“ | The resemblance to the statue on the Kingsway was suddenly much increased. There, now, was the frown of command, the sneer of contempt, the threat of terrible anger. | ” |
Questions is the twenty-sixth chapter in The Blade Itself.
Chapter Summary[]
Practical Severard interrupts Glokta’s breakfast, with news that Bayaz and his companions were victims of a break-in. He also updates Glokta on Logen’s wanderings, including his chat with Ardee. However, Glokta seems oddly protective of the girl. As the discussion continues, Severard bemoans their dropping of the lucrative Mercers case. It’s a sentiment Glokta shares. He orders Severard to discretely ask around about Valint & Balk.
Glokta takes the opportunity to meet the First of the Magi. Naturally, because the world conspires against Glokta, their chambers are high up in the Tower of Chains. Glokta makes it to the Magi’s rooms, with only his pride to keep him from showing his exhaustion and pain. Glokta is greeted by Malacus Quai amid the destruction of the room, whom he dismisses as an unimpressive-looking young fraud. The apprentice directs him to Logen, who recounts the night’s events. Glokta finds Logen strangely thoughtful1, as he provides a plethora of confusing information: the intruder brought a terrible cold with her despite the hot night; that Bayaz and his Art caused the damage; that Logen can speak with Spirits; and was once Bethod’s champion.
The conversation is interrupted by Bayaz, who barely resembles the statue on the Kingsway. Glokta first requests a demonstration of magic, which Bayaz dismisses. Then, he openly accuses Bayaz of falsifying his claim as First of the Magi. Bayaz initially becomes angry, which gives him a stony air of command far more reminiscent of the First of the Magi. However, Bayaz soon softens, impressed that Glokta is at least honest, and dares him to prove his theory. Glokta leaves, committed to doing just that.
Character[]
Introduced | Appeared | Mentioned |
---|---|---|
Sand dan Glokta | Icy Apparition | |
Practical Severard | Ardee West | |
Bayaz | Bethod | |
Logen Ninefingers | ||
Malacus Quai |
Locations and Terms[]
Adua | The Union | Guild of Mercers | Valint & Balk | Order of the Magi | Tower of Chains |
High Art | Magic | Kingsway | Spirits |
References[]
- Where others, like Jezal, see Logen only as a brute and are impressed by Bayaz’s fine wizarding garb, Glokta is incredibly savvy about the people around him.