Deadhouse Gates
Chapters - Steven Erikson
Prologue
In Unta, a cull of the nobility has begun, orchestrated by Laseen and overseen by her new Adjunct, Tavore. Felisin, Tavore's younger sister, is chained among nobles and political prisoners destined for the Otataral mines. Beside her stands Heboric, a handless ex-priest of Fener covered in boar tattoos, and the thug Baudin. An acolyte of Hood covered in flies approaches but dissolves into nothing when Heboric challenges it. Tavore rides past without acknowledging Felisin, and the prisoners begin their march through Unta past a murderous mob. Baudin beheads the dying Lady Gaesen to sate the crowd's bloodlust, and the survivors are loaded onto slave ships bound for the mines.
On page: Felisin Paran, Heboric Light Touch, Baudin, Tavore Paran·Mentioned: Empress Laseen, Ganoes Paran
Raraku
Chapter 1
Mappo and Icarium rest at the edge of the Pan'potsun Odhan, observing an Aptorian demon linked to the coming convergence of Soletaken and D'ivers along the Path of Hands. They encounter the D'ivers Ryllandaras before deciding to track the demon. In Hissar, historian Duiker and the Jhistal priest Mallick Rel watch Wickan horse warriors disembark under the command of the new Fist, Coltaine, who asserts total control over a chaotic situation. Kulp is also present. Meanwhile, Fiddler, Kalam, Crokus, and Apsalar arrive by fishing boat on the Ehrlitan coast, destroying a Soletaken Dhenrabi with a cusser. Kalam reveals their true purpose is to assassinate Laseen, using the Seven Cities rebellion as cover.
On page: Mappo Runt, Icarium, Duiker, Mallick Rel, Coltaine, Kulp, Fiddler, Kalam Mekhar, Crokus Younghand, Apsalar·Mentioned: Empress Laseen, Gryllen
Chapter 2
Duiker wanders Hissar noting signs of the approaching Dryjhna rebellion. He meets Coltaine, Mallick Rel, Kulp, and Bult at a council, where the young warlock Sormo arrives bearing the soul of a powerful Wickan shaman. Rel delivers Pormqual's orders for Admiral Nok to sail to Aren while the 7th Army marches overland. Coltaine appoints Duiker to his staff. In Ehrlitan, Fiddler rescues two girls from a pimp and meets the Tanno Spiritwalker Kimloc, who gives him a conch shell invested with songs of power. Crokus and Apsalar pose as newlywed pilgrims. Kalam visits his contact Mebra and takes possession of the Holy Book of Dryjhna to deliver to Sha'ik, unaware that Mebra is working with the Red Blades commander Tene Baralta. Mappo and Icarium discover Iskaral Pust's temple, Tesem, and are drawn inside.
On page: Duiker, Coltaine, Mallick Rel, Kulp, Bult, Sormo E'nath, Fiddler, Kalam Mekhar, Mebra, Mappo Runt, Icarium, Iskaral Pust, Lostara Yil·Mentioned: Pormqual, Empress Laseen
Chapter 3
Felisin sleeps with Beneth, the slave leader at Skullcup, to secure better conditions for herself, Heboric, and Baudin. The guard Pella quotes from Duiker's Imperial Campaigns and shows interest in Felisin. Heboric theorises that Otataral is not a natural ore but was created by magic. Felisin and Heboric argue bitterly, and she overhears Baudin and Heboric whispering plans from which she is excluded. Meanwhile, Duiker reflects on Admiral Nok's departure and the threat of rebellion. Kulp reveals that Coltaine has been training the 7th Army in city fighting and riot control, using Kulp's illusions. List earns a reputation for dying in every mock battle. Fiddler and Kalam argue about the plan to deliver the Book to Sha'ik; Fiddler, Crokus, and Apsalar depart Ehrlitan for the Pan'potsun Odhan while Kalam heads overland alone.
On page: Felisin Paran, Heboric Light Touch, Baudin, Beneth, Pella, Duiker, Kulp, Corporal List, Fiddler, Crokus Younghand, Apsalar, Kalam Mekhar·Mentioned: Tavore Paran
Chapter 4
Felisin is among slaves at Skullcup as part of the Deep Mine collapses. The guard Pella notices her deterioration from durhang use. Beneth takes Felisin to Captain Sawark, who pales upon recognising something about her. Beneth interrogates Felisin about her noble origins and beats her when she lies. Baudin escapes captivity after killing three men. Heboric tends to Felisin's wounds and helps maintain her cover story. On the coastal road, Kalam shelters from a sandstorm at Ladro Keep, where a merchant's wife conducts a Deck of Dragons reading that reveals Hood's House arrayed around the Assassin of Shadow. Red Blade Captain Lostara Yil, in disguise, pursues Kalam from the Keep after her unit kills everyone inside. Mappo and Icarium explore the octagonal crypt beneath Iskaral Pust's temple, discovering the gate of the Path of Hands. Duiker, Kulp, and Bult attend a ritual by Sormo at a dead oasis, where they are attacked by converging Soletaken and D'ivers before a midnight-skinned demon creates a diversion for their escape.
