The ‘Toll the Hounds’ Prologue

Is now up on malazanempire.

I never get much out of these prologues, but a mere glimmer of Steven Erikson’s world is better than no glimmer at all. And it provides endless amounts of fodder for discussion.

The best thing about this prologue comes at the very end:

“Join us, friend,” said Kruppe. “Sit here by this fire: this scene paints the history of our kind, as you well know. A night, a hearth, and a tale to spin. Dear K’rul, dearest friend of Kruppe, hast thou ever seen Kruppe dance?”
The stranger sat. A wan face, an expression of sorrow and pain.
“No,” said K’rul. “I think not. Not by limb, not by word.”
Kruppe’s smile was muted, and something glistened in his eyes. “Then, my friends, settle yourselves for this night. And witness.”

Imagine that; Kruppe dancing! The 30th of June cannot come soon enough.