SFF Readalongs led by Kitty G discussion

This is the thread for Chapter 21 & 22 of Reaper's Gale. I hope you're all enjoying it so far, let us know all your thoughts :) (but no spoilers for later parts of the book please!)

Very close to the closing scenes!
What are you hoping will happen?
Anyone you want to die/live?
What would be the best ending right now?
What questions do you have?

Two solid chapters of Malazan marines awesomeness. These guys (and gals) are really, really tough, brutal and completely badass!

The one scene that completely cracked me up was Hellian pulling her shield up and found that it was the lid of an ale cask. 'Hey, I wasn't issued this.' LOL!!!

And then.. THAT SCENE.. Beak, oh Beak! And what Fiddler did with the Edurs. That was one of the most powerfully emotional scenes in the Malazan novels to date. Such a sad, yet appropriate, sacrifice from Beak and how amazing is it that Hood personally met him. Trust Beak to view Hood's gate as white and pure. And when Hood said he is waiting for someone else - I already had a very strong inkling who it will be.

TOC!!!! Erikson, you're killing me here - this is a BOGOF that I didn't need, thank you very much! Another sacrifice which was made even more poignant when Tool showed up with the Barghast.

*sadness* so many sacrifices... Beak, Toc... I have no words. Loved this bit!

I also agree that it was awesome seeing Hood meet Beak. I really did love Beak and his innocence and the way we heard his backstory, it was a moment of some real, frank sadness!