The Kingkiller Chronicle, #2
The Wise Man’s Fear
by Patrick Rothfuss
Contents
Chapter 36: All This Knowing
Overview
Kvothe, Wilem, and Simmon celebrate at the Eolian, then drunkenly avoid crossing Stonebridge and rest by a greystone. Their banter exposes Kvothe’s unease over his Ruh identity and his guarded feelings for Denna. Kvothe sings about his mother, Laurian, recalling his parents. He finally begins a story of Faeriniel, signaling his Amyr-tinged preoccupations.
Summary
Kvothe celebrates with Wilem and Simmon after their success against Ambrose, touring taverns before returning to the Eolian for music and drink. Despite being drunk, Kvothe performs a difficult song to acclaim. On their walk home, the looming Stonebridge feels unsafe, so they detour to rest.
The trio settle in a small clearing near the bridge, centered by a greystone. Kvothe’s attachment to the stone contrasts with Simmon’s superstitions, and they wager over its meaning. Kvothe repeatedly panics about his lute before being reassured it was left with Stanchion. They joke about bawdy verses Kvothe sang, diffusing his anxiety.
Talk turns to Kvothe’s Edema Ruh heritage. Kvothe denies dark rumors and frames the Ruh as ordinary people who wander and face prejudice, while Wilem’s question about dancing touches a sore stereotype. Simmon asks about Kvothe’s family, prompting Kvothe to sing a teasing song Arliden wrote about Laurian, recalling his parents without pain for the first time in years.
The friends drift into playful comparisons of customs, language, and women. Discussion returns to Denna: Simmon urges Kvothe to act, while Kvothe fears presumption and rejection, preferring friendship to fawning. Wilem bluntly articulates Kvothe’s hopes and fear of looking a fool, and Simmon admits his own frustrations with courtship.
As the night quiets, Simmon asks for a story. With Amyr on his mind since Nina’s visit, Kvothe begins a tale about Faeriniel, the place where all roads meet and which cannot be found by seeking, setting the tone for deeper mythic threads ahead.
Who Appears
- KvotheProtagonist; drinks and performs at the Eolian, reflects on being Edema Ruh, recalls his parents, and begins a story of Faeriniel.
- SimmonKvothe’s friend; drunkenly candid, superstitious about the greystone, urges Kvothe to pursue Denna, longs for mutual affection.
- WilemKvothe’s friend; dry humor, steadying presence, calls out Kvothe’s fears about Denna, suggests resting near the greystone.
- DennaDiscussed extensively; her gift of a lute case and Kvothe’s hesitation highlight his romantic uncertainty.
- LaurianKvothe’s mother; remembered through a teasing song, prompting Kvothe’s first open reminiscence since her death.