Chapter 3: Luck

Admissions season opens at the University, now a rushed interrogation rather than true interviews. Kvothe notes that while wealthy students treat tuition as inconvenience, a high assessment could force him out entirely. With only a talent and three jots, he queues to draw his interview time amid a festival-like crowd.

Fela leaves her earlier place in line to join Kvothe. They compare planned studies: Fela will work in the Archives, study chemistry and Manifold Maths; Kvothe targets the Medica, Fishery, Sympathy with Elxa Dal, and brushing up Siaru. Fela reveals Elodin is starting a class and assumed Kvothe would be in it, which stings Kvothe and sparks shared, incredulous Elodin stories.

Kvothe draws Felling at noon on the eighth day—comfortably late—while Fela draws an even later slot. She casually treats it as luck and offers Kvothe her tile; he declines, not wanting to take her “luck” and mindful of his poverty. They part amicably after she asks him to tell her if he changes his mind.

Wilem arrives, teases Kvothe for not flirting, and offers to buy Kvothe’s later slot for a jot, needling him about his ban from the Archives. Kvothe bargains up to a jot and three drabs, with the added condition that Wilem must partner with Simmon next time they play corners. They trade tiles and coin.

Despite the profit, Kvothe keeps the still-late slot he now holds rather than continue trading down. He plans to spend the four days preparing by other means, signaling determination to overcome his Archives ban and thin purse before facing the high-stakes interview.