Druss sucked in the savage splendour of the mountains, sucking in the cool breeze and tasting life, as if for the last time.
‘Where are you, Death?’ he called. ‘Where do you hide on this fine day?’ The echoes boomed around the valleys … DEATH, DEATH, Death, Death …
‘I am Druss! And I defy you!’
A shadow fell across Druss’s eyes, the sun died in the heavens and the mountains receded into mist. Pain clamped his mighty chest, soul deep, and he almost fell.
‘Proud mortal!’ hissed a sibilant voice through the veils of agony. ‘I never sought you. You have hunted me through these long, lonely years. Stay on this mountain and I guarantee you two score more years. Your muscles will atrophy, your brain will sink into dotage. You will bloat, old man, and I will come when you beg it …’
