Anomander grunted. ‘I can almost hear Scara Bandaris, in his manner of laughing when nothing works. I remember, the day we faced the last Jhelarkan horde… “War?” he cried. “Why, another name for shit, my friends. So now, keep your heads above the flood and swim for your fucking lives!” ’

‘Then, milord,’ said Ivis, ‘if you’ll step to one side and give me leave, I have a boy to find.’

The gaze of the First Son was suddenly bright, even as he moved aside. ‘Do not tarry overlong, my friend, lest you force me to come and get you.’

‘My charges, you and them, milord. My responsibility.’

Another detonation shook the grounds, another sudden flash, this time from the east tower. The squat structure wavered, tottered like a drunk on a bridge. Shutters fell away from the narrow windows.

‘Milord, I beg you, do not come after me. If I do not return, take command of the Houseblades.’

‘Best hurry, Ivis. This night seems fraught with grand gestures. I will watch. I will abide, as only a humbled man can.’

Nodding, and without a glance back at Sandalath, Ivis set out across the snow-sculpted, shard-studded compound.

* * *

Envy limped up the dust-filled corridor. She’d hurt the bastard, but there were lessons still to be learned. Standing there, admiring the effects of her ambush, had been a mistake. His retaliation had the feel of a backhanded swing – though he stood across the dining chamber, ten or more paces distant. The power that had struck her had been shocking in its breadth, its vicious might. Perhaps more surprising, however, was that she had survived being flung through a solid stone wall to land amidst rubble in the antechamber. Stunned, staring upward, she had only vaguely comprehended the imminent collapse of the roof – which would surely have buried her. A savage pulse of power had sent the roof up and out. Sudden cold flooded in. Shivering, she had crawled out from the wreckage, one knee throbbing and barely able to take her weight.

The Azathanai had set off after Spite.

You think you finished me? You didn’t. I’m not one to be ignored, fool, as you shall discover!

She edged along the corridor, with fires dancing along her limbs to keep her warm.

Father’s poor house, all ruined. See what neglect gets you?

An eruption of sorcery shook the house again, like a god’s fist, and Envy gasped at her sister’s sudden, terrible shriek.

A moment later, Spite skidded into the corridor ahead. One arm had been shattered, with splinters of bone jutting from torn flesh halfway between elbow and shoulder. The wrist and hand were both twisted round too far, the thumb now on the outside and the palm facing forward. In icy fascination, Envy stared at the mangled limb as Spite staggered towards her.

‘Help me!’

Behind Spite, the Azathanai stepped into view.

Envy lashed out with raging fire, snaking round Spite to engulf the Azathanai.