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

by Steven Erikson

‘Enough of that, soldiers,’ he said. ‘We don’t worship Coltaine in the Bridgeburners. He was just another Malazan commander. A good one, to be sure, and right now he’s standing in Dassem Ultor’s shadow. And they got plenty of company. And maybe one day soon Gall will be there, too.’ Berrach was frowning. ‘Do we not honour their memories, sir?’ Hedge bared his teeth in anything but a smile. ‘Honour whoever you want in your spare time, Captain, only you ain’t got any spare time any more, because you’re now a Bridgeburner, and us Bridgeburners honour only one thing.’ ‘And that is, sir?’ ‘Killing the enemy, Captain.’ Something awoke in the faces of the warriors. As one they sheathed their weapons. Berrach seemed to be struggling to speak, and finally managed to ask, ‘Commander Hedge, how do the Bridgeburners salute?’ ‘We don’t. And as for anyone outside our company, it’s this.’ Eyes widened at Hedge’s obscene gesture, and then Berrach grinned.