The Complete Malazan Book of the Fallen

by Steven Erikson

‘You question your vows.’ ‘I do, sir. I admit to doubting their veracity.’ ‘Has it been your belief, Shield Anvil, that your rules of conduct existed to appease Fener?’ Itkovian frowned as he leaned on the merlon and stared out at the smoke-wreathed enemy camps. ‘Well, yes—’ ‘Then you have lived under a misapprehension, sir.’ ‘Explain, please.’ ‘Very well. You found a need to chain yourself, a need to enforce upon your own soul the strictures as defined by your vows. In other words, Itkovian, your vows were born of a dialogue with yourself – not with Fener. The chains are your own, as is the possession of the keys with which to unlock them when they are no longer required.’ ‘No longer required?’ ‘Aye. When all that is encompassed by living ceases to threaten your faith.’ ‘You suggest, then, that my crisis is not with my faith, but with my vows. That I have blurred the distinction.’ ‘I do, Shield Anvil.’ ‘Destriant,’ Itkovian said, eyes still on the Pannion encampments, ‘your words invite a carnal flood.’ The High Priest burst out laughing. ‘And with it a dramatic collapse of your dour disposition, one hopes!’