On page: Felisin Paran, Beneth, Pella, Baudin, Heboric Light Touch, Kalam Mekhar, Lostara Yil, Mappo Runt, Icarium, Duiker, Kulp, Bult, Sormo E'nath
Chapter 5
Fiddler, Crokus, and Apsalar arrive at G'danisban to find it occupied by rebels who are massacring Malazan civilians. They bluff their way through Arak warriors using Fiddler's Gral disguise. Inside the city, they witness horrific scenes of slaughter and rescue a young girl from her attackers. Apsalar reveals knowledge of Dancer's past, confirming that Shadowthrone is Kellanved and Cotillion is Dancer. A Gral clan pursues them as they flee south. Kalam arrives in Raraku and delivers the Book of Dryjhna to Sha'ik, who opens it at dawn only to be killed by a quarrel from the Red Blade Lostara Yil. Sha'ik's bodyguards Leoman and Toblakai fight off the Red Blades but cannot prevent her death. They decide to wait, remembering her prophecy of being renewed.
On page: Fiddler, Crokus Younghand, Apsalar, Kalam Mekhar, Leoman, Lostara Yil·Mentioned: Shadowthrone, Cotillion
Whirlwind
Chapter 6
Felisin is in Bula's tavern with Beneth, who is taking her back on orders to destroy her. When Dosii guards rebel against Malazan rule at Skullcup, Beneth is struck down and Felisin flees. Pella rescues her and brings her to Heboric and Baudin, who have been preparing their escape across Sinker Lake. Heboric reveals the escape was arranged by Duiker. They swim across the lake as bloodflies attack Felisin savagely, scarring her for life. Baudin reports that Beneth is dead, and Felisin is grief-stricken despite everything. The Whirlwind has come. Meanwhile, Duiker and Kulp investigate a fishing village where they meet marines Gesler, Stormy, and Truth. The rebellion erupts and Hissar falls to the rebels. Duiker rides back to rejoin Coltaine while Kulp and the marines escape by boat, continuing the mission to rescue Heboric from the mines. Mappo and Icarium find a fishing boat hidden in the temple and Iskaral Pust conducts a Deck reading, telling Icarium he must go to the Holy Desert because Sha'ik is dead.
On page: Felisin Paran, Heboric Light Touch, Baudin, Beneth, Pella, Duiker, Kulp, Gesler, Stormy, Truth, Mappo Runt, Icarium, Iskaral Pust·Mentioned: Kamist Reloe
Chapter 7
Duiker follows the trail of Coltaine's army and refugee train through the Sialk Odhan after the Battle of Bat'rol. Felisin, Heboric, and Baudin trek through the desert, six days after their escape from Skullcup. They discover a massive jade monolith that infects Heboric's stump when he touches it. Felisin rifles through Baudin's pack and finds assassin's weapons and a talon. Desperately needing water, they find a fouled spring, and Baudin uses Heboric's tattoos to open Fener's warren, drawing the boar god physically into the mortal world. Heboric revives dramatically. Fiddler, Crokus, and Apsalar enter the Holy Desert Raraku and follow an ancient road, pursued by Gral hunters. They are attacked by Soletaken and D'ivers until Icarium and Mappo appear to protect them, driving off the D'ivers Gryllen.
On page: Duiker, Felisin Paran, Heboric Light Touch, Baudin, Fiddler, Crokus Younghand, Apsalar, Icarium, Mappo Runt, Gryllen
Chapter 8
Felisin, Heboric, and Baudin reach the coast and wait for rescue. Felisin attempts to seduce and murder Baudin but he foils the attack. A wave of raging sorcery approaches from the sea, shattering around Heboric. Kulp arrives on the Ripath with Gesler, Stormy, and Truth, having battled an insane mage's warren. Kulp senses a war of powers within Heboric between Otataral, Fener's warren, and something alien. The marines reveal they are Boar Cult followers but Heboric rejects them. Felisin discovers the talon among Baudin's things, and Heboric's reaction confirms a secret shared between the two men. They escape the island aboard the Ripath, entering a spinning vortex of sorcery. The ship sinks and they swim to the abandoned Silanda, a Pre-Imperial Quon dromon carrying severed Tiste Andii heads and headless rowers. Gesler blows the captain's whistle and the undead crew animate the ship. Fiddler recuperates at the temple of Shadow where Iskaral Pust admits Cotillion and Shadowthrone have no more interest in possessing Apsalar. Fiddler reveals they seek Tremorlor, a House of the Azath, to travel to Malaz City.
