Dive into a world of tumultuous family conflict, betrayal, and wild magic, set in a dark age long before established events. This epic saga unravels the tragic origins of legendary figures and pivotal moments. Witness the intertwined destinies of powerful characters as they forge weapons and shape the fate of realms. It's a story of ambition, the corrupting nature of power, and the devastating consequences of ancient feuds.
It's a conflicted time in Kurald Galain, the realm of Darkness, where Mother Dark reigns. But this ancient land was once home to many a power, and even death is not quite eternal. The commoners' great hero, Vatha Urusander, is being promoted by his followers to take Mother Dark's hand in marriage, but her Consort, Lord Draconus, stands in the way of such ambitions. The impending clash sends fissures throughout the realm, and as the rumors of civil war burn through the masses, an ancient power emerges from the long dead seas. Caught in the middle of it all are the First Sons of Darkness, Anomander, Andarist, and Silchas Ruin of the Purake Hold.
Before the Malazan Empire, there was a time that set the stage for all those
tales yet to be told ...The winter is bitter. Civil war threatens Kurald
Galain for the warrior Urusander's army has begun its march on the city of
Kharkanas. Led by the ruthless Hunn Raal, it intends to cast aside Mother
Dark's consort, Draconus, and set Urusander himself on the throne beside the
Living Goddess. Those who would stand in the way of the rebels lie scattered
and weakened - leaderless since Anomander went in search of an estranged
brother. In his stead, Silchas Ruin resolves to gather the Houseblades of the
Highborn families to him, and to resurrect the legendary Hust Legion, but time
is not on his side. Far to the west, an unlikely army musters. It seeks an
enemy without form, in a place none can find. And yet Hood's call has been
heard and the long-abandoned city of Omtose Phellack is now home to a rabble
of new arrivals: Dog-Runners from the south, Jheck warriors, and blue-skinned
strangers from across the Western Sea have come to offer Hood their swords.
From the distant mountains and isolated valleys of the North, Thel Akai arrive
to pledge themselves in this seemingly impossible war.Soon, they will set
forth with weapons drawn under the banners of the living in pursuit of Death
itself. Such events presage chaos, and now magic bleeds into this realm.
Unconstrained, mysterious and savage, it begins to run loose and wild and
following its scent, seeking the places of wounding and hurt - new and ancient
entities gather. In a world becoming rotten with sorcery, can honour truly
exist?
