The Kingkiller Chronicle, #2
The Wise Man’s Fear
by Patrick Rothfuss
Contents
Chapter 18: Wine and Blood
Overview
At the Eolian, Denna rejoins Kvothe, outplays Wil and Sim at corners, and presses the trio to explain real magic. Kvothe demonstrates sympathy’s principles while Denna probes a rumor about writing that shapes minds, which they dismiss. Denna then brokers drinks, redirects suitors, reveals Deoch’s preferences, and flusters Sim before Kvothe guides her out.
Summary
Wilem and Simmon drag Kvothe from the Archives to the Eolian, where they settle near the hearth. Denna arrives with wine, stages a cover story to shake a persistent suitor, and joins their table. She proposes a corners game for a jot despite being a “beginner,” bungles early plays, then reveals her ruse and wins decisively.
Afterward Denna asks about University magic and presses for a demonstration. Kvothe, Wilem, and Sim quietly explain sympathy as energy transfer aided by Alar, using bound coins and Kvothe’s hand-lamp. Kvothe boils wine via a perfect link, prompting Wilem’s warning about blood and malfeasance; Sim reassures Denna such acts are taboo.
Kvothe illustrates good and bad links with coins and chalk, sustaining multiple bindings while Wil and Sim oppose him. Denna grasps costs and losses across links and watches as they test each other’s Alar. She seems disappointed that it is all “energy moneychanging” and asks about a writing-based magic that makes things true and influences minds. They dismiss it as storybook and nothing taught at the University.
With her suitor gone, Denna promises fine scutten and offers a “woman’s secret,” pointing out two interested ladies and a Modegan man, then reveals Deoch and Stanchion are lovers, startling Sim. She teases him with innuendo, leaving him flustered, while Wilem laughs. Kvothe gently leads Denna away, ending the night on a playful, conspiratorial note.
Who Appears
- DennaArrives with gifted wine, cons the table at corners, seeks real magic’s workings, hints at mind-influencing writing, and orchestrates flirtations.
- KvotheDemonstrates sympathy and Alar with coins, lamp, and boiling wine; explains links and ethics; escorts Denna out.
- WilemAssists demonstrations, warns about malfeasance, opposes Kvothe’s Alar, and laughs at Denna’s teasing of Sim.
- SimmonJoins the quiet lesson on sympathy, provides examples, corrects terms, opposes Kvothe’s bindings, and is flustered by Denna’s banter.