Chapter 10: Being Treasured

Kvothe learns his tuition is nine talents and five jots, a sum he cannot cover by noon tomorrow. He collects lamp proceeds at the Stocks—just over two talents net—bringing his total past six talents but still short. Attempting to start a new project, he asks Jaxim for precious materials but is denied authorization for gold and silver, forcing him to consider high-interest lenders.

Kvothe crosses to Imre and visits Denna at the Grey Man. After sparring with the dismissive porter, he meets Geoffrey, Denna’s trusting poet acquaintance. Kvothe gifts Denna two herbal remedies for her lungs; she teases him but is touched. Denna demonstrates her progress on a Modegan great harp taught by Kellin, revealing striking natural timing. They share chocolate and discuss the comfort and constraint of being “treasured,” with Denna chafing at surveillance and obligations that come with Kellin’s support.

That evening Kvothe goes to Devi, a dangerous gaelet. After brief talk of books, he requests a four-talent loan; Devi now only lends six or more at fifty percent interest over two months, secured by three drops of blood. Kvothe tries to bargain but lacks leverage. Devi pivots, offering escalating sums—ten, then twenty, then forty talents and her bed—to buy Kvothe’s secret way into the Archives.

Kvothe refuses, citing a friend involved and the complications of the method. Devi, frustrated but professional, finalizes the six-talent loan with Kvothe’s blood sealed and warns she will reach the Archives one way or another, urging him to speak to his friend. Kvothe leaves indebted but with tuition solvency, having preserved his friend’s safety and his integrity.