Contents
Chapter 130: Wine and Water
Overview
Kvothe departs Haert and encounters a troupe bearing Edema Ruh markings. Welcomed as family, he is courted to travel with them and notices two terrified captive girls taken in Levinshir. Kvothe bargains for three boons, first claiming a tent and then both girls for the night, setting up a confrontation.
Summary
Kvothe spends a full day saying goodbye in Haert, receiving parting advice from Vashet and Tempi, sparring once more with Celean, and sharing a final night with Penthe. Despite brief roots, he resumes the road toward Severen, intending to claim his reward and apologize to Denna.
Days later in eastern Vintas, hungry and far from inns, Kvothe discovers a camp marked with Edema Ruh signs. Challenged at swordpoint, he reveals his lute, invokes Ruh kinship, and is welcomed by Alleg and the troupe. They offer wine, food, and camaraderie, and ask him to play; Kvothe impresses them with songs and is invited to travel easterly with them, possibly toward Severen.
As they share stew and talk of recent luck in Levinshir, Alleg attempts to bribe Kvothe to stay by offering anything he wants. Kvothe asks to be persuaded by morning, then begins to bargain for “three things” in exchange for traveling until no one objects to his leaving.
Kvothe first requests a tent, which Alleg grants eagerly. The troupe reveals the true nature of their Levinshir gains: two captive girls, Krin and Ellie. The women of the camp admit to restraining, drugging, and attempting to force-feed them. Kvothe urges giving drink rather than forcing food and carefully observes the girls’ injuries and demeanor, noting Krin’s fierce resistance and her resemblance to Denna.
When asked to choose one girl as a bed-companion, Kvothe insists on both, formally stating this as his second request. Despite protests, Alleg relents for the night. Kvothe collects his lute and leads both girls to his newly raised tent, positioning himself to act further under the pretense of accepting the troupe’s offer.
Who Appears
- KvotheLeaves Haert for Severen; welcomed by a Ruh-marked troupe; bargains for three favors, claiming a tent and both captive girls.
- AllegBearded troupe leader; vets Kvothe, extends hospitality, bribes him to stay, offers a captive girl, yields to Kvothe’s requests.
- KrinDark-haired captive from Levinshir; defiant and injured; resembles Denna; drinks warily and resists control.
- EllieBlonde captive from Levinshir; traumatized and vacant; eats and drinks listlessly.
- AnneOlder woman who cooks; tries to force-feed Krin; admits drugging; grudgingly follows Kvothe’s advice.
- KeteHard-eyed woman; manages the girls, shows scratch marks; presents them to Kvothe and warns he choose one.
- LarenPiper and tabor player; fetches ale for the girls; eager around troupe’s ‘spoils.’
- GaskinLute player; praises Kvothe’s music; supports keeping him for songs and profit.
- OttoGuard; initially suspicious; banters crudely; protests Kvothe’s demand for both girls.
- TimGrim guard; becomes ill after overeating; briefly leaves, then returns pale.
- FrenYoung singer; helps pitch Kvothe’s tent; jokes crassly with Josh.
- JoshYoung singer; assists with the tent; joins in crude banter.
- VashetFarewelled in Haert; offers final advice before Kvothe departs.
- TempiSays goodbye to Kvothe in Haert; part of his training circle.
- PentheShares a final evening and night with Kvothe before his departure.
- CeleanBouts with Kvothe one last time; grows emotional at his leaving.