Malazan Book of the Fallen, #1
Gardens of the Moon
by Steven Erikson
Contents
Chapter Eight
Overview
Whiskeyjack discards the Empress’s suicidal plan, divides the Bridgeburners into two covert teams, and prepares a disguised boat crossing to infiltrate Darujhistan. A Black Moranth promises future aid and reveals grim Moranth justice. Quick Ben confronts Hairlock deep in Chaos, learning Paran wounded the Hound Gear and that Tayschrenn hunts them, forcing Quick Ben toward a dangerous counterplan.
Summary
At dawn on Lake Azur, Whiskeyjack meets a Black Moranth who confirms Moranth munitions support, promises a patrol in two weeks, and explains Pale’s purge as vengeance “spirit with spirit.” Shaken by hints of the Empire’s rot and Moranth “scouring,” Whiskeyjack prepares to brief his squad.
Whiskeyjack rejects the Empress’s plan as suicidal and substitutes his own: two objectives, two teams, covert entry in civilian guise. Kalam will lead Quick Ben and Sorry; Whiskeyjack will lead the others. They will cross the lake in a Green Moranth-provided fishing boat, complete with nets, using Moranth munitions for targeted strikes rather than mining gates.
Separately, Quick Ben opens a ritual and descends into the Caverns of Chaos, confronting Hairlock atop the Spar of Andii. Hairlock boasts of raw power but shows burns and fear of native entities. Under questioning, Hairlock reveals that Captain Paran wounded the Hound Gear with a mundane blade, that Tayschrenn’s agents now scour the Warrens for them, and that Tattersail lies fevered, raving of a decisive coin.
Catching Hairlock’s unguarded thoughts, Quick Ben senses murderous intent toward Tattersail and the puppet’s growing instability. He kicks Hairlock away to break the exchange, realizing his control is fraying even as Hairlock’s Chaotic strength grows. The name Gear crystallizes Quick Ben’s looming, dangerous solution.
Back on the shore, Kalam notes the squad’s exhaustion and the risks of rowing, but Warren travel near the city is too risky. The team fumbles boat preparations—overloading on land—prompting Whiskeyjack’s sharp correction. Sorry matter-of-factly claims fishing experience and begins arranging a mast and sail, while the squad hauls the boat to water to begin the covert approach.
Who Appears
- WhiskeyjackSergeant; rejects the Empress’s plan, reorganizes the mission, leads infiltration via fishing boat, liaises with Black Moranth.
- Quick BenWizard; descends into Chaos, confronts Hairlock, learns Paran wounded Gear, confirms Tayschrenn’s hunt, plots a perilous counter.
- KalamAssassin and corporal; supports Whiskeyjack’s new plan, will lead a team with Quick Ben and Sorry, manages squad readiness.
- HairlockSoul-shifted puppet; entrenched in Chaos, unstable, reveals key intel, harbors lethal intent toward Tattersail.
- SorryAloof recruit; volunteers fishing skills, helps rig a sail, joins Kalam and Quick Ben for covert entry.
- Black Moranth warriorEnvoy; pledges aid, frames Pale’s purge as vengeance, warns of Moranth ‘scouring,’ hints at a future patrol.
- FiddlerSapper; receives Moranth munitions, mismanages boat loading, prepares for targeted demolitions.
- HedgeSapper; stocks varied Moranth munitions, shares Fiddler’s excitement, part of Whiskeyjack’s team.
- MalletHealer; secures the fishing boat, helps organize the crossing, monitors the squad’s condition.
- TrottsBarghast warrior; strains at launching the overloaded boat, then takes position aboard at Whiskeyjack’s order.
- TayschrennHigh Mage; offstage, sends agents through the Warrens to uncover Hairlock and the Bridgeburners.
- TattersailMage; offstage, fevered and raving about a coin, vulnerable to Hairlock’s hostility.
- GearHound of Shadow; reportedly wounded by Paran’s mundane sword and driven off.
- Captain ParanOffstage; credited with wounding Gear, his sword’s effect alarms Hairlock and Quick Ben.