Chapter 75: The Players

Kvothe travels with the four hirelings assigned by the Maer and studies their temperaments and skills. Tempi, an Adem mercenary in tight red leathers, proves quiet, self-possessed, and scarred. Dedan is large, loud, and stubborn but good-natured. Hespe mirrors Dedan’s armament yet is guarded and hard-eyed. Marten, the older tracker and archer, is competent and pragmatic.

Recognizing Marten’s superior woodcraft and experience, Kvothe suggests he lead, but Marten declines. Kvothe notes how out of place he seems among them, dressed finely and unarmed, and senses the group’s uncertainty about his role.

They meet a road tinker heading toward Severen. Kvothe, needing supplies, inquires about local dangers and purchases salt, a knife, and a tinderbox. The tinker presses paper and ink, prompting Kvothe to remember Denna and his abrupt departure after their argument.

Kvothe arranges for the tinker to deliver a letter to Denna at the Four Tapers. To afford everything, he trades his fine burgundy cloak for the tinker’s worn green one and adds a few coins, also buying candles. He seals the letter with a careful fold so it must tear to open, then sends the tinker on.

Outfitted more appropriately for the road and having addressed his unfinished business with Denna, Kvothe returns to the group, more ready to continue the hunt for the Eld bandits.