“ | Here you are referred to as — and not my choice of words, you understand — an "accomplice". Here as the "prime beneficiary" of a most unsavoury smuggling operation. And here, you will note — and I almost blush to mention it — your name and the word "treason" appear in close proximity. | ” |
The Poison Trade is the first chapter in Last Argument of Kings.
Chapter Summary[]
Glokta waits to see Lord Ingelstad, a member of the Open Council. When he finally arrives, the torturer announces he is here on behalf of Arch Lector Sult, who wants Lord Ingelstad’s vote on who will be king. Ingelstad insists that he is unimpeachable and will support the best candidate. Glokta grimaces because of what will come, and threatens to expose the man as complicit with the traitorous Mercers. Unfortunately for the Arch Lector, High Justice Marovia has already threatened Ingelstad with the same fate. Undeterred, Glokta continues by saying that not only he but his daughters will be taken to prison. Ingelstad wilts, and agrees.
However, back at the Arch Lector’s office, Glokta cannot confirm whether Ingelstad will ultimately side with the Inquisition or the High Justice. Lord Brock is currently leading with fifty votes, with Isher not far behind, followed by Skald and Barezin both on thirty votes. Sult sits at twenty-five votes and Marovia with eighteen. When Goyle suggests seeking help from their friend at the University1, Sult hisses him to silence, and orders the pair back to work, harassing the Lords of the realm. He needs more votes.2
Characters[]
Introduced | Appeared | Mentioned | |
---|---|---|---|
Lord Ingelstad | Sand dan Glokta | High Justice Marovia | Lord Governor Skald |
Arch Lector Sult | Harlen Morrow | Lord Barezin | |
Superior Goyle | Lord Brock | The Tanner | |
Lord Isher |
Locations and Terms[]
Adua | The Union | High King of the Union | Guild of Mercers | Inquisition | Open Council | University |
References[]
- Goyle's comment about friends in the University is one of the more obvious hints that Sult is up to something at the University.
- There is also an almost throwaway foreshadowing of the troublesome peasant rebellion led by the Tanner.