‘ So where is she?’ Kalam demanded .
‘ Who? ’
‘ Laseen. I got to settle with her – she cut Tavore loose. She said the Wickans have to be sacrificed – and Korbolo Dom. I want that bastard’s knobby head bouncing down every step from Mock’s Hold to the mouth of the sewer – where the fuck are my knives? ’
Minala drew out a belted brace and flung the gear at his feet. ‘So I come riding through a thousand warrens, nearly get blasted by lightning, and you ain’t got a single word for your Hood-damned wife? ’
‘ You threw me out, remember? ’
‘ Remember? I’m remembering why, is what I’m remembering. This is all Cotillion’s fault .’
Quick Ben said, ‘She won’t say it, but she misses you —’
She rounded on him. ‘You stay out of this! ’
‘ I’d love to, but we haven’t got time. Look, Kalam, she’s sincere – she even found you a horse —’
‘ What do I need a horse for? We’re in Malaz City! If Laseen’s run away, I don’t need a horse – I need a ship .’
‘ Kalam, listen to me. Shadowthrone delivered you to the Deadhouse. You were dying. Poisoned. And then you were just, er, left here. Lying there on the floor. For some time – well, a fair bit of time, in fact .’
‘ Did you kill Laseen, then? Did you avenge me? And you have the nerve to call yourself my friend – you didn’t kill her, did you? Did you? ’
‘ No I didn’t – just close that trap of yours and try listening for a change. Never mind the Malazan Empire. Never mind the Regent or Protector or whatever title Mallick Rel’s come up with. And maybe Laseen got killed like they say she did, or maybe she didn’t – it doesn’t matter. We’re not hanging around, Kalam. We’re needed elsewhere. Do you understand what I’m saying? ’
‘ Not a word. But it sounds to me like we’re wasting time.’ He looked at Minala. ‘So you got me a horse, did you? Is it big enough? Better not be a stallion – you know how they get jealous when I’m around you .’
‘ I wasn’t picky,’ she said. ‘But if I’d thought about it, I’d have gotten you a fat one-eared three-legged ass, and you could take turns riding each other. Not that anybody’d tell the difference .’