
Emperor of Thorns (The Broken Empire, Book 3)
Chapter 45
by Mark, Lawrence,The chapter opens with the protagonist, Jorg, anticipating an attack from papal guards after killing the Pope. He taunts them, drawing his sword Gog, while Captain Devers of the Gilden Guard attempts to intervene. A chaotic battle ensues as the papal guards and even the Pope’s bearers turn on Jorg, but the Gilden Guard swiftly overpower them. The confrontation ends with Jorg asserting his dominance, claiming the Pope’s death was justified retaliation for her actions against his son. He coldly instructs Devers to cover up the incident, framing it as an attack by a mythical lichkin to avoid political fallout.
Jorg then outlines his ruthless political strategy, threatening massive retaliation if his demands are not met. He warns that failure to crown him emperor will lead to a devastating war against Roma, leveraging the Gilden Guard’s disdain for the Church to ensure their compliance. His ally Makin expresses skepticism about the feasibility of suppressing such a high-profile assassination, but Jorg dismisses his concerns, confident that the isolated location and lack of witnesses will prevent accusations from gaining traction. His tone is calculating, blending threats with pragmatic solutions to consolidate power.
The scene shifts to Jorg’s confrontation with Kent, a loyal but devout follower conflicted by the Pope’s murder. Jorg challenges Kent’s faith, urging him to act on his instincts and strike him down if he deems it morally necessary. Kent refuses, reaffirming his loyalty despite his inner turmoil. This moment reveals Jorg’s willingness to face consequences for his actions, even as he manipulates those around him to serve his ambitions. The exchange underscores the tension between Jorg’s ruthless pragmatism and Kent’s newfound religious convictions.
The chapter concludes with Jorg returning to his companions, who react with shock and horror at his bloodstained appearance. His wife, Miana, and others question his actions, but Jorg remains unrepentant, framing the Pope’s death as a necessary step to liberate the empire from the Church’s oppressive influence. His defiant justification highlights his unshakable resolve and sets the stage for the political upheaval to come, leaving the reader with a sense of impending conflict and moral ambiguity.
FAQs
1. What was Jorg’s justification for killing the Pope, and how does this reflect his worldview?
Answer:
Jorg justifies killing the Pope by claiming, “She killed herself when she went after my son.” This statement reveals his ruthless pragmatism and tendency to shift blame—he frames the act as retribution rather than aggression. His subsequent remarks about the Church’s corruption (“Has the hand of Roma supported the people of this empire or choked them?”) further show his disdain for institutional power and his belief in decisive, violent action to reshape systems. Jorg’s worldview prioritizes personal loyalty (e.g., protecting his family) over abstract morality or tradition, as seen when he dismisses theological debates about the killing’s morality.2. How does Jorg manipulate Captain Devers and the Gilden Guard after the attack? What strategic advantage does this give him?
Answer:
Jorg leverages the Gilden Guard’s resentment toward the Church (“the guard despised anything that smacked of Roma’s influence”) to orchestrate a cover-up. He pressures Devers to report that the Pope and her guards were killed by a lichkin, threatening war if his version isn’t accepted: “cover-up or bloodbath.” This manipulation ensures no immediate retaliation from Rome and secures his path to the imperial crown. By eliminating witnesses and framing the incident as a monster attack, Jorg gains political deniability while reinforcing fear of his ruthlessness—a tactic that deters opposition and consolidates power.3. Analyze the significance of Jorg’s interaction with Kent. What does it reveal about both characters?
Answer:
Jorg’s challenge to Kent—”if I need to die for my crimes—be the one to strike me down”—tests Kent’s newfound religious faith and loyalty. Kent’s refusal (“We’re in this to the end”) highlights his conflicted morality: he clings to his faith but prioritizes brotherhood over divine justice. For Jorg, this moment exposes a rare vulnerability; his admission that he “meant every word” suggests a latent desire for redemption or punishment, though he masks it with cynicism. Their exchange underscores the tension between Jorg’s nihilism and Kent’s search for meaning amid violence.4. Why does Jorg dismiss the risk of rumors about the Pope’s death, and how does this align with his broader tactics?
Answer:
Jorg claims “rumours are fine” because they amplify his intimidating reputation without formal accusations. He contrasts this with “charges,” which would force open conflict. This reflects his preference for psychological warfare over conventional diplomacy—he uses uncertainty to manipulate factions (e.g., the Gilden Guard) while maintaining plausible deniability. Historically, Jorg thrives in chaos; by controlling the narrative (“no surviving witnesses”), he turns instability to his advantage, ensuring rivals hesitate to act while he consolidates power. The tactic mirrors his earlier exploits, where ambiguity serves as both shield and weapon.5. How does the chapter’s closing scene with Miana and Katherine reinforce the consequences of Jorg’s actions?
Answer:
The witnesses’ “cold mix of horror and disgust” underscores the moral cost of Jorg’s ruthlessness. Miana’s tentative step toward him—despite his bloodstained state—hints at her conflicted loyalty, while Katherine’s stunned repetition (“You killed her”) emphasizes the gravity of killing a religious leader. Jorg’s deflection (“The how of it is a matter for discussion”) contrasts with their visceral reactions, highlighting his emotional detachment. This moment foreshadows future tensions: his allies may tolerate his violence for practical gains, but their revulsion suggests erosion of trust, a vulnerability in his quest for power.
Quotes
1. “‘She killed herself when she went after my son.’ I lay back against the sedan’s wooden wall, relaxing in Makin’s grip.”
This quote captures Jorg’s ruthless justification for killing the Pope, framing it as self-defense after she threatened his family. It reveals his twisted moral logic and unshakable confidence even when confronted about his actions.
2. “‘Anything that happens without witnesses never really happened at all.’”
A chilling statement of Jorg’s philosophy of power and perception. This quote underscores his belief that reality is malleable to those with enough authority to control narratives, a central theme in his rise to power.
3. “‘Either way, the bitch is dead.’ I shrugged him off.”
This blunt declaration exemplifies Jorg’s characteristic irreverence and disregard for sacred institutions. The crude language juxtaposed with the gravity of killing the Pope highlights his disruptive approach to power structures.
4. “‘If someone had done this for me when I was a child it would have saved everyone a lot of trouble.’”
A rare moment of vulnerability where Jorg reflects on his traumatic past. This quote provides insight into how his violent present stems from childhood wounds, showing the psychological complexity beneath his brutal exterior.
5. “‘I made it right, my lady. As you asked me to.’”
Jorg’s response to his wife about killing the Pope reveals how he interprets justice and protection. The quote shows his warped sense of morality and the domestic consequences of his violent actions.