The Complete Malazan Book of the Fallen

by Steven Erikson

‘That was damned unfortunate.’ ‘It was.’ ‘From the distance, it looked—’ ‘It looked bad, High Fist, because it was.’ ‘Understand, Whiskeyjack, I comprehend your … your mercy. Rake’s sword – but, dammit, could you not have waited?’ Explanations, sound justifications crowded Whiskeyjack’s mind, but all he said was, ‘No.’ ‘Executions demand procedures—’ ‘Then strip me of my rank, sir.’ Dujek winced, looked away. He sighed roughly. ‘That’s not what I meant, Whiskeyjack. I know well enough the significance of such procedures – the real reason for their existing in the first place. A sharing of necessary but brutal acts—’ ‘Diminishes the personal cost, aye,’ Whiskeyjack answered in low tones. ‘No doubt Anomander Rake could have easily managed those few souls added to his legendary list. But I took them instead. I diminished his personal cost. A paltry effort, granted, and one he asked me not to do. But it is done now. The issue is ended.’ ‘The issue is anything but,’ Dujek grated. ‘I am your friend—’ ‘No.’ We’re not at risk of crossing blades, so there won’t be any sharing of this one. ‘No,’ he repeated. Not this time. He could almost hear Dujek’s teeth grinding. Korlat joined them. ‘A strange young man, the one known as Anaster.’ The two Malazans turned at her words. ‘Does that surprise you?’ Dujek asked. She shrugged. ‘There was much hidden within the darkness of his soul, High Fist. More than just a soldier’s face. He could not bear leading his army. Could not bear to see the...