A cluster of officers followed West into the room. The wonderfully competent Lieutenant Jalenhorm I remember, of course, but a Major now. And Brint too, made a Captain by his friends swift advancement. Marshal Kroy we know and love from the Closed Council. Congratulations, all, on your advancement. Another man brought up the rear of the party. A lean man with a face horribly burned. But we, of all people, should hardly hold a repulsive disfigurement against him. Each one of them frowned nervously towards West, as though ready to pounce forward if he should slump to the floor. Instead he shuffled to the round table and sagged trembling into the nearest chair.

'I should have come to you,' said Glokta. I should have come to you far sooner.

West made another effort at a smile, even more bilious than the last. Several of his teeth were missing. 'Nonsense. I know how busy you are, now. And I am feeling much better today.'

'Good, good. That is… good. Is there anything that I can get you?' What could possibly help? 'Anything at all.'

West shook his head. 'I do not think so. These gentlemen you know, of course. Apart from Sergeant Pike.' The burned man nodded to him.

'A pleasure.' To meet someone even more maimed than myself, always.

'I hear… happy news, from my sister.'

Glokta winced, almost unable to meet his old friend's eye. 'I should have sought your permission, of course. I surely would have, had there been time.'

'I understand.' West's bright eyes were fixed on his. 'She has explained it all. It is some kind of comfort to know that she'll be well taken care of.'

'On that you can depend. I will see to it. She will never be hurt again.'

West's gaunt face twisted. 'Good. Good.' He rubbed gently at the side of his face. His fingernails were black, edged with dried blood, as though they were peeling from the flesh beneath. 'There's always a price to be paid, eh, Sand? For the things we do?'

Glokta felt his eye twitching. 'It would seem so.'

'I have lost some of my teeth.'

'I see that, and can sympathise. Soup, I find…' I find utterly disgusting.

'I am… scarcely able to walk.'

'I sympathise with that also. Your cane will be your best friend.' As it will soon be mine, I think.

'I am a pitiable shell of what I was.'

'I truly feel your pain.' Truly. Almost more keenly than my own.

West slowly shook his withered head. 'How can you stand it?'

'One step at a time, my old friend. Steer clear of stairs where possible, and mirrors, always.'

'Wise advice.' West coughed. An echoing cough, from right down beneath his ribs. He swallowed noisily. 'I think my time is running out.'