Deadhouse Landing

After a disastrous defeat at Li Heng, Tiste Elder warrior Dancer and his mentor Kellanved flee to the remote island of Malaz. There they begin building something out of nothing: an army, a city, and eventually the foundation of what will become the Malazan Empire. As their forces grow, so does the threat from enemies who have long coveted Kellanved's power — including his former commander Itko Kan, whose relentless pursuit sets the stage for one of the most decisive battles in the series.