Contents
Two: The Homecoming
Overview
Fitz, Burrich, and Hands struggle overland through winter to reach Buckkeep, wary of Prince Regal’s malice. At the gate, rumors about Fitz’s supposed death surface, and Fitz unconsciously takes command, prompting Burrich’s warning to resume humility. Inside, Burrich reclaims the stables, Fitz announces himself to the King, discovers Verity abed with Kettricken, observes Buckkeep renewed under a queen’s hand, and finally sinks into sleep.
Summary
Fitz, Burrich, and Hands fight through deep winter snow toward Buckkeep, navigating by Burrich’s memory until distant lights confirm home. Fatigue and lingering illness dog Fitz, but determination drives him on. Earlier, hostile talk in Turlake of taxes and praise for Prince Regal pushed Burrich to avoid roads, fearing Regal’s hirelings.
At the gate, a sergeant’s gossip reveals rumors that Fitz died of plague or poison. When Fitz pointedly quashes it, the guards fall in line, and Burrich later warns him that such command invites Regal’s notice. They return to old roles to avoid gossip, and in the stables Burrich resumes mastery while Hands tends Sooty as Fitz falters.
Fed and warmed in the watch-room, Fitz is pushed to announce himself to King Shrewd. Burrich reflects on choosing Hands for steadiness and potential, and Fitz thanks Burrich for years of guardianship. Moving through the Keep, Fitz notices brighter light, cleanliness, and readiness—evidence of Kettricken’s queenly influence.
At Shrewd’s door, Fitz is told the King will summon him in due time and is glad of his safety. Verity is not in his chambers—implying he sleeps with Kettricken—confirming the new order of life at Buckkeep. Fitz reaches his cold, dusty room and collapses into bed, finally at home.
Who Appears
- FitzChivalry FarseerReturns to Buckkeep exhausted; quells death rumors, inadvertently commands guards, reports his return, notes Kettricken’s influence, and collapses into sleep.
- BurrichStablemaster; leads the overland return, warns Fitz to show humility, retakes control of the stables, and vouches for Hands.
- HandsYoung stableman; scouts lights, tends Sooty when Fitz weakens, shows steadiness Burrich values.
- Blade (watch sergeant)Gate sergeant who greets the party; repeats rumors of Fitz’s death and then falls in line under Fitz’s firm response.
- King ShrewdReceives word of Fitz’s return and sends measured reassurance he is glad Fitz is safe.
- Prince VerityAbsent from chambers; implied to be abed with Kettricken, signaling their new domestic order.
- KettrickenNew queen; not seen directly, but her influence is evident in Buckkeep’s renewed cleanliness and readiness.