The Kingkiller Chronicle, #2
The Wise Man’s Fear
by Patrick Rothfuss
Contents
Chapter 152: Elderberry
Overview
On a stormy night, Bast meets the two soldiers he hired to provoke and beat Kvothe. Realizing the plan failed to awaken Kvothe, Bast grows cold and threatening. He takes a burning branch and ominously targets the bearded soldier, revealing his frustration and a darker, more dangerous edge.
Summary
In foul weather, two drunken soldiers lounge by a roaring fire beside the road, pleased with their haul and the night’s rough sport. Bast arrives drenched, accepts an elderberry liquor by a childish rhyme, and drinks grimly. The soldiers ask if Kvothe discovered their scheme and whether Bast was cast out; Bast says no, but admits nothing is right.
The men boast about beating Kvothe and their earnings, claiming everyone got what they wanted. Bast flatly replies he did not, signaling the failure of his plan to stir Kvothe to his old strength. When they suggest dividing the money, Bast again uses a nursery-like chant to choose a burning brand from the fire.
At first the soldiers laugh at his oddity, but Bast’s laughter turns inhuman and jagged, souring their amusement. As rain gusts, Bast’s eyes fix on them; the embered tip flares in the wind. He chants once more, pointing the glowing coal between them, then settles on the bearded soldier, baring red-lit teeth in an expression devoid of warmth.
The scene ends with Bast threatening the bearded man, the firebrand aimed like a weapon. His fury at the plan’s failure and his willingness to harm the accomplices reveal his dangerous nature and deep desperation to rouse Kvothe.
Who Appears
- BastConfronts the soldiers he hired; angry the beating didn’t rouse Kvothe; menaces them with a burning branch.
- Bearded soldierDrunk and boastful about beating Kvothe; angers Bast; becomes Bast’s targeted victim by chapter’s end.
- Blonde soldierDrunk, glib, and conciliatory; claims all got what they wanted; laughs until Bast turns threatening.