Reaper's Gale
Chapters - Steven Erikson
Prologue
Kilmandaros strides through the dying realm of Kurald Emurlahn, witnessing dead dragons and civil war, then passes through a rent. In the aftermath of Silchas Ruin's fall, Gothos follows a path of carnage to where Mael and Kilmandaros have defeated Scabandari Bloodeye. Gothos fashions a Finnest to hold Scabandari's soul after Kilmandaros crushes his skull, claiming a debt from both Elder Gods. Kilmandaros then encounters Anomandaris Purake at the rent, and after negotiations they agree the Throne of Shadow should remain unoccupied and form an alliance to drive pretenders from Kurald Emurlahn. On the Awl'dan coast, Atri-Preda Bivatt discovers thousands of abandoned war canoes indicating half a million unknown invaders have landed and vanished. Later, a lone rider wearing a red mask examines the aftermath of a last stand by unknown pale-skinned soldiers bearing wolf sigils, their hearts devoured by wolves, before his K'Chain Che'Malle companions return.
The Emperor in Gold
Chapter 1
Karos, the Invigilator of the Patriotists, solves a mechanical puzzle in his office while making Bruthen wait. He processes prisoners for execution and discusses finances and investigations with his assistant Tanal, deciding to investigate Bruthen himself. Rautos Hivanar, Master of the Liberty Consign, has become obsessed with pieces of an ancient construct unearthed on his estate, and sends Venitt to investigate the Factor of Drene. Bivatt and the newly appointed Overseer Brohl observe the looting of a massacred Awl camp by Bluerose Lancers, revealing that the Letherii justification for the raids is entirely fabricated. Silchas Ruin slaughters Tiste Edur warriors and Letherii soldiers to free Udinaas and Kettle from a slave cart, while Seren and Fear emerge from hiding. Tensions grow among the group as Fear refuses to harm his own people and detests Udinaas for betraying Rhulad. Tanal rapes a brutalised prisoner before joining Karos in a meeting with Hivanar about economic sabotage and the arrest of scholars. Tehol instructs Bugg to continue building vaults, stockpiling materials, and amassing debt to bring down the empire's economy, and commissions a special box for a planned comeuppance.
POV: Karos Invictad, Brohl Handar, Seren Pedac, Tehol Beddict·On page: Tanal Yathvanar, Bruthen Trana, Venitt Sathad, Bivatt, Silchas Ruin, Udinaas, Fear Sengar, Kettle, Bugg
Chapter 2
Seren and the group continue their ascent into the Bluerose Mountains past the remains of a K'Chain Che'Malle skykeep. The Shadow wraith Wither reveals the Che'Malle sought annihilation of all existence. Udinaas and Fear argue as the group enters a cave leading into the ancient ruins, debating the Edur treatment of slaves. Tanal watches a prisoner being dragged away while Karos lectures him on the difference between fanatics and skeptics as enemies of the state. In the dungeons, Tanal confronts the defiant scholar Janath Anar before reluctantly freeing her on Karos's orders. Brohl sits in his carriage contemplating his report on Factor Letur Anict's unofficial war against the Awl, suspecting the Chancellor is complicit. Orbyn Truthfinder reports a sighting of Fear's group near Bluerose. A man in a red mask watches the Drene Garrison, then kills Patriotist agents and city guards with devastating skill before escaping. Bivatt takes charge of the bloody aftermath and is horrified to realise Redmask has returned from exile. She recounts his history to Brohl Handar. Redmask rides east with his K'Chain Che'Malle companions.
POV: Seren Pedac, Tanal Yathvanar, Brohl Handar·On page: Silchas Ruin, Udinaas, Fear Sengar, Karos Invictad, Bivatt, Redmask
Chapter 3
Nisall, First Concubine, watches Emperor Rhulad's nightly torment as he relives his deaths in sleep. She recalls the Edur conquest, Trull's shorn exile, and how she came to pity and respect Rhulad. Bruthen is denied audience with the Emperor by Chancellor Triban Gnol and visits the Azath Tower graveyard of fallen champions. The Errant stands in the Cedance, disturbed that the Tiles have been blank since the king's death. Tehol and Bugg observe a dead Capabara fish; Tehol visits the Rat Catchers' Guild through secret passages, congratulating Rucket on the spreading economic cracks and requesting fifty thousand coins. Venitt discusses a new property acquisition with Rautos Hivanar involving a building containing a mysterious monolith. Shurq and her crew board a battered Tiste Edur ship, finding it stripped of logs and charts with a tortured corpse, then burn it and sail for port.
