Editing Kalam Mekhar

{{Quote|A damned legend, the finest killer the Claw ever had--and lost.|Pearl|Deadhouse Gates/Chapter 20}}

{{Infobox character
|name=Kalam Mekhar
|image=[[File:Kalam internet.jpg|thumb|Interpretation of Kalam by [http://www.deviantart.com/art/Kalam-349146472 Corporal Nobbs] ]]
|caption=[[:File:Kalam internet.jpg|Fan art]] by [http://www.deviantart.com/art/Kalam-349146472 Corporal Nobbs]
|pseudonyms=[[Ulfas]]<ref>[[House of Chains]], [[HC/9|Chapter 9]], US SFBC p.350</ref>
|race=[[Human]]<br>[[Seven Cities]] native
|gender=Male
|born=
|died=
|appearance=Tall, broad shouldered, dark skinned
|family=[[Barathol Mekhar]] (Distant cousin)<ref>[[The Bonehunters]], [[BH/14|Chapter 14]], UK MMPB p.686</ref><ref>[[Orb Sceptre Throne]], [[OST/11|Chapter 11]], UK MMPB p.447</ref>
|affiliation=[[Malazan Empire]]<br>Ex-[[Claw]]<br>[[Bridgeburners]]
|occupation=Assassin<br>Soldier
|rank=[[Corporal]]
|titles=
|warren=
|soletaken=
|divers=
}}

'''Kalam Mekhar''' [kah-LAM meh-KAR]<ref>[https://youtu.be/i9ghCxZXa20?t=1300 Critical Conversations 06: Poetry in Malazan with Steven Erikson - A Critical Dragon] - As pronounced by Steven Erikson at 21:40</ref> was an assassin, originally from [[Seven Cities]],<ref>[[Gardens of the Moon]], Dramatis Personae, UK MMPB p.xii</ref> who had been among the [[Claw]]'s best before a falling out.<ref>[[Gardens of the Moon]], [[GM/20|Chapter 20]], US HC p.411</ref> He was black-skinned and described as moving effortlessly despite his girth.<ref>[[Gardens of the Moon]], [[GM/2|Chapter 2]], UK MMPB p.55</ref>  Other descriptions noted him as being tall and broad shouldered, big and almost bear-like in appearance,<ref name=":1">[[Gardens of the Moon]], [[GM/2|Chapter 2]], UK MMPB p.80</ref> but in possession of a certain grace. He had dark eyes.<ref name=":1" />

Kalam spoke with a north Seven Cities accent, melodic and round<ref name=":1" /> and had a deep, smooth laugh.<ref>[[Gardens of the Moon]], [[GM/4|Chapter 4]], UK MMPB p.153</ref> According to [[Quick Ben]], when Kalam spoke in a certain low tone, he was at his most dangerous.<ref>[[Gardens of the Moon]], [[GM/12|Chapter 12]], UK MMPB p.401</ref>

[[File:QB and Kalam by Dolmen.png|thumb|left|140px|Kalam and Quick Ben by [https://shadaan.deviantart.com/ Shadaan] ]]
The second part of his name signified that Kalam was a member of the [[Mekhar (Tribe)|Mekhar tribe]] which used to live towards the west of [[Aren]].<ref>[[The Bonehunters]], [[BH/14|Chapter 14]], UK MMPB p.686</ref>

He and Quick had a habit of speaking in tandem.<ref>[[Gardens of the Moon]], [[GM/4|Chapter 4]], UK HB p.130/131 (example)</ref><ref>[[Gardens of the Moon]], [[GM/4|Chapter 4]], UK MMPB p.155</ref> Their friendship had begun long before both men became [[Bridgeburners]]. Quick Ben considered Kalam his oldest friend.<ref>[[Reaper's Gale]], [[RG/10|Chapter 10]], US HC p.258</ref> 

According to [[Salk Elan]], during his early pre-Imperial days in [[Karashimesh]], Kalam had had another partner named [[Porthal K'nastra]].<ref>[[Deadhouse Gates]], [[GM/17|Chapter 17]], UK HB p.735</ref>   

As a former member of the Claw, Kalam possessed an advanced inner discipline of mind and body. He could staunch his own bleeding wounds with his thoughts alone. He could also decrease his body temperature to a level indiscernible from cobble or stone to prevent detection by those with enhanced sight.<ref>[[Deadhouse Gates]], [[DG/22|Chapter 22]], US HC p.551</ref> 

Kalam's favourite weapon was the compact [[crossbow]] used by the Claw. He sometimes carried a pair of them attached to wrist braces under his voluminous sleeves.<ref>[[House of Chains]], [[HC/25|Chapter 25]], US SFBC p.787/789-790</ref> He wore moccasins.<ref>[[The Bonehunters]], [[BH/6|Chapter 6]], US SFBC p.262</ref>

==In ''[[Gardens of the Moon]]''==
[[File:Kalam half cloak.jpg|thumb|left|140px|Interpretation of Kalam Mekhar by [http://yapattack.deviantart.com/art/Kalam-Mekhar-The-Ex-Claw-495069258 Yapattack] ]]
Kalam was Corporal of the [[9th Squad]] of the Bridgeburners under Sergeant [[Whiskeyjack]].<ref>[[Gardens of the Moon]], Dramatis Personae, UK MMPB p.xii</ref> After the [[Siege of Pale|battle at Pale]], Kalam was present when Quick Ben shifted the soul of [[Hairlock]] into a puppet - [[Tattersail]] thought that the soldier looked like someone who had come to like killing.<ref name=":1" />

