The soldiers once again leaned over the map table, joined by a softly cackling Crone. After a moment, the Mhybe collected her daughter’s hand and guided her towards the entrance. Korlat joined them as they made their way out. To the Mhybe’s surprise, Whiskeyjack followed.

The cool afternoon breeze was welcome after the close confines of the command tent. Without a word, the small group walked a short distance to a clearing between the Tiste Andii and Barghast encampments. Once they halted, the commander fixed his grey eyes on Silverfox.

‘I see much of Tattersail in you, lass – how much of her life, her memories, do you recall?’

‘Faces,’ she answered, with a tentative smile. ‘And the feelings attached to them, Commander. You and I were allies for a time. We were, I think, friends ...’

His nod was grave. ‘Aye, we were. Do you remember Quick Ben? The rest of my squad? What of Hairlock? Tayschrenn? Do you recall Captain Paran?’

‘Quick Ben,’ she whispered uncertainly. ‘A mage? Seven Cities ... a man of secrets ... yes,’ she smiled again, ‘Quick Ben. Hairlock – not a friend, a threat – he caused me pain. . .’

‘He’s dead, now.’

‘I am relieved. Tayschrenn is a name I’ve heard recently – Laseen’s favoured High Mage – we sparred, he and I, when I was Tattersail, and, indeed, when I was Nightchill. No sense of loyalty, no sense of trust – thoughts of him confuse me.’

‘And the captain?’

Something in the commander’s tone brought the Mhybe alert.

Silverfox glanced away from Whiskeyjack’s eyes. ‘I look forward to seeing him again.’

The commander cleared his throat. ‘He’s in Pale right now. While it’s not my business, lass, you might want to consider the consequences of meeting him, of, uh, his finding out. . .’ His words trailed away in evident discomfort.

Spirits below! This Captain Paran was Tattersail’s lover – I should have anticipated something like this. The souls of two grown women . . . ‘Silverfox – daughter—’

‘We have met him, Mother,’ she said. ‘When driving the bhederin north – do you recall? The soldier who defied our lances? I knew then – I knew him, who he was.’ She faced the commander again. ‘Paran knows. Send him word that I am here. Please.’

‘Very well, lass.’ Whiskeyjack raised his head and studied the Barghast encampment. ‘The Bridgeburners will be ... visiting ... in any case. The captain now commands them. I am sure that Quick Ben and Mallet will be pleased to make your reacquaintance—’

‘You wish them to examine me, you mean,’ Silverfox said, ‘to help you decide whether I am worthy of your support. Fear not, Commander, the prospect does not concern me – in many ways I remain a mystery to myself, as well, and so I am curious as to what they will discover.’

Whiskeyjack smiled wryly. ‘You’ve the sorceress’s blunt honesty, lass – if not her occasional tact.’

Korlat spoke. ‘Commander Whiskeyjack, I believe we have things to discuss, you and I.’