Calidus took a step back from the Kadoshim and unsheathed his sword, the rasp of it drawing all eyes. ‘Craven? I have just fought Meical, high captain of the Ben-Elim, and seen him flee. I have fought countless battles to reach this place and made a bridge between the Otherworld and the world of flesh, to bring your worthless spirit here. You will not call me craven. Or would you challenge me, reckless Danjal?’

Muscles clenched and unclenched in the Kadoshim, a spasming ripple. Eventually he lowered his eyes.

‘I seek our master’s glory,’ he growled.

‘As do I,’ Calidus said. ‘Go after Meical and you will be rejoining our master in the Otherworld before you know it.’ Calidus had turned his back and walked away. The once-Jehar looked about, called for help and then ran from the chamber, a dozen or so Kadoshim surging after him.

‘If you find them, try and kill Meical’s puppet, his Bright Star; you may actually achieve something useful with your death that way,’ Calidus called out after them.

Uthas had felt a glimmer of hope. To retrieve the starstone axe they would need to slay Balur.

He wished it was so, but as yet there had been no sign of the Kadoshim that had left during the night.

‘Your comrades that went after the axe, they may have killed Balur, retaken the axe.’

‘Maybe.’ Calidus shrugged. ‘But I doubt it. More likely is that the Kadoshim that went after the axe are slain, their spirits returned to the Otherworld. Meical may be foolish in some things, but he would have set a guard, and he knows how to fight.’

Uthas could not hide his disappointment as his hope flickered and died.

‘It is of no matter. Danjal has always been a fool; we are better off without his rebellious nature. Do not fear Balur. I will protect you. Your future is with me, now. Your loyalty to Asroth will not be forgotten. I have the cauldron because of you, and I am grateful.’ The old man paused a moment; Uthas took strength from his words.

‘How many are with Balur?’ Calidus asked him.

‘A score that cannot be accounted for, his dreaming bitch of a daughter Ethlinn amongst them. And none of our young have been found – they were hidden in a higher chamber. Around the same number again.’ He shook his head, a wave of regret sweeping him. ‘The Benothi are close to extinction, our numbers . . .’

‘Too late for remorse. You’ve made your choice. And a wise one – you have chosen the victorious side. The Kadoshim walk this world, and this is only the beginning.’ Calidus grinned a smile that didn’t reach his cold eyes

He is right. And added to that, what other road is there for me to follow? The Benothi’s fate is entwined with the Kadoshim now.

Uthas took a shuddering breath. ‘And what now?’ he asked Calidus. ‘You have the cauldron. What would you do with it?’