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

by Steven Erikson

‘You all knew?’ ‘Knew what? That you survived? Gods no. We all figured you dead and gone. You think Smiles would’ve sold off your stuff if we didn’t?’ He could see the rest of the squad drawing up behind Cuttle. ‘Well, yes.’ The sapper grunted. ‘Got a point there, soldier. Anyway, we didn’t know a damned thing. He just made us sit here and wait, is what he did—’ ‘I thought this was Faradan Sort’s meeting—’ ‘Fid’s cap’n now, Bottle.’ ‘Oh.’ ‘And since he’s now a captain, official and everything, he’s got decorum t’follow.’ ‘Right. Of course. I mean—’ ‘So instead of him doing this, it’s me.’ And with that the veteran stepped close and embraced him, hard enough to make Bottle’s bones ache. Cuttle’s breath was harsh in his ear. ‘Kept looking at a card, y’see? Kept looking at it. Welcome back, Bottle. Gods below, welcome home.’