‘She never did.’

Heboric started. ‘That seems—’

‘Unlikely? Yes, but it is the truth. The journey was mine, and mine alone. You must understand, even goddesses cannot foresee unexpected deaths, those twists of mortality, decisions taken, paths followed or not followed. Sha’ik Elder had the gift of prophecy, but such a gift, when given, is no more than a seed. It grows in the freedom of a human soul. Dryjhna was greatly disturbed by Sha’ik’s visions. Visions that made no sense. A hint of peril, but nothing certain, nothing at all. Besides,’ she added with a shrug, ‘strategy and tactics are anathema to the Apocalypse.’

Heboric grimaced. ‘That doesn’t bode well.’

‘Wrong. We are free to devise our own.’

‘Even if the goddess did not guide you, someone or something did. Else Sha’ik would never have been given those visions.’

‘Now you speak of fate. Argue that with your fellow scholars, Heboric. Not every mystery can be unravelled, much as you believe otherwise. Sorry if that pains you ...’

‘Not half as sorry as I am. But it occurs to me that even as mortals are but pieces on a gameboard, so too are the gods.’

‘“Elemental forces in opposition,”‘ she said, smiling.

Heboric’s brows rose, then he scowled. ‘A quote. A familiar one—’

‘It should be. It’s carved into the Imperial Gate in Unta, after all. Kellanved’s own words, as a means to justify the balance of destruction with creation – the expansion of the Empire, in all its hungry glory.’

‘Hood’s breath!’ the old man hissed.

‘Have I sent your mind spinning in other directions, Heboric?’

‘Aye.’

‘Well, save your breath. The subject of your next treatise – no doubt that handful of obscure old fools will dance in excitement.’

‘Old fools?’

‘Your fellow scholars. Your readers, Heboric’

‘Ah.’

They were silent again for some time, until the ex-priest spoke once more. ‘What will you do?’ he asked softly.

‘With what has happened out there?’

‘With what’s still happening. Korbolo Dom reaping senseless slaughter in your name—’

‘In the name of the goddess,’ she corrected, hearing the brittle anger in her own voice. She’d already exchanged sharp words with Leoman on this subject.

‘Word of the “rebirth” has probably reached him—’

‘No, it has not. I have sealed Raraku, Heboric. The storm raised around us can scour flesh from bones. Not even a T’lan Imass could survive the passage.’

‘Yet you have made an announcement,’ the old man said. ‘The Whirlwind.’

‘Which has raised in Korbolo Dom doubts. And fears. He is very eager to complete the task he’s chosen. He’s still unfettered, and so is free to answer his obsessions—’