Reaper's Gale (Malazan Book of the Fallen, #7)

by Steven Erikson

‘I know secrets.’ ‘Me too.’ ‘None to compare with mine. I was there when Redmask’s sister killed herself.’ ‘And I suckled at the tit of a K’Chain Che’Malle Matron. If tit is the right word.’ The old man’s face twisted in disbelief. ‘That is a good lie. But it is not the game I am playing. I saw with my own eyes the great sea canoes. Upon the north shore. Thousands upon thousands.’ Toc began returning the arrows to the hide quiver. ‘These arrows were made by a dead man. Dead for a hundred thousand years, or more.’ The wrinkled scowl opposite him deepened. ‘I have seen skeletons running in the night – on this very plain.’ ‘This body you see isn’t mine. I stole it.’ ‘I alone know the truth of Bast Fulmar.’ ‘This body’s father was a dead man – he gasped his last breath even as his seed was taken on a field of battle.’ ‘The victory of long ago was in truth a defeat.’ ‘This body grew strong on human meat.’ ‘Redmask will betray us.’ ‘This mouth waters as I look at you.’ The old man pushed himself to his feet. ‘Evil speaks in lies.’ ‘And the good know only one truth. But it’s a lie, because there’s always more than one truth.’