The Blade Itself

Jezal and West spar again, and this time, Jezal gets the better of his opponent. His diligence pays off, and Varuz at last sees hope in his pupil. As West prepares to leave, he warns Jezal to stay away from Ardee, and Jezal grudgingly consents.

West then meets with Lord Marshall Burr, who reports that their outposts in the North have been destroyed. Bethod is running roughshod over Angland, and the Union’s response is sluggish at best. With the recent dissolution of the Mercers, there are now fewer noblemen to fund the war effort. Burr appoints West to his senior staff because the officer knows the North country. West is concerned that his “common blood” will undermine his authority among the officers of noble lineage, but Burr brushes aside his concerns. West also fears that the war will be devastating but hopes that this new appointment will greatly benefit his military career.

Logen and Bayaz sail to Adua, the “city of white towers” (248) and the urban center of Angland. Adua seems beautiful but is corrupt and fractious behind its high walls. They disembark, and the crush of people on the docks makes Logen claustrophobic.