Terath

Terath, in the early days of the formation of the Malazan Empire, was an officer-trained duellist originally from Unta of Quon Tali. Terath, for some undisclosed reason, had left the city of Unta - which she seemed to miss - and all of her friends and family who still dwelt there. She kept her hair very short in a "brush-cut", and was generally thought to be "very handsome". Unfortunately, her "habitual expression of sour disapproval of everything" could be off-putting to those around her.Kellanved's Reach, Chapter 6, US TPB p.100 Terath sported a long coat of mail, gauntlets on her hands, and twin duelling swords - with worn leather grips - at her sides.Kellanved's Reach, Chapter 1, US TPB p.7-8
==In Kellanved's Reach==
At some point after leaving Unta, Terath joined the mercenary troop of Orjin Samarr.Kellanved's Reach, Dramatis Personae The Untan became the chief of Orjin's trusted inner circle of lieutenants - who also considered themselves to be Orjin's "unofficial bodyguard".Kellanved's Reach, Chapter 4, US TPB p.62 Because Terath was Orjin's second in command, and due to her training as an officer, she felt it to be one of her responsibilities to question Orjin's reasoning and planning - i.e., serving as a devil's advocate for her commander.Kellanved's Reach, Chapter 6, US TPB p.100 Terath was also free with her own opinions, suggestions and feedback when she thought they could be helpful to not only Orjin, but also to the other members of the troop.Kellanved's Reach, Chapter 8, US TPB p.124Kellanved's Reach, Chapter 12, US TPB p.185
Terath and the forces under Orjin's command experienced a variety of fighting with an assortment of enemiesKellanved's Reach, Chapter 8, US TPB p.125-128Kellanved's Reach, Chapter 12, US TPB p.182-183 - as well as much tricky maneuvering to avoid the hostile, dogged pursuit that resulted.Kellanved's Reach, Chapter 12, US TPB p.181/183-186Kellanved's Reach, Chapter 16, US TPB p.243
Orjin's forces made a last drive for the coast and possible escape - which would involve battling straight through the middle of their pursuing enemies. Terath claimed the rearguard for herself and her unit, despite Orjin's wish to take that very risky position for himself. After much fighting back and forth, Terath - pale from loss of blood and mortally wounded - was brought on a stretcher up to the position of the rest of Orjin's forces. Orjin took her icy hand and had to watch helplessly as she died. Orjin's final farewell of Terath included gently closing the eyes of the "Untan swordswoman" and his greatly valued second in command.Kellanved's Reach, Chapter 19, US TPB p.293-295
==Notes and references==
Category:Females
Category:Lieutenants
Category:Quon Talians