The Kingkiller Chronicle, #2
The Wise Man’s Fear
by Patrick Rothfuss
Contents
Chapter 150: Folly
Overview
Chancellor Herma’s illness leads to Hemme’s appointment as Chancellor, heightening risk for Kvothe. Hemme spitefully sets Kvothe’s tuition at fifty talents, but the ploy backfires when the bursar pays out twenty talents. Kvothe celebrates with friends, while Denna quietly departs for Anilin, leaving their rapport tenuously intact.
Summary
As spring term continues, Denna avoids performing in Imre and instead departs for Anilin, though she makes a point of telling Kvothe before leaving, softening the strain between them.
Near term’s end, Chancellor Herma falls gravely ill with fever, leaving the University to choose a replacement. With other masters overcommitted or unwilling, Hemme is appointed Chancellor, a political shift that worries Kvothe due to their history.
At admissions, Kvothe performs cautiously, aiming for a moderate tuition, but Hemme smiles and announces an exorbitant fifty talents, clearly intending to harm him. Kvothe feigns dejection and takes the slip to the bursar.
In the Hollows, Riem the bursar hands Kvothe an envelope containing two gold marks—twenty talents—prompting Kvothe’s private laughter at Hemme’s miscalculation.
Kvothe dresses finely and gathers Wilem, Simmon, Fela, and Mola, then invites Devi and Threpe. Though Denna is absent, Deoch joins them, and they celebrate lavishly at the King’s Arms, toasting “Hemme’s folly.”
Who Appears
- KvotheProtagonist; endures Hemme’s appointment, receives a fifty-talent tuition, then collects twenty talents and celebrates the blunder.
- HemmeAppointed Chancellor; sets Kvothe’s tuition at fifty talents in a spiteful move that backfires.
- DennaLeaves for Anilin after informing Kvothe personally, hinting their relationship is not entirely broken.
- HermaChancellor who falls seriously ill, prompting the masters to appoint a replacement.
- RiemBursar who, upon seeing the tuition slip, gives Kvothe two gold marks.
- SimmonFriend who joins the celebratory outing after the bursar’s payout.
- WilemFriend included in Kvothe’s celebratory party in Imre.
- FelaFriend and student who attends the celebratory feast.
- MolaMedica student who joins the celebration.
- ThrepePatron and noble who helps the group gain entry to the King’s Arms.
- DeochEolian barkeep who joins the celebration in Denna’s absence.