Contents
Chapter 18: Wine and Blood
Overview
At the Eolian, Denna reunites with Kvothe, hustles the table at corners, and bargains for a lesson in sympathy. Kvothe, Wilem, and Simmon demonstrate Alar, links, and energy transfer, while Denna hints at a mysterious writing-based magic that shapes thoughts. Lighthearted matchmaking and banter reveal social dynamics and Deoch’s relationship with Stanchion.
Summary
Wilem and Simmon drag Kvothe from the Archives to the Eolian, where they settle in to drink and play cards. Denna arrives with a bottle from a balding Cealdish suitor and asks the group to pretend she was expected. She proposes corners, feigns incompetence, then reveals her skill and wins decisively.
Curious about real magic, Denna presses the three for an explanation. In exchange for arranging a rare Merovani scutten, they demonstrate sympathy: Wilem binds coins; Kvothe shows energy transference with a lamp and boils wine via a perfect link; they explain Alar, sympathetic links, and losses in bad bindings. Wilem’s ominous warning about blood prompts assurances against malfeasance.
They test opposing Alars; Kvothe holds multiple bindings against Wilem and Simmon’s interference. Denna asks about a writing-based magic that makes things true to those who see it; the others dismiss it as storybook. Denna lets the matter drop, masking disappointment or calculation.
Denna fulfills her bargain by pointing out two women interested in Wilem and Simmon and plans to have Deoch distract a Modegan man. A comic exchange reveals Deoch is in a relationship with Stanchion, flustering Simmon. Kvothe escorts Denna out, ending the night on teasing camaraderie and lingering questions about other kinds of magic.
Who Appears
- KvotheNarrator; demonstrates sympathy, Alar, and links, holds multiple bindings, and escorts Denna out.
- DennaArrives with wine, hustles corners, bargains for magical explanations, and hints at writing-based mind-influencing magic.
- WilemAssists in explanations and demonstrations, warns about malfeasance, and jokes through the evening.
- SimmonHelps teach sympathy; attempts to oppose Kvothe’s bindings; flustered by revelations about Deoch.
- Balding Cealdish suitorBuys Denna wine; his presence prompts Denna to join Kvothe’s table and stage a ruse.