‘What we have become,’ Whiskeyjack said, ‘you have shared. You and Kalam.’ The wizard slowly nodded. ‘Hence this fateful meeting. Sir, Kalam and I, we’ll follow you, now. If you would have us.’ Whiskeyjack grunted. ‘The Emperor will take you from me.’ ‘Only if you tell him, Commander.’ ‘And Kalam?’ Whiskeyjack glanced back at the assassin. ‘The Claw will be … displeased,’ the man rumbled. Then he smiled. ‘Too bad for Surly.’
