City of Blades (63 page)

Her arm aches. Less than it used to. But it's still there. Maybe it'll always be there.

The young soldier who tried her cigarillo is now trying to feed it to a seagull, much to the amusement of his comrades. Mulaghesh smiles.
I don't know if I'm ever going to wear a uniform again,
she thinks, watching the soldiers,
but I will still fight for you.

The line starts moving. They throw their bags over their shoulders, lean forward, and start up to the plank to the
Kaypee
.

The young soldier looks back at her, and says, “Well. No matter what's waiting for you in Ghaladesh, I hope you find some rest, and peace.”

“Peace?” says Mulaghesh, a touch surprised. “Well, maybe. Maybe.”

They climb aboard and ready themselves for the short journey home.

Thanks to Brent Weeks, who read
City of Stairs
and gave me some very foresighted advice about the state of Sigrud's health.

Thanks to my editor, Julian Pavia, for helping me cut one whole book out of the middle of this one, much to the improvement of everything.

Thanks to Deanna Hoak and Justin Landon, whose observations about these books have fueled ideas for future ones. Innovation sometimes arises from the simplest mistakes.

Much thanks to Myke Cole, for taking time out of his busy schedule to educate me on all things military for this novel. I now know the difference between a clandestine and a covert operation.

Many thanks to Ashlee and Jackson, who continue to tolerate me for reasons unknown.

And many, many thanks to those who read
City of Stairs,
without whose support this book would surely not exist.