Então, depois que eu terminei de ler "O Retorno da Guarda Crimson" de Ian C. Esslemont, eu posso responder parcialmente a minha pergunta por conta própria. Spoilers pesados à frente:
The state of the empire and the fate of Laseen is revealed in this book: Many provinces rebel against the empire and one of the most dangerous parties are, as the title of the book implies, the Crimson Guard. In the end Laseen gets killed, Mallick Rel takes over and puts the First Sword Korbolo Dom into prison as he didn't stay at the front line during the battle.
Talvez o destino de outros personagens amados ou odiados seja revelado em livros posteriores de Esslemont. Agora estou lendo "Stonewielder", que aparece logo após "Return of the Crimson Guard".
I still hope Mallick gets what he deserves for his betrayal of the Wickans...