Kalam pulled some strings and ascertained that someone high up in the Empire had the Bridgeburners marked.<ref>[[Gardens of the Moon]], [[GM/3|Chapter 3]], UK MMPB p.103</ref>

Whiskeyjack thought of Kalam as the ninth squad's killer.<ref>[[Gardens of the Moon]], [[GM/3|Chapter 3]], UK MMPB p.106</ref> Whenever Sorry was close to him, Kalam would slip a knife into his palm.<ref>[[Gardens of the Moon]], [[GM/4|Chapter 4]], UK MMPB p.133</ref>

Kalam admitted to Tattersail of being afraid when they were waiting for Hairlock who might be tracked by [[Hounds of Shadow]]. Her admission of having been sat on a pillow for the last two hours made both of them laugh.<ref>[[Gardens of the Moon]], [[GM/4|Chapter 4]], UK MMPB p.153</ref>

Kalam and his squad were sent on deployment to [[Darujhistan]]. They were airlifted by [[Moranth]] [[Quorl]] to the northern shore of [[Lake Azur]]. Before crossing the Lake via fishing boat supplied by the Moranth, Whiskeyjack told them that he had changed the official plan as that would get them all killed. He divided the squad into two teams, one to be led by Kalam, the other one by the Sergeant himself. With Kalam were Quick Ben and Sorry. Kalam told Whiskeyjack that he was concerned about morale in the squad as well as the forthcoming crossing. Quick Ben arrived and told Whiskeyjack and Kalam about a meeting he just had with Hairlock and a plan he had come up with. This left the sergeant and Kalam looking shaken. Kalam and Quick Ben's amusement at the others getting the boat ready was cut short when Whiskeyjack told them to help.<ref>[[Gardens of the Moon]], [[GM/8|Chapter 8]], UK MMPB p.258/264-266</ref>

Tattersail was of the opinion that the way Kalam and Quick Ben were trying to take the responsibility from Whiskeyjack's shoulders was their way of expressing their love for the Sergeant.<ref>[[Gardens of the Moon]], [[GM/9|Chapter 9]], UK MMPB p.298</ref>

[[File:Quick ben and kalam by dejan delic.jpg|thumb|140px|Interpretation of Quick Ben and Kalam's encounter with the Night Hunters in Darujhistan by [http://dejan-delic.deviantart.com/art/Quick-Ben-and-Kalam-484719190 dejan-delic] |left]]
[[File:Quick ben and kalam by shadaan.jpg|thumb|240x240px|Kalam and Ben by [https://www.deviantart.com/art/Quick-Ben-and-Kalam-738494570 Shadaan]]]
Kalam and Quick persuaded Whiskeyjack that they would be better off with Sorry on the Sergeant's team<ref>[[Gardens of the Moon]], [[GM/11|Chapter 11]], UK MMPB p.363</ref> and continued their mission of making contact with the local thieves and assassins without her.<ref>[[Gardens of the Moon]], [[GM/11|Chapter 11]], UK MMPB p.374</ref> The task of offering a contract to them proved difficult as the [[Assassins' Guild|Guild]] had gone to ground following the recent attacks of which Kalam and Quick were unaware.<ref>[[Gardens of the Moon]], [[GM/11|Chapter 11]], UK MMPB p.379</ref> In their closest attempt at a meeting, the pair were ambushed by a dozen [[Tiste Andii]] night-hunters. Kalam was able to incapacitate two, [[Jekaral]] and [[Boruld]], but was himself severely wounded and barely escaped with his life.<ref>[[Gardens of the Moon]], [[GM/13|Chapter 13]], US HC p.297-303</ref>

Kalam guarded Quick's body when the latter journeyed to the Shadow Realm<ref>[[Gardens of the Moon]], [[GM/11|Chapter 11]], UK MMPB p.380/381/383/384</ref> and shared the mage's joy at the success of the venture.<ref>[[Gardens of the Moon]], [[GM/12|Chapter 12]], UK MMPB p.401</ref>

On the night of the [[Gedderone Fête]], Kalam and the other Bridgeburners posed as guards at [[Lady Simtal]]'s estate. There they finally made contact with [[Vorcan Radok]], Mistress of the Assassins' Guild. Kalam successfully negotiated a contract with Vorcan to eliminate the mages of the city's [[T'orrud Cabal]], the city's true rulers.<ref>[[Gardens of the Moon]], [[GM/22|Chapter 22]], US HC p.450-451</ref>

After the gathering was attacked by the [[Jaghut Tyrant]] [[Raest]], Fiddler and Hedge raced away to set off their charges, but were stopped in their tracks by the appearance of the demon [[Lord of Galayn]]. The delay saved the city as it gave time for Quick Ben and Kalam to stop the plan that would have unknowingly touched off the city's enormous gas reserves.<ref>[[Gardens of the Moon]], [[GM/22|Chapter 22]], US HC p.459</ref><ref>[[Gardens of the Moon]], [[GM/23|Chapter 23]], US HC p.468</ref>

