Contents
Chapter 28: Kindling
Overview
Ambrose’s erratic attacks intensify Kvothe’s exhaustion, costing him his first duel. Fela locates the elusive Scrivani volume nine, and Simmon’s Eld Vintic skills let them decode the gram’s schema—sparking Fela’s budding interest in Simmon. Kvothe begins clandestine gram work, masking his efforts through careful scheduling and plausible cover.
Summary
Ambrose’s malfeasance continues unpredictably, sometimes striking eight times in one day, then not at all the next. To endure it, Kvothe maintains an unyielding Alar through daily life, but the strain and distraction cost him his first defeat in Adept Sympathy dueling.
While searching their Archive hideaway, Fela arrives breathless with Facci-Moen ve Scrivani, volume nine—the missing key to a gram. The text is in Eld Vintic, but Simmon can read it and demonstrates with a thunderous, improvised translation that unexpectedly draws Fela’s deeper attention to him.
The group debates seeking help from Puppet, but Simmon notes Puppet is unwell and unlikely to provide a restricted text. Kvothe identifies the runes and metallurgical symbols while Simmon translates; together they decipher and then triple-check the gram’s schema over two days.
Needing full concentration for fine sygaldry, Kvothe plays hide-and-seek with Ambrose’s schedule, only working when Ambrose is occupied—snatching minutes during classes, cafés, and desk shifts. To cover his time in the Fishery, Kvothe advances his Re’lar-level project, and he frequents the Golden Pony to establish an innocent routine while he secretly forges the gram.
Who Appears
- KvotheTarget of Ambrose’s malfeasance; maintains iron Alar, loses a duel, deciphers and secretly forges a protective gram.
- FelaFinds Scrivani volume nine; assists the team; shows the first spark of interest in Simmon.
- SimmonReads Eld Vintic, translates the Scrivani, helps decode the gram; unintentionally charms Fela.
- AmbroseUnseen antagonist launching erratic malfeasance attacks; his schedule guides Kvothe’s covert work times.
- WilemSearches the Archives with Kvothe and Simmon; reacts to Puppet suggestion; supports the effort.
- PuppetPotential source for restricted texts, but reportedly unwell and unlikely to help now.
- KilvinHis Re’lar-level charge provides Kvothe cover for long hours in the Fishery.