POV: Nisall, Bruthen Trana, Tehol Beddict, Shurq Elalle·On page: Rhulad Sengar, Bugg, Venitt Sathad·Mentioned: Brys Beddict
Chapter 4
Redmask arrives at the remnants of his old Renfayar clan, finding only six young warriors led by Masarch. He declares himself War Leader and plans to steal Rodara herds from the Letherii before challenging the Ganetok for control of the Awl. Silchas Ruin's group grows testy in the underground K'Chain Che'Malle city. Silchas announces he will attack a Letherii fort to end the pursuit. Seren scouts the fortifications and protests, but Silchas destroys the garrison, killing all the Edur and driving out the Letherii. He spares a K'risnan to carry a message to Hannan Mosag. Fear argues with Silchas over the killing of Edur, and Silchas promises that freeing himself from the The Crippled God will also free Rhulad. Redmask and his warriors raid a drover camp with devastating force, his K'Chain Che'Malle slaughtering everyone. The young herder Abasard dies trying to save his sister. Masarch is awed by Redmask's power after their enforced Death Night ritual.
POV: Redmask, Silchas Ruin·On page: Seren Pedac, Fear Sengar, Udinaas, Kettle
Chapter 5
Hannan Mosag inspects the Azath Tower grounds and finds a barrow with unravelling bindings. An immortal woman with diluted Edur blood, Sukul Ankhadu, senses interference with her rituals to free Sheltatha Lore. Rautos Hivanar watches the excavation on his estate while Venitt departs for Drene. Tehol and Bugg discuss Ascendant movements in Letheras on the rooftop. Tanal delivers another puzzle box to Karos. In the dungeons, Janath mentally recites lectures to maintain sanity while Tanal washes her and she taunts him. The Errant wanders the Domicile, then visits Menandore in her refuge to trade information. After the Errant departs, Shadowthrone and Hood emerge; the three negotiate over Starvald Demelain access. Nisall visits the mad former Queen Janall, who claims to be Queen of High House Chains. The Crippled God speaks through Janall, warning her. Nisall returns to find Bruthen waiting with a warning that Karos is building a case against her for sedition. He offers her Edur bodyguards. Sukul Ankhadu meets Hannan Mosag at the Azath and they forge an alliance against Silchas Ruin, with Mosag offering the Crippled God's support.
POV: Hannan Mosag, Tehol Beddict, Nisall·On page: Bugg, Tanal Yathvanar, Karos Invictad, Feather Witch, Bruthen Trana, Menandore, Shadowthrone, The Crippled God, Venitt Sathad
Chapter 6
Shurq's ship faces a gale and approaches a prison island, where they pay the anchoring fee. Udinaas observes the gloomy Tiste Andii enclave at Andara while Fear and Seren listen to his sardonic retelling of a hero's tale. Silchas Ruin meets with the five Onyx Wizards, who reveal the Jaghut ritual of ice is failing and mention Menandore's recent visit. Clip is appointed to guide the group, mocking Fear's promises and spinning his chain. Brohl accompanies Bivatt on a punitive expedition, suspicious of her secret meeting with Factor Letur Anict, who considers the Overseer treasonous. Bivatt privately worries about keeping Brohl alive. Toc and Redmask discuss poetry, gods, and warfare, with Toc revealing he once served the wolf gods before being betrayed by employers.
POV: Shurq Elalle, Udinaas, Brohl Handar, Toc the Younger·On page: Fear Sengar, Seren Pedac, Silchas Ruin, Clip, Bivatt, Redmask
Layers of the Dead
Chapter 7
Yan Tovis arrives in Letheras aboard a ship carrying Taralack and Icarium. She expresses concern about the consequences of awakening Icarium. The Errant observes the disembarking and is deeply unsettled when Icarium, a Jhag champion, steps ashore, causing an earthquake and mass bird flight. Taralack tells Yan Tovis that Icarium is embracing his curse and feels connected to the city. Karsa and Samar Dev also arrive; Karsa speaks of gathering souls and spirits. Bugg stands near the entrance reflecting on Icarium's history, recalling him as a refugee from the sea whose father went to the Azath. Bugg visits Rautos Hivanar's estate and examines the excavated artifacts, experiencing a vision of an ancient Eres'al and recognising the artifacts as parts of a massive mechanism whose central piece has yet to arrive. Emperor Rhulad learns of his brother Binadas's death and is manipulated by Chancellor Gnol into paranoia. Bruthen meets Tomad Sengar but is rebuffed. Karos and Tanal plan to incriminate Nisall. Tanal deludes himself into planning Janath's rescue. The ghost of Kuru Qan visits Feather Witch. Bugg carries the brutalised Janath to safety through tunnels beneath the river. Tehol learns from Ublala that a pureblood Tarthenal carrying a stone sword has arrived to challenge the Emperor.
