"Every house has fought in this war," Miro said. "The terror, the bloodshed; it has touched all of us. I have lost those I loved, and I have fought this enemy with every bit of strength I possess. I have sent men to their deaths, knowing that their sacrifice would save a larger number, yet knowing that it was my decision that ended their lives."

Sailmaster Scherlic looked at Miro impassively, his expression unreadable.

"Every house has fought in this war," Miro said, "except yours. House Buchalantas is neutral. That's what you say, isn't it?"

"It is not our fight," Scherlic said in his deep, accented voice.

"When does it become your fight? How do you think the Buchalanti would fare under the single rule that the Primate desires? Do you think you'll keep your much-vaunted independence?" He thrust his finger at Scherlic's chest. "We've given a lot to get to this point. More than you'll ever understand. Now it's time to make a choice, Sailmaster."

Scherlic looked out at the warships, and then back to Miro.

"The time for neutrality is past," Miro said. "This ship is a Buchalanti storm rider. Those Tingaran-made ships over there? They're just ships." Miro gestured at the glowing runes that covered the sails, the silver symbols that coated the decks of the Infinity. "Why have this power if you aren't prepared to use it?"

"One ship, against, what, twenty ships of the fleet?" Scherlic finally spoke.

"One Buchalanti storm rider, fighting for freedom."

Six of the Tingaran ships were coming towards them, sails unfurled as they gathered speed and attempted to head the Infinity off.

Sailmaster Scherlic made a choice.

"Battle stations," he called. "Run out the ballistae. Prepare to increase to ramming speed."

"Thank you," Miro said.

"Now get out of my way," Scherlic said.

The Buchalanti Sailmaster raised his voice and began to chant.

Miro was blinded by the flash of runes and the deck trembled beneath his feet, as the Infinity came to life.

66

66

PRIMATE Melovar Aspen stood on the wide circular base of the statue, looking up at its leg and wondering how to get in. He tilted his head back until high above he could make out where the leg bent at the knee, then even higher until he could see where the two legs met. Melovar turned back to the book of the Evermen, swiftly turning the pages in his hand.

"Try looking down, rather than up," Melovar heard a voice behind him say. Turning, the Primate saw the last person he expected to see.

Dain Barden stood watching him, the muscles in his arms tense as he stood with his legs apart and the head of his war hammer on the ground. Behind the leader of the Akari, two revenants looked on with their white-eyed gaze, silent and impassive. Melovar looked for more of the Akari but with the exception of the draugar, he and the Dain were alone.