The Kingkiller Chronicle, #2
The Wise Man’s Fear
by Patrick Rothfuss
Contents
Chapter 29: Stolen
Overview
Fearing Ambrose’s retaliation, Kvothe maintains a careful routine of secrecy, sleeping in Wil or Sim’s rooms while pretending normalcy. Returning to his garret, he discovers his lute is missing, likely stolen through the window. The loss devastates him, stripping away his identity and stability amid ongoing danger.
Summary
Kvothe continues a covert routine to avoid suspicion after the break-in at Ambrose’s rooms. Each night he locks his garret at Anker’s, then climbs out to sleep in either Wil’s or Sim’s room, preserving the illusion that he’s alone and unafraid.
Late one night, exhausted, Kvothe returns to Anker’s and forces small talk with the new serving girl before heading upstairs. Moments later, panic drives him back down: he can’t find his lute. He questions the serving girl, who recalls him carrying it up the previous night.
Kvothe and the serving girl search the taproom, bar, pantry, and kitchen without success. He rushes back to his room and methodically checks every possible place, even the too-small trunk, then repeats his search in mounting desperation.
Kvothe notices the window latch he habitually oils for easy exit, realizing someone could have entered the same way. With no sign of the lute anywhere, he understands it has been stolen from his room.
The discovery leaves Kvothe emotionally shattered. The lute’s loss feels like the theft of his heart and identity, compounding the strain of secrecy and the threat of Ambrose’s vengeance.
Who Appears
- Kvothe (Kote)Maintains a secret sleeping routine to avoid Ambrose; discovers his lute stolen and is devastated.
- Anker’s new serving girlConfirms Kvothe brought his lute upstairs; helps search the inn but finds nothing.