POV: Yan Tovis, Karsa Orlong, Bugg, Tehol Beddict·On page: Taralack Veed, Icarium, Samar Dev, Rhulad Sengar, Bruthen Trana, Karos Invictad, Tanal Yathvanar, Feather Witch, Ublala Pung
Chapter 8
Cotillion meets Quick Ben at a lake in a stolen camp within Shadow, discussing the nature of the realm and the House of Shadow's usurpation of Kurald Emurlahn's gate. Shurq's ship navigates through dangerous ice to reach Second Maiden Fort. Sukul Ankhadu tends to her freed sister Sheltatha Lore, whose fever finally breaks; the two discuss Menandore's betrayal. Samar Dev and Taxilian discuss the city's ancient architecture and mystical energies. Taralack watches Icarium pace the compound, reflecting on whether he himself is the evil one. Yan Tovis visits the traumatised Varat Taun, where a Cabalhii monk healer arrives. The Errant enters an old temple and encounters a hiding figure with tusks. Feather Witch consults her tiles while the ghost of Kuru Qan challenges her. Samar Dev senses ancient rat spirits at a collapsed temple site. Tehol and Bugg walk home with chickens, passing the ruined Scale House. Sirryn Kanar leads a raid to arrest Nisall, the First Concubine. Bruthen finds the handmaidens dead and marches on the Patriotist headquarters, killing guards and throwing aside the Chancellor. Karos kills Nisall before Bruthen arrives; Bruthen beats Invictad nearly to death and takes Nisall's body. Tanal discovers the aftermath. Tehol and Bugg discover their house overrun by chickens and tend to the recovering Janath. Rautos Hivanar tells the Liberty Consign council about the economic sabotage and the Patriotists' clash with the Edur.
POV: Cotillion, Shurq Elalle, Samar Dev, Taralack Veed, Tehol Beddict, Bruthen Trana·On page: Quick Ben, Icarium, Yan Tovis, Feather Witch, Bugg, Karos Invictad, Tanal Yathvanar, Nisall
Chapter 9
In a glade surrounded by ruins, Sukul Ankhadu tends to her newly freed sister Sheltatha Lore, who has emerged fevered and changed from her Azath prison. The two discuss Menandore's betrayal and begin plotting against her. Taxilian tells Samar Dev about the city's strange architecture and the collapsed rat temple. Taralack reflects on Icarium's nature as a weapon rather than a hero. Yan Tovis visits traumatised Varat Taun, where a Cabalhii monk arrives to heal him. The Errant enters a forgotten temple and encounters a hiding figure. Feather Witch consults her tiles while Kuru Qan's ghost demands answers. Samar Dev senses ancient power at the ruined temple. Tehol and Bugg walk through the city with chickens. Sirryn Kanar raids the First Concubine's chambers. Bruthen finds the dead handmaidens and attacks the Patriotist headquarters. Karos murders Nisall before Bruthen arrives; Bruthen beats him savagely. Tanal discovers the chaos. Tehol and Bugg tend to Janath in their chicken-filled home. Rautos Hivanar informs the Consign council of the economic sabotage and the violent clash between Edur and Patriotists.
POV: Samar Dev, Taralack Veed, Tehol Beddict, Bruthen Trana·On page: Icarium, Yan Tovis, Feather Witch, Bugg, Karos Invictad, Tanal Yathvanar, Nisall
Chapter 10
Hedge sits on an altar in a desolate spirit world, arguing with a sentient wind about the nature of the dead. He follows T'lan Imass tracks through the wasteland. Yan Tovis rides toward Almas with her company, haunted by what she witnessed in the cavern with Icarium. Trull, Onrack, and Quick Ben travel by boat in the Shadow Realm, running aground in shallow water. Quick Ben senses a weakness in the ether and opens a gate to a new world of miniature trees and tundra. Onrack reveals that Trull has become the Knight of Shadow for standing against Icarium. Shurq sits in a tavern on the prison isle. Seren's group journeys through the northern Bluerose Mountains with Clip guiding them toward a gate. Udinaas is feverish and delirious. Toc watches children in the Awl camp as Redmask assigns him to guard the elders. Torrent threatens Toc. Redmask announces tomorrow's battle in Bast Fulmar and explains to Natarkas why the old ways of fighting must be cast aside.
