Gormenghast (Gormenghast, #2)

by Mervyn Peake

the very lack of ghosts in the deserted halls and chambers was in itself unnerving; for there was a sense that something had either just left each corridor, or each hall as he came upon it, or else that the stages were set and ready for its appearance.

There is something about a swarm that is damaging to the pride of its individual members.