Toll the Hounds (Malazan Book of the Fallen, #8)

by Steven Erikson

‘You do not understand,’ the Tiste Andii said. ‘You never did, Kallor.’ ‘You’re wrong. I have nothing against any of you!’ ‘Korlat—’ ‘Did you think it was my intention to murder Whiskeyjack? Do you think I just cut down honourable men and loyal soldiers out of spite? You weren’t even there! It was Silverfox who needed to die, and that is a failure we shall all one day come to rue. Mark my words. Ah, gods, Spinnock. They got in my way, damn you! Just as you’re doing now!’ Spinnock sighed. ‘It seems there will be no mulled wine this night.’ ‘Don’t.’ ‘I am here, High King, to stand in your way.’ ‘You will die. I cannot stay my hand – everything will be beyond control by then. Spinnock Durav, please! This does not need to happen.’ The Tiste Andii’s faint smile nearly broke Kallor’s heart. No, he understands. All too well. This will be his last battle, in Rake’s name, in anyone’s name. Kallor drew out his sword. ‘Does it occur, to any of you, what these things do to me? No, of course not. The High King is cursed to fail, but never to fall. The High King is but…what? Oh, the physical manifestation of ambition. Walking proof of its inevitable price. Fine.’ He readied his two-handed weapon. ‘Fuck you, too.’ With a roar that ripped like fire from his throat, Kallor charged forward, and swung his sword. Iron rang on iron.