‘Is your claim—yours and Shadowthrone’s—being contested?’ ‘Difficult to answer,’ Cotillion murmured. ‘There have been…trembles. Agitation…’ ‘As you said, the Hounds are troubled.’ ‘They are indeed.’ ‘You wish to know more of your potential enemy.’ ‘We would.’ Kalam studied the gate, the swirling shadows at its threshold. ‘Where would you have me begin?’ ‘A confluence to your own desires, I suspect.’ The assassin glanced at the god, then slowly nodded.
