At nightfall we arrived close to an inhabited place.
We heard the dull blows of axes resounding from
the depths of the jungle. It was a new village under
construction. Suddenly, piercing cries rang in our
ears and in front of me, barely a few rods away, a
monstrous half-man, half-animal appeared leaping
on all fours. It was dragging a child off. Crying out,
my porters and I gave chase, shouting, in pursuit of
the ferocious beast. A few moments later we found
the child, which the monster had dropped in its flight.
Taking it into my arms, I was astounded to see that it
bore not one scratch from its ordeal.
Travels in Jacuruku,
Jacal River Exploration Report, Vol. 1
Murk and Sour[]
Murk, Sour and the Malazan mercenaries are deep in the Jungle of Himatan and running out of supplies. They become aware that they are being watched. That night a patrol vanishes and is later found butchered.
The next day they meet a delegation of the locals who, after some discussion, invite them to their village.
Pon-lor[]
Pon-lor's troops are dying from wounds and sickness. Finally only one remains as they try to find Kenjak Ashevajak. However he finds them, the guard is killed and Pon-lor captured. He could use his powers to escape but prefers to wait; they are taking him towards the witch and the missing yakshaka, which is where he wants to go.
Shimmer[]
Shimmer remembers the circumstances of the swearing of their Vow. She becomes lost in her memories and Stoop has to help her return out of the dream.