Contents
Twenty-Five: Buckkeep
Overview
Fitz returns to Buckkeep to find Regal declaring Verity dead and seizing control of court narrative. At a triumphal feast, Regal elevates himself, belittles Kettricken, and