Contents
Chapter 68: The Cost of a Loaf
Overview
Kvothe enjoys brief idylls with Denna in Severen-Low until she abruptly disappears, leaving him heartsick and unproductive on the Maer’s courtship. To buy time, Kvothe warns Alveron of further danger from Caudicus and demonstrates distance harm through sympathy. He secures access to Caudicus’ workshop, promises a bespoke protective charm, and negotiates future favors, winning three days’ delay.
Summary
Kvothe spends several pleasant days in Severen-Low with Denna, riding, swimming, singing, and talking. Each evening he reshapes heartfelt letters and songs into courtly pieces suited for Meluan. A suitor named Gerred accompanies Denna once; Kvothe notes Gerred’s possessiveness and desperation and sees the familiar arc of Denna’s admirers.
After nearly two span of progress on the Maer’s courtship, Denna vanishes without word. Kvothe searches inns and familiar haunts to no avail. Grief-stricken, he can barely produce a short letter for the Maer and fails to advance the commissioned song, recalling his father’s counsel to let his emotions settle before forcing art.
Knowing the Maer expects continued progress with Meluan, Kvothe seeks a legitimate diversion. When Alveron arrives via the secret passage to inquire about the song, Kvothe warns that Caudicus may still endanger him at a distance. To persuade the skeptical Maer, Kvothe uses an apple’s fingerprint and a needle to demonstrate sympathetic linkage, pricking Alveron’s finger through the binding.
Convinced, the Maer asks for protection. Kvothe proposes crafting a tailored charm and requests access to Caudicus’ tower workshop, time to gather materials discreetly, and hints at future considerations, including help with a personal project and patronage for a musician friend. Alveron agrees to provide keys via Stapes and asks about delays to the Meluan effort.
Kvothe argues that brief absence will heighten Meluan’s anticipation, forestalling the Maer’s plan to bring in another letter-writer. Alveron grants three days. Kvothe explains the charm requires the Maer’s blood, saliva, skin, hair, and urine; after a moment’s scrutiny, Alveron accepts, prioritizing survival. Kvothe thus buys time to steady himself and continue the courtship later.
Who Appears
- KvotheNarrator; enjoys days with Denna, suffers her sudden disappearance, then secures time by proposing a protective charm and demonstrating sympathy to the Maer.
- Maer Alveron (Alveron)Patron; presses for progress with Meluan, is convinced of lingering danger from Caudicus, grants workshop access and three days’ delay.
- Denna (called Alora)Companion in Severen-Low; appears with another suitor, then abruptly leaves town without explanation, unsettling Kvothe.
- CaudicusAbsent court arcanist; still a threat at a distance, prompting Kvothe’s plan for a tailored protective charm for the Maer.
- GerredYoung gentleman attached to Denna; displays possessiveness and desperation, highlighting patterns in Denna’s relationships.