Twenty-Two: Burrich

Fitz wakes with Molly beside him, unsettled by Nighteyes’ quiet vigil and the gaps in his memory after serving Shrewd through the Skill. He slips to Chade’s, where unusual caution is required because Bright of Farrow now lodges in an adjoining room. In whispers, Fitz lays out a theory: Regal benefits from Shrewd’s sedation by Wallace, controls Galen’s coterie to intercept messages and discredit Verity, and starves the coasts while currying Inland favor. Chade, uneasy but listening, agrees to investigate and warns Fitz to guard Kettricken and the Fool.

Days of storms pass as Fitz avoids Serene, Justin, and Will. A frantic summons from Hands draws him to the stables: Burrich has returned, exhausted and badly hurt. Refusing gossip, Burrich insists on reporting to the King. The Fool rouses Shrewd, whose debility and pain are unmistakable.

Before Shrewd, Burrich methodically recounts the journey: poor hospitality despite sent messages, missing supplies, and a military-style ambush in Farrow targeting Verity. After losses, Verity sent the seriously injured back with two sound men and sealed papers. Near Buck’s border, archers ambushed them; all died but Burrich, who survived by plunging into the river with his horse. The dispatches were stolen. Shrewd’s weary questions and shallow response reveal how far he has declined.

Fitz brings Burrich to his room. Patience and Lacey arrive with herbs and quietly take charge. They clean an arrow wound that split Burrich’s old boar-scar; Verity had cut the lodged head free in the field. Patience applies drawing poultices and plans salves, while Burrich finally rests.

Kettricken comes for news; Fitz reports Burrich’s account fully. Relieved that Verity nears her mountains, Kettricken discreetly suggests remedies and then privately reveals to Patience and Lacey that she is pregnant. Fitz recognizes the danger and political weight of the secret, which further threatens Regal’s ambitions.