Magi political elections are imminent, and the factions are in need of a pawn. If con man Locke Lamora agrees to play the role, sorcery will be used to purge a deadly venom from his body, though the process will be so excruciating he may well wish for death. Locke is opposed, but two factors cause his will to crumble: the imploring of his friend, Gentleman Bastard Jean Tannen, and the Bondsmage's mention of a woman from Locke's past: Sabetha.
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