POV: Hedge, Yan Tovis, Trull Sengar, Seren Pedac, Toc the Younger·On page: Onrack, Quick Ben, Shurq Elalle, Fear Sengar, Udinaas, Clip, Silchas Ruin, Redmask, Torrent
Chapter 11
Old Hunch Arbat, a mixed-blood Tarthenal, burns his shack and leaves his community, encountering Yan Tovis and her soldiers passing through. Tehol's household is in domestic chaos with chickens, Ublala pacing, Janath making a pillow, and Bugg cooking soup. In secret headquarters beneath Adventure Alley, Ormly and Rucket puzzle over where Bugg has hidden all the leveraged coin. The Errant contemplates the imprisoned spirit in Settle Lake and Feather Witch's activities in her chamber beneath the Old Palace. He visits her and she gouges out his eye with Brys's severed finger. Feather Witch swallows the god's eye, binding them in mutual hatred, and demands he summon a Mortal Sword and Shield Anvil, choosing Udinaas as candidate for the Empty Throne. Karsa injures Gadalanak in a training compound while Samar Dev observes the gathered champions. Kuru Qan's ghost begs Samar Dev to heal Feather Witch; she captures his spirit in her knife instead. Hannan Mosag drags himself across Kurald Emurlahn seeking the Throne of Shadow but fails; Bruthen later approaches him. Tehol and Ublala sneak to the Eternal Domicile, get separated when guards pursue them, and Tehol stumbles into a room where Bugg sits drinking tea. Samar Dev is awoken by Ublala searching for Karsa; the Tarthenal introduces himself and Karsa strikes him for kneeling, then tells him to return to his kin after the challenge is done.
POV: Tehol Beddict, Feather Witch, Karsa Orlong, Samar Dev, Hannan Mosag·On page: Yan Tovis, Ublala Pung, Bugg, Bruthen Trana·Mentioned: Brys Beddict
Chapter 12
Bivatt and Brohl scout the Awl army's camp in Bast Fulmar valley, estimating ten to eleven thousand combatants. Toc examines his stone-tipped Imass arrows in the decoy camp while an elder accuses him of treachery. Hedge follows T'lan Imass footprints and encounters the one-armed female warrior Emroth. Udinaas dreams of a ruined temple where the Errant and Menandore argue over his ownership; he reveals he summoned them both into his own dream. He wakes feverish, comforted by Kettle, and Seren's group continues their journey as Clip tells Seren the Imass spear she found should be kept secret. Quick Ben, Trull, and Onrack trek through waist-deep water tracked by giant fish. Quick Ben opens a gate to a tundra realm where the Ritual of Tellann loosens its hold on Onrack, restoring him to living flesh. Trull weeps at his friend's rebirth. Redmask addresses his warriors about the ancient Valley of Drums and its history. Yan Tovis arrives at Boaral Keep and learns her mother has died, making her Queen of the Shake. Bivatt's army engages the Awl in Bast Fulmar. Redmask's K'Chain Che'Malle ambush the Letherii supply camp while huge war wagons crash into the heavy infantry. Brohl is badly wounded by a K'ell Hunter. Bivatt retreats in defeat. Yan Tovis rides to the shore and encounters her half-brother Yedan Derryg; together they see hundreds of burning Malazan ships on the ocean.
POV: Bivatt, Toc the Younger, Hedge, Udinaas, Quick Ben, Yan Tovis·On page: Brohl Handar, Kettle, Menandore, Seren Pedac, Clip, Silchas Ruin, Trull Sengar, Onrack, Redmask
Knuckles of the Soul
Chapter 13
Three Malazan soldiers discuss a beautiful undead woman in a tavern. Shake Brullyg is held captive in his own chambers by Malazan soldiers. Shurq and Skorgen deliver ale to Brullyg and meet the Malazans. Fist Blistig worries about the Bonehunters' future after being cast off by the Empress. Lostara takes over management of the army and Tavore delivers a rallying speech placing the Bonehunters among the storied armies of the Malazan Empire. Fiddler and Gesler have landed on the hostile Letherii coast as part of the invasion force. Hellian's squad gathers rum casks from a burning ship and begins searching for enemies. Fist Keneb commands six squads of marines beginning a covert campaign. Beak, a mage, is chosen by Captain Faradan Sort as a travelling companion for his ability to track hidden sorcery. On the Adjunct's flagship, Withal and his wife Sandalath discuss the Tiste Andii passengers. Nimander observes his murderous sister Phaed and reflects on the declining nature of the Tiste Andii.
