‘Awaken,’ Hood said. ‘Arise.’ And Toc the Younger, with a long sigh, did as Hood commanded. Standing, tottering, squinting now at the gate awaiting them both. ‘Damn,’ Toc muttered, ‘but that’s a poor excuse for a gate.’ ‘The dead see as they see, Toc the Younger. Not long ago, it shone white with purity.’ ‘My heart goes out to that poor, misguided soul.’ ‘Of course it does. Come. Walk with me.’ They set out towards that gate. ‘You do this for every soul?’ ‘I do not.’ ‘Oh.’ And then Toc halted – or tried to, but his feet dragged onward – ‘Hold on, my soul was sworn to the Wolves—’ ‘Too late.
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