On page: Felisin Paran, Heboric Light Touch, Baudin, Kulp, Gesler, Stormy, Truth, Fiddler, Iskaral Pust, Crokus Younghand, Apsalar, Mappo Runt·Mentioned: Cotillion, Shadowthrone
Chapter 9
Kalam encounters bandits claiming to fight for the rebellion and joins them to attack a Malazan refugee camp, only to betray the bandits and help the Malazans spring their trap. He meets Captain Keneb with his family and sister-in-law Minala. Together they attack the remaining bandits to secure horses and supplies. Kalam learns that Korbolo Dom, a former Malazan Fist, leads an Army of the Whirlwind. A wave deposits mud on the Silanda's deck revealing six T'lan Imass led by Hentos Ilm, who say the warren is Elder Kurald Emurlahn. Hentos Ilm kills the insane mage and the clanless Legana Breed sacrifices himself to heal the wound in the warren. Truth notices a T'lan Imass carrying one of the severed heads, and Kulp discovers one of the headless rowers is now truly dead.
On page: Kalam Mekhar, Keneb, Minala, Heboric Light Touch, Kulp, Stormy, Truth, Apt·Mentioned: Korbolo Dom
Chapter 10
Duiker has been following Coltaine's army for three months. He reaches the command camp and attends a briefing where Coltaine plans the crossing of the River Sekala. Sormo warns that warrens are infested with Soletaken and D'ivers but reveals he can turn older ways against Kamist Reloe. During the crossing battle, the young warlocks Nil and Nether face Semk sorcerers, and Nil raises ancient zombie soldiers. The sappers build a road of wagons across the river, and the engineer Cuttle destroys it with Reloe's vanguard still crossing, trapping the enemy. At a subsequent meeting, Coltaine learns Ubaryd has fallen and the army must march all the way to Aren. Sormo shows Duiker a cliff of ice imprisoning a Semk god, then releases the Ascendant to be torn apart by land spirits. The nobles Nethpara, Tumlit, and Lenestro complain to Duiker about Coltaine taking their servants.
On page: Duiker, Coltaine, Sormo E'nath, Nil, Nether, Nethpara, Corporal List·Mentioned: Kamist Reloe
Chain of Dogs
Chapter 11
Kulp attempts to find a way out of the Kurald Emurlahn warren but fails. An undead Soletaken dragon uses Kulp's power to seal a rent in the warren, then opens a fiery warren. Baudin grabs Felisin and jumps overboard as the Silanda burns. They land in the desert of Seven Cities, where they reunite with Heboric and an unconscious Kulp. Baudin is revealed to be a Talon, sent by Tavore to protect Felisin, explaining that the Talons were created by Dancer and most were killed by Laseen's Claws. Felisin orders Baudin to leave, and he does, angering Heboric and Kulp. They spot the Whirlwind approaching and realise they are in Raraku. Meanwhile, Fiddler and Mappo discuss Iskaral Pust's schemes at the temple, suspecting Pust wants to use Apsalar to fulfil the Sha'ik Reborn prophecy. Crokus chokes Pust when he learns of these plans, but releases him. Apsalar's father is revealed to be Servant. Kalam's group, including Minala and Keneb's family, discovers Korbolo Dom's army has crucified thirteen hundred children. Kalam shatters a magical stone from Quick Ben to enter the Imperial Warren. Lostara Yil meets Pearl the Claw, and they follow Kalam into the warren. Apt steals the crucified children for Shadowthrone, who gives her one boy as a companion.
On page: Kulp, Baudin, Felisin Paran, Heboric Light Touch, Fiddler, Mappo Runt, Crokus Younghand, Apsalar, Iskaral Pust, Kalam Mekhar, Minala, Keneb, Korbolo Dom, Lostara Yil, Apt, Shadowthrone, Rellock·Mentioned: Tavore Paran, Empress Laseen
Chapter 12
Nine days east of the River P'atha, Duiker surveys Coltaine's exhausted Chain of Dogs. Lull tells Duiker they will assassinate the Tithansi war leader harassing their flank, and Duiker is volunteered for the mission. The raid group uses warlock-generated fog to approach the enemy camp, killing the Tithansi warleader but discovering the true commander is a Semk tribesman possessed by the Semk tribal god. Duiker notes a Claw presence among them during the fighting. At a subsequent council, Sormo explains the Semk godling survived because a piece of the god was sealed within the tribesman. Coltaine is rattled by the Claw's presence. Water is discovered in warlock tunnels beneath the surface, ending the army's desperate thirst. Kulp, Heboric, and Felisin take shelter in caves carved by the Whirlwind's sandstorm, discovering a buried First Empire city. Heboric identifies the ancient residents as elders who opened a gate to give the Path of the Soletaken to their children, with catastrophic results. They find a pool of living water in a garden that has endured nine thousand years. Kalam, Minala, and Keneb's family continue through the Imperial Warren, discovering ruins including a mechanism reminiscent of one created by Icarium. Fiddler, Crokus, Icarium, Mappo, and Iskaral Pust follow Apsalar's trail through sandstorm. Pearl and Lostara Yil temporarily abandon their pursuit of Kalam to aid Coltaine, where the Aptorian demon Apt with a child rider defeats the Semk godling.
