Contents
Chapter 7: Admissions
Overview
Ambrose uses a plum bob to strip Kvothe’s inhibitions on admissions day, nearly provoking catastrophe. Simmon intervenes, acting as Kvothe’s moral compass and securing a later interview slot through Fela. Avoiding the Medica and Haven, Kvothe rides out the effects, then suffers intense grief until Auri arrives to comfort him.
Summary
Kvothe, anxious for admissions, is approached at Anker’s by a glamorous Modegan woman who buys him a drink and abruptly breaks down. Soon after, in the courtyard, Kvothe taunts Ambrose and notices a persistent plum-and-spice taste that Ambrose pointedly references. Realizing something is wrong, Kvothe bolts from the admissions line.
Kvothe confronts Simmon, who identifies the symptoms as a plum bob—an alchemical agent that strips inhibitions and moral filters. Kvothe, clear-headed but reckless, brandishes a knife and talks of killing Ambrose; Simmon becomes Kvothe’s “touchstone,” guiding him away from dangerous choices and taking his knife.
Fela arrives; Simmon shields her from Kvothe’s candor while they arrange to trade admissions slots to avoid disaster. Simmon explains the drug’s effects and risks, warns against the Medica and Haven, and repeatedly reins Kvothe in from impulsive plans. Kvothe agrees to wait out the effects.
Over several hours, his inhibitions return. Alone that night, Kvothe’s memory floods painfully vivid recollections of his parents and the Chandrian. The grief is sharper than old horrors. Overwhelmed, he breaks down.
Auri slips in through his window, senses his pain, and soothes him. She encourages him to speak his loss aloud; Kvothe admits he will never see his mother again and weeps while Auri comforts him, keeping him safe through the worst of it.
Who Appears
- KvotheProtagonist; drugged with a plum bob, loses inhibitions, avoids disaster with Simmon’s help, trades admissions slot, later collapses in grief.
- SimmonIdentifies the plum bob, becomes Kvothe’s touchstone, dissuades violence and rash acts, prevents a Medica/Haven fiasco, arranges Fela’s slot trade.
- Ambrose JakisAntagonist; orchestrates the plum bob dosing through a setup, baits Kvothe, departs smiling as the trap takes hold.
- FelaAgrees to trade admissions slots, witnesses Kvothe’s disinhibited candor, supports Simmon’s plan to keep him safe.
- AuriVisits through the window at night; comforts Kvothe through intense grief, gently prompting him to voice his loss.
- Modegan womanElegant stranger who buys Kvothe a drink and abruptly breaks down; unwitting or staged vector for the plum bob setup.
- AmliaArtificery student; briefly speaks with Kvothe before fleeing his taunts at Ambrose.
- AnkerInnkeeper at Anker’s; points Kvothe out to the Modegan woman and witnesses the odd scene.