The Kingkiller Chronicle, #2
The Wise Man’s Fear
by Patrick Rothfuss
Contents
Chapter 8: Questions
Overview
Still reeling from the plum bob, Kvothe isolates himself, then steadies enough to fix Anker’s failing iceless and secure much-needed coin. Seeking instruction in naming, he corners Elodin, who tests and rebuffs him by goading him into opening Hemme’s rooms—then burns Hemme’s clothes. The chaotic lesson warns Kvothe about reckless cleverness and the consequences awaiting him before admissions.
Summary
Kvothe spends several days debilitated by lingering plum-bob echoes: he breaks down while attempting Fishery piecework and panics in the Archives tunnel, retreating to his room to play his lute and brood over Ambrose. As the echoes fade, he comes downstairs at Anker’s, where Anker urges food and mentions a failing iceless chest.
Examining the iceless, Kvothe finds damaged runes on a tin band, re-etches them, and likely restores the slow heat siphon. Anker rewards him generously—effectively a talent—easing Kvothe’s tuition worries. Kvothe plans to check if his lamps have sold and heads across the courtyard.
Spotting Master Elodin, Kvothe presses him about a rumored naming class. Elodin first deflects, then challenges Kvothe to prove himself. He presents a locked door; Kvothe deftly picks it, only to follow Elodin into opulent living quarters.
Elodin begins burning a stack of dark robes in the fireplace, closes the flue, and lets smoke fill the room. When Kvothe finally asks the right question, Elodin reveals they are in Master Hemme’s rooms and says he’s doing it because he hates Hemme for his insults. Elodin uses the moment to lecture that Kvothe’s cleverness leads him into dangers he doesn’t fully grasp.
As smoke billows into the hallway, Kvothe argues that if he is reckless, Elodin should teach him better. Elodin replies he is already teaching, if Kvothe would learn, then advises Kvothe to flee before blame lands on him and to wash the smoke smell off before admissions. Elodin disappears into his own quarters, leaving Kvothe to face the consequences of the lesson.
Who Appears
- KvotheRecovering from plum-bob aftereffects; fixes Anker’s iceless for coin; confronts Elodin about naming; picks Hemme’s lock; learns a risky lesson.
- Master ElodinEvasive and provocative teacher; tests Kvothe, orchestrates breaking into Hemme’s rooms, burns Hemme’s clothes, and warns Kvothe about reckless cleverness.
- Master HemmeAntagonistic master; insults Elodin and Kvothe; unknowingly has his rooms invaded and his clothes burned.
- AnkerInnkeeper; feeds Kvothe, discusses failing iceless, pays him generously after Kvothe repairs it.