He told her about the strange behaviour of the demons in House Ruby’s lands, and his suspicion that it was somehow connected to Rochant selling out to the Wild. ‘There was something in their manner that reminded me of him. Quiverhive and the others were watchful, measured. And they were sharing that knowledge with others. He knows what’s going on, I’m sure of it.’

Pari nodded. ‘I agree that Rochant knows more than he let on. What’s this about them sharing knowledge?’

‘During the battle, a small Lizardkin came to Quiverhive, communed with it, and flew off, like a messenger.’

‘Was it red and green?’

‘Yes. How did you know?’

‘I saw the same creature, or one very much like it in the hills around Sorn. The Scuttling Corpseman is there, and that Lizardkin was communicating with it.’

‘But it can’t be the same one, they’re miles apart.’

‘Would you like to take a bet on that one, Lord Vasin?’

‘I knew they were coordinating, but not on this scale.’

‘None of us did.’ She gave him a stern look. ‘You need to call a hunt with every Deathless you can muster, and destroy the Corpseman while you still can.’

‘I will. I think Yadavendra is in on this. He turned his back on Sorn and forbade us to intervene. It seems too much of a coincidence now.’

‘Perhaps. I’ll know more after I’ve seen him.’

‘So, what now?’

‘Now we go to your High Lord. We’ll have to travel past Lord Rochant’s castle on the way. There, we can find out if he’s returned or if he’s still hiding in the Wild somewhere.’

They walked on. Though Pari hadn’t solved his problems, Vasin did feel better. It had all seemed too big before, too complex, and she had a way of putting things in perspective. At least now, he could see a way forward.

Not long after, they came across a wagon tucked away on the edge of the tree line.

‘There he is,’ said Pari.

‘Thank you,’ Vasin blurted. ‘I want to say something before we reach your man.’ It felt awkward trying to put feelings into words, especially under Pari’s scrutiny. ‘I’ve felt so alone this lifecycle, and unsure of who to trust. And, well, I know these are strange times but I wanted to say that I’m glad you’re back. It is good to have someone to talk to about all of this.’

‘We’ve come a long way since you threatened to punch me in the face, Lord Vasin, and for whatever it’s worth, I’m glad that I didn’t have to beat you to a pulp.’

‘I would have won that fight. You were barely able to stand.’

‘That’s just what I wanted you to think.’

‘You only had one wing!’

‘At least I wasn’t drunk.’