The Mhybe studied Whiskeyjack. The child’s so very alarming, isn’t she? By the spirits, she alarms even me, and I know so much more than you do, sir.

‘Well,’ Brood rumbled after a moment, ‘I’m delighted to hear we’re in agreement – Capustan mustn’t fall if we can help it, and an indirect means of relief is probably the best option, all things considered. On the surface, we must be seen – the majority of your forces as well as mine, Onearm – to be marching overland, at a predictable pace. That will establish Septarch Kulpath’s timetable for the siege, for both him and us. I take it we’re also agreed that Capustan must not be our sole focus.’

Dujek slowly nodded. ‘It may still fall, despite our efforts. If we’re to defeat the Pannion Domin, we must strike for its heart.’

‘Agreed. Tell me, Onearm, which city have you targeted for this first season of the campaign?’

‘Coral,’ Whiskeyjack replied immediately.

All eyes returned to the map. Brood was grinning. ‘It seems we do indeed think alike. Once we reach the north border of the Domin, we drive like a spear southward, a swift succession of liberated cities... Setta, Lest, Maurik – won’t the governess be pleased – then to Coral itself. We undo in a single season the Seer’s gains over the past four years. I want that cult reeling, I want cracks sent right through the damned thing.’

‘Aye, Warlord. So we march overland, yes? No boats – that would hasten Kulpath’s hand, after all. There’s one more issue to clarify, however,’ Whiskeyjack continued, his grey eyes swinging to the one representative – apart from the Black Moranth commander – who’d yet to speak, ‘and that is, what can we expect from Anomander Rake? Korlat? Will the Tiste Andii be with us?’

The woman simply smiled.

Brood cleared his throat. ‘Like you,’ he said, ‘we have initiated some moves of our own. As we speak, Moon’s Spawn travels towards the Domin. Before it reaches the Seer’s territory, it will. . . disappear.’

Dujek raised his brows. ‘An impressive feat.’

Crone cackled.

‘We know little of the sorcery behind the Seer’s power,’ the warlord said, ‘only that it exists. Like your Black Moranth, Moon’s Spawn represents tactical opportunities we’d be fools not to exploit.’ Brood’s grin broadened. ‘Like you, High Fist, we seek to avoid predictability.’ He nodded towards Korlat. ‘The Tiste Andii possess formidable sorceries—’

‘Not enough,’ Silverfox cut in.

The Tiste Andii woman frowned down at the girl. ‘That is quite an assertion, child.’

Kallor hissed. ‘Trust nothing of what she says. Indeed, as Brood well knows, I consider her presence at this meeting foolish – she is no ally of ours. She will betray us all, mark my words. Betrayal, it is her oldest friend. Hear me, all of you. This creature is an abomination.’

‘Oh, Kallor,’ Silverfox sighed, ‘must you always go on like that?’