Jorick gave a war cry and rammed the dagger into Malick's chest. The ancient master screamed and flailed as Jorick sliced through skin and bone to cut a circle around his heart. Katelina could see Malick's face; see the frozen terror and disbelief, the spark of betrayal that flashed through his jewel-like eyes. In the end it was his son, his favorite, who would take his life.

The circle complete, Jorick plunged his hand in and ripped skin and organs free. Blood bubbled from ...