Chapter 27: Pressure

Kvothe meets Wilem and Simmon at Anker’s, bringing food to bolster them through sleepless nights. He delivers bad news first: Kilvin refuses to share the sygaldry for a gram because blood-and-bone runes are too dangerous for a Re’lar. Kvothe explains why such runes could be weaponized, unsettling Simmon and prompting Wilem to note the risks of people doing harm for money.

Kvothe then admits he confronted Devi and learned she was not responsible for the recent malfeasance. He argues that Ambrose must be behind the attacks but likely doesn’t know his target is Kvothe. Kvothe reasons Ambrose would have used the masters to punish him if he suspected, and Wilem agrees Ambrose probably seeks revenge on the “thief” who broke into his rooms.

Simmon urges going to the masters, but Kvothe refuses, fearing expulsion for Conduct Unbecoming and political backlash from Hemme, Brandeur, and Baron Jakis. Wilem supports Kvothe’s caution. After Simmon likens Ambrose to a bear trap, Kvothe briefly muses about getting one, then drops it.

They decide to confirm Ambrose’s guilt. Kvothe shares good news: Fela will help search the Archives for gram schema, and Wilem and Simmon join. The search begins lightheartedly but turns grim as days pass without results. Meanwhile, Wilem and Simmon maintain protective Alar at night, while Kvothe cuts sleep, grows exhausted, and resorts to costly coffee to stay alert.

They run tests to correlate attacks with Ambrose’s movements. Wilem, Fela, and Kvothe each observe Ambrose returning to his rooms; soon after each sighting, Kvothe feels symptoms of binding and malfeasance—binder’s chills, heat prickling, stabbing pressures. The repeated timing convinces the group: Ambrose is responsible, and whatever tool he uses is kept in his rooms.