House of Chains/Chapter 19

Epigraph

It was said the captain’s adopted child — who at that time was known by the unfortunate name of Grub — refused the wagon on the march. That he walked the entire way, even as, in the first week beneath the year’s hottest sun, fit and hale soldiers stumbled and fell.     This is perhaps invention, for by all accounts he was at that time no more than five years of age. And the captain himself, from whose journals much of that journey and the clash in which it culminated is related in detail, writes very little of Grub, more concerned as he was with the rigours of command. As a result, of the future First Sword of the Late Empire period, scant details, beyond the legendary and probably fictitious, are known. Lives of the Three Moragalle

Southwest of Raraku

Fist Gamet and Adjunct Tavore Paran look over those killed last night in Leoman's ambush. They discuss commanders including Dassem Ultor, then Gamet says he will command his soldiers himself.

Joyful Union by Yoltonsart

Strings (now known as Fiddler again in the ranks) has arranged a scorpion competition, where soldiers will bet on the creatures fighting. Fiddler and Cuttle are spoken to by Gamet and Keneb about them being needed for the impending battle that night. The scorpion battle takes place, and Fiddler and Bottle's Joyful Union wins, by a manoeuvre living up to its name.

Gamet speaks with Tavore about the incoming battle. Nil and Nether tell them that the spirits of the land are agitated because something additional is happening. As they are about to explain, Gamet rides on, feeling dull and weak.

Corabb Bhilan Thenu'alas prepares for battle, thinking on the Malazan Empire. He sees a squad working on a nearby hill, and Leoman leds the rebel forces there.  Inside the camp Gamet worries. The rebels attack, but the helmets are a decoy and marines fire away and detonate munitions on the hilltop. Corabb escapes, barely getting away from a deadly piece of clay munition by slamming a discarded helmet over it and launching himself off the ground. Both Fiddler and Cuttle are surprised at Corabb surviving.

Gamet rides back towards the Malazans. He hears screaming and is wounded by an explosion which kills his horse. Gesler and Pella rush to his side.

Cuttle reunites with Fiddler and the sappers discuss the battle, the Malazans, and who survived.

Corabb by Corporal Nobbs aka Luktarig

Tavore finds the recovering Gamet, who is being treated by healers. Gamet thinks he is no longer a soldier and should not be Fist. He suggests Captain Keneb be promoted as temporary replacement.

Corabb reunites with Leoman and they discuss the battle, admitting they had underestimated Tavore. Leoman tells Corabb to send a messenger to Sha'ik saying that their raids will continue until they rejoin her three days before the 14th Army arrives, and that he has no faith in Korbolo Dom's strategy.