‘For the greater good,’ Veradis finished for him, nodding. ‘As is this.’ He threw his cup of wine at Calidus’ face, at the same time leaping forwards and drawing a knife from his belt. Calidus staggered back a step, right before the roaring fire, his arms raised, flailing. Veradis heard Alcyon moving, the table between them being overturned in Alcyon’s rush, but he was too late. Veradis stepped in close to Calidus, ducked his flailing arms and buried his knife to the hilt in Calidus’ belly, twisted and ripped, blood slicking his fist.

Then Alcyon’s huge hand clamped upon his arm. Veradis kicked Calidus in the chest, sent the Kadoshim stumbling backwards, tripping over the chest and falling into the huge fireplace.

Calidus screamed as flames exploded in a roar about him, engulfing him. Alcyon hauled Veradis back a pace, twisting his arm, forcing him to his knees, pain screaming through his arm as tendons tore and sinew ripped, the shoulder close to dislocating.

‘Do what you will to me,’ Veradis snarled. ‘Your master is dead.’

Alcyon just stared grimly at the fireplace and blazing flames.

A figure appeared amongst the roaring flames, man-like, for a moment the likeness of dark, shadowy wings unfurling about him. Then Calidus staggered out from the fire’s embrace, stepped onto the cold stone of his chamber. His cloak was ablaze, his silver hair scorched black or burned away, and the flesh on his face was peeling and charred.

He undid the brooch of his cloak, let it slip to the ground, swatted at a flame on his sleeve. Annoyed and almost amused.

‘As you can see, I am quite hard to kill,’ Calidus said, voice deeper, harsher.

Veradis just stared at him in horror, his eyes drawn to his knife still buried deep in Calidus’ belly. Calidus wrapped blistered fingers around the hilt and pulled it out, growling with pain like a wounded animal. He held the blade up between two fingers, grimaced and threw it over his shoulder.

‘Well done,’ Calidus said. ‘It takes a rare man to get past my guard – and my guardian.’ He shot a black look at Alcyon.

Veradis glowered at him, felt a surge of pure hatred for this man, this creature before him. The one who had corrupted everything, his friend, his whole world.

Calidus met his gaze and sighed.

‘I can see we’re not going to get anywhere with you,’ he said. ‘A shame.’ He shrugged. ‘Alcyon, kill him.’

Veradis stared into the giant’s eyes, part of him wanting death, welcoming it.

I deserve it. The wise man lives a long life, the fool dies a thousand deaths.

‘I am sorry, True-Heart,’ Alcyon whispered and slowly raised his war-hammer.

‘Who were those giants to you?’ Veradis asked him.

Alcyon paused.

‘Kill him,’ Calidus hissed.

‘What?’ Alcyon rumbled.

‘Those giants during the trial. Who were they to you?’