Contents
Chapter 20: The Fickle Wind
Overview
Kvothe’s attempted theft of Denna’s ring from Ambrose backfires when window wards alert Ambrose, forcing a hasty, injurious escape. The failed break-in escalates their conflict and underscores Ambrose’s preparedness. After Sim patches Kvothe up, Wilem cautions that Kvothe’s fixation on Denna and feud with Ambrose is becoming reckless.
Summary
At night, Kvothe attempts to break into Ambrose’s rooms at the Golden Pony to recover Denna’s ring. Wil and Sim serve as lookouts, signaling with sympathetic bindings on twigs when Ambrose leaves. Kvothe navigates the roof and gains entry through a stuck, triple-secured window.
Inside, Kvothe searches quickly, expecting Ambrose to keep the ring as a visible trophy. He resists stealing valuables, instead settling for petty sabotage. Suddenly, Wilem’s signal snaps: Ambrose is returning. Kvothe discovers warded windows that likely alerted Ambrose when opened. He jams the door lock with a pen, then studies the sygaldry to avoid leaving evidence of tampering.
Bracing his Alar and drawing heat from his body, Kvothe forces the warded window and slips onto the roof as Ambrose and others batter the door. A gust slams the window, shattering a pane against his elbow; tiles break underfoot and he falls, injuring his knees and arm amid cascading tiles. He escapes under the eaves and limps back to his room via rooftops.
Wilem and Sim arrive. Kvothe confirms he failed to find the ring and explains the wards. Sim cleans and stitches Kvothe’s elbow, as Wilem avoids the sight of blood. They agree on a simple, truthful cover: Wilem witnessed the commotion at the Pony, then visited Kvothe to discuss a broken harmony clock.
As they leave, Wilem warns Kvothe he’s dangerously fixated—both on antagonizing Ambrose and over Denna—likening Ambrose to an angry bear Kvothe keeps provoking. Kvothe acknowledges the risks but remains driven by his goal to recover Denna’s ring.
Who Appears
- KvotheProtagonist; attempts to steal Denna’s ring from Ambrose, triggers wards, falls from roof, and escapes injured.
- WilemLookout inside the Golden Pony; signals Ambrose’s movements, later warns Kvothe about reckless fixation.
- SimmonBack-door lookout; later cleans, stitches, and bandages Kvothe’s elbow; helps plan a simple cover story.
- AmbroseAntagonist; his warded windows alert him to the break-in, prompting his rapid return and near-capture.