‘You are not gods.’ ‘We are,’ Urugal replied. ‘To be a god is to possess worshippers.’ ‘To guide them,’ ’Siballe added. ‘You are wrong, both of you,’ Karsa said. ‘To be a god is to know the burden of believers. Did you protect? You did not. Did you offer comfort, solace? Were you possessed of compassion? Even pity? To the Teblor, T’lan Imass, you were slavemasters, eager and hungry, making harsh demands, and expecting cruel sacrifices – all to feed your own desires. You were the Teblor’s unseen chains.’
