House of Chains/Chapter 11

This was a path she did not welcome.

The Sha'ik Rebellion
Tursabaal

Aren

Gamet walks with Tavore Paran through Coltaine's Fall. The scene of the slaughter has become a site of pilgrimage for tribes across Seven Cities, including even the enemy Semk. He informs her that although the Crow Clan has joined them, the elders refuse to accept young Temul as their leader.

On the march, Strings and Gesler speak of faith in commanders, and observe the fetishes hanging from the trees outside Aren. The Fourteenth have raised the standard of a figure grasping a bone before a sandstorm. Borduke joins them, and they discuss the three mages of Meanas: Bottle in Strings' squad, Tavos Pond in Gesler's, and Balgrid in Borduke's. Strings says they could usefully work together on illusions. Lieutenant Ranal passes by and asks about mages in the company on behalf of Captain Keneb; Strings answers over Gesler's objection.

Adjunct's sword by Corporal Nobbs

Gamet visits Tavore's tent where she is sealing her Otataral sword in a stone box. When its effect is shielded, a portal opens and Clawmaster Topper joins them to bring word of the losses on Genabackis.

Bottle magically eavesdrops on the conversation from a distance, and thinks back to his grandmother's counseling to him to seek a deeper power.

Strings and the others are found by Bottle, and Bottle shares news of Whiskeyjack's and the Bridgeburners' deaths. Strings leaves to grieve alone, and finds the young Wickan leader Temul. Temul is frustrated with trying to gain control over the Wickans. He speaks to Strings about Coltaine’s and Duiker's ends.

Topper finishes his report by speaking of Ganoes Paran's death, and Dujek's army. The High Fist will come to Seven Cities but with a small, broken force. Topper leaves, and Gamet expresses his sorrow at the loss of Tavore's brother. She goes to find T'amber.

Strings returns to camp and speaks with the older sapper Cuttle. They talk of Hood and what makes a good army. Together they agree the Adjunct Tavore is made of cold iron, and they ought to find it in themselves.