Rereading the series and I had somehow forgotten about the true MVPs of Deadhouse Gates "*The trembling of the mare’s legs increased, making them almost blurry to Fiddler’s eyes, but the animal did not run, stepping only to interpose herself between the sapper and whatever was coming. The gesture rent the man's heart. 
'Dammit, beast,' he rasped. 'Get out of here!'*"

The horses! Duiker's horse saving his life, and later running back to Aren. Kalam's horse diving of that boat. And especially Fiddler's mare, who at this point takes the top spot as the most proud and badass beast in the series. Until I rediscover all the other animals I have forgotten, at least.