When the Bridgeburners broke off from the Malazan Empire to join High Fist [[Dujek Onearm]]'s mutinous forces, Kalam did not go with them. Instead, he and Fiddler announced that they would escort [[Apsalar]] back to her home in [[Itko Kan]] but would rejoin the others if they could.<ref>[[Gardens of the Moon]], [[GM/24|Chapter 24]], US HC p.481</ref> They left on a tradecraft making for [[Dhavran]] and onboard that ship, Kalam witnessed [[Crokus Younghand]] throwing [[Oponn]]'s coin into Lake Azur.<ref>[[Gardens of the Moon]], [[GM/E|Epilogue]], UK MMPB p.701/702</ref>

==In ''[[Deadhouse Gates]]''==
[[File:Mekhar by slaine69.jpg|thumb|left|140px|''Mekhar'' by [http://slaine69.deviantart.com/art/Mekhar-77092680 slaine69] ]]
Kalam, Fiddler, [[Crokus Younghand|Crokus]] and Apsalar had taken passage as crew on a [[Blue Moranth]] trader from [[Genabackis]] to the imperial port of Karakarang. They then travelled on the [[Tanno (tribe)|Tano]] pilgrim route from Karakarang across the [[Talgai Mountains]] down to [[Rutu Jelba]], all the time trying to keep a low profile. Sailing along the [[Ehrlitan]] coast, Kalam poked fun at Fiddler who was suffering from seasickness.<ref>[[Deadhouse Gates]], [[DG/1|Chapter 1]], UK MMPB p.53-59</ref>

Kalam acquired the ''[[Book of Dryjhna]]'' from the spy [[Mebra]] in [[Ehrlitan]] and set off on his own for [[Raraku]] to bring the holy book to the seeress [[Sha'ik]], and touch off the [[Whirlwind]] rebellion.<ref>[[Deadhouse Gates]], [[DG/2|Chapter 2]], US HC p.68-71</ref> Although Fiddler argued that this was a betrayal of their fellow soldiers, he was resigned to the fact that Kalam's "old blood calls" and the rebellion would "add another crack in Laseen's crumbling control."<ref>[[Deadhouse Gates]], [[DG/3|Chapter 3]], US HC p.92</ref>  

Kalam delivered the book, but unbeknownst to him he had been followed by [[Lostara Yil]] and the [[Red Blades]] who assassinated Sha'ik before she could complete her ritual.<ref>[[Deadhouse Gates]], [[DG/5|Chapter 5]], US HC p.131-136</ref> Ignorant of these events, Kalam headed south towards Aren in order to book passage on a ship to the Imperial capital. Fiddler and the others would follow by the original route. 

[[File:Kalam mekhar by slaine69.jpg|thumb|140px|Interpretation of Kalam Mekhar by [http://slaine69.deviantart.com/art/kalam-mekhar-76460488 slaine69] ]]
Along the way he rescued a Malazan soldier and his family from bandits pursuing them after the fall of the [[Orbal garrison]] to the rebellion. [[Keneb]], his wife, [[Selv]], their children, and Selv's sister, [[Minala]], then joined Kalam on his journey.<ref>[[Deadhouse Gates]], [[DG/9|Chapter 9]], US HC p.227-228/230-240</ref> During this time, a strong attraction developed between Minala and the assassin. When the group stumbled upon a rebel camp where [[Korbolo Dom]] had crucified thirteen hundred Malazan children, Kalam used up one of Quick Ben's 'gifts' which opened a passage into the [[Imperial Warren]].<ref>[[Deadhouse Gates]], [[DG/11|Chapter 11]], US HC p.299-301</ref> Kalam and Keneb's family members then travelled through the Imperial Warren with the goal of getting to Aren in less than the three months that it would take to reach them by travelling overland.<ref>[[Deadhouse Gates]], [[DG/12|Chapter 12]], US HC p.331-337</ref>

It transpired that it had been Kalam's intention to seek out the [[Azath House]] [[Tremorlor]] and use its gate to travel instantaneously and undetected to the [[Deadhouse]] in [[Malaz City]].<ref>[[Deadhouse Gates]], [[DG/8|Chapter 8]], US HC p.225</ref> From there it would be a short trip to [[Unta]] where he hoped to assassinate the Empress in revenge for the attacks on the Bridgeburners. Quick Ben would serve as [[Shaved Knuckle in the Hole]] through an ensorcelled rock that Kalam could use to summon the mage once they were in the halls of the palace.<ref>[[Deadhouse Gates]], [[DG/1|Chapter 1]], US HC p.46</ref><ref>[[Deadhouse Gates]], [[DG/11|Chapter 11]], US HC p.301</ref> The company of a formerly possessed fishergirl with the skills of an immortal assassin would only improve their chances.<ref>[[Deadhouse Gates]], [[DG/3|Chapter 3]], US HC p.93</ref> After the Empress' death, Quick Ben and Kalam "had someone in mind" to succeed her.<ref>[[Deadhouse Gates]], [[DG/11|Chapter 11]], US HC p.300</ref>

