Malazan Book of the Fallen, #1
Gardens of the Moon
by Steven Erikson
Contents
Chapter Twenty
Overview
On Darujhistan’s new year, factions pivot toward Lady Simtal’s Fête. Kruppe meddles and masks his identity, Baruk and Anomander Rake plan to attend, and Mammot confirms Crokus as the Coin Bearer. Adjunct Lorn assumes control of the Bridgeburners while Circle Breaker maneuvers into the Fête’s guard. Meanwhile, Raest awakens, ruptures the land, and clashes with dragons led by Silanah, signaling a catastrophic convergence.
Summary
Before dawn, Murillio confronts Kruppe, guessing he is the Eel; Kruppe deflects with tricks, gifts masks for Lady Simtal’s Fête, and magically muddles Murillio’s suspicions. Kruppe departs to deliver Baruk a message.
At Baruk’s, Anomander Rake insists on attending the Fête, suspecting a convergence and possible Imperial strike. Baruk agrees, and Rake recognizes Icarium’s calendar. Roald reports Kruppe’s message: the Eel will contact Baruk at the Fête. Mammot arrives, reveals he escaped the barrow’s influence and that Crokus is the Coin Bearer, then Rake abruptly leaves.
Adjunct Lorn enters Darujhistan via Worry Gate as Circle Breaker discreetly signals her passage and swaps into a shift guarding Simtal’s estate. Lorn meets Whiskeyjack and the Bridgeburners at Quip’s Bar; they brief her on mines, Tiste Andii interference, and their plan to infiltrate the Fête as hired muscle. Lorn asserts command, orders readiness for detonation if needed, and departs. Quick Ben and Whiskeyjack confirm clandestine preparations are on track.
On K’rul’s tower, Crokus and Apsalar plan to infiltrate the Fête to find Challice while Apsalar struggles with conflicting memories. In the stairwell, Serrat prepares an attack but is held at blade point and warned—by a voice invoking “the Prince”—to abandon pursuit of the Coin Bearer or die; Serrat withdraws.
Beneath the Gadrobi Hills, Raest recalls his history of domination, then breaks free of the barrow. He wounds the earth, triggering an eruption, and moves toward his missing Finnest. Crone sights five dragons, with Silanah leading four Soletaken. Raest unleashes Omtose Phellack against the dragons’ Warrens; a brutal aerial-ground clash follows. Silanah’s fire scorches Raest, who in turn batters the dragons and survives dismembering assaults, proclaiming his intent to deliver death as the convergence erupts.
Who Appears
- RaestJaghut Tyrant who awakens, rends the land, and battles Silanah’s flight while seeking his Finnest.
- Anomander RakeDetermines to attend Simtal’s Fête, anticipating a convergence and potential Imperial strike.
- BarukAlchemist coordinating city defenses; consents to Rake’s attendance and learns the Eel will make contact.
- MammotCabal mage who withdrew from the barrow’s influence; confirms Crokus as the Coin Bearer.
- Adjunct LornEnters Darujhistan, seizes command of the Bridgeburners, and targets Sorry while aiming for the Fête.
- WhiskeyjackBridgeburners’ sergeant; briefs Lorn, plans infiltration of Simtal’s Fête, keeps contingencies ready.
- KruppeManipulates Murillio, sends Baruk a message as the Eel’s agent, intends to attend the Fête.
- CrokusCoin Bearer hiding atop K’rul’s tower; plans to infiltrate Simtal’s Fête to reach Challice.
- ApsalarAmnesiac struggling with alien memories; hides with Crokus and prepares for the Fête plan.
- SerratTiste Andii hunter who prepares an ambush but is warned off the Coin Bearer and retreats.
- CroneGreat Raven who sights five dragons converging on Raest’s emergence.
- SilanahRed dragon leading four Soletaken against Raest in a devastating magical clash.
- Circle BreakerCity guard and Eel agent; secures duty at Lady Simtal’s estate for the coming convergence.
- FiddlerBridgeburner sapper; plays Deck with omens and briefs Lorn on the situation.
- HedgeBridgeburner sapper; digs escape tunnel and joins the briefing with Lorn.
- MalletBridgeburner healer; present during the Deck reading and squad briefing.
- Quick BenSquad mage coordinating covert moves; monitors Kalam and the timetable.
- TrottsBarghast Bridgeburner who secures the team’s infiltration arrangements.