Malazan Book of the Fallen, #1
Gardens of the Moon
by Steven Erikson
Contents
Chapter Nine
Overview
Toc discovers a slaughter on the Rhivi Plain and reaches Adjunct Lorn as a T’lan Imass, Onos T’oolan, erupts from a barrow to save her. In Pale, Lorn confronts Tattersail over an old atrocity, but Dujek and Tayschrenn defuse it. The dinner confirms Oponn’s meddling and rising divine stakes.
Tattersail learns Hairlock is pursuing Lorn and Tool, decides to warn Whiskeyjack, and deepens her bond with Paran. Lorn departs Pale with Tool, who hints at epochal Imass movements, while Crone speeds toward Blackdog Forest.
Summary
On the Rhivi Plain, Toc the Younger finds slain Jakatakan marines and Ilgres Barghast, deducing a magical clash. He follows tracks to Adjunct Lorn, who is beset by Barghast. A skeletal warrior erupts from a barrow: the T’lan Imass Onos T’oolan kills a foe, while Toc’s arrows drop others. Lorn’s shoulder is dislocated; Toc rigs a sling and learns her sword is Otataral.
Tool names himself and admits he was delayed “exploring.” Lorn and Toc ride for Pale, Tool trailing. In the city, Dujek briefs Lorn on unrest, Tayschrenn’s heavy-handedness, and future campaign plans; Lorn authorizes a bold redeployment and orders Tayschrenn to cease interfering with occupation while aiding Dujek against Oponn. Tayschrenn confirms Oponn’s presence and suspects ties between Whiskeyjack and Tattersail.
At a formal dinner, Lorn confronts Tattersail over the Mouse Quarter purge from Lorn’s childhood. Dujek and Tayschrenn insist Lorn act as the Empress’s will, ending the personal vendetta. Discussion turns to the Hound’s attack and Oponn’s gambit; Tattersail explains her Deck reading that drew Gear, credits luck (Oponn), and outlines risks centered on Darujhistan. Toc vouches for her truthfulness.
Afterward, Tattersail senses Hairlock intends to track Lorn and Tool. Paran admits he was Lorn’s contact for finding Sorry; Tattersail infers a dual mission: kill Sorry and eliminate Whiskeyjack’s squad, with the T’lan Imass as enforcement. She decides to leave Pale to warn the Bridgeburners and hides Paran in the city; the two share an intimate moment.
At false dawn, Lorn departs east from Pale; Tool joins and reveals ominous Imass tidings: the Kron T’lan are coming and the Diaspora will end with the Three Hundredth Millennium. Meanwhile, the Great Raven Crone speeds toward Blackdog Forest, drawn by a vast convergence.
Who Appears
- Adjunct LornImperial adjunct; survives Barghast ambush aided by Tool and Toc; confronts Tattersail over the Mouse atrocity; orders and departs on mission with Tool.
- TattersailCadre sorceress; recovers, faces Lorn’s accusation, explains Oponn’s meddling; learns Hairlock tracks Lorn; plans to warn Whiskeyjack; grows close to Paran.
- Toc the YoungerClaw and veteran; follows trail, aids Lorn; attends dinner, diplomatically vouches for Tattersail; reflects loyalty to the 2nd.
- Onos T’oolan (Tool)T’lan Imass; rises from barrow to kill Barghast; accompanies Lorn; reveals impending Imass movements and end of the Diaspora.
- Captain Ganoes ParanHidden and recovering; learns of Oponn’s role; protects Tattersail from Hairlock; reveals Lorn’s hunt for Sorry; agrees to hide in Pale.
- High Fist Dujek OnearmCommanding general; counters Tayschrenn, proposes bold redeployment; defuses Lorn–Tattersail conflict; continues stabilizing Pale.
- High Mage TayschrennImperial mage; at odds with Dujek; confirms Oponn’s involvement; accepts Lorn’s directives; helps defuse dinner confrontation.
- CroneGreat Raven; flies toward Blackdog Forest, sensing a vast convergence and answering another master’s summons.
- HairlockRogue puppet-sorcerer; intends to track Lorn and Tool; feared by Tattersail, wary of Paran’s sword Chance.