I am rereading book 1 right now. I am at the second bandit attack, right after the nude river scene. After reading book 4 Connovan mentions that Marcum had been targeted by the King. I wonder if this totally random bandit attack was indeed a way to blackmail Marcum.
Posted May 9, 2019, 6:52 PM UTC
The bandits were more likely in league with the rebels. I don't think it's a coincidence that the rebels were introduced at the same time as the bandits and Reaylin.
Reaylin is likely going to be an important connector with the rebels as I believe her parent/s are high ranking/founders of the rebel faction.
I think the attacks were to add a bit of spice but also to introduce us to the current, disorganised rebels.
Agreed. From what I remember, Reaylin explicitly says her father was one of the first rebels. There are also a few comments here and there where the bandits say that they are connected with the rebels. I would say that the rebels were trying to attack the army's supplies and soldiers, as I doubt it's a coincidence that they were positioned to attacked a river boat full of soldiers and supplies.
A supply of military weapons would certainly be of use to a rebel faction.
I don't think so. Connovan said: "I heard of Caydean’s attempt to have Marcum killed..." and we know of the assassination attempt on Marcum and Black Hall refusal so I'm quite sure that's the event Connovan is talking about. And the bandit attack I believe was just that, random. Many times it was said that bandit attacks were increasing, that travel started to be more dangerous so in those circumstances it's nothing unusual. Besides, I really doubt that Caydean would hire some common bandits, if he wanted to do sth like this, he would use someone more competent.