A Malazan Book of the Fallen Collection 3

she asked, and
Taralack was impressed by her growing facility with the
language.
    'He eats. His fortitude returns, Atri-Preda. But, as to this
day and its strange events, he is indifferent.'
    'He will be tested soon.'
    Taralack shrugged. 'This does not concern him. What
assails Tomad Sengar?' he asked under his breath, stepping
closer as he did so.
    She hesitated for a long moment, then said, 'Word has
come that among the Malazan fleet was a craft that had
been captured, some time back and an ocean away, by the
Edur. And that ship was gifted to one of Tomad's sons to
command – a journey into the Nascent, a mission the
nature of which Emperor Rhulad would not be told.'
    'Tomad now believes that son is dead.'
    'There can be no other possibility. And in losing one
son, he in truth has lost two.'
    'What do you mean?'
    She glanced at him, then shook her head. 'It is no
matter. But what has been born in Tomad Sengar this day,
Taralack Veed, is a consuming hatred. For these Malazans.'
    The Gral shrugged. 'They have faced many enemies in
their day, Atri-Preda. Caladan Brood, Sorrel Tawrith, K'azz
D'Avore, Anomander Rake—'
    At the last name Twilight's eyes widened, and as she was
about to speak her gaze shifted fractionally, to just past
Taralack Veed's left shoulder. A male voice spoke from
behind him.
    'That is impossible.'
    The Gral stepped to one side to take in the newcomer.
    An Edur.
    'This one is named Ahlrada Ahn,' Twilight said, and he
sensed some hidden knowledge between the two in her
voicing of the Edur's name. 'Like me, he has learned your
language – swifter than I.'
    'Anomander Rake,' the Edur said, 'the Black Winged
Lord, dwells at the Gates of Darkness.'
    'The last I heard,' Taralack Veed said, 'he dwelt in a
floating fortress called Moon's Spawn. He fought a
sorcerous battle with the Malazans on a distant continent,
above a city named Pale. And Anomander Rake was
defeated. But not killed.'
    Shock and disbelief warred on the Edur warrior's
weathered, lined visage. 'You must tell me more of this. The
one you call Anomander Rake, how is he described?'
    'I know little of that. Tall, black-skinned, silver hair. He
carries a cursed two-handed sword. Are these details
accurate? I know not ... but I see by the look in your eyes,
Ahlrada Ahn, that they must be.' Taralack paused, considering
how much he should reveal – his next statement
would involve arcane knowledge – information not known
by many. Still .. . let us see how this plays out. His shifted his
language, to that of the Letherii, and said, 'Anomander
Rake is Tiste Andii. Not Edur. Yet, by your reaction,
warrior, I might think that, as with Tomad Sengar, you are
wounded by some manner of unwelcome revelation.'
    A sudden skittish look in the warrior's eyes. He glanced
at Twilight, then pivoted about and strode away.
    'There are matters,' the Atri-Preda said to Taralack
Veed, 'that you are unaware of, and it is best that it remain
so. Ignorance protects you. It was not wise,' she added, 'that
you revealed your facility with the Letherii language.'
    'I believe,' the Gral replied, 'that Ahlrada Ahn will
prove disinclined to report our conversation to anyone.' He
met her eyes then, and smiled. 'As will you, Atri-Preda.'
    'You are careless, Taralack Veed.'
    He spat on his hands and swept them through his hair,
wondering again at her sudden look of distaste. 'Tell Tomad
Sengar this, Atri-Preda. It is he who risks much, with his
demand that Icarium's prowess be tested.'
    'You seem so certain,' she said.
    'Of what?'
    'That your companion represents the most formidable
threat Emperor Rhulad has ever faced. Alas, as has
invariably proved the case, all others who believed the
same are now dead. And, Taralack Veed, there have been so many. Tomad Sengar must know for certain. He must be
made to believe, before he will guide your friend to stand
before his son.'
    'His son?'
    'Yes. Emperor Rhulad is Tomad Sengar's youngest son.
Indeed, now, the only son he has left. The other three are
gone, or dead. Likely they are all dead.'
    'Then it strikes me,' the Gral said, 'that what Tomad
seeks to measure is not Icarium's prowess, but his lack
thereof. After all, what father would wish death upon his
last surviving son?'
    In answer, Twilight simply stared at him for a long
moment. Then she turned away.
    Leaving Taralack Veed alone, a frown growing ever more
troubled on his face.
     
    Sergeant Hellian had found a supply of sailor's rum and
now walked round the decks, a