She approached her companions, preparing her mind for the veering into her draconic form. The power that came with the transition had always frightened her, for it was a cold, hard manifestation, unhuman and inhuman both. This time, however, she would welcome it.

Reaching the crest, she saw what the others were seeing. The north gate had opened across from them. K’Chain Che’Malle were emerging, spreading out to form a line. Eight hundred, perhaps more.

Weapons were readied among the Malazans. When Whiskeyjack gave the order, they would march down to meet that undead line of slayers.

And die. Eight hundred less K’Chain Che’Malle in Coral. Eight hundred K’Chain Che’Malle . . . occupied for a time. Does Dujek even know? Brood is still half a day behind us. The Grey Swords two bells, perhaps more – I’d not expected that news from Kallor – but they will have ridden too hard, too long.

And Grunde and his legion – they seem to have vanished entirely. Have we lost our shock-troops? Abyss knows, that Daru had no love of battle . . .

Does Dujek comprehend what we do to purchase for him this day?

Eight hundred K’Chain Che’Malle on the plain. How many remain in the city? How many now carve deadly paths through the High Fist’s companies?

The twenty or so condors left over the city were one and all circling the keep itself, a measure, perhaps, of the Seer’s confidence, that he would see no need for their participation in what was to come.

The thought brought a bitter taste to her mouth.

Whiskeyjack turned as she arrived, nodded in greeting. ‘Did you find Kruppe? I trust he has chosen a safe place.’

‘With Hetan,’ Korlat replied. ‘Demanding white paint for his face.’

Whiskeyjack could not quite manage a smile.

‘My Tiste Andii will precede your soldiers when they advance,’ Korlat said after a moment. ‘We will see how these undead fare against Kurald Galain.’

Kallor’s expression hinted at a smirk, ‘Your warren is still beset, Korlat. You would require a full unveiling – by all your kin, not just the ones here – to achieve a cleansing. Your brothers and sisters are about to be slaughtered.’

Her eyes narrowed. A full unveiling. Kallor, you know far too much of us. ‘I appreciate your tactical acumen,’ she replied drily.

She saw Whiskeyjack glance back at Artanthos, who stood fifteen paces from the others, wrapped against the morning chill in a fur-lined cloak. The man was paying no attention to the others, his gaze fixed on the plain below, a slight frown slowly marring his unlined brow.

Two marines approached on horseback from the east, riding hard in front of the Malazan line.

Whiskeyjack’s two marines . . .

Labouring, coughing froth, the horses galloped up the slope. The two women reined in. ‘Commander!’ one shouted.

The other added, ‘We found her!’ Then she pointed.

Emerging from the ranks to the east. . . Silverfox.