‘Were the T’lan Imass a mortal army, the choice would indeed be obvious, and consequently beneficial to our own needs,’ Itkovian replied. ‘Alas, Kron and his undead kin are bound by unearthly demands, of which we know virtually nothing. We have been told of a gathering, a silent summoning for purposes unknown. This, for the moment, takes precedence over all else. Kron and the T’lan Ay destroyed the Septarch’s K’Chain Che’Malle because their presence was deemed a direct threat to the gathering.’

‘Why? That explanation is insufficient, Shield Anvil.’

‘I do not disagree with your assessment, sir. There does appear to be another reason – for Kron’s reluctance to march southward. A mystery concerning the Seer himself. It seems the word “Pannion” is Jaghut. The Jaghut were the mortal enemies of the T’lan Imass, as you may know. It is my personal belief that Kron awaits the arrival of ... allies. Other T’lan Imass, come to this impending gathering.’

‘You are suggesting that Kron is intimidated by the Pannion Seer—’

‘Aye, in his belief that the Seer is Jaghut.’

The prince was silent for a long moment, then he shook his head. ‘Even should the T’lan Imass decide to march upon the Pannion Domin, the decision will come too late for us.’

‘That seems likely.’

‘Very well. Now, another question. Why is this gathering occurring here?’

Itkovian hesitated, then slowly nodded to himself. ‘Prince Jelarkan, the one who has summoned the T’lan Imass is approaching Capustan ... in the company of an army.’

‘An army?’

‘An army marching to wage war against the Pannion Domin; indeed, with the additional aim of relieving the siege here at Capustan.’

‘What?’

‘Sir, they are five weeks away.’

‘We cannot hold—’

‘This truth is known, Prince.’

‘And does this summoner command that army?’

‘No. Command is shared between two men. Caladan Brood and Dujek Onearm.’

‘Dujek – High Fist Onearm? The Malazan? Lords below, Itkovian! How long have you known this?’

The Shield Anvil cleared his throat. ‘Preliminary contact was established some time ago, Prince. Through sorcerous avenues. These have since grown impassable—’

‘Yes, yes, I know that well enough. Continue, damn you.’

‘The presence of the summoner among their company was news only recently told us – by a Bonecaster of the Kron T’lan Imass—’

‘The army, Itkovian! Tell me more of this army!’

‘Dujek and his legions have been outlawed by Empress Laseen. They are now acting independently. His complement numbers perhaps ten thousand. Caladan Brood has under his command a number of small mercenary companies, three Barghast clans, the Rhivi nation and the Tiste Andii – a total number of combatants of thirty thousand.’

Prince Jelarkan’s eyes were wide. Itkovian watched the information breach the man’s inner defences, watched as the host of hopes flowered then withered in swift succession.