Ian Cameron Esslemont - Stonewielder (Book 3 of the Malazan Empire)

Also by Ian C. Esslemont

NIGHT OF KNIVES
RETURN OF THE CRIMSON GUARD

For more information on Ian C. Esslemont and his books,
see his website at www.malazanempire.com

A NOVEL OF THE MALAZAN
EMPIRE

Ian C. Esslemont

This eBook is copyright material and must not be copied, reproduced, transferred, distributed, leased, licensed or publicly performed or used in any way except as specifically permitted in writing by the publishers, as allowed under the terms and conditions under which it was purchased or as strictly permitted by applicable copyright law. Any unauthorised distribution or use of this text may be a direct infringement of the authors and publishers rights and those responsible may be liable in law accordingly.

Version 1.0

Epub ISBN 9781407084107

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Published in Great Britain in 2010 by Bantam Press an imprint of Transworld Publishers. A 300-copy slipcased two-volume signed edition is available from PS Publishing.

Copyright Ian Cameron Esslemont 2010

Ian Cameron Esslemont has asserted his right under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 to be identified as the author of this work.

This book is a work of fiction and, except in the case of historical fact, any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

A CIP catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library.

ISBNs 9780593064443 (cased)
9780593064450 (tpb)

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To Gerri
with love

Greatest gratitude to Gerri for her unswerving support. Thanks to Derick Burleson for graciously allowing me to adapt one of his pieces to this setting. I would also like to acknowledge the fans of the World of Malaz, its readers, and those active on its online forums. Your energy and enthusiasm keep Steve and me inspired.

Of the Malazan Expeditionary Force

Malazan 17th Squad, 4th Company, 2nd Division, Fourth Army

Others

Of the Malazan Sixth Army

On the Stormwall

In the Kingdom of Rool

Of the Jourilan Army of Reform

Of the Crimson Guard

Blues

Fingers

Lazar

Shell

The Synod of Stygg

Totsin Jurth the Third

Brother Carfin

Sister Gosh

Sister Esa

Sister Nebras

Brother Jool

In the Shadow Realm

Of the Sea-Folk

The Elder Age
Height of the Jacaruku Crusades
The Many Isles

U LI KNEW IT FOR A BAD OMEN THE MOMENT HE SAW IT. HED been readying his nets for the pre-dawn fishing when the unnatural green and blue aura bruised the sky. It appeared out of the lightening east and swelled, becoming more bloated with every passing moment. The bay was choppy as if as agitated as he, and hed been reluctant to push his shallow boat out into the waves. But his family had to eat, and cramped stomachs belch no end of complaints.

Through the first of the mornings casts he kept his face averted from the thing where it hung in the discoloured sky, blazing like the baleful eye of some god. The catch that morning was poor: either his distraction, or the fish fleeing the apparition. In either case he decided to abandon the effort as cursed, threw his net to the bottom of the craft, and began paddling for shore. The blue-green eye now dazzled brighter than the sun; he shaded his gaze from the points of alien light glimmering on the waves. He paddled faster.