Envy shrugged. ‘Can no value be found in good intentions?’

‘What, precisely, are you trying to justify? And to me, or yourself ?’

She glared, then quickened her pace. ‘You’re no fun at all,’ she sniffed as she pulled ahead, ‘and presumptuous as well. I’m going to talk with Tool – his moods don’t swing!’

No, they just hang there, twisting in the wind.

Not entirely true, he realized after a moment. The T’lan Imass had showed the fullest measure of his emotions a week past. With his sister’s departure. None of us are immune to tortured hearts, I guess. He rested a hand on Baaljagg’s shoulder, squinted towards the distant ridgeline to the northeast, and the washed-out mountains beyond.

The ridge marked the borders of the Pannion Domin. There was a city at the foot of those mountains, or so the Lady had assured him. Bastion. An ominous name. And strangers aren’t welcome . . . So why in Hood’s name are we heading there?

Onearm’s Host had effectively declared war on the theocratic empire. Tool’s knowledge of the details had Toc wondering, but not doubting. Every description of the Pannion Domin simply added fuel to the likelihood of Dujek taking ... umbrage. The old High Fist despised tyranny. Which is ironic, since the Emperor was a tyrant . . . I think. Then again, maybe not. Despotic, sure, and mono-maniacal, even slightly insane ... He scowled, glanced back to the three Seguleh trailing him. Glittering eyes within hard masks. Toc resumed his study of the ridge ahead, shivering.

Something’s awry, somewhere. Maybe right here. Since her return from Callows, with Mok in tow and his mask sporting a crimson, thickly planted kiss – Hood’s breath, does the man even know? If I was Senu or Thurule, would I dare tell him? Since her return, yes, there’s been a change. A skittery look in her eyes – just the occasional flash, but I’m not mistaken. The stakes have been raised, and I’m in a game I don’t even know. I don’t know the players ranged against me, either.

He blinked suddenly, finding Lady Envy walking alongside him once again. ‘Tool say the wrong thing?’ he asked.

Her nose wrinkled in distaste. ‘Haven’t you ever wondered what the undead think about, Toc the Younger?’

‘No. That is, I don’t ever recall musing on the subject, Lady.’

‘They had gods, once, you know.’

He shot her a glance. ‘Oh?’

‘Well. Spirits, then. Earth and rock and tree and beast and sun and stars and antler and bone and blood—’

‘Yes, yes, Lady, I grasp the theme.’