Six of Crows, #2
Crooked Kingdom
by Leigh Bardugo
Contents
10. Jesper
Overview
Jesper’s part in Kaz’s escape plan succeeds at first: fireworks, Mister Crimson decoys, and canal mines create enough chaos for the crew to scatter after Inej’s rescue. The plan is overwhelmed by a new, unrelated assault when Shu attackers bomb Grisha-linked pleasure houses and abduct Danil Markov.
The chapter shifts the danger from Van Eck’s trap to an international hunt for Grisha, revealing enemies with winged technology, metal-reinforced bodies, and the ability to track Nina. Jesper, Wylan, Matthias, and Nina barely survive, with Nina killing one attacker and Jesper recognizing that his own Grisha identity may make him a target.
Summary
From a rooftop position, Jesper carries out Kaz’s plan during the hostage exchange. Before Inej is freed, Jesper keeps Van Eck in his rifle sights while Nina serves as the first defense for Inej. Kaz had warned that Van Eck would act only after Alys was safe, so the crew prepared multiple escape routes and distractions.
When Kaz signals by raising his cane and then goes over the bridge railing with Inej, Jesper launches Wylan’s fireworks. The display summons the Mister Crimson decoys recruited by Nina and Matthias, flooding Goedmedbridge with costumed revelers and fake coins. Matthias launches a second set of fireworks to cover Wylan’s canal mines, which erupt on time and create cover for Kaz and Inej’s escape.
Jesper and Nina leave their post and move through the crowd, spotting Matthias and Wylan making their way off the Stave. As the crew prepares to split up and return to Black Veil after sunset, Jesper feels the pull of gambling on East Stave and avoids thinking about facing his father. Before Jesper can act on that impulse, a massive unexpected explosion hurls him and Nina to the ground.
The blast tears open the House of the White Rose, where Nina once worked, and a second explosion strikes the Anvil. Nina realizes the attacks are aimed at Grisha brothels and identifies Danil Markov, an Inferni from the Anvil, being carried away by a winged Shu attacker. When more Shu emerge, including a huge man and woman with unnatural resilience, Nina concludes they are hunting Grisha and looking for her.
Matthias orders the crew to mask themselves and flee, but one of the Shu appears to scent them and gives chase. Jesper shoots a winged attacker, but bullets do not stop him; Wylan saves Jesper by striking the flyer with a violet-flame device. The crew runs into an alley, but the Shu woman traps Nina in a silver net and drags her back with impossible strength.
Because bullets barely affect the Shu and Wylan notices metal beneath their skin, the crew cannot overpower the attacker. Nina orders the others to release the net, lets herself be pulled close, and kills the Shu woman by firing Jesper’s revolver into her eye socket. The crew escapes, and Jesper realizes the Shu threat to Grisha extends not only to Nina but possibly to himself.
Who Appears
- Jesper FaheyPOV character; executes Kaz’s signals, fights Shu attackers, and fears being hunted as Grisha.
- Nina ZenikRecognizes attacks on Grisha houses, is targeted by Shu hunters, and kills one attacker.
- Wylan Van EckSupplies fireworks, mines, and bombs; saves Jesper by burning a winged Shu attacker.
- Matthias HelvarHelps manage decoys, protects Nina, and urges the crew toward safety.
- Danil MarkovInferni from the Anvil; abducted by a winged Shu attacker during the bombing.
- Shu attackersWinged and metal-reinforced hunters who bomb Grisha targets and pursue Nina’s group.
- Kaz BrekkerHis escape plan frames the chapter; his signal triggers Jesper’s fireworks distraction.
- Inej GhafaEscapes with Kaz after the exchange, relying on the crew’s distractions for cover.