The Shield Anvil shrugged. ‘Your reasoning has a certain logic, Rath’Shadowthrone. As for the mages’ and merchants’ actions, I cannot, alas, account for their optimism. Perhaps you would be better advised to enquire of them directly.’

‘So I shall, Shield Anvil, so I shall.’

The tiles proved to be fixed to larger, rectangular slabs of stone. The workers had managed to pry one loose and were dragging it to one side, revealing trusses of pitch-stained wooden beams. The trusses formed a gridwork, suspended above a subterranean chamber from which musty, turgid air flowed. Once the first slab was free, the removal process quickened in pace.

‘I think,’ Rath’Hood said, ‘we should postpone our discussion with the Mortal Sword, for it seems that the chamber will soon lose its floor in answer to Hetan’s demands. When that particular discussion resumes, Prince Jelarkan will attend, in order that he may hold the Mortal Sword’s hand in the face of our questioning. In the meantime, we are witness to a historic unveiling which is swiftly acquiring our collective attention. So be it.’

‘Gods,’ Rath’Shadowthrone muttered, ‘you do prattle on, Deathmask. Even so, let us heed your advice. Quickly, you damned soldiers, away with the floor! Let us see these mouldy bones!’

Itkovian edged closer to stand at Hetan’s side. ‘Well played,’ he murmured.

Tension made her breath shallow, and she clearly did not trust herself to make reply.

More slabs were dragged clear. Pole-lanterns were found and readied, but thus far, darkness continued to swallow all that lay beneath the floor.

Cafal came to Itkovian’s other side, his chant ended. ‘They are here,’ he rumbled. ‘Crowding us.’

The Shield Anvil nodded in understanding. The spirits, drawn through into our world by the chant. Arrived. Avid with yearning. J feel them indeed ...

A vast pit had been opened, its sides ragged but geometric, perhaps seven paces across and almost as wide, reaching out to the central millstone which itself seemed to be standing atop a stone column. The Rath’ priests and priestesses of the Council had risen from their places and were now edging down for a closer look. One figure separated himself from the others and approached the trio of Grey Swords.

Brukhalian and Itkovian bowed when Rath’Fener arrived. The man’s tusked, furred mask was expressionless, the human eyes flatly regarding Karnadas. ‘I have quested,’ he said in a quiet, soft tone, ‘to the very hooves of our Lord. I fasted for four days, slipped through the reeds and found myself on the blood-soaked shore of the Tusked One’s own realm. When last, sir, did you make such a journey?’

The Destriant smiled. ‘And what did you learn when there, Rath’Fener?’

‘The Tiger of Summer is dead. His flesh rots on a plain far to the south of here. Slain by minions of the Pannion Seer. Yet, look upon Rath’Trake – he is possessed of a renewed vigour, nay, a silent joy.’