Chapter 143: Bloodless

Kvothe returns to the Fishery, eager to resume artificing, and finds Basil at Stocks selling a refined version of his arrowcatch. Basil explains the device has been standardized, named the Bloodless by Master Elodin at Kilvin’s request, and is selling well.

Learning that schema owners earn a ten percent commission on sales, Kvothe discovers significant royalties have accrued from the Bloodless. He collects over twenty-two talents, pleased and surprised that his invention now provides steady income.

Flush with coin, Kvothe crosses to Imre, wanders old haunts, then visits Devi. She is stunned—she believed he’d died at sea after their arson against a baron’s son. Over lunch, Devi regains her composure and they resume familiar banter.

Back at her rooms, Kvothe gifts Devi a useful alchemical text taken from Caudicus’ library and repays nine talents on his loan. Devi offers to delay repayment, but Kvothe insists. She returns his pledged items, including Denna’s ring.

Kvothe then realizes Devi’s true business: money entangles borrowers into obligations more valuable than coin. He sees her strategy—small loans leading to deep favors—and calls it out. Devi cheerfully acknowledges the “game,” confirming favors are her real currency.