Chapter 61: Deadnettle

Kvothe rushes to Maer Alveron’s private rooms after returning to Severen and finds the Maer skeletal, grey, and furious at his delay. Alveron says Caudicus visited and sent more medicine, which he nearly drank. Kvothe warns against it and prepares to manage withdrawal that will worsen before improving.

Kvothe brews a tea to settle Alveron’s stomach and aid purging, adding a little laudanum to blunt cravings. To allay suspicion, Kvothe drinks first, then supervises the Maer through two cups, advising patience as the nausea recedes.

Facing Alveron’s refusal to take cod liver oil, Kvothe insists on two solid swallows every few hours. When the Maer resists, Kvothe drinks an entire flask himself, using pride to compel compliance. Shamed and determined, the Maer takes his dose and accepts a schedule for the night.

Impressed, Alveron lets Kvothe keep his signet ring for now, a small but meaningful mark of trust. Kvothe instructs him to finish the tea, drink milk with honey, and send for more tea as needed, then lets the Maer sleep.

Outside, Stapes’s hostility sharpens; Kvothe realizes the optics make him look like a predatory quack akin to Deadnettle from a famous play. Considering Alveron’s fragility and the dangers of withdrawal, Kvothe fears he will be blamed as a charlatan or assassin if the Maer dies. He departs and promptly vomits the cod liver oil.