“ | Rising early. Of course. The second greatest virtue. It comes just behind ruthlessness. | ” |
The Hero's Welcome is the thirty-ninth chapter in Before They Are Hanged.
Chapter Summary[]
Glokta arrives back in Adua greeted only by the pouring rain, after all the blistering heat of the South. Rather than going directly to the Arch Lector, he first pays a visit on Ardee West. With no answer at the door, Glokta enters to find the apartment completely empty of furniture. Walking from room to room he finds nothing, excepting Ardee herself sitting forlornly at the window in a simple dress. Ardee explains that her father was in debt, and a man named Fallow came to collect. Glokta insists she come home with him for the night, and tomorrow all will be fixed. As Ardee walks ahead, Glokta pulls Frost aside and orders him to find Fallow and explain to him who he has offended.
Now, Glokta heads to the House of Questions to meet with Sult. Expecting an angry, if not deadly reception, Glokta is surprised to find Sult pleased, asserting his efforts in Dagoska succeeded beyond any expectation. Dagoska was always going to fall, but by delaying the inevitable for months, Sult was able to undermine High Justice Marovia and gain more influence on the Closed Council. Not to mention, Magister Eider’s treason has given Sult leave to dissolve the Guild of Spicers, adding their trade rights to the Inquisition’s coffers, along with those of the Mercers. Sult sends Glokta away, praising the Inquisitor’s work as his finest yet.1
Back at Ardee's home, Glokta finds things much changed; the house is full of expensive, if not gaudy, new furniture. Glokta gives Ardee an opportunity to pay Fallow back, and she does so with gusto, having Fallow kneel and subsequently kicking him several times in the face and body until he crawls away. When they’re alone, Glokta asks Ardee for news about Collem, and is shocked to learn that Collem has been reported missing and presumed dead along with Prince Ladisla.
Characters[]
Locations[]
Adua | The Union | House of Questions | Dagoska | Closed Council | Guild of Spicers |
Guild of Mercers | Inquisition |
References[]
- So Dagoska was just a pawn that Sult was willing to sacrifice to improve his position on the board with Marovia.