Upon arriving in Aren, Kalam only said good-by to Minala who was unhappy about his abrupt departure. Kalam told her to keep his stallion. Through intermediaries, the assassin had been offered a place aboard the ''[[Ragstopper]]'' by a man called [[Salk Elan]],<ref>[[Deadhouse Gates]], [[DG/13|Chapter 13]], US HC p.363-367</ref> who claimed to be a merchant and fellow ally of Mebra, but revealed himself to be something more when he helped the assassin repel an attack by pirates.<ref>[[Deadhouse Gates]], [[DG/15|Chapter 15]], US HC p.391</ref><ref>[[Deadhouse Gates]], [[DG/17|Chapter 17]], US HC p.453/456-460/461-465</ref> 

A voyage that should have taken days seemed to last for weeks. Kalam was forced to use up the ensorcelled stone given to him by Quick Ben as a communication tool of last resort. The mage determined that Kalam and the ship were prisoners of a [[Mockra]] mage before their link was severed.<ref>[[Deadhouse Gates]], [[DG/19|Chapter 19]], US HC p.493-494</ref> The ship finally made port at Malaz City (not Unta) where Salk Elan revealed himself to be a Claw by the name of [[Pearl]]. He paralyzed the assassin with his mind magic, before stabbing him in the side and tossing him overboard.<ref>[[Deadhouse Gates]], [[DG/20|Chapter 20]], US HC p.536-538</ref>

[[File:Kalam by Simon Underwood.jpg|thumb|left|140px|Interpretation of Kalam by [http://kingofexplodia.deviantart.com/art/Kalam-396091810 Simoon Underwood] ]]
The wounded Kalam made his way to shore where he was hunted in the streets of Malaz City by several Hands of the Claw. But the assassin turned the game around on the Claws, ambushing and killing three full Hands. When the Claw finally ran him to ground, he was saved by Minala who had followed him<ref>[[Deadhouse Gates]], [[DG/13|Chapter 13]], US HC p.368-369</ref><ref>[[Deadhouse Gates]], [[DG/15|Chapter 15]], US HC p.395-396</ref> all the way from Aren on another ship along with Kalam's stallion.<ref>[[Deadhouse Gates]], [[DG/20|Chapter 20]], US SFBC p.624-625</ref><ref>[[Deadhouse Gates]], [[DG/23|Chapter 23]], US HC p.569-572</ref> 

Kalam ultimately confronted the Empress in [[Mock's Hold]], or at least a projection of her using a rotting corpse as a vessel. But when the Empress explained the truth about Dujek's rebellion and the events on Genabackis, the assassin abandoned the idea of killing her. Kalam was soon reunited with Fiddler, Apsalar, and Crokus who had successfully travelled to Malaz City through the Deadhouse. Then [[Shadowthrone]] brought Kalam and Minala into Shadow to serve as the surrogate mother and father for thirteen hundred children brought into their custody by the demon [[Apt]].<ref>[[Deadhouse Gates]], [[DG/23|Chapter 23]], US HC p.573-576/577-580/582-583/584</ref>

==In ''[[Memories of Ice]]''==
While performing a reading of the [[Deck of Dragons]] near [[Pale]], the Bridgeburner mage, [[Spindle]], drew the Assassin's card of [[High House Shadow]]. It took a moment for him to recognise Kalam's face on the card. This gave him and the other Bridgeburners an insight into Kalam and Fiddler's true mission.<ref>[[Memories of Ice]], [[MI/5|Chapter 5]], US SFBC p.179</ref>

A conversation between Whiskeyjack and Dujek revealed that Quick Ben had never been serious in the attempt to assassinate Empress Laseen. Aware of the true motivations behind her actions, he nevertheless sent Kalam against her because only a face to face meeting with the Empress would have convinced the former Claw that she was not their enemy.<ref>[[Memories of Ice]], [[MI/21|Chapter 21]], US SFBC p.770</ref>

After the [[Battle of Black Coral]], Quick Ben and Ganoes Paran visited the tomb of the Bridgeburners within the throne room of [[Moon's Spawn]]. Quick Ben left a pebble behind in case he and Kalam wanted to visit later.<ref>[[Memories of Ice]], [[MI/25|Chapter 25]], US SFBC p.987</ref>
 
==In ''[[House of Chains]]''==
[[File:Threads of Magic, Threads of Life Harkalé Linaï.jpg|thumb|240x240px|Quick Ben and Kalam by [https://www.deviantart.com/harkale-linai/art/Threads-of-Magic-Threads-of-Life-777340854 Harkalé Linai]]]
According to a comment made by [[Cotillion]], Kalam and Minala were now married.<ref>[[House of Chains]], [[HC/6|Chapter 6]], US TPB p.207</ref> Minala and Apt had taken on the task of training the thirteen hundred rescued children who they had been tending in the [[Kurald Emurlahn|Shadow Realm]] and molding them into the [[Company of Shadow]].<ref>[[House of Chains]], [[HC/6|Chapter 6]], US TPB p.206</ref> Smarting from a marital dispute, Kalam accepted an offer from Cotillion to return to the world to help the god determine who or what was threatening the god's claim to Shadow.  Surprising himself, he realised he had grown to like Cotillion.<ref>[[House of Chains]], [[HC/6|Chapter 6]], US SFBC p.262-264</ref>

[[File:Day 1 - Kalam's Knives by SimiofDoom.PNG|thumb|left|Kalam's Knives by [https://www.instagram.com/p/CUfprqyMtYm/ SimiofDoom] ]]
After leaving the Shadow Realm, Kalam made his way first to [[G'danisban]] where he purchased a pair of formidable [[Wickan]] long-knives in the city market from a [[Unnamed characters#In House of Chains|shopkeeper]] selling relics from the [[Chain of Dogs]]. One of the blackened blades was inlaid with a silver serpent pattern down its length. It was invested with sorcery and stamped by an unnamed [[Fenn]] or [[Thelomen Tartheno Toblakai|Thelomen Toblakai]] whose intricate mark Kalam recognised. The other was patterned in feathers and its amber-tinged silver inlay was alloyed with [[otataral]]. The otataral blade had once belonged to someone important within the [[Crow]] clan. Kalam paid for the weapons with a large number of unusual diamonds.<ref>[[House of Chains]], [[HC/9|Chapter 9]], US SFBC p.344-347</ref>  

Setting out for [[Raraku]], Kalam came upon the renegade Malazan soldier, [[Irriz]], and his Seven Cities rebels staking out the ancient cliff-side fortress of [[B'ridys]]. Trapped inside were the Malazan soldiers of the [[Ashok Regiment]]'s Second Company under [[Captain (rank)|Captain]], [[Kindly]], and [[Lieutenant]] [[Pores]]. Kalam allied himself with a young Malazan girl, [[Sinn]], to free them, but prevented her from poisoning the renegades with [[Tralb]] and gave mercy to three guards who had already taken the vicious poison. Several of the besieged soldiers then appeared and it transpired that they were not actually stuck but remained in the fortress by choice. Kalam bargained that their mage would destroy the poisoned water and in exchange, he would catch Irriz for them. Kalam awoke one of the diamonds given to him by Cotillion which turned out to be an [[Azalan]] demon who eliminated the entire enemy camp in less than a minute and also captured Irriz.<ref>[[House of Chains]], [[HC/9|Chapter 9]], US TPB p.272/273-284</ref>

Kalam negotiated with [[Sergeant]] [[Cord]] who was in charge of the Ashoks as their commanders had disappeared whilst exploring the fortress. Initially following Cord's orders, Kalam soon pulled rank, reclaiming his old title of Clawleader of a [[Claw#Organization|Hand]]. He then accidentally half-released an [[B'ridys demon|ancient demon]] from the bottom of a well in the Fortress. As the demon would be pursuing him once completely freed, which would not take long, Kalam parted company with the Ashoks.<ref>[[House of Chains]], [[HC/12|Chapter 12]], UK MMPB p.536-541</ref> He headed for the saving wall of the [[Whirlwind]] but the demon, now in the shape of an [[Enkar'al]], caught up with him and tossed him about like a rag doll to the point that Kalam believed for a moment that he had broken his back. The demon was fooled by that and came too close which enabled Kalam to kill it after which he fell unconscious.<ref>[[House of Chains]], [[HC/12|Chapter 12]], UK MMPB p.541-545</ref>

Kalam awoke to find [[Iskaral Pust]], who had been led to the assassin by the Azalan demon, hovering over him. Kalam gave Pust the rest of the diamonds as he seemed to be the intended recipient then passed out again. He awoke in Pust's abode where he encountered [[Mogora]].<ref>[[House of Chains]], [[HC/12|Chapter 12]], UK MMPB p.547-549</ref>

After Kalam's recovery, Pust summoned the Azalan demon to surreptitiously carry the Bridgeburner through the raging Whirlwind into Raraku.<ref>[[House of Chains]], [[HC/16|Chapter 16]], US SFBC p.551-553</ref>  Making his way to the oasis camp of Sha'ik Reborn and the [[Army of the Apocalypse]], he crossed paths with the ghosts of [[Tanno (person)|Tanno]] and an ancient army crossing the desert.<ref>[[House of Chains]], [[HC/20|Chapter 20]], US SFBC p.666-668</ref> Amidst a ruined city, he was stalked by two [[Deragoth]], narrowly escaping only by using his whistle to release all of the Azalan demons in the diamonds that still remained in his possession. The same whistle freed the demons from the diamonds he had traded in G'danisban causing chaos all around that city.<ref>[[House of Chains]], [[HC/20|Chapter 20]], US SFBC p.669-672</ref>

Kalam infiltrated Sha'ik's camp, where Cotillion gave the assassin another of the acorns with which he could summon Quick Ben.<ref>[[House of Chains]], [[HC/23|Chapter 23]], US SFBC p.744</ref> The Bridgeburner confronted [[Bidithal]] within his temple, and discovered that the High Mage served the [[Crippled God]], who was attempting to steal Raraku's fragment of [[Kurald Emurlahn]] to form the heart of his new [[High House Chains|House of Chains]]. Bidithal's shadow-wraiths swarmed Kalam, and Cotillion himself appeared to help slay them. Bidithal escaped during the fighting, but Kalam was satisfied he had identified the threat to Shadow.<ref>[[House of Chains]], [[HC/25|Chapter 25]], US SFBC p.783-784/787</ref>

Kalam made his way to Korbolo Dom's camp where he was surprised to be helped inside by [[Ash]] and other Bridgeburner ghosts.<ref>[[House of Chains]], [[HC/25|Chapter 25]], US SFBC p.789</ref> Cornered and outnumbered within Korbolo Dom's tent by [[Kamist Reloe]] and Dom's assassins, the Bridgeburner brought Quick Ben to his side. Kamist died screaming in a sizzling web of Quick Ben's death magic while Kalam dispatched the assassins. The two then confronted Korbolo Dom, striking him unconscious and taking him prisoner.<ref>[[House of Chains]], [[HC/25|Chapter 25]], US SFBC p.792-794</ref> They deposited Dom with the [[Claw]], [[Pearl]], who Kalam struck to the ground in payment for their last encounter in Malaz City.<ref>[[House of Chains]], [[HC/25|Chapter 25]], US SFBC p.814</ref> Then the two Bridgeburners located Fiddler amongst the [[Malaz 14th Army]] for a heartfelt reunion.<ref>[[House of Chains]], [[HC/26|Chapter 26]], US SFBC p.814/846</ref>

==In ''[[The Bonehunters]]''==
Kalam and Quick Ben remained with the 14th Army in service to [[Adjunct]] [[Tavore Paran]] after the [[Battle of Raraku]].  Now a High Mage, Quick Ben postulated that Tavore wanted the assassin to secretly create a squad of assassins loyal to her.  Kalam was uncomfortable with the idea as well as with the presence of Pearl amongst Tavore's aides.<ref>[[The Bonehunters]], [[BH/2|Chapter 2]], US SFBC p.99/101-102</ref>

[[Leoman]] led the Army of the Apocalypse westward towards [[Y'Ghatan (city)|Y'Ghatan]] and the 14th Army followed. Adjunct Tavore wanted to send some of her people ahead to reach the city first, so she sent Kalam and Quick Ben along with [[Gesler]]'s squad. The group travelled via the Imperial Warren, but due to the problems with the Warrens travel was difficult and confusing.<ref>[[The Bonehunters]], [[BH/3|Chapter 3]], US SFBC p.142/146-147</ref>  The sudden appearance of at least a dozen [[K'Chain Che'Malle]] [[Skykeep]]s in the air above led Quick Ben to immediately cancel the plan. He brought the group back to the Malazan world to report the news to the Adjunct.<ref>[[The Bonehunters]], [[BH/5|Chapter 5]], US SFBC p.193-194</ref>

[[File:An assassin returns to malaz by slaine69.jpg|thumb|left|140px|''An assassin returns to Malaz City'', Interpretation by [http://slaine69.deviantart.com/art/an-assassin-returns-to-Malaz-110026216 Slaine69] ]]
[[File:Kalam vs claw by dejan delic.jpg|thumb|140px|''Kalam vs Claw'' Interpretation by [http://dejan-delic.deviantart.com/art/Kalam-vs-Claw-586462931 Dejan Delic] ]] 
Kalam accompanied Adjunct [[Tavore]] and her aide, [[T'amber]], to [[Mock's Hold]] in [[Malaz City]], [[Malaz Island]],<ref>[[The Bonehunters]], [[BH/22|Chapter 22]], US HC p.697</ref><ref>[[The Bonehunters]], [[BH/23|Chapter 23]], US HC p.713-714</ref> where they met with Empress Laseen and discovered that she had re-instated the ex-renegade, [[Korbolo Dom]], as High Fist and had also appointed [[Mallick Rel]] to her inner circle.<ref>[[The Bonehunters]], [[BH/23|Chapter 23]], US HC p.722-723</ref> The Empress having betrayed Tavore, Kalam and the two women were left to battle for their lives in a harrowing chase back to the ''[[Froth Wolf]]'' (Tavore's flagship - which was located in the Malaz City harbour<ref>[[The Bonehunters]], [[BH/23|Chapter 23]], US HC p.727/731/732/735-739/741/745-747/749</ref> along with the Adjunct's fleet and the [[Malaz 14th Army|Malazan 14th Army]] and allies), while being ambushed/pursued by many Hands of Claw assassins under the leadership of [[Pearl]].<ref>[[The Bonehunters]], [[BH/23|Chapter 23]], US HC p.739-740/741</ref>

Kalam decided to try buying Tavore and T'amber some time by leading some of the Claw Hands away from the two women. Kalam sent the Adjunct and T'amber to follow the bank of the south branch of the Malaz River to the city harbour, while he, himself, continued to the rooftops of the [[Mouse Quarter]]<ref>[[The Bonehunters]], [[BH/23|Chapter 23]], US HC p.749</ref> where he had a final showdown on the roof of an abandoned, derelict tenement with Pearl and two Hands of Claws. After slaying all but Pearl and one Claw assassin, Kalam was ultimately shot down from behind by Pearl with a quarrel (which with Pearl had specifically chosen to kill Kalam) poisoned with [[Kartool|Kartoolian]] spider venom and was left to die in extended agony.<ref>[[The Bonehunters]], [[BH/23|Chapter 23]], US HC p.751-753</ref> Kalam had attempted to summon Quick Ben to his side as his shaved knuckle in the hole, but the mage's path was redirected by Shadowthrone to assist in the defence of the [[First Throne]] instead.<ref>[[The Bonehunters]], [[BH/23|Chapter 23]], US SFBC p.931-932</ref>  

Shadowthrone found Kalam still barely alive and delivered him to the doorstep of the Deadhouse, whose [[Unnamed characters#In The Bonehunters|Guardian]] dragged him inside.<ref>[[The Bonehunters]], [[BH/23|Chapter 23]], US HC p.769-770</ref>

==In ''[[Reaper's Gale]]''==
After Quick Ben, Minala, and the Company of Shadow defended the First Throne from [[Icarium]] and the [[Tiste Edur]], Cotillion and Shadowthrone brought the survivors back to Shadow.<ref>[[Reaper's Gale]], [[RG/8|Chapter 8]], US HC p.188-189</ref> Quick Ben still seethed with anger at Shadowthrone for pulling him away from helping Kalam in Malaz City.<ref>[[Reaper's Gale]], [[RG/10|Chapter 10]], US HC p.258</ref> Cotillion assured him that Kalam would heal in the Deadhouse where the poison would become inert, but was careful not to reveal Shadowthrone's true reason for saving the assassin's life.<ref>[[Reaper's Gale]], [[RG/8|Chapter 8]], US HC p.190-191</ref>

Hedge later theorised that the gods of Shadow had deliberately worked to keep Kalam out of the way to keep Quick Ben close and to make sure there was no one to guard the potentially dangerous High Mage's back. Quick Ben swore there would be trouble if Hedge was right.<ref>[[Reaper's Gale]], [[RG/21|Chapter 21]], US HC p.656-658</ref>

==In ''[[Toll the Hounds]]''==
[[Barathol Mekhar]], [[Scillara]], and [[Chaur]] travelled from Seven Cities to Darujhistan where they were spotted at a restaurant by [[Picker]], [[Blend]], and [[Antsy]]. The unofficially retired Bridgeburners noted Barathol's resemblance to their former comrade, Kalam, and feared Barathol was a Claw sent to kill them. A drinking contest defused the matter and the two groups became friends. Asked if he was Kalam's cousin, Barathol replied, "That will do."<ref>[[Toll the Hounds]], [[TH/5|Chapter 5]], US SFBC p.175-182</ref> When Barathol was fined for attempting to buck the city's guild system, Blend loaned him the money saying, "Remembering Kalam."<ref>[[Toll the Hounds]], [[TH/19|Chapter 19]], US SFBC p.782</ref>

==In ''[[Dust of Dreams]]''==
(Information needed)

==In ''[[The Crippled God]]''==
A considerable time later, Kalam was awakened in the "Deadhouse" in Malaz City by Quick Ben and Minala.<ref>[[The Crippled God]], [[CG/18|Chapter 18]], UK HB p.505-509</ref> They then journeyed to [[Kolanse]] (located along the far eastern coast of the continent of [[Lether]]) via Warren to take part, at the side of [[Ganoes Paran]], in the final war surrounding the [[Crippled God]].

Kalam teamed up with Quick Ben to help the the brother and sister, Ganoes and Tavore Paran, in their fight against the [[Forkrul Assail]] in the northern part of Kolanse. Kalam and Quick Ben used their combined skills to assassinate the Forkrul Assail, both on and off the battlefield. Kalam and Quick Ben then reunited with [[Fiddler]] and [[Hedge]] and their [[Marine]]/[[Heavy infantry]] detachment (which was guarding the Crippled God's body) in the ultimate battle between the [[Bonehunters]] (and their allies) against the Forkrul Assail (and their allies).<ref>[[The Crippled God]], [[CG/24|Chapter 24]], US HC p.875-876/883-884</ref>

==History==
[[File:Assassin by slaine69.jpg|thumb|140px|Interpretation of Kalam as assassin by [http://slaine69.deviantart.com/art/assassin-90706443 Slaine69] |left]]
Kalam had once served as a member of the Claw.<ref>[[Gardens of the Moon]], Dramatis Personae, UK MMPB p. xii</ref> Apsalar, drawing on her memories from her possession by Cotillion, related that Kalam had been a Falah'dan's Dagger and that after the Malazan invasion the Claw gave him command of a Hand.<ref>[[Deadhouse Gates]], [[DG/1|Chapter 1]], UK MMPB p.63</ref> He was a master assassin.

[[File:Kalam mekhar by luztheren.jpg|thumb|140px|Kalam Mekhar by [http://luztheren.deviantart.com/art/Kalam-Mekhar-654052976 Luztheren]]]
As recounted in detail during a conversation between Whiskeyjack and Anomander Rake, Kalam played a key role in the journey across the Raraku desert that forged the Bridgeburners. During a Seven Cities rebellion that had originated in Aren, one of the Seven Holy Protectors was struck down and his rebellious mage cadre fled for Raraku. [[Whiskeyjack]]'s cobbled together squad was ordered to pursue and given Kalam, a recent Claw recruit and local, as guide.<ref>[[Memories of Ice]], [[MI/8|Chapter 8]], US SFBC p.299-300</ref>

Kalam brought Whiskeyjack and his soldiers across the Raraku desert in pursuit of the twelve mages. The mages succumbed one by one until only the last one, Ben Adaephon, was left. When they caught up with him, he told Whiskeyjack and his soldiers that "Raraku, sir, has burned the bridges of their pasts, one and all – it’s all gone." Kalam was flushed out as a traitor who had been helping Quick Ben all along. Nevertheless, despite orders to the contrary, Whiskeyjack allowed the two to join his squad, letting Quick Ben live knowing that this was in contravention of the [[Kellanved|Emperor]]'s order, while Kalam joined the squad knowing he would face [[Surly]] and the Claw's wrath if they found out.<ref>[[Memories of Ice]], [[MI/8|Chapter 8]], US SFBC p.300-306</ref>

==Quotes==
[[File:Kalam Sculpt by Corporal Nobbs.jpg|thumb|left|140px|Kalam digital sculpture by [http://luktarig.deviantart.com Corporal Nobbs] ]]
{{Quote|Again and again, we cling to the foolish belief that simple solutions exist.|Kalam Mekhar, explaining why he walked away instead of assassinating a [[Empress Laseen|high level target]]|Deadhouse Gates/Chapter 23}}

{{Quote|I am sorry, Kalam Mekhar. But you… I cannot accept… your existence. I cannot…|Pearl after shooting Kalam with a poisoned quarrel|The Bonehunters/Chapter 23}}

==Trivia==
The original owners of the long-knives purchased by Kalam in G'danisban in ''House of Chains'' have long been a source of speculation among fans. Did the weapons belong to [[Coltaine]] or one of the officers? Was the sorcerer who invested one of the knives with magic [[Bellurdan]]? When asked who the knives once belonged to, author [[Steven Erikson]] said he had "No idea, no idea. No, I mean sometimes you just, you plant things and...if you need to, and if the opportunity arises you can come back to it and elaborate on it, or you know, create some big reveal, or whatever. So I think that was what I just sort of threw into his hands and then basically forgot about."<ref>[https://anchor.fm/legend-green-team/episodes/89-A-Conversation-with-Steven-Erikson---Malazan-Mid-Series-Reflection-e1aehkn A Conversation with Steven Erikson - Malazan Mid-Series Reflection - Green Team of the Legendarium] - See 31:45</ref>

== Fan art gallery ==

<tabber>Spoiler free images=
<gallery navigation="true" hideaddbutton="true">
File:Kalam1 by Tats.png|Kalam Mekhar by [https://www.artstation.com/artwork/r02XL Tats]|link=File:Kalam1 by Tats.png
File:Kalam2 by Tats.png|Kalam Mekhar by [https://www.artstation.com/artwork/r02XL Tats]|link=File:Kalam2 by Tats.png
File:Kalam3 by Tats.png|Kalam Mekhar by [https://www.artstation.com/artwork/r02XL Tats]|link=File:Kalam3 by Tats.png
File:Kalam4 by Tats.jpg|Kalam Mekhar by [https://www.artstation.com/artwork/r02XL Tats]|link=File:Kalam4 by Tats.jpg
File:Kalam mekhar by xpibx.jpg|Kalam Mekhar by [https://www.facebook.com/120534298280044/photos/a.120806711586136/737693026564165/?type=3&theater xpibx]
Kal quick by dernhelm888.jpg|Quick Ben and Kalam by [https://www.deviantart.com/dernhelm888/art/Kal-Quick-with-background-766915156 Dernhelm888]
File:Quick Ben and Kalam Mekhar by Sarinjin.jpg|Quick Ben and Kalam by [https://imgur.com/a/6dkqlhs Sarinjin]
File:Kalam Mekhar by Dejan Delic.jpg|Kalam Mekhar by [https://www.deviantart.com/dejan-delic/art/Malazan-Dramatis-Personae-788754471 Dejan Delic]
File:Kalam by enolezdrata.jpg|Kalam Mekhar by [https://enolezdrata.tumblr.com/tagged/Malazan enolezdrata]
File:Kalam Mekhar by AJK.PNG|Kalam Mekhar by [https://www.instagram.com/aj.krish58/ AJK]
File:Kalam Mekhar by Cannon.png|Kalam Mekhar by Poi
Day 1 - Kalam's Knives by Shadaan.PNG|Kalam's Knives by [https://www.instagram.com/p/CUeX2-CquVX/ Shadaan]
</gallery>
|-|Spoiler images=
<gallery navigation="true">
Day 6 - Enkar'al by Shadaan.PNG|Kalam vs. Enkar'al by [https://www.instagram.com/p/CjbKipdKlku/ Shadaan]
</gallery>
</tabber>

==Notes and references==
{{reflist|colwidth=30em}}

{{Bridgeburners}}

[[Category:Assassins]]
[[Category:Bridgeburners]]
[[Category:Claw members]]
[[Category:Corporals]]
[[Category:Humans]]
[[Category:Malazans]]
[[Category:Males]]
[[Category:Seven Cities natives]]

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