The Tainted Cup

When Vashta asks if the case is over, Ana contends that it’s only “partially” or “possibly” solved (435): They don’t know how or why Jolgalgan committed her murders, nor why the Hazas hid Kaygi’s death. Vashta clarifies that her role is to “protect the Empire […] not deliver justice” (437), and that her focus is thus on the approaching leviathan. Ana asks for an additional week to investigate a potential third collaborator, who helped Jolgalgan start the distraction fire at the Haza party. Vashta gives her permission but cautions that another titan may make this impossible.

Vashta encourages Ana and Din to attend a banquet that evening, held as part of a traditional rite to raise the morale of those going to face the titan. Attacking it while it’s at the point of breach is exceptionally dangerous, but also the only way to “[plug] the gap” (440). Strovi has volunteered for the dangerous task of firing the titan-killing bombard.

Ana connects her theory about a third poisoner to Fayazi’s overheard conversation, also mentioning “a third.” She commands Din to attend the banquet as a reminder that life is more than “ugly, dull things” (443).