He saw Kruppe, flanked by Hetan and Cafal. The Daru was pale, glassy-eyed, and seemed moments from unconsciousness. Strange, that, for it was not grief that so assailed the Daru. He saw Hetan suddenly reach for him even as he collapsed.

But the man Gruntle was looking for was nowhere to be seen.

He strode to the south crest to observe the positioning of his legion. They were readying weapons. Assembling below them were the Grey Swords, clearly preparing to advance on the city—

—a city shrouded in smoke, lit with the flash of sorcery, of munitions, a city ripping itself apart—

Gruntle’s hunting gaze found the man.

Itkovian.

Walking towards the T’lan Imass.

A sharp cry sounded from the hilltop behind Gruntle, and he turned to see Silverfox straightening from Korlat’s side, wheeling round—

But the tens of thousands of T’lan Imass faced Itkovian now.

Gruntle watched his friend’s steps slow, then stop when he was twenty paces from the undead warriors.

Silverfox screamed in comprehension, began running—

Aye, Summoner. You were about to send them against the K’Chain Che’Malle. Gruntle did not need to stand within hearing range to know what Itkovian said, then, to the silent T’lan Imass.

You are in pain. I would embrace you now . . .

He felt his god’s horror, burgeoning to overwhelm his own—

As the T’lan Imass made reply.

Falling to their knees. Heads bowing.

Ah, Summoner . . .

And, now, it was far too late.

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

There can be no true rendition of betrayal, for the moment hides within itself, sudden, delivering such comprehension that one would surrender his or her own soul to deny all that has come to pass. There can be no true rendition of betrayal, but of that day, Ormulogun’s portrayal is the closest to what was true that any mortal could hope to achieve ...

N’aruhl’s Commentary on Ormulogun’s

Slaying of Whiskeyjack

Footsteps in the hallway announced yet another guest – Coll had no idea if invited or not – and he pulled his gaze away from the two ancient Rath’ councillors kneeling before the burial pit, to see a robed figure appear in the doorway. Unmasked, face strangely indistinct.

The Knight of Death swung in a crackle of armour to face the newcomer. ‘K’rul,’ he grated, ‘my Lord welcomes you to his sacred abode.’

K’rul? Isn’t there an old temple in Darujhistan – the one with the belfry – K’rul’s Belfry. Some kind of elder . . . Coll glanced over, met Murillio’s eyes, saw the same slow realization writ plain on his friend’s features. An Elder God has entered this chamber. Stands a half-dozen paces away. Beru fend us all! Another blood-hungry bastard from antiquity—

K’rul strode towards the Mhybe.