A Malazan Book of the Fallen Collection 1

discarded it after the Claw's healing of her wounds.
    Pearl had offered nothing to relieve the mystery of the demon that had appeared during the night engagement out on the plain, but it was clear to the Red Blade that the incident still troubled the man. As it does me, but that is past now. We have made it to Aren, still on the assassin's trail. All is as it should be.
    'Will you wait here for me?' she asked.
    Pearl's smile broadened. 'Until the end of time, my dear.'
    'Dawn will suffice.'
    He bowed. 'I shall count the heartbeats until then.'
    She left the room, shutting the door behind her. The inn's hallway led to a wooden staircase that took her into the crowded main room. The curfew made for a captive clientele, although the mood was anything but festive.
    Lostara ducked under the staircase and passed through the kitchen. The eyes of the cook and her helpers followed her as she walked to the back door, which had been left ajar to provide a draught. It was a reaction she was used to. The Red Blades were much feared.
    She pushed open the door and stepped out into the alley. The river's breath, mingled with the salt of the bay, was cool against her face. I pray I never travel the Imperial Warren again.
    She walked to the main street, her boots loud on the cobbles.
    A dozen soldiers of the High Fist's army accosted her as she
    reached the first intersection on her way to the garrison compound. The sergeant
    commanding them stared at her with disbelief.
    'Good evening, Red Blade,' he said.
    She nodded. 'I understand that the High Fist has imposed a curfew. Tell me, do the Red Blades patrol the streets as well?'
    'Not at all,' the sergeant replied.
    There was an expectancy among the soldiers that Lostara found vaguely disturbing.
    'They are tasked with other responsibilities, then?'
    The sergeant slowly nodded. 'I imagine they are. From your words and from ... other things, I gather you are newly arrived.'
    She nodded.
    'How?'
    'By warren. I had an ... an escort.'
    'The makings of an interesting story, no doubt,' the sergeant said. 'I will have your weapons now.'
    'Excuse me?'
    'You wish to join your fellow Red Blades, yes? Speak with Commander Orto Setral?'
    'Yes.'
    'By the High Fist's order, issued four days ago, the Red Blades are under detention.'
    'What?'
    'And await trial for treason against the Malazan Empire. Your weapons, please.'
    Stunned, Lostara Yil made no resistance as the soldiers disarmed her. She stared at the sergeant. 'Our loyalty has been ... challenged?'
    There was no malice in his eyes as he nodded. 'I am sure your commander will have more to say on the situation.'
    'He's gone.'
    Keneb's jaw dropped. 'Oh,' he managed after a moment. Frowning, he watched Minala packing her gear. 'What are you doing?'
    She whirled on him. 'Do you think he gets away leaving it like that?'
    'Minala—'
    'Be quiet, Keneb! You'll wake the children.'
    'I wasn't shouting.'
    'Tell your commander everything, you understand me? Everything – except about Kalam.'
    'I am not stupid, no matter what you may think.'
    Her glare softened. 'I know. Forgive me.'
    'You'd better ask that of your sister, I think. And Kesen and Vaneb.'
    'I will.'
    'Tell me, how will you pursue a man who does not want to be pursued?'
    A hard grin flashed on her dark features. 'You ask that of a woman?'
    'Oh, Minala .. .'
    She reached up to brush his cheek with one hand. 'No need for tears, Keneb.'
    'I blame my sentimental streak,' he said with a weary smile. 'But know this, I shall remain hopeful. Now, go and say goodbye to your sister and the children.'

CHAPTER FOURTEEN
    The Goddess drew breath,
and all was still..
    The Apocalypse
Herulahn
     
    'We can't stay here.'
    Felisin's eyes narrowed on the mage. 'Why not? That storm
    outside will kill us. There's no sheltering from it – except here, where
    there's water ... food—'
    'Because we're being hunted,' Kulp snapped, wrapping his arms around himself.
    From where he sat against a wall, Heboric laughed. He raised his invisible hands. 'Show me a mortal who is not pursued, and I'll show you a corpse. Every hunter is hunted, every mind that knows itself has stalkers. We drive and are driven. The unknown pursues the ignorant, the truth assails every scholar wise enough to know his own ignorance, for that is the meaning of unknowable truths.'
    Kulp looked up from where he sat on the low wall encircling the fountain, the lids of his eyes heavy as he studied the ex-priest. 'I was speaking literally,'