ‘Unless, of course, the views of the Council of Nobles are to take precedence over the issue of the fate of your career, Captain.’

‘Retaking Ubaryd will allow relief from Admiral Nok’s fleet,’ Sulmar said. ‘Through this avenue, a swift and safe journey to Aren can be effected.’

‘Admiral Nok’s fleet is in Aren,’ Bult pointed out.

‘Yes, sir. However, once news reaches them that we are in Ubaryd, the obvious course will be clear.’

‘You mean they will hasten to relieve us?’ Bult’s frown was exaggerated. ‘Now I am confused, Captain. The High Fist holds his army in Aren. More, he holds the entire Seven Cities fleet as well. Neither has moved in months. He has had countless opportunities to despatch either force to our aid. Tell me, Captain, in your family’s hunting estates, have you ever seen a deer caught in lantern light? How it stands, frozen, unable to do anything. The High Fist Pormqual is that deer. Coltaine could deliver this train to a place three miles up the coast from Aren and Pormqual would not set forth to deliver us. Do you truly believe that an even greater plight, such as you envisage for us in Ubaryd, will shame the High Fist into action?’

‘I was speaking more of Admiral Nok—’

‘Who is dead, sick or in a dungeon, Captain. Else he would have sailed long ere now. One man rules Aren, and one man alone. Will you place your life in his hands, Captain?’

Sulmar’s expression had soured. ‘It seems I have in either case, Commander.’ He drew on his riding gloves. ‘And it also seems that I am no longer permitted to venture my views—’

‘You are,’ Coltaine said. ‘But you are also a soldier of the Seventh.’

The captain’s head bobbed. ‘I apologize, Fist, for my presumption. These are strained times indeed.’

‘I wasn’t aware of that,’ Bult said, grinning.

Sulmar swung to Duiker suddenly. ‘Historian, what are your views on all this?’