Siege of Pale

The Siege of Pale is the Malazan Empire's investment of the Free City of Pale on Genabackis, begun in 1160 Burn's Sleep. The Empire had secured the Moranth as allies four years earlier, historic rivals of Pale who had lost more than one trade war to the city, and their price was an hour of slaughter within the walls should Pale ever fall. What the Malazans did not expect was the floating fortress of Moon's Spawn coming to the city's defence, and with the Tiste Andii, the mercenaries of the Crimson Guard and the warlord Caladan Brood in the field against them, the imperial advance southward stalled. The 2nd Army sat before Pale for three years, and the final assault did not begin until the end of 1163.