Reaper's Gale/Chapter 8

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==Realm of Shadow==
Cotillion stands on a rise looking down at a lake and a makeshift camp, which was stolen from another realm by Shadowthrone and his wraiths. The camp is full of strange artifacts and is unoccupied except for some livestock and a handful of survivors of the disaster at the First Throne. The hooded figure of Quick Ben stands by the lake and Cotillion approaches him. Quick Ben asks Cotillion if he has brought the key that would set him free, but Cotillion says that Quick Ben could leave at any time by opening a warren. Quick Ben replies that the realm is wandering, so he does not know where he would end up. Cotillion explains that he and his group have created pathways with fixed exits, but they were stumbled upon and were not their doing. Quick Ben realizes that the House of Shadow has usurped the gate of Kurald Emurlahn and has become a nexus, which is unusual for Azath constructs.
== The Undying Gratitude ==
The ship The Undying Gratitude faces a gale with the cold reek of ice. The First Mate, Skorgen Kaban, makes his way to the pilot station where Captain Shurq Elalle is standing. Despite the harsh weather, Shurq seems unfazed and is held in place by a leather harness. Skorgen is intimidated by Shurq's supernatural demeanor and refers to her as a sea goddess and a glamoured succubus. He expresses concern about the mountains of ice that seem to be closing in on the ship faster than they are, but Shurq is confident that they will make it. Skorgen suggests turning the ship around, but Shurq disagrees as she wants to reach Second Maiden Fort, an independent state, which she finds appealing. She is also curious about the situation and wants to explore further.
The ship approaches a prison island, which is surrounded by ice, maelstroms and heaving bergs. Disembarking, they encounter two women, Pithy and Brevity, who are there to collect the anchoring fee and inspect the ship's cargo. Pithy collects the anchoring fee while Brevity inspects the cargo in the hold. However, Brevity is more interested in speaking to Shurq's first mate, Skorgen Kaban, who she claims to have his lost eye in a jar (which she has purchased). Skorgen denies the eye belonging to him as he had lost an eye of a different color. The conversation between Brevity and Skorgen creates a comical moment as Brevity tries to prove the eye belongs to Skorgen and Skorgen denies it.
== Near the Disc of Concordance ==
Udinaas is observing Seren Pedac cleaning and oiling her sword. The chanting of the Onyx Wizards can be heard in the background, as they are in consultation. Udinaas notes that the Tiste Andii are strange and the blackstone edifice where they live is isolated and gloomy, which he believes contributes to their grim demeanor. He reflects on how their chanting sounds like gibberish, and jokes that he is losing his mind to boredom. Fear Sengar chimes in, telling Udinaas he won't miss his sanity. Udinaas jokingly says that the wizards are probably discussing Fear's execution, as he is their most hated enemy. Seren asks Udinaas to tell his version of an epic hero's tale, which he has re-imagined. He starts by describing the crisis in the lair of the evil ones, where the priorities are mixed and their days are filled with tasks like plaiting nooses. But when the hero arrives, there is chaos and death, leading to a cycle of violence and eventually extinction. He is about to continue when Seren interrupts, saying that Kettle is sleeping and she should be left alone.
== The Disc of Concordance ==
Silchas Ruin, an albino Andii warrior, has entered a meeting of the Onyx Wizards in the uppermost tier of the Disc of Concordance. The wizards, including Ordant Brid, Rin Varalath, Penith Vinandas, Draxos Hulch, and Gestallin Aros, are discussing Silchas' arrival and what he seeks. Silchas reveals to them that the Jaghut's ritual of ice, which the wizards have been struggling to maintain, is failing and the glaciers in the mountains of Bluerose are already migrating. The wizards reveal to Silchas that the balance he speaks of is not the one that matters to them, as the ritual's goal was the freezing of time, of life, and of death. They tell him to look to his kin, mentioning that Menandore, Sister Dawn, recently visited them, but they do not know her whereabouts now. When Silchas asks what Menandore has to do with what he seeks, Rin Varalath angrily tells him that Menandore is the key to balance, and he is an ignorant fool if he does not understand that.
== A Nearby Chamber ==
Silchas Ruin walks into a chamber followed by Clip, the Tiste Andii. Seren Pedac, who is present in the chamber, feels a sudden chill and notices that Clip's eyes are fixed on Fear Sengar, the Tiste Edur. Silchas Ruin explains to Seren that the presence of countless wraiths in the area is due to the Omtose Phellack ritual which has frozen everything in place and captured the ghosts. He reveals that the Onyx Wizards have appointed a new member to guide them to what they seek. Fear Sengar steps forward to assure Clip that he holds no enmity towards the Tiste Andii and seeks their help in finding the soul of Scabandari. Clip mocks Fear's bold promises and mentions that the Letherii and the Tiste Edur are both hunting him (Fear). Seren Pedac feels sick inside and warns Fear not to trust Clip. Clip's response to these pronouncements is to spin the chain around his right hand.
== The Awl'Dan ==
Brohl Handar, is speaking to Atri-Preda Bivatt, about the punitive expedition that they are about to embark on, ostensibly arranged to hunt down and destroy those responsible for slaughtering settlers. Brohl Handar is the Overseer of the expedition and will accompany the Atri-Preda, despite her concerns for his safety. He is confident in the skills of his Arapay warriors, who have faced tougher challenges than the Letherii soldiers. The Overseer is also suspicious of the Atri-Preda's secret meeting with Factor Letur Anict, as the financing of the expedition is being managed by his office, using Edur coin. The Overseer is curious about the nature of the meeting and is interested in seeing Letur Anict's response upon their return. The Atri-Preda merely reiterates her intention to exact necessary punishment against the murderers.
Atri-Preda Bivatt, for her part, is worried about the Tiste Edur warrior at her side, who is naive and going to get himself killed. The Factor's agents are everywhere and assassins are among them. The Factor has informed her that there is a problem with Brohl Handar, an Overseer who is seeking to exceed his responsibilities and has drawn others into his web. This could have fatal repercussions as the Tiste Edur have begun a campaign against the Letherii running the state. The Factor wants Atri-Preda to try to talk Brohl Handar out of accompanying the expedition but she knows she won't be able to. The Factor reminds her that Brohl Handar is engaged in treason and the Patriotists are hunting him. The Factor says the Emperor has been informed and they will be prepared for his return. Atri-Preda does her best to preserve Brohl Handar's life but knows it will be difficult as they face the risks from the Awl and Redmask, who commands them.
== The Awl Camp ==
The final scene opens with Anaster Toc and Redmask discussing poetry and words. Anaster Toc is trying to convince Redmask that words have the power to adapt and change meanings, while Redmask argues that words are often used to deceive people. Anaster Toc and Redmask then discuss the gods worshipped by Anaster's people, the Letherii, and how they worship them despite their lack of power. Redmask is confused by this relationship between the Letherii and their gods. The two then move on to discussing Anaster's experiences as a soldier. Anaster fought in an army devoted to the Lord and Lady of the Wolves, but the force was ultimately defeated. Anaster attributes the defeat not to the wolf gods, but to the betrayal of his employers. Anaster jokes that he hears the sorrowful howls of the wolf gods every now and then, but then says he is now godless. The scene ends with Redmask mentioning that wolves came to the place of the slaughter and took the hearts of the fallen.
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