Contents
Chapter 59: Purpose
Overview
Kvothe meets Caudicus under the Maer’s authority, posing as a harmless noble to gather information. While Caudicus prepares the Maer’s medicine, he shares a key rumor about a Lackless “door without hinges or handle.” Kvothe delivers the draught to Alveron and reveals his suspicion: Caudicus is poisoning the Maer.
Summary
Leaving the Maer’s rooms, Kvothe goes directly to Caudicus without formalities, relying on the Maer’s ring for access. Aware of court arcanists’ territorial pride, Kvothe adopts the persona of a naive, nonthreatening lordling. He claims to be compiling stories about noble houses to justify questions about the Lackless family.
Caudicus, flattered and curious, agrees to speak at length the next day but begins preparing the Maer’s medicine. As he measures ingredients and puts on a show with blueflame candles, he shares a rumor: on the oldest Lackless lands stands a secret door without handle or hinges—“lockless” yet locked—with unknown contents beyond.
Caudicus completes the draught, handing Kvothe a warm amber vial and urging prompt delivery. Kvothe declines broader gossip, keeping focus on Alveron and Lackless, and departs at once for the Maer’s chambers.
In the Maer’s rooms, Stapes admits Kvothe. Alveron, weak and irritable, demands his medicine, but Kvothe insists there is an important matter. Leaning close, Kvothe delivers his accusation in a whisper: Caudicus is poisoning the Maer.
Who Appears
- KvothePoses as a harmless noble to question Caudicus, learns the Lackless door rumor, delivers medicine, and accuses Caudicus of poisoning the Maer.
- CaudicusThe Maer’s arcanist; prepares the Maer’s draught and shares a rumor about the Lackless secret door, unwittingly fueling Kvothe’s suspicion.
- Maer AlveronIll and irritable; receives the draught as Kvothe warns him that Caudicus is poisoning him.
- StapesThe Maer’s manservant; admits Kvothe to the Maer’s chambers.