The novel “Chasing the Phoenix” by Michael Swanwick was published for the first time in 2015. It’s part of the Darger and Surplus series.

Sir Blackthorpe Ravenscairn de Plus Precieux said Surplus arrived in the Chinese city of Brocade bringing with him the body of his friend Aubrey Darger in search of the Infallible Physician, the only one who can make him come back to life. Assisted by Capable Servant, whom he met in the city, he succeeds in its intent but their arrival has attracted the attention of the Hidden King, the ruler of that region.

Taken before the Hidden King, Darger and Surplus use their subterfuge to be accepted as his advisers, becoming the Perfect Strategist and the Noble Dog Warrior. Seconds only to Powerful Locomotive and White Squall, they use every trick they can think of to ingratiate themselves with the sovereign helping him to conquer the surrounding kingdoms. Their main problem seems to come from the romantic complications that develop in the royal enturage.