Asroth smiled. ‘That does not seem unreasonable. I agree. If you are successful in your part of the bargain. Calidus must have these Treasures in his possession before your part is deemed fulfilled. Agreed?’

‘Agreed,’ said Uthas.

‘Good. Now, where are these Treasures?’

‘The necklace is in a tomb in the tunnels beneath Dun Carreg. The cup was lost in the marshes around Dun Taras. I know the location, but I have never been able to search there because it is in sight of the walls of Dun Taras. The men of Domhain would have fallen upon us. But now, Domhain belongs to Rhin, so I would have the freedom to search.’

‘Can you find them? Bring them to Calidus?’

‘I believe so,’ Uthas said.

‘You can, or you cannot. Which is it?’ Asroth’s voice was a deep basal rumble, filling his senses like a vapour.

Uthas licked his lips, which were abruptly dry. ‘I can. I will.’

Asroth grinned. ‘Good. I am pleased.’ He held his arm out, black veins mapping it. He pressed a long, broken nail against the pale flesh, drew a line, dark blood welling.

‘A bargain must always be sealed in blood, no?’

Uthas nodded and Asroth gripped his wrist, pulled his arm out and dragged a sharp nail across the inside of his forearm. His flesh parted as if cut with the sharpest iron, feeling as if Asroth had lit a fire in his veins, but he clenched his jaw, refusing to show any weakness.

Asroth wrapped long fingers about Uthas’ forearm in the warrior grip, their blood mingling. Within heartbeats Uthas was feeling dizzy, intoxicated.

‘Bring me the cup and necklace,’ Asroth growled as he released his grip.

Dimly Uthas was aware of Calidus leading him from the great chamber, walking out into the pale light of the Otherworld.

‘You must return to the world of flesh now,’ Calidus said to him.

‘What of you?’ Uthas said. He blinked, trying to focus. He was aware that he did not want to leave Calidus. He had come to find the old man’s presence comforting in this grey world.

‘I have another ally to meet,’ Calidus sighed. ‘My work is never done.’

Uthas woke to the sound of Calidus screaming.

He staggered upright, reaching for his spear. His arm throbbed and he looked down to see a scab of black blood. He blinked and shook his head, for a moment a vision of Asroth’s pale face and dark eyes consuming his mind.

Moonlight shone upon Salach, who lay close by, seemingly reaching full alertness before Uthas. Eisa was curled beside him.

Uthas felt a pang of jealousy, but quickly buried it.

We find comfort where we can, and in these end days it is rare and often short-lived.