They took him to the worst part of the city, to a tenement that looked like it could collapse any second. He was more frightened of it than of them. They led him up four creaky flights. One man tapped a code on a door.

The door opened. They went inside. Smoke eyed the man waiting. He looked just like the six who had brought him. Nor did the man who had opened the door seem any different. All hatched in the same nest. But the man who waited spoke passable Taglian.

He asked, You are the one called Smoke? The fire marshall? I cannot recall the full title.

The wizard supposed they knew who and what he was, else he would not be here. I am. You have me at a disadvantage.

I have no name. I can be called One Who Leads Eight Who Serve. Ghost of a smile. Unwieldy, yes? It is of no importance. I am the only one here who can speak your language. You wont confuse me with anyone else.

Why did you interrupt my stroll? Keep it cool, casual, he thought.

Because we have a common interest in dealing with a peril so great it could devour the world. The Year of the Skulls.

Now Smoke knew who they were.

He controlled himself but his mind went wild. His efforts to maintain his anonymity had gone for naught. The Shadowmasters knew him.

Maybe Swan was right. Maybe he was just a coward... He was. He had known that always. But he was no puling craven. He could manage his fear if he had to.

Still... It rankled that Swan could be right about anything. Willow Swan was an animal that walked on its hind legs and made noises like a man.

The Year of the Skulls? he asked. What do you mean?

The man smiled thinly. It will save time if we dont pretend. You know Kina is stirring. And when she stirs, ripples go out and waken other things best left undisturbed. The first whisper of Kina passes over the world. Soon the woman who is her avatar will become aware of what she is.

Do you think me simple? Smoke demanded. Do you believe I can be weaned from my loyalty so easily? Do you believe an appeal to my fears will subvert me?