Epilogue

Fitz explains that Burrich, recalling an old tale, told Chade how a Witted person might leave a body and return. Chade prepared poisons to mimic death, bringing Fitz to the brink so his spirit could return, though Fitz doubts he truly lived during that time.

Revived, Fitz struggles to remember his humanity and rejects resuming his identity as FitzChivalry. He reflects that Regal destroyed his reputation and life; revealing himself would only confirm his Wit to those who had loved him.

Fitz recounts that he died in his cell after a final beating. Regal produced witnesses claiming Fitz used the Wit to attack Will, justifying the guards’ violence. The dukes accepted this, witnessed Regal’s coronation, and confirmed Lord Bright as castellan over Buckkeep and Buck’s coast.

Only Patience and the Lady Grace spoke for Fitz, with Patience securing whole-body burial. Regal, denied the spectacle of execution, lost interest and departed for Tradeford. Patience claimed the body, enabling Burrich and Chade’s plan to succeed.

Fitz awakens to a life emptied of connections, with only loyalty to King Verity remaining. As the Six Duchies crumble under raids, slavery, and Forgings, Fitz turns inland, following Queen Kettricken to seek Verity.

Amid persistent pain and a broken body, Fitz recalls the season he lived as a wolf and feels both comfort and temptation in the memory, acknowledging the lure of a life without kings.