Malazan Book of the Fallen, #1
Gardens of the Moon
by Steven Erikson
Contents
Chapter Seventeen
Overview
Rallick learns from the Eel that Lady Simtal hired Ocelot to kill Coll and sets out to assassinate Ocelot, coating himself with anti-magic dust. Baruk and Anomander Rake debate duty and strategy; Rake reveals two Hounds died and that Mammot is trapped in D’riss, vulnerable to the Jaghut. Meese hides Crokus and Apsalar as Serrat closes in, while Circle Breaker briefs Murillio on Turban Orr.
Summary
At the Phoenix Inn, a nondescript agent of the Eel tells Rallick Nom that Turban Orr, on Lady Simtal’s behalf, contracted the Assassins’ Guild to kill Coll, with Ocelot accepting. The Eel offers support, credits Rallick’s role in stalling Orr’s proclamation, and departs. Rallick readies to act, warning Meese and Irilta to relay plans to Murillio.
Meanwhile, Baruk and Anomander Rake debate motives and strategy. Rake speaks of duty to his fading Tiste Andii, admits to killing two of Shadowthrone’s Hounds, and argues the Jaghut Tyrant’s release is best faced now. They discover historian–High Priest Mammot lies entranced: Rake explains Mammot opened D’riss to probe the barrow and is trapped amid Tellann and Omtose Phellack, risking Jaghut possession until Lorn, Tool, and the Otataral depart.
In the streets, Circle Breaker signals the Phoenix network despite fear of Orr’s hunters. Meese traces the signal to Mammot’s, where she finds Crokus and amnesiac Apsalar. Meese warns that the D’Arles have Crokus’s name for a guard’s murder; she plans to hide them and move by rooftops at night. Above, Serrat observes, intending to eliminate the outside watcher and impersonate her to reach the Coin Bearer.
Kruppe and Murillio return to the Phoenix; Murillio leaves, only to be intercepted by Circle Breaker with news concerning Turban Orr. As night falls, Rallick stalks Ocelot’s likely perch near K’rul’s belfry overlooking Worry Gate, coats himself—against Baruk’s warnings—with red anti-magic dust, and begins his silent ascent to prevent Coll’s assassination.
Who Appears
- Rallick NomAssassin warned by the Eel; learns Ocelot will kill Coll; hunts Ocelot using anti-magic dust.
- Anomander RakeDebates duty with Baruk; reveals killing two Hounds; diagnoses Mammot’s D’riss entrapment and Jaghut risk.
- BarukAlchemist ally of Rake; worries over Darujhistan; shows Rake Mammot’s condition; contemplates Jaghut threat.
- MeesePhoenix Inn enforcer; warns Crokus he’s wanted; plans rooftop escape; liaises within the Eel’s network.
- CrokusCoin Bearer returns with Apsalar; stunned to learn he’s wanted for murder; agrees to hide.
- Apsalar (formerly Sorry)Amnesiac; unsettled flashes of memory; accepts rooftop flight; linked to Crokus.
- MammotHistorian and High Priest; lies entranced after opening D’riss; vulnerable to Jaghut possession.
- SerratTiste Andii hunter tracking the Coin Bearer; plans to replace the rooftop watcher and move in.
- Circle BreakerEel’s agent; risks exposure to signal Meese and brief Murillio on Turban Orr.
- MurillioReturns with Kruppe; receives Circle Breaker’s warning about Turban Orr’s moves.
- KruppeReturns to the Phoenix; defers Baruk report; observes unfolding tensions.
- OcelotAssassins’ Guild contact who accepted Lady Simtal’s contract to kill Coll; Rallick’s target.
- Turban OrrCouncilman maneuvering with assassins and hunters; drives threats against Coll and Crokus.
- Lady SimtalInstigator of the contract on Coll, seeking to make his death a reality.
- CollTarget of Simtal’s contract; expected to enter via Worry Gate; Rallick seeks to protect him.
- IriltaPhoenix Inn partner; assists Meese’s operations; likely rooftop watcher Serrat plans to replace.