Chapter 44

At Eidolon’s gate, a mimicrow summons Zevander to King Sagaerin. Zevander departs, distancing himself from Maevyth despite their growing tension. In Costelwick, he finds preparations for Princess Calisza’s Becoming and meets the king, who fears public unrest and insists Dorjan perform the Initios. Zevander agrees to covertly guard the prince.

Disguised in guard armor, Zevander escorts Dorjan to Hemlock Square. As Dorjan begins the ceremony, a hidden assailant fires a bolt that misses by inches. Chants of “Cadavros lives” swell as hooded villagers attack. Zevander orders Dorjan’s retreat, then summons a giant scorpion to scatter the mob and escort the carriage through blocked streets.

Back at the castle, Dorjan condemns Sagaerin’s cruelty toward the starving poor. Sagaerin frets over humiliation and reserves of vivicantem; Zevander coolly suggests charity, further losing respect for the king.

Seeking information, Zevander visits Black Salt Tavern and speaks with Oswin, who reports rumors of Cadavros’s prophesied return and sablefyre promised to Nilivir. Oswin also mentions a new sexsell murder. Zevander spots Gavroche dosing a patron with Dindleweed to steer business to Madame Lazarine’s brothel.

Zevander confronts Gavroche, learns the murdered sexsell likely died by Flammapul, and recruits the boy as eyes and ears in The Hovel and brothels—paying him with a vial of vivicantem and warning that sablefyre will not save the powerless.