Dust of Dreams/Chapter 19

Epigraph

In the midst of fleeing the unseen enemy I heard the hollow horrors of the wretched caught We collected our gasps to make ourselves a song Let the last steps be a dance! Before the spears strike and the swords slash We'll run with torches and write the night with glutted indulgences Our precious garlands bold laughter to drown the slaughter in the stables of the lame and poor Entwine hands and pitch skyward! None will hear the dread groans of the suffering nor brush with tips glistening sorrow'd cheeks on stilled faces below Let us flee in mad joy— the unseen enemy draws near behind and ahead and none will muster to this harbinger call for as long as we are able to run these perfect circles confound the fates all you clever killers! I am with you! Unseen Enemy Eflit Tarn

Errastas, Sechul Lath and Kilmandaros are briefly toppled by the noisy arrival of Draconus. On recovering they realise that the release of Draconus from Dragnipur implies that Anomander Rake is dead. Errastas and Sechul depart to investigate. Mael then arrives and discusses the situation with Kilmandaros. He suggests that Draconus wishes to precipitate a crisis that will finally resolve the situation with the Crippled God.

The Snake approaches a city of crystal. Badalle suspects, correctly, that one of the children, Brayderal, is a disguised Quitter.

Of the twelve Forkrul Assail Adjudicators and Inquisitors who set out to follow the Snake only four survive, and they are in poor condition; the hunger and disease that has killed so many children has affected them too. They see ahead the city that they cannot enter, so they attempt to kill the children before they arrive, using their power of voice. Badalle manages to turn their power back against them, and they retreat.

Onos T'oolan encounters a thousand T'lan Imass. They had originally believed that he was their summoner, but now realised he was not. He warns them that he seeks Olar Ethil to confront her as being the cause of his resurrection. Despite this they wish to follow him.

The Adepts of the Bonehunters are gradually recovering from the sudden return of Draconus. Quick Ben is particularly concerned; Draconus is trying to contact him.

Ublala Pung meets Draconus. They travel east together.