The Complete Malazan Book of the Fallen

by Steven Erikson

The vial struck the rooftop and shattered with a thin tinkle. Beyond, the three assassins paused. Quick Ben remained, his eyes on the white smoke rising from the glass shards. A figure took form within the smoke, growing in size. Its shape was almost insubstantial, the smoke stretching like threads in places, curling like wool in others. All that was visible within it was its eyes, two black slits, which it swung to Quick Ben. “You,” it said, its voice that of a child, “are not Master Tayschrenn.” “That’s right,” Quick Ben said, “but I’m in his legion. Your service remains with the Empire.” He pointed across the roof. “There are three who are the Empire’s enemies, Demon. Tiste Andii, here to oppose the Malazan Empire.” “My name is Pearl,” the Korvalah demon said softly, then turned to the three assassins, who had spread out along the far edge. “They are not fleeing,” Pearl said, with a note of surprise. Quick Ben wiped sweat from his forehead. He glanced down. Kalam was a vague shape waiting in the alley below. “I know,” he said to Pearl. That observation had unnerved him as well. One of Tayschrenn’s Korvalahrai could level a city if it so chose. “They accept my challenge,” Pearl said, facing Quick Ben again. “Should I pity them?” “No,” he answered. “Just kill them and be done with it.” “Then I return to Master Tayschrenn.” “Yes.” “What is your name, Wizard?” He hesitated, then said, “Ben Adaephon Delat.” “You are supposed to be dead,” Pearl said. “Your name is so marked o...