POV: Blistig, Fiddler, Hellian, Keneb, Beak, Withal·On page: Shurq Elalle, Lostara Yil, Tavore Paran, Gesler
Chapter 14
Hedge and Emroth traverse a frozen wasteland of Omtose Phellack, passing Jaghut dwellings and finding the Ice Throne with a mummified Jaghut king surrounded by swaddled corpses. Onrack kneels beside a stream marvelling at his restored life, hunting and collecting materials with delight. Trull is moved by Onrack's rebirth while Quick Ben watches with subtle wariness. Onrack tracks signs of other Imass and leads them to an emlava lair where they kill the saber-toothed beast and discover its kittens. Udinaas sits by a fire arguing with the wraith Wither about the nature of the ruins they travel through. Seren walks alone, hearing whispers and the voice of Mockra speaking of warrens and magic. Yan Tovis and Yedan Derryg arrive at a flooded village where she summons witches and warlocks, declaring her intention to lead the Shake differently. Fiddler wakes at dusk, reflects on the Bonehunters' failures, and resists the temptation to use the Deck of Dragons. He finds Gesler missing; Gesler wanders old ruins contemplating his life before Stormy retrieves him.
POV: Hedge, Onrack, Trull Sengar, Udinaas, Seren Pedac, Yan Tovis, Fiddler·On page: Quick Ben, Gesler, Stormy
Chapter 15
In the Eternal Domicile, Tomad Sengar argues with his wife Uruth over confronting the Chancellor. A K'risnan reports Bruthen's disappearance. The Errant observes Emperor Rhulad's isolation in the throne room, reflecting on power's tedium. Letherii guards come to bring Tomad and Uruth before the Emperor. Karsa examines armour and plans to explore the city; Samar Dev warns the first roll of champions will soon be called. Karsa knocks out a guard and walks into the streets. Tehol and Bugg are confronted by a magically disguised Rucket. Taralack and Icarium wander a market while Taralack reflects on a Gral legend about the extinction of the Tasse people. Samar Dev and Senior Assessor observe Icarium; she spots Karsa approaching. In the Domicile antechamber, Sirryn Kanar escorts Tomad and Uruth. Karsa grabs Icarium's arm in the street; after a tense confrontation, he releases the Jhag and returns to the compound. Sirryn delivers the parents to the throne room where Rhulad rages at them for dishonoring liberated Edur kin from Sepik. The Errant senses fear and Gnol's hidden glee. Sirryn escorts Tomad and Uruth to prison cells. Feather Witch eavesdrops on their conversation about Hannan Mosag. In the Old Palace, Hannan Mosag leads Bruthen Trana to an octagonal chamber, sends his spirit to search for Brys, then kills his body to sanctify the temple. Tehol approaches Icarium and Samar Dev in the market. Bugg uses his Elder God power to send a crowd of diseased, emaciated people to safety. Karsa reflects on the slaves and vows to remember them when he faces Rhulad, recognising Toblakai blood in Icarium. Chancellor Gnol interrogates a soldier about an ambush that killed Edur troops, then orders the surviving soldiers silenced.
POV: Karsa Orlong, Tehol Beddict, Taralack Veed, Hannan Mosag·On page: Rhulad Sengar, Samar Dev, Bugg, Icarium, Feather Witch, Bruthen Trana, Ublala Pung, Nisall
Chapter 16
In the aftermath of the Battle of Bast Fulmar, the Awl have scattered into the grasslands. Brohl's mounted troops find evidence the Awl are taking horses and weapons from fallen Letherii. Bivatt refuses to send out reconnaissance. The Awl are found marching toward the Letherii column. Bivatt arrays her forces for battle. Redmask arrives to find the Renfayar elder strangled in his tent and vows to spill Letherii blood. Toc prepares to ride with the army alongside Torrent. Orbyn Truthfinder meets with Factor Letur Anict in the mountains; the Factor intends to destroy the hidden Tiste Andii fastness. Venitt encounters Orbyn's scouts on the trail. Orbyn's guard massacres the Cult of the Black-Winged Lord at Andara. Silchas Ruin and Clip stand at a caldera's crest while Udinaas and Seren discuss cruelty below. Seren inadvertently attacks Udinaas through a vision involving Hull Beddict and Trull. Clip mourns the massacre of his people; Silchas confirms everyone in Andara was killed. Udinaas deduces the Andii sacrificed themselves to strengthen Clip's gate. Clip opens the gate and leads the group through. Yan Tovis and her witches cross a stormy strait on a ferry that nearly sinks before two Thrones of War ships rescue them. Banaschar reflects on the complexity of cause and effect.
POV: Brohl Handar, Yan Tovis·On page: Bivatt, Redmask, Toc the Younger, Torrent, Venitt Sathad, Silchas Ruin, Clip, Udinaas, Seren Pedac, Fear Sengar