Contents
Seventeen: Interludes
Overview
Fitz is summoned to a frail, drug-dulled King Shrewd, who presses a political match with Celerity as her letter and an Elderling fragment arrive. Fitz pens a sabotaging reply, then steals a seaside tryst with Molly that ends in painful doubt. Chade confronts Fitz, urges hard truths, and sends him to eliminate newly reported Forged ones. Fitz returns to poison-making, recommitting to grim duty despite his conflicted heart.
Summary
Fitz is summoned after a long absence to King Shrewd, whom he finds wasted and dulled by Smoke and spiced wine managed by Wallace. Shrewd delivers a letter from Celerity with a copied Elderling fragment and orders Fitz to reply, reaffirming plans to see Fitz wed with title and land. The Fool’s silent distress underscores Shrewd’s decline.
Fitz writes two replies: a formal note he burns, and a candid letter painting himself as unworthy, hoping Duke Brawndy will withdraw the match. Reeling, he seeks solace outdoors and meets Molly in the market. He leads her to a hidden beach; they share food, warmth, and lovemaking, briefly restoring Fitz’s peace.
When Fitz admits Shrewd’s intentions regarding Celerity, Molly weeps and concludes their future is hopeless under royal pressure. A sudden squall mirrors the moment as she leaves, insisting they not be seen together. Fitz returns home furious and despairing, even compounding a private poison meant for Wallace, then broods alone in darkness.
Chade arrives, chastens Fitz about Shrewd’s addictions, politics, and Molly’s needs, and warns that public shame and illegitimacy would follow defiance. Pressed, Chade reveals new Forged ones south-west of Buckkeep; Verity is overtaxed, so the task falls to them. Fitz apologizes for having avoided such work while at sea.
Accepting that duty persists despite his turmoil, Fitz spends the night with Chade preparing the necessary poisons, recommitting to the lethal errands that protect Buckkeep even as his personal life fractures.
Who Appears
- FitzChivalry FarseerSummoned by Shrewd; resists Celerity match; trysts and argues with Molly; contemplates poisoning Wallace; accepts mission to kill Forged ones.
- King Shrewd FarseerFrail, drugged, insists on Fitz’s marriage to Celerity; dozes mid-audience; increasingly managed by Wallace and Smoke.
- Chade FallstarMentor confronts Fitz about politics and Molly; assigns elimination of Forged ones; spends night preparing poisons.
- MollyMeets Fitz secretly; they make love; devastated by Celerity news; concludes their future is impossible under royal pressure.
- The FoolAt Shrewd’s feet, tearful and furious at Fitz’s absence; reluctantly serves wine, highlighting the king’s decline.
- WallaceGatekeeper enabling Shrewd’s drug use; tends Smoke; receives Fitz’s letter; target of Fitz’s dark fantasies.
- Regal FarseerFeeds Shrewd rumors about Molly; emblem of court intrigue amid Shrewd’s weakening.
- Celerity of BearnsSends kind letter and Elderling fragment; unwitting center of political match pressed on Fitz.
- Duke BrawndyBacks the alliance; his messenger awaits Fitz’s reply; potential reader of Fitz’s self-sabotaging letter.
- NighteyesWitted bondmate; chooses to sleep off a full belly, indifferent to Fitz’s daytime restlessness.