[Abalieno]

The very beginning already got me gaping. Some elegant writing on par with the other three novellas (that I still consider far above the overall writing quality in the main series), in a tone that is somewhere between the famous Blade Runner's ending monologue in reverse (meaning that here it starts the story) and the Greek poets that used to begin their works with formulaic flourishes where they invoked the muse to favor their art and inspire. All within the sub-text typical of Erikson of men against gods. He does not beg their help, but almost commands them to stay back, and witness.

Written as himself (Erikson) while disguised as one of the characters.



Even the gods must wait spellbound.

Feed then, or perish.