‘I noted nothing like that,’ said Toc. ‘Although I admit 1 was mostly scanning horizon lines.’
‘This place shall be our camp,’ Redmask said after a moment. ‘We will meet the Letherii three leagues from here, in the valley known as Bast Fulmar. Toc Anaster, will you stay with the elders and children or accompany us?’
‘I have had my fill of fields of battle, Redmask. I said I’d found myself a soldier again, but even an army’s train needs guards, and that is about all I am up to right now.’ He shrugged. ‘Maybe from now on.’
The eyes in that scaled mask held on Toe for a half-dozen heartbeats, then slowly turned away. ‘Torrent, you too will stay here.’
The warrior stiffened in surprise. ‘War Leader-’
‘You will begin training those children who are close to their death nights. Bows, knives.’
Torrent bowed, stiffly. ‘As you command.’
Redmask left them, trailed by Natarkas and Masarch.
Torrent glanced over at Toc. ‘My courage is not broken,’ he said.
‘You’re young still,’ he replied.
‘You will oversee the younger children, Toc Anaster. That and nothing more. You will keep them and yourself out of my way.’
Toe had had enough of this man. ‘Torrent, you rode at your old war leader’s side when you Awl abandoned us to the Letherii army. Be careful of your bold claims of courage. And when I came to you and pleaded for the lives of my soldiers, you turned away with the rest of them. I believe Redmask has just taken your measure, Torrent, and if I hear another threat from you I will give you reason to curse me-with what will be your last breath.’
The warrior bared his teeth in a humourless smile. ‘All I see in that lone eye, Toe Anaster, tells me you are already cursed.’ He pivoted and walked away.
Well, the bastard has a point. So maybe I’m not as good at this give and take as I imagined myself to be. For these Awl, it is a way of life, after all. Then again, the Malazan armies are pretty good at it, too-no wonder I never really fit.
A half-dozen children hurried past, trailed by a mud-smeared toddler struggling to keep up. Seeing the chattering mob vanish round a tent, the toddler halted, then let out a wail.
Toc grunted. Aye, you and me both.
He made a rude sound and the toddler looked over, eyes wide. Then laughed.
Eye socket fiercely itching once more, Toe scratched for a moment, then headed over, issuing yet another rude noise. Oh, look at that-innocent delight. Well, Toc, take your rewards where and when you can.