On page: Duiker, Captain Lull, Nil, Sormo E'nath, Coltaine, Kulp, Heboric Light Touch, Felisin Paran, Kalam Mekhar, Minala, Keneb, Fiddler, Crokus Younghand, Icarium, Mappo Runt, Iskaral Pust, Lostara Yil, Apt
Chapter 13
The Chain of Dogs approaches the River P'atha. Duiker stops the noble Lenestro from beating a servant and brings the man to the army's healers. At headquarters, Duiker meets Coltaine, Bult, Lull, and Sormo, who reports the Semk godling was badly damaged by a demon and a Claw. Bult announces Kamist Reloe has prepared a welcome across the river. During the battle at the river crossing, the vastly outnumbered Malazans advance under arrow fire. The Foolish Dog Clan charges uphill with the sappers' munitions creating chaos, while the Weasel Clan attacks remaining forces in the valley, decisively turning the tide. Hundreds of refugees are killed in a trap. In the Imperial Warren, Kalam recognises a half-buried dome bearing the symbol of High King Kallor. He opens a portal to Aren, where a stranger offers him passage to Unta on the Ragstopper, arranged by Salk Elan. Kalam parts ways with Minala and Keneb, departing for the harbour. Lostara Yil enters the city and is detained when she learns the Red Blades have been arrested.
On page: Duiker, Coltaine, Bult, Captain Lull, Sormo E'nath, Nil, Nether, Nethpara, Corporal List, Kalam Mekhar, Salk Elan, Minala, Keneb, Lostara Yil·Mentioned: Kamist Reloe
Chapter 14
Felisin, Heboric, and Kulp are trapped in the buried First Empire city in Raraku with living Soletaken and D'ivers. Heboric leads them through the ruins and down a cliff face using his invisible hands. They encounter the merchant Nawahl Ebur, who reveals himself as the D'ivers Gryllen and kills Kulp with his swarm of rats. Baudin reappears to fight the rats alongside the Soletaken bear Messremb. Felisin and Heboric escape but Baudin succumbs to his wounds in Felisin's arms. Mappo, Fiddler, Crokus, and Icarium continue pursuing Apsalar, worried she may take on the role of Sha'ik. At the site of Sha'ik's corpse, Leoman and Toblakai meet a young woman and an old man emerging through the Whirlwind. Leoman tells the woman she is reborn, and she replies that she is.
On page: Felisin Paran, Heboric Light Touch, Kulp, Baudin, Gryllen, Mappo Runt, Fiddler, Crokus Younghand, Icarium, Leoman·Mentioned: Cotillion
Deadhouse Gates
Chapter 15
Kalam meets Salk Elan aboard the Ragstopper and distrusts him. The captain reveals Admiral Nok has been arrested by High Fist Pormqual. Minala sneaks aboard a horse transport ship to follow the Ragstopper. Duiker listens to debate over whether the 7th Army should retake Ubaryd; Coltaine refuses. Lull inducts former servants purchased from the nobles into the Seventh. List receives visions from a Jaghut ghost about an ancient crime on the land ahead. Felisin, now Sha'ik Reborn, sits near the site of Sha'ik's death and realises her sister Tavore will be sent to crush the rebellion. Walking with Heboric, Leoman, and Toblakai, Felisin conducts a ritual with the Book of Dryjhna. Fiddler, Crokus, Mappo, and Icarium reach ancient ruins where Icarium finds a time-recording mechanism of his own creation, nearly 100,000 years old. They reunite with Apsalar and her father Rellock, who reveal they have been creating a fake Path of Hands to lure shapeshifters to Tremorlor. Iskaral Pust is caught following them.
On page: Kalam Mekhar, Salk Elan, Minala, Duiker, Coltaine, Captain Lull, Bult, Corporal List, Felisin Paran, Heboric Light Touch, Leoman, Fiddler, Crokus Younghand, Mappo Runt, Icarium, Apsalar, Rellock, Iskaral Pust·Mentioned: Pormqual, Tavore Paran