One of the central parts of the story focuses around a long military campaign across the length of the continent, as a retreating army tries to save civilians. One of the primary characters is the imperial historian, an old former soldier, that had been commissioned as historian by the former Emperor Kellenved.

Kellenved had interesting ideas about legacy, history, and the importance of perspective. That quote, which is being remembered by the historian, is paired by other statements about war and history. Something to the effect... "All you need to know is that children are dying."

Another character, also a historian, was banished for writing a history that wasn't approved of by the new Empress.

There is a lot of interplay of ideas, stretched over a very well created military campaign that is shown in a somewhat 'realistic' and honest light. There is no real glory in war. Everyone loses something. That is also a real story behind history.

Deadhouse Gates is my personal favorite of the series, though most rank it's sequel, Memories of Ice, to be equal or somewhat better. Both are remarkable books that Erikson is never quite able to duplicate in full, the Midnight Tides comes close even though it's a very different type of story.