Prologue

Fitz opens by questioning why magical knowledge is forbidden, outlining the royal-linked Skill, the outlawed animal-bonding Wit, and uncertain hedge magics. He admits scarce written lore and his hesitation to record dangerous methods, weighing potential misuse against preserving knowledge for the future.

He turns inward, recounting a childhood of secrets: assassin training with Chade, brutal Skill lessons under Galen, and hiding his Wit. He recalls Molly as his refuge, their tender beginnings shadowed by his secrecy, and how neglect and pride led him to lose her to the sailor Jade.

Fitz summarizes his mission to the Mountains: sent to discreetly kill Prince Rurisk, he instead uncovered Regal’s plot to usurp Verity and claim Kettricken. Fitz thwarted Regal but paid with his health, succumbing to poison, beating, and near-drowning. While wintered in Jhaampe under Jonqui’s care, he wakes to worsening tremors.

Arguing with Burrich, Fitz demands a cure; Burrich explains the unknown causes make drastic treatments too risky and counsels time, rest, and patience. Fitz fears returning to Buckkeep visibly weakened before Regal, feeling useless and vulnerable. Burrich reaffirms his oath to follow Fitz, bound by the earring once tied to Chivalry, and urges duty to Shrewd and Verity.

Memories of friends and oaths surge, and Fitz briefly rekindles hope of finding Molly. A seizure violently interrupts, deepening his despair. Afterward, Fitz resolves: Burrich must return to Buckkeep where he’s needed; Fitz will not. He rejects seeking Molly out of fear of burdening her and judges himself a liability to his king.

Despite Burrich’s resistance, Fitz insists on parting. Alone, he accepts exile as a way to shed expectations, rest, and rebuild a life unbound by others’ plans. He closes with quiet regret to his king, but certainty in his choice.