“ | Because you’re a ruthless, plotting, bitter, twisted, self-pitying villain? | ” |
The Day Of Judgement is the forty-fourth chapter in Last Argument of Kings.1
Chapter Summary[]
On the day of battle, Lord Marshal West observes Adua through his eye-glass, waiting for word that all his forces are prepared, before ordering the attack. Suddenly, there’s a disturbance in General Poulder’s lines. Having been frustrated by the harsh terrain in The North, Poulder has been unable to resist ordering one of his fabled cavalry charges. West can do naught but order the attack all across the lines. The battle for Adua has begun.
Inside the Agriont, King Jezal and his advisers watch the Gurkish overrun the inner city like a swarm of ants. Jezal would ride forth into the Gurkish horde, but Varuz and Marovia won’t allow it. The Agriont’s gates are sealed and to open them would be to invite the death to all those within it. Curiously, the King notices that Marovia’s eyes are now different colours.2 All seems lost until someone spots movement to the east. It’s Poulder’s cavalry charge. They’re saved… maybe.
To the northeast, Logen’s Northmen begin their own charge, but without menace. It’s hardly a charge at all. Logen tries to rile them up, but Red Hat expresses all his men’s resentment at fighting in a war that means nothing to them. Logen demonstrates his leadership style by headbutting him and turns his Bloody-Nine glare on the rest, daring anyone to challenge him. Soon enough they're formed up, with fire in their step. They charge the Gurkish positions, doing more damage with their appearance of ferocity than with their blades, and the Gurkish flee.
Meanwhile beneath Adua, Glokta and his miscreant band are guided through the sewers by Brother Longfoot. Glokta and Ardee banter back and forth as Glokta comes to grips with the betrayal of his most trusted aides. Ardee assures him it has everything to do with his personality.
Finally, Ferro and Bayaz wait together in the Square of Marshals, its entire expanse covered in a complicated metal pattern, which is concealed by a layer of sawdust. At Ferro’s feet sits the Marker’s box with The Seed inside. Bayaz awaits for The Hundred Words to arrive to spring his trap, feigning a confidence Ferro knows is false.
Characters[]
Locations and Terms[]
Adua | The Union | First Northern War | The North | The Gurkish Empire | Agriont |
Northmen | Square of Marshals | Dark Metal Box | The Seed | The Hundred Words |
References[]
- Abercrombie's writing truly shines in his battle scenes. The battles are the most gritty, chaotic, and exciting that you'll ever read. Abercrombie gives us multiple POVs in one chapter, which helps convey the chaos and confusion of the battle.
- The King notices Marovia’s eyes, which are different colours. Marovia is not our first character to suffer from this odd affliction; remembering The Tanner.