House of Chains/Chapter 15

How many times, dear traveller, will you walk the same path?

Kayessan

The 14th Army's March

Vathar Hills

Warleader Gall by Dejan Delic

Strings is watching an army of 3,000 soldiers that is trailing Adjunct Tavore. He and Cuttle are surprised that they do not seem arrayed for battle. The two are suddenly surrounded by an advance party of riders, wearing crow wings. Tavore arrives, and the tribe chieftain identifies himself as Gall, leader of the Burned Tears of the Khundryl, a clan that rode under Coltaine. He says they wish to join Tavore's 14th Army to make amends for Coltaine's loss. Tavore welcomes them, and Gall swears himself to Temul, who at a hint from Strings accepts. Gall promises a feast. The 14th Army has gained more soldiers, but the legacy of Coltaine still hangs over the Adjunct. Cuttle and Strings note that Temul is now on solid ground, but wonder ironically why neither of them saw the advancing riders.

That night there is revelry and drunkenness throughout the camp. Fist Gamet joins the Adjunct and Gall in her tent. They speak of the 14th Army's futures and the cycles of history. Gall says his shamans predict a long but restless life for the army; Gamet is sceptical of predestination and divination, even by the Deck of Dragons. Leaving the tent where he feels the air is too close, Gamet meets Captain Keneb following a large cattle dog. Keneb says the dog recovered from wounds under Gesler's care, but he does not know how. They comment on Gesler and Stormy's strangely hued skin, their delivery of the Silanda, and whether they have made a pact with a god, then agree their squad should be kept in the rearguard. Gamet asks about Keneb's own past, and Keneb says he did not abandon his last soldiers, but saved his family with help from Corporal Kalam, who has been in Seven Cities. Keneb thinks the dog wanders in search of Coltaine, and Gamet says this is surprising because Coltaine is unmissably present, here.

Strings sits by a long dead fire with the lap dog Roach, feeling lonely, wondering why he would want to go back to Raraku, and regretting having enlisted again. Gesler joins him, and says the only thing for a soldier to do is soldier: what he would do instead? Strings tells him to pet the dog, and walks off. He hears singing, and finds Nil and Nether in a depression near a ridge, with a bronze bowl which is attracting yellow butterflies. A presence tells Strings that Raraku awaits him, and "his kin" will find him there, to slay the goddess together. Nil and Nether in tears believe it was Sormo E'nath, who spoke to Strings instead of them, but Strings thinks it was something else. He wonders if Quick Ben or Kalam is waiting for him in Raraku. The singing continues to fill his head.

Vathar River crossing

Gamet reaches the crossing on the Vathar River, still blocked with bones and remnants from the Day of Pure Blood on the Chain of Dogs, together with animals slaughtered by local tribes as a blessing. Keneb considers this gesture dishonourable, and decries the Seven Cities tribes' perception of the landscape as animate. Tavore calls for sappers and munitions to clear the ford of detritus and blood. Tene Baralta says the tribes will see this as an insult, and rides to have Gall send them word to avoid misunderstanding. Keneb says Tavore may dislike this. Nil and Nether are kneeling in the river with heads bowed, to Tavore's incomprehension; Gamet pulls them out by their shirts, to their fury. Tavore sends them to Tene Baralta to help reassure the tribes, but tells Gamet to have the other Fist bring his suggestions to her in future.

Strings and Cuttle blow the debris clear with crackers and cussers so the army can move forward, and send their fellow sapper Maybe to check the ford for holes. Strings however takes no joy in clearing the way.

Tavore and Gamet climb a butte north of the river, from where the city of Ubaryd is visible. Its harbour is crowded with ships, showing that Admiral Nok has retaken control promising resupply. On the horizon they see the Whirlwind. They discuss whether Sha'ik will contest their approach, battle-wearying the 14th Army but giving it experience, and revealing Tavore's tactics. Tavore speculates Sha'ik may feel she has already taken Tavore's measure, even though that seems impossible. They wonder if there are spies in the 14th. The sun sets, but the Whirlwind holds its own fire.