Contents
Chapter 142: Home
Overview
Kvothe returns to Imre and the University, experiencing true homecoming. He reunites with Simmon, learns Ambrose spread word of his presumed death, and faces a shaky admissions punctuated by an insult to Hemme that earns a fine and high tuition.
Using the Maer’s credit, Kvothe turns the tuition into profit, settles back at Anker’s, reconnects at the Eolian, searches fruitlessly for Denna, and reaffirms his bond with Auri.
Summary
Kvothe docks at Tarbean, transfers to a river boat, and arrives in Imre before dawn. Crossing the Omethi toward the familiar silhouette of the Archives, he feels a true sense of homecoming for the first time in his life. Finding Anker’s closed, he goes to the Mews to wake Simmon.
Simmon, shaken by months of believing Kvothe dead after reports of his ship’s loss, embraces him, cries, and vents. Sim explains Ambrose spread the news before admissions, rattling Sim into another term as E’lir, though Sim has just made Re’lar. Wilem went home for a term after Ambrose troubled him in the Archives. Sim also reveals he and Fela have grown close while Kvothe was gone.
Kvothe visits bursar Riem, presenting the Maer’s open letter of credit. He subtly negotiates to benefit from any tuition set above his usual amount. At admissions, the masters react with surprise and questions: Kvothe answers some well, stumbles on others. Hemme needles him; Kvothe retorts with a corset jibe, is fined and made to write an apology, and receives a steep tuition of twenty-four talents.
Kvothe then executes his plan: he pays with the Maer’s credit and collects his agreed cut from Riem for the portion above ten talents, effectively profiting from the high tuition. He reclaims his room at Anker’s, cleans, and idly tinkers with his harmony clock.
Later at the Eolian, Deoch and Stanchion welcome him warmly. Kvothe searches familiar haunts for Denna without success; even the looking comforts him. That night on the rooftops he finds Auri, who delights him with news of hedgehogs and, gripping his hand, softly asks him not to leave again. Kvothe promises to stay and visit her.
Who Appears
- KvotheProtagonist; returns to Imre, endures uneven admissions, insults Hemme, profits via Maer’s credit, seeks Denna, promises Auri to stay.
- SimmonWelcomes Kvothe in tears, reveals Ambrose spread death rumor; recently made Re’lar; now involved with Fela.
- Master HemmeScowls through admissions; provokes Kvothe, then fines him after an insulting retort; helps set high tuition.
- Riem (the bursar)Examines the Maer’s letter of credit; negotiates and disburses Kvothe’s cut from the inflated tuition.
- ElodinMaster Namer; yawns away his question, otherwise indifferent to Kvothe’s return.
- KilvinMaster Artificer; demands Kvothe report to the workshop and questions him at admissions.
- LorrenMaster Archivist; asks a simple question on Mender heresies, which Kvothe answers cleverly.
- MandragMaster Physicker; debates Kvothe’s studies; asks a sublimation question Kvothe cannot answer.
- Dal (Daleth)Master; questions Kvothe effectively and debates his course selections.
- ArwylMaster Physicker; asks about lacillium, which Kvothe answers after thought.
- BrandeurMaster; tests cipher—Kvothe fumbles it, hurting his admissions performance.
- ChancellorRestores order during admissions and oversees Kvothe’s interview and penalties.
- AuriRooftop friend; shares whimsical news, asks Kvothe not to leave, and receives his promise.
- DeochEolian doorman; greets Kvothe warmly and shares stories over drinks.
- StanchionEolian proprietor; trades stories with Kvothe on his return.
- FelaStudent; revealed to care for Kvothe, now close with Simmon during Kvothe’s absence.
- AmbroseAntagonistic student; spread news of Kvothe’s presumed death, upsetting friends and affecting admissions timing.
- WilemFriend; troubled by Ambrose’s interference in the Archives, took a term away; expected back.
- AnkerInnkeeper; provides a spare key so Kvothe can reclaim his dusty room.
- Count ThrepePatron; had tracked Kvothe’s travels, contributing to fears after the ship’s disappearance.
- Maer AlveronHis open letter of credit enables Kvothe to cover high tuition and secure a private kickback.