Haradas’s smile broadened. ‘I am sure they would be delighted and indeed honoured by your company, Bonecaster.’

‘You are perhaps too generous on their behalf, Sorceress.’

‘Not in the least, I assure you. I am pleased that the matter has been concluded so effortlessly—’

‘We’re a fell gathering indeed,’ Silverfox murmured.

Haradas blinked, then recovered and continued, ‘So that I may now introduce you to the new Shield Anvil of the Grey Swords, Captain Norul.’

The soldier bowed. ‘Bonecaster.’ The woman hesitated, then her expression hardened with resolve. ‘The Grey Swords are sworn to Togg, Wolf of Winter, and to Fanderay, She-Wolf of Winter.’

‘Interesting choices,’ Silverfox said. ‘Lovers lost for all eternity, yet in your twice-sworn company, united in spirit. A bold and courageous gesture, Shield Anvil.’

‘Bonecaster, Togg and Fanderay are no longer lost to each other. Each has finally caught the other’s scent. Your manner seems to convey no knowledge of this, which confuses me, sir.’

Now it was Silverfox who frowned. ‘Why should it? I’ve no particular interest in ancient wolf-gods ...’ Her words slowly trailed to silence.

The Shield Anvil spoke again, ‘Bonecaster, Summoner of the Second Gathering of the T’lan Imass, I formally ask that you yield the T’lan Ay – the children of our gods.’

Silence.

Silverfox stared at the Grey Sword commander, eyes half lidded, her full, rounded face expressionless. Then a tremor crossed her features.

‘You don’t understand,’ she finally whispered. ‘I need them.’

The Shield Anvil cocked her head. ‘Why?

‘F-for a . . . gift. A ... repayment. I have sworn—’

‘To whom?’

‘To – to myself.’

‘And how, sir, are the T’lan Ay involved in the fashioning of this gift? They have run with the T’lan Imass, it is true. But they are not to be owned. Not by the T’lan Imass. Not by you.’

‘Yet they were joined in the Ritual of Tellann, the First Gathering—’

‘They were ... encompassed. In ignorance. Bound by loyalty and love to the flesh and blood Imass. As a result, they lost their souls. Sir, my gods are coming, and in their cries – which now visit me each night in my dreams – they demand . . . reparation.’

‘I must deny you,’ Silverfox said. ‘Until Togg and Fanderay can come, physically and manifesting their power, to enforce their demand, I shall not yield the T’lan Ay,’

‘You risk your life, Bonecaster—’

‘Will the wolf-gods announce war against the T’lan Imass? Will they and the T’lan Ay come for our throats, Shield Anvil?’

‘I do not know, sir. You will have to answer for the decisions you have made. But I fear for you, Bonecaster. Togg and Fanderay are ascended beasts. Their souls are unknowable to such as you and me. Who can predict what lies in the hearts of such creatures?’

‘Where are they now?’

The Shield Anvil shrugged. ‘South. We shall, it seems, all converge within the Pannion Domin.’

‘Then I still have time.’