Summary

Part One: "Forsaken" starts with Chapter one: "Retvenko," where a man of the same name drinks in a bar. He hates the 'terrible smell of the city, Ketterdam, but has to stay to pay his way out of indentured servitude. After his previous master died, he only needs a couple more sea voyages to return home to Ravka. However, rumors of disappearing Grisha like himself makes him nervous as he heads toward the harbor. He thinks about the war he had served in as he reaches a boat. The first mate says they are waiting on the Council of Tides, who Retvenko thinks are as terrible and greedy as other wealthy councilmen.

As he heads for the harbormaster's office, Retvenko hates how far he has fallen despite his Orisha powers. A clerk tries to talk to him, though Retvenko is certain...