‘It’s impossible, sir. And not just with me. Rebble’s temper—’

‘Yes, I know all about that. And Listar strangled his wife.’

‘Even if he didn’t, sir, he is guilty of something, and whatever it is, he would walk into death at the first chance.’

‘Then help me.’

‘Sir?’

Galar Baras leaned forward. ‘We are in a civil war! Mother Dark’s most powerful army lies buried beneath mounds a league south of here! And now we’ve had word of a battle – the shattering of the Wardens. As of this moment, the only forces standing between Kharkanas and Urusander are the Houseblades of the Great Houses.’

‘Then surrender, sir.’

The captain shook his head. ‘Not my call, Wareth. I have been commanded to replenish the Hust. I need bodies.’

‘And you are desperate,’ Wareth said. ‘I see.’

‘I doubt you do.’

‘I see well enough, sir. Go back to the commander—’

‘This order comes from the Lord Silchas Ruin.’

‘Not his to make!’ Wareth snapped. ‘Toras Redone—’

‘Lies disarmed and in a drunken stupor in a locked room.’

After a moment, Wareth said, ‘She was drunk when she spared me.’

‘I know.’

‘You do? How? She was alone in the command tent.’

‘She told me.’

Wareth fell silent.

‘I need officers,’ Galar Baras said.

‘Promote every Hust soldier you have left, sir.’

‘I will, but they’re not enough.’

‘You will forge a nightmare. The Hust swords will twist in the hands of this pit’s murderers.’

Galar Baras’s eyes were level. ‘I would think it the other way round, Wareth.’

‘This is your faith in all of this? Abyss below! Captain, I know the limits of those weapons – perhaps more than any of you, and I tell you, it is not enough.’

‘Your sword failed in making you brave.’

‘It begged in my hand, damn you! And still I ran!’

‘I see only one way through this, Wareth. I am attaching you to my staff.’

‘You are indeed mad. Sir.’

‘Then I well suit the times, lieutenant.’

‘Lieutenant? You would promote a coward? Sir, the sergeants will turn their backs to you. As for my fellow lieutenants, and your fellow captains, they will—’

‘I am the last captain bar one,’ Galar Baras said. ‘And that one is in no condition to assume command. There were two others, after the Poisoning. Both took their own lives.’

‘You’ll need more.’

‘I’ll worry about that time when it comes. As for your fellow lieutenants, they will take their orders from me, as expected. Oh, I am not so foolish as to think you face anything but a lonely future, but, Wareth, you will be my bridge to these prisoners. From you, to Rebble and Listar, and to whatever women I can lift through the ranks – and as to that, can you give me a few names?’