The Kingkiller Chronicle, #2
The Wise Man’s Fear
by Patrick Rothfuss
Contents
Chapter 59: Purpose
Overview
Kvothe visits Caudicus under the pretext of researching noble family lore and cleverly wins the arcanist’s confidence. Caudicus shares a tale of a secret Lackless door and prepares the Maer’s medicine in front of Kvothe. Suspecting foul play, Kvothe delivers the vial and warns the Maer that Caudicus is poisoning him.
Summary
Leaving the Maer’s rooms, Kvothe goes directly to Caudicus without formalities, deciding his errand excuses any breach. He adopts the guise of a harmless young noble to avoid provoking the court arcanist and gains entry to a laboratory-like tower room.
Kvothe claims to be compiling stories about Vintish noble houses, naming Alveron and Lackless as his current focus to justify his curiosity. Flattered, Caudicus agrees to speak further and mentions he must soon prepare the Maer’s medicine. Kvothe asks to observe, playing the eager novice.
As Caudicus measures ingredients and heats them, he shares a rumor: the Lackless estate supposedly hides a handleless, hingeless door—locked yet lockless—with unknown contents beyond. He finishes the preparation, handing Kvothe a vial of warm, clear amber liquid for the Maer and invites him to return tomorrow for more information.
Kvothe hastens to the Maer’s apartments, where Stapes admits him. Finding the Maer weak and irritable, Kvothe leans close and, instead of simply delivering the dose, quietly states his conclusion: Caudicus is poisoning the Maer.
Who Appears
- KvothePoses as a harmless noble, probes Caudicus for lore, observes the medicine, and warns the Maer of poisoning.
- CaudicusCourt arcanist; prepares the Maer’s medicine, shares the Lackless secret door rumor, unknowingly incriminated.
- Maer AlveronIll and irritable; receives the vial as Kvothe warns him that Caudicus is poisoning him.
- StapesThe Maer’s manservant; admits Kvothe to the Maer’s chambers.