Art Initiates Life: Mad Artist Kadaspala has spent the entirety of his time within Dragnipur tattooing an intricate pattern on everyone who is too weak or damaged to haul the wagon and is adding to its weight. He intends to create a god he can use to take revenge on Anomander Rake. He succeeds in bringing the Child God to life, but this crashes headlong into Anomander Rake's own plans and the Child God is absorbed by Rake as he dissipates into oblivion. Is it for faith to deliver peace, when on all sides inequity thrives?” I think that line’s been asked of religion since, well, religion. And a disquieting question for many religions it is, I think. Stubborn Mule: Two in fact — Kruppe, as always, has his trusty war mule and Pust brought his own to town right in time for an epic mule stare-off. Duiker’s section is so very melancholy. I feel so dreadfully sorry that this wise and good man can no longer see anything worth living for. He’s clearly deeply depressed here, and unable to find a way out. The worst is that we know different than this: “Oh, there were moments of greatness, of bright deeds, but how long did the light of such glory last? From one breath to the next, aye, and no more than that. No more than that.” We know that people remember fine and heroic deeds for generations, and so Duiker would do well to record his memories.

The Homeward Journey: In a sense for Nimander and his companions, complete with Random Transportation (via Clip's gates) and Adventure Towns, although reluctantly, as Clip is basically dragging them along and they don't know what to do — it's not like they don't want to go home and meet Anomander Rake, but they are not sure if they'd even be welcome there. We end the chapter with another run down- Thordy is setting flatstones in her garden in a particular pattern. Spite is still lounging in the ship, she has noticed the proximity of her kin. And little Harllo will soon be lost to darkness.The day has begun. This walk, along this path... I will take pleasure in it, my friend. Knowing that you stand here to see me off.' Invoked with the so called 'Mad Poets' of Kurald Galain, centered around the poet Gallan. They were so obsessed with brevity that they eventually annihilated their own art form. And it seems that shiver through Kurald Galain has the power to wake Itkovian for a brief moment as well. Crone asks Baruk to stand a safe distance away and he asks how could he do that. He sends the soul home and with this Crone departs in a hurry, since she now has news to ease her master's mind. Vorcan is coming. Baruk sends for the remaining cabal mage, Derudan. He realises that there are only 3 mages left to stand against the return of the tyrant. He wonders who among them will betray the others. Pust (followed by some bhok’arala) enters the Shadow Temple, announcing himself as Magus of High House Shadow.

Ardatha, (also 'Ardata'), an Elder Goddess, aka the 'Queen of Witches' / 'Queen of Spiders' (Mentioned only) [2] Young Harllo’s story is presented in stark form, through the matter-of-fact words of a child. We learn that he is bullied by his sadistic cousin, that his mother (Stonny) was raped and he is the product, that his adoptive parents are both struggling and hence Harllo has to take on a large amount of work in the house, including stealing sufficient food. Mammot, late High Priest and eminent scholar of Darujhistan, 'uncle' of Crokus Younghand (Mentioned only) [2] And now it appears Hood is on stage (a cowled figure, one whom deaths summon, flies). What is this god up to? Why does he want Gaz to keep killing? Especially after telling us that “I do not demand sacrifices. There is no need . . . You drain a life . . . Nothing more is required . . . I am summoned, without end.” (hmm, and is that “without end” a reference to no goals/intent required, or is it another example of the ennui that permeates this novel?)Dancer, a master assassin and co-founder (with Kellanved) of the Malazan Empire (Mentioned only) [9] I Let You Win: Anomander Rake lets Traveller win their duel because the convergence requires it, although he puts up a good fight beforehand.