So, first time posting, so bare with me and any potential blunders.
Thoughts upon completion:
1. Kellhus is far too clever to be gone. Serwa said once that he too is over-matched (or overpowered...don't remember), but unlike everyone else, he simply takes the battle deeper. I think this is significant. "I'm Damned? Got it. I'll just master the Daimos, and go to the place everyone seems to fear so much. Get a lay of the land. Talk to the Gods directly. Sure, they can't SEE the No-God, but a few of them seem to understand there is SOMETHING they can't see. Aha! Ajokli want to talk deals? Well, he's a tricky bastard, so he's gonna screw me over in the end, and I'm going up against at least ONE Dunyain, so I have to figure out SOMETHING..." What did he come up with? Dunno, really, but when we find out it's gonna be awesome, I think. I remember reading somewhere that Bakker would ponder over a single conversation involving Kellhus for weeks sometimes, then finally hit on the cleverest thing possible, and cackle to himsilf, "Oh, that clever BASTARD!" And he has had DECADES to figure out this one. We will be seeing Kellhus again, is some way, shape or form. That leads right into
2. Cnair becoming, or at least being possessed by the Prince of Hate was pretty sweet, though it will complicate Kellhus' master plan, perhaps even ruin it. Correct me if I'm wrong, but Cnair is the only person thus far in the series to surprise Kellhus, right? So if Ajokli took him, or he ascended to become Ajokli, there is a confrontation coming that old K-man maybe ain't ready for.
Survivors of the Ordeal
1. Achamian, Esmenet, Mimara, and baby. Achamian, after receiving a mouthful of dead person ash, just hauls ass and doesn't look back.
2. Kayutas and Serwa. Either with Achamian(I don't think so, but possible), the Mandate Grand Master, or (my crazy theory) they hide in Golgotterath while she regains her strength for the Meta-Gnostic. Hiding where no one could possibly be? Sounds pretty fuckin Dunyain to me.
Predictions for the No-God
1. The Carapace having no Chorae will be the eventual end of the No-God. Having thousands upon thousands of Chorae inside the Whirlwind is pretty intimidating, but no protection on the Carapace itself is a big mistake. I get it, though. Kellhus was supposed to be the No-God, so they had to go, but they need to fix it now. Or it is a future plot point, which is MY point. Hehe...see what I did there?
2. Mimara's Chorae inversion thing will come up again, maybe as she stalks the halls of Golgotterath itself to cleanse it for good. That last part is wishful thinking, but the first part is a certainty. Or maybe she rediscovers the Aporos. That would be cool. My original thought was that only the Aporos had any hope of stopping Kellhus when he eventually turned on everyone, but that went a bit pear-shaped.
3. Some combination of the survivors of the Ordeal I listed above (maybe all?) will serve as the leaders of what's left of civilization in its undoubtedly pathetic attempt to stave of the Second Apocalypse. Esmenet has forces mustered in some random city (I don't remember where) which will be wiped out in the second major defeat at the hands of the No-God, forcing them to seek shelter in the unforgiving arms of High Holy Zeum. But to get there, they're gonna have to trespass on the ground owned by Moenghus and his Scylvendi. That should be fun. Moenghus and Serwa are going to have a Coming-to-Kellhus moment. Probably not gonna be sweet.
Hopes for the No-God. (as in probably not, but here's hoping!)
1. The Nonmen are not done. They still have a trick or two yet to play.
2. Crab hand ends up with Achamian and/or Serwa, and they teach him the Gnosis. He's Dunyain, but not really. I mean, he has only the most basic of his training, but all that potential. A mold-able piece of clay with the ability to still be human (feelings and such), but also capable of the Meta-Gnostic bad-assery that is grandfather wielded. This is a leftover hope that I had held onto from a rehabilitated Kelmomas, and what he could have been. Can you imagine a Dunyain with TWO minds, assisting each other in Meta-Gnostic Cants? Kellhus times 2? It makes me giggle with terror.
3. Meppa assisting the survivors. Assuming he is still alive, which it seemed like he was, who knows what Kellhus said/did to him, so he would be an ultra wild card. Finding out more about the Water and why the Consult wanted it wiped out so badly would be awfully nice, too.
4. Kellhus' talk with Seswatha in the Thousand Fold Thought FINALLY comes to light. I want to know what they talked about SOOO BAD, and if that is what lead to the changes in Achamian's Dreams. And, since I am here, wishing upon the Nail of Heaven, how about we see Seswatha awaken fully within Achamian. The Skin-spy said Chigra burned bright in him, after all. Maybe it was Seswatha's plan all along...a break glass in case of Second Apocalypse situation. He would be both Achamian, but also Seswatha.
5. AND, since I mentioned the Nail of Heaven, how about we find out what's up with that thing, huh?! A piece of the Arc? An enemy of the Arc, responsible for the Arc plummeting to Earwa? R Scott Bakker's imperial visage itself, scowling down upon all of Earwa?
And finally, a question: Anybody care to explain the haloes about Kellhus' hands and head?
Whew! Thanks in advance for reading and (maybe) answering, and even (POSSIBLY) arguing.
