Contents
Chapter 60: Wisdom’s Tool
Overview
Kvothe convinces the skeptical Maer that his medicine is poisoned with lead and denner resin, proposing a flit-bird test and preparing to manage withdrawal. He secures funds, camouflages his apothecary purchases, and buys back his lute. A chance reunion with Denna sets their next meeting in Severen.
Summary
Kvothe privately reveals to Maer Alveron that he is a University arcanist and demonstrates simple sympathy, but the Maer remains skeptical and demands proof. When the Maer angrily insists on his medicine, Kvothe lists precise symptoms, shifting Alveron from fury to wary attention.
Kvothe explains the Maer’s draught contains lead, causing palsy and vomiting, and ophalum (denner resin), creating dependence and sugar cravings. He proposes a test: feed the medicine to caged sipquicks (flits) via their nectar and watch for rapid effects due to their small size and fast metabolism.
Ignoring Kvothe’s caution about secrecy, Alveron affirms absolute trust in his manservant Stapes but invents a harmless reason for the birds. Kvothe warns severe withdrawal is imminent and offers to brew easing teas and small laudanum doses. He requests funds to procure supplies.
In Severen-Low, Kvothe misdirects watchers by buying stew, tippling flasks, and attending a street performance before purchasing laudanum and herbs at an apothecary, masking it with conspicuous inquiries about impotence cures. He redeems his pawned lute, nearly emptying the Maer’s purse.
Returning via the horse lift, Kvothe admires the city’s layout and fortifications. At the top he unexpectedly meets Denna; they embrace. Pressed for time, Denna departs on the descending lift, telling Kvothe to find her on Tinnery Street, leaving him buoyed and stunned.
Who Appears
- KvotheReveals he is an arcanist, identifies the Maer’s poison, proposes the flit test, gathers remedies, and meets Denna.
- Maer Alveron (Alveron)Ill and skeptical; hears Kvothe’s proof of poisoning, orders flits, braces for withdrawal, and funds Kvothe’s errands.
- StapesDevoted manservant; swiftly procures a cage of flits and tends the Maer, bristling at Kvothe’s presence.
- DennaUnexpectedly meets Kvothe atop the lift; hurriedly arranges a rendezvous on Tinnery Street.
- CaudicusCourt arcanist implicated in poisoning; offstage but central to the threat and the flit-bird test.