. . .

Vaenwode descends through secret passages. He goes deep into the earth. He passes the centipede. He stares at it in awe as it swirls and scurries on the stone above. He is Vaenwode and he is strong but he is too small and fleshy to even attract its attention; he would be less than a morsel to it, he is in more danger from it accidentally sweeping past him than he is from its poison or its bite.

He reaches the Great Gate. He stares at it. He sees himself reflected in the soap-film there.

He turns his face aside.

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