The Kingkiller Chronicle, #2
The Wise Man’s Fear
by Patrick Rothfuss
Contents
Chapter 90: To Sing a Song About
Overview
Kvothe, Tempi, and Marten track the bandits in a storm, adhering to Adem customs around the dead. When Dedan and Hespe secretly follow, Kvothe confronts them, asserts command, and compels Dedan to swear obedience on his name. The party advances in staggered formation, and Marten kills a sentry with a heart shot, bringing them to the brink of the bandit camp.
Summary
Tempi stops Kvothe from examining two slain bandits until Kvothe formally asks permission, citing the Lethani. Marten finds a clear trail in the rain, which he notes will help them approach quietly. As they move, Kvothe and Marten realize they are being followed.
They set a quick ambush, only to discover their shadows are Dedan and Hespe. Kvothe reprimands Dedan for endangering them and refuses a rushed assault without order. Dedan insists on coming; Hespe explains they secured the camp. Weighing risks and their readiness, Kvothe agrees to proceed but demands all follow his orders.
To ensure compliance, Kvothe compels Dedan to swear obedience on his name, then subtly reinforces the point with a brief, warming trick via his simulacra, unsettling Dedan. Kvothe outlines a staggered approach: Marten scouts first, Kvothe and Tempi five minutes behind, Dedan and Hespe ten minutes after.
Near dusk, Marten returns to report firelight ahead. With no time for sympathetic preparations, Kvothe leads the advance through the storm. On a slippery bank, lightning reveals a sentry drawing on them; Marten releases an arrow that pierces the man’s heart, the thunder masking any noise. Tempi confirms the kill and briefly murmurs over the body before the group turns their attention to the bandit camp beyond.
Who Appears
- KvotheNarrator; balances caution and urgency, asserts leadership, compels Dedan’s oath, and coordinates the staggered approach.
- MartenTracker and archer; finds the trail, scouts the camp, and makes a silent heart-shot kill on a sentry.
- TempiAdem mercenary; enforces Lethani customs over the dead, confirms enemies, and aids the stealthy advance.
- DedanHot-headed mercenary; defies orders by following, argues to attack, then swears obedience on his name.
- HespePragmatic fighter; follows Dedan to keep the group together, supports finishing the job, accepts Kvothe’s plan.