The Elder God summoned Kincaid and the other remaining minor gods to a chamber none of them had seen before.
It was smaller than the observation space used during the challenge. Ninety-six places formed a broad circle around an empty floor. Each place reflected something of the god occupying it. Kincaid's seat stood on pale stone beneath a sky that did not belong to any world. Khorren's platform resembled black glass warmed from below. Ithara rested in a basin of clear silver liquid. Soryn's many jointed limbs folded beneath a woven structure that moved whenever he breathed.
No spaces had been prepared for those whose champions failed.
Kincaid noticed the number before the Elder God appeared. Exactly ninety-six champions remained.
The knowledge brought relief followed by discomfort. He had hoped Max would pass. He had not needed hundreds of others to fail for that success to matter.
Khorren turned one of his faceted eyes toward him. "Your champion returned all ten?"
