| Return of the Crimson Guard | |
|---|---|
| Dramatis Personae | Prologue |
| Diaspora's End | |
| Chapter 1 (I) | Chapter 2 (II) |
| Chapter 3 (III) | Chapter 4 (IV) |
| Chapter 5 (V) | |
| The Eternal Return | |
| Chapter 6 (I) | Chapter 7 (II) |
| Chapter 8 (III) | Chapter 9 (IV) |
| Chapter 10 (V) | Chapter 11 (VI) |
| Fates and Chances | |
| Chapter 12 (I) | Chapter 13 (II) |
| Chapter 14 (III) | Chapter 15 (IV) |
| Chapter 16 (V) | |
| Epilogue | Pagination |
It was an act driven by a profoundly inward -- and backward -- looking movement. Who are we outsiders to judge? It was, after all, also driven by the honest (if we may claim misdirected) desire to improve the condition and prospects of the Wickan people... In this regard it must be seen as completely earnest and not in the least duplicitous. Especially when bracketed with the act it then allowed.
The First Civil Wars, Vol. IIHistories in Honour of Tallobant
Li Heng[]
The Malazan army has arrived near Li Heng and is confronted by the Talian Alliance forces. The Alliance's main advantage will be the Seti cavalry, which should nullify the Malazan skirmishers. As promised, Imotan leads the Seti to the battlefield; then he tells Toc they will take no part in the fight, and ride away. Toc follows to try to dissuade him, but they kill him.
Without cavalry the battle goes badly for the Alliance and they eventually surrender. They are set to work reinforcing the Imperial compound as a defence against Ryllandaras. When they finish their leaders are imprisoned inside the walls, but the troops are left outside, defenceless, until the leaders agree to join with the Malazans against the expected Crimson Guard attack.
Marquis Jhardin hears of the defeat and tells Ghelel. He intends to return to his province and informs Ghelel that she is to accompany him and become his wife. With Molk's help she escapes from the camp, but they are attacked by two Mages. Molk defeats them but is himself killed.