Gardens of the Moon: Prologue

1154th Year of Burn’s Sleep

96th Year of the Malazan Empire

The Last Year of Emperor Kellanved’s Reign

Setting: Malaz City

Summary

Ganoes Stabro Paran stands at Mock’s Hold, above the poor Mouse Quarter. He aspires to be a soldier, “a hero” and meets a young commander (Whiskeyjack) in the Third Army. He identifies Whiskeyjack as one of the Bridgeburners, an elite unit. Paran questions Whiskeyjack about Dassem Ultor, the First Sword of Empire who is rumoured to be dead in Seven Cities after betraying a god. Whiskeyjack attempts to discourage Paran from becoming soldier. Another Bridgeburner arrives (Fiddler) and reveals that someone named Surly who is apparently leading a coup against the missing Emperor is taking a new Napan name “Laseen”, which means “Thronemaster”.

Surly arrives with two Claw (Assassin cult) bodyguards and instructs Whiskeyjack to send Dujek out into the city to contain fires. Paran feels a shiver upon seeing the Claw; while Whiskeyjack speaks to Surly without any apparent fear, for the Claw leader. Surly and her bodyguards leave and Paran again states his desire to be a soldier. Again Whiskeyjack tries to discourage him, and in doing so, reminds Paran of his father.