The Crippled God (Malazan Book of the Fallen, #10)

by Steven Erikson

‘A moment, please.’ The Bolkando queen was staring at the Adjunct. ‘The only viable overland routes are the southern caravan tracks. The Glass Desert is truly impassable. If you take your army into it you will destroy what’s left of the Bonehunters – not one of you will emerge.’ ‘We shall cross the Glass Desert,’ said the Adjunct, ‘emerging to the southwest of Estobanse Province. And we mean to be seen by the enemy at the earliest opportunity. And they shall gather their forces to meet us, and a battle shall be fought. One battle.’ Something in Tavore’s tone made Aranict gasp and she felt herself grow cold with horror. ‘What of the Grey Helms?’ Krughava demanded. ‘In the Bay of Kolanse there rises a natural edifice known as the Spire. Atop this fastness there is a temple. Within this temple something is trapped. Something wounded, something that needs to be freed. The Bonehunters shall be the lodestone to the forces of the Forkrul Assail, Mortal Sword, but it is the Perish who will strike the death blow against the enemy.’ Aranict saw Krughava’s iron eyes narrowing. ‘We are to take the south route.’ ‘Yes.’ A battle. One battle. She means to sacrifice herself and her soldiers. Oh, by all the Holds, she cannot— ‘You invite mutiny,’ said Fist Blistig, his face flushed dark. ‘Tavore – you cannot ask this of us.’ And she faced her Fists then, and said in a whisper, ‘But I must.’