Thousands. ( An easy estimate. It should not come so. He thinks, more fool he, that he pities them — when, no doubt, some of these spirits, reborn, think only the better of their fresh chance at survival. ) The man is demon.

( Of a plainer, kindlier, placid face, perhaps, but consumed by his devilry, no doubt. The gentleness of his surrender cannot, need not be trusted. If Matthias has intended no quarrel, he would not have stripped multiple worlds of their dead, wrenched them free and claimed them forth. )

One man of ill faith will know another. ( Subtle speculation. His voice, reedy, is at times imperceptible as the rains descend. ) They say the Whispering houses know things that should not be known.

( And are within the same space as slavers, incidentally. Fancy that. )