Contents
18. Pigdenay
Overview
Kinch, Galva, and Norrigal reach Pigdenay, where Kinch recalls his Low School past and foreshadows meeting an assassin. Norrigal fails to sell Hornhead’s head to the duke’s men but unloads it to a carnival. The trio turns to securing a westbound ship, wary of predatory crews.
Summary
The travelers arrive at Pigdenay, a rough seaport of smithies, warships, and filth. Kinch offers a sardonic prayer for a ship to take them west, while Galva pushes for lodging and a bath. They enter through the east gate among carts, beggars, and a sea-god procession, moving toward the harbor.
Passing the Greenglass Library, Kinch reflects on his years at the Low School in Pigdenay and on a near-fatal brush with a trainee assassin. He describes the Killers Wing’s methods and admits assassins terrify him, pointedly foreshadowing that he is about to meet one not sent to kill him—at least not yet.
The group tries to monetize their victory over Hornhead. Norrigal attempts to sell the brigand’s head to the duke’s men, who dismiss its value and disdain head-sellers. Pivoting quickly, they find a buyer among carnival folk, who prize curiosities and possess sharper knowledge than soldiers.
With coin in hand and no official bounty forthcoming, their focus shifts back to the larger goal: finding an affordable westbound ship whose crew won’t rob, enslave, or worse. As they work the harbor, Kinch’s unease about assassins hangs over their search, hinting at complications to come.
Who Appears
- KinchNarrator; returns to Pigdenay, recalls Low School training, foreshadows meeting an assassin, and seeks a safe westbound ship.
- NorrigalTries to sell Hornhead’s head; rejected by duke’s men, succeeds with carnival buyers; joins the search for a ship.
- Galva (the Spanth)Leads the group into Pigdenay, prioritizes lodging and a bath; continues the push to secure passage west.
- Bully BoyKinch’s cat, comfortably back in the pack; a small, constant companion during the city arrival.
- Assassin (anticipated)Not yet encountered; Kinch expects to meet one in Pigdenay, recalling past brushes with the Low School’s killers.
- Duke’s men of PigdenayRefuse to buy Hornhead’s head, dismissing head-sellers and showing little knowledge of the outlaw.
- Carnival folkPurchase Hornhead’s head as a curiosity, proving savvier than soldiers about such trophies.
- Murder-birdA predatory bird resting on Galva’s chest as they approach Pigdenay; silent presence during arrival.