Kalam Mekhar

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Kalam Mekhar is a fictional character in the series Malazan Book of the Fallen by Steven Erikson.


Contents

[edit] Character introduction

Kalam Mekhar starts the series as a Corporal in the 9th squad of the Bridgeburners under Sergeant Whiskeyjack, after being a personal assassin of the Falah'd.


[edit] Explanation of the character's name

The name Mekhar comes from the clan into which Kalam was born. However, he shuns the connection

[edit] Physical description

He is black skinned and has a northern Seven Cities accent.

[edit] Motivations

The character is motivated by a sense of justice, which can be overruled by a desire for revenge. He also has a strong sense of loyalty, demonstrated through his relationships with Whiskeyjack and Quick Ben.

[edit] Goals

Kalam's goals change as the series progresses. His initial goal is to keep the Bridgeburners alive. To accomplish this he must perform the rather distasteful task of aiding the Empress to conquer Darujistan. His goal swiftly changes following the events of Gardens of the Moon and appears to become a desire to escort Sorry/Apsalar home, but the true goal is assassination/confrontation of the Empress to answer her perceived misrule. After this his goals become more complex as he finds himself serving Cotillion, until the point where he himself is confused as to his ultimate goal.

[edit] Conflicts

This character is in conflict with the majority of perceived authority

[edit] Biographical summary

[edit] Prior story

Kalam Mekhar was the personal assassin to a Holy Falah'd. He became part of the Bridgeburners when he was acting as their guide in the pursuit of a 12 fugitives across the Holy Desert of Raraku. One of the fugitives was Quick Ben, whom Kalam was in league with, however after crossing the entire desert Quick Ben was the only fugitive left alive. Both he and Kalam professed loyalty to Whiskeyjack.

At some point after this Kalam was recruited to the Claw, a band of assassins controlled by the Empress. He was promoted to the Leader of a Hand, but later left the claw, being one of a small number of people to leave and live