A Malazan Book of the Fallen Collection 1

upon the altar within the temples dedicated to Shadowthrone, Shadowkeep rose from the plain like an enormous lump of black glass, fractured with curving planes, rippled in places, with some corners glistening white as if crushed. The largest surface facing them – a wall, he supposed – was mottled and dull, as if it was a cortex, the weathered surface of obsidian.
    There were no windows as such, but many of the slick surfaces looked semi-translucent and seemed to glow with an inner light. As far as Quick Ben could see, there was no door, no gate, no drawbridge.
    They arrived, and the wizard exclaimed in surprise as Blind strode into the stone and disappeared. He hesitated, and Boran came as close to nudging him as Quick Ben allowed. He walked up to the mottled stone and held out his hands as he stepped into it. He felt nothing, passing through effortlessly to find himself in a hallway that could have been found in any mundane estate.
    Barren of trappings, the corridor led straight forward for, perhaps, thirty feet and ended at double doors. Blind and Doan sat to either side of these doors, which now opened of their own accord.
    Quick Ben entered the room beyond. The chamber was domed. Opposite him stood a simple obsidian throne on a slightly raised dais. The dull, cobbled floor bore no rugs, and the walls were bare except for torches spaced every ten feet. Quick Ben counted forty, but the light was fitful, seeming to struggle against encroaching shadows.
    At first he thought the throne unoccupied, but as he approached he saw the figure seated there. It seemed composed of almost translucent shadows, vaguely human in form, but hooded, preventing even the glint of eyes. Still, Quick Ben could feel the god's attention fixed solely on him, and he barely repressed a shiver.
    Shadowthrone spoke, his voice calm and clear. 'Shan tells me you know the names of my Hounds.'
    Quick Ben stopped before the dais. He bowed. 'I was once an acolyte within your temple, Lord.'
    The god was silent for a time, then he said, 'Is it wise to admit such a thing, Wizard? Do I look kindly upon those who once served me but then abandoned my ways? Tell me. I would hear from you what my priests teach.'
    'To begin upon the Path of Shadow and then to leave it is rewarded by the Rope.'
    'Meaning?'
    'I am marked for assassination by all who follow your ways, Lord.'
    'Yet here you stand, Wizard.'
    Quick Ben bowed again. 'I would strike a deal, Lord.'
    The god giggled, then raised a hand. 'No, dear Shan. Strike naught.'
    Quick Ben stiffened. The black Hound stepped around him, and ascended the dais. She lay down before her god and eyed the wizard blankly.
    'Do you know why I just saved your life, Wizard?'
    'I do, Lord.'
    Shadowthrone leaned forward. 'Shan wants you to tell me.'
    Quick Ben met the Hound's red stare. 'Shadowthrone loves deals.'
    The god sighed and sank back. 'Acolyte, indeed. Well, then, Wizard, speak on, while you can.'
    'I must begin with a question, Lord.'
    'Ask it.'
    'Does Gear still live?'
    Shan's eyes flared and she half rose before the god's hand touched her head.
    'Now that,' Shadowthrone said, 'is quite a question. You've managed something few, alas, have been able to do. Wizard, my curiosity is piqued. So, I answer you: yes, Gear survives. By all means, continue.'
    'Lord, I would deliver into your hands the one who offended your Hound.'
    'How? He belongs to Oponn.'
    'Not him, Lord. But the one who led Gear to that chamber. The one who sought to take Gear's soul, and would have succeeded if not for Oponn's mortal tool.'
    'In exchange for what?'
    Quick Ben cursed inwardly. He could read nothing from the god's tone, and that made things even trickier than he'd expected. 'My life, Lord. I wish the Rope's reward lifted from me.'
    'Anything else?'
    'Yes.' He hesitated, then continued, 'I wish to choose the time and place, Lord. Otherwise, this one of whom I speak will escape your Hounds through its Warren of Chaos. Only I can prevent that. Thus, it must be part of the deal. All that you need do is have your Hounds ready. I will call upon you at the proper moment, providing you with the creature's precise location. The rest is up to your Hounds.'
    'You've planned this well, Wizard,' Shadowthrone said. 'As of yet, I can think of no way to kill both the creature and you. I commend you. How then, do you intend to call upon me? Surely, you'll not once again enter my realm.'
    'Lord, you will be contacted. I guarantee this, but I can say