Summary

In Chapter 28, Jude takes Cardan to his room, sending for Bomb or an alchemist. Cardan is not surprised that he has been poisoned and knows Balekin is responsible. Jude and Cardan have a lengthy conversation about their mothers as a means of keeping Cardan awake. He admits to feeling “fondness” toward his mother. He throws up, and the Bomb arrives with clay that she says will help draw out some of the poison. She also has a message for Jude from Balekin, who offers to trade an antidote for the crown. The Bomb fears that Cardan will die without the antidote. Jude goes to meet Balekin. Cardan uses the Bomb's true name, Liliver, and commands her to go with Jude.

Jude meets Balekin and says the crows is nearby, but she refuses to hand it over without proof the antidote works. She...