The Chronicles of Castellane, #2
The Ragpicker King
by Cassandra Clare
Contents
CHAPTER FIFTEEN — Elsabet
Overview
Elsabet and Seven assess the fallout from Artal’s murder, which Elsabet interprets as a warning from Prosper Beck rather than a sign that the Palace has uncovered their conspiracy. The loss of Artal and the stolen real amulet expose a weakness in Elsabet’s plans, but Elsabet remains focused on consolidating power and eventually restoring Malgasi-style rule.
Elsabet shifts strategy toward Kel, intending to weaponize his secret role in arranging meetings between Anjelica and the Ragpicker King. By planning to expose Kel before Prince Conor and the Charter Families, Elsabet aims to turn Conor’s trust in Kel into a political trap.
Summary
Early on the day the Hierophant is to bless Prince Conor’s marriage, Elsabet meets Seven in the old temple. Seven is anxious because Artal, one of their collaborators, has been murdered despite carrying Elsabet’s protective amulet. Elsabet insists Artal’s death was a message meant for her, not proof that the Palace has discovered their treason.
Elsabet explains that the message came from Prosper Beck, a powerful underworld figure she had hoped to use against the Ragpicker King. Elsabet resents the Ragpicker King’s influence because she does not want any rival power in Castellane beyond her control. Beck resisted her efforts, and Elsabet believes his man killed Artal in retaliation after she had punished one of Beck’s messengers.
Seven worries that Beck’s involvement creates dangerous complications and that Artal’s amulet failed. Elsabet admits Beck must have replaced the real amulet with a false one, which alarms her because one of her family’s trusted possessions is now in hostile hands. Although Elsabet wants Beck destroyed, Elsabet decides she must wait until her own position is stronger.
Elsabet reflects on her ambition to restore Malgasi power and rule like the Sorcerer-Kings of old. She dismisses Castellane’s Charter families as petty local rulers and imagines forcing loyalty once the Belmany dynasty regains its magic and authority.
Because Artal’s death requires a change of plans, Elsabet tells Seven they must watch Liorada and her daughter more closely, but their main priority is removing Kel, the Sword Catcher, from the board. Seven reports that Prince Conor does not know Kel has been arranging meetings between Anjelica Iruvai and the Ragpicker King. Elsabet decides to exploit Conor’s trust in Kel by having Seven gather the Charter Families and Prince Conor, then present proof publicly so Conor will be forced to act.
Who Appears
- ElsabetPlots from the temple, blames Beck for Artal’s death, and targets Kel politically.
- SevenElsabet’s wary accomplice; fears exposure but reports Conor’s ignorance of Kel’s meetings.
- Prosper BeckAbsent underworld power Elsabet believes sent Artal’s death as a hostile message.
- ArtalDead conspirator whose murder and missing true amulet force Elsabet to adjust plans.
- KelThe Sword Catcher; Elsabet wants him removed by exposing his secret arrangements.
- ConorPrince whose trust in Kel is identified as a political vulnerability to exploit.
- Anjelica IruvaiConor’s intended bride; her secret meetings with the Ragpicker King become leverage against Kel.
- Ragpicker KingPowerful underworld ruler whose influence Elsabet resents and wants countered or controlled.