Vengeance

Grief by SimiofDoom

Vengeance, translated from T'an Aros in the Tiste language, was a sword, originally named thus by its maker. It had had many other names over time. The sword made its first appearance worn by an old man called Darist on Drift Avalii who had named it Grief (translated from K'orladis in the Tiste language).

It was described as two handed, extraordinarily thin with a long tapered tip, edges on both side and twin fluted. Its surface was a strangely mottled oily blue, magenta and silver and the grip was round instead of flat. The pommel had a single sphere of hematite.

The sword was not invested with warren magic, its power lay in the focused intent of its creation. If the wielder had a singular will, it could not be defeated.

In House of Chains

Darist: "There are many names for this particular sword. Its maker named it Vengeance. T'an Aros, in our language. But I call it K'orladis."

Cutter: "Which means?"

Darist: "Grief."

―Darist and Cutter, talking about Grief

Grief by Shadaan

Darist told Cutter that the sword, though seemingly fragile, would not break against a heavier weapon. It had apparently been made by his brother who had given it to him once he had found one better suited to his nature. When Apsalar said that Darist stood for Andarist, Cutter guessed that the Tiste Andii was the brother of Anomander Rake, the original bearer of Vengeance, who now wielded the sword Dragnipur. Andarist used Vengeance whilst defending the Throne of Shadow which was located on Drift Avalii. When he faced an onslaught of magic, the sword turned white hot and its metal sang a terrible, keening note which increased in volume with every moment. Eventually, Andarist collapsed where he stood and the sword dropped to the ground nearby, igniting the leaves it landed on.

Cotillion, who had joined the fight late, upon seeing Andarist dead, told Cutter to tell the man 'out there' the name of the sword. This man, the only survivor of a group of Malazans who helped fight the Edur, turned out to be Traveller who decided to take on the sword as well as the role of the protector of the Throne, at least for the time being. When advised by Cutter that the sword was named Vengeance or Grief depending on which name suited its wielder, Traveller chose Vengeance.

In Toll the Hounds

After Traveller dispatched a plains bear with Vengeance, the blood that coated the sword's blade boiled, turned black, and flaked off.

Traveller used the sword during his fight with Anomander Rake in Darujhistan. According to Samar Dev, who was watching the fight from afar, she saw Anomander Rake's gaze settle briefly on the sword, and it seemed a sad smile showed itself, in the instant before Traveller attacked.

In Return of the Crimson Guard

Weakened by his encounter with the Thaumaturg, Jhest Golanjar, Traveller struggled with the sword's constant whispers. He experienced weeping, convulsions, and fever. His Thel Akai companion Ereko said the blade had held many names over the ages, including Anger, Rage, and Vengeance. Traveller had chosen Vengeance and the choice "eats at him like acid."

"That is not a blade meant for any human, no matter who. It brings with it the memories of terrible things. Bloodshed, yes. But much worse -- acts of cruelty and soul-corroding anguish."

―Ereko

In Forge of Darkness

Vengeance by Corporal Nobbs

Vengeance was forged at Rake's request by Hust Henarald and, unlike other Hust swords, its voice could only be heard by its owner. Hust forged the sword in a secret place known to few Azathanai that was the site of the first forge and the first fire. To Galar Baras the weapon felt as heavy as an anvil, but in Rake's hand it was as light as a reed. Rake was angered when Mother Dark refused to bless the weapon.

Fan art gallery

Vengeance by Shadaan

Grief by Corporal Nobbs

Vengeance by SimiofDoom

Notes and references

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