Spoiler clearance: Deadhouse Gates

   I’m gonna say something crazy. First time in my life. Here it is.

   The most important character in the Chain of Dogs, isn’t in the Chain of Dogs – it is High Fist Pormqual. Without this King of High House Stupid, there would have been nothing... The fleet would have been allowed to rescue Coltaine just south of Hissar, and that would have been a wrap, boys! No Sekala Crossing and no Vathar Crossing. No fights and battles. No Fall. No slaughtering of the Aren garrison. Zip. Nada. Rien.

   Sometimes it takes a super-moron, to permit a decent story, and give potential heroes the occasion to step up and make a difference. Weird. Glory and faith and self-sacrifice, all thanks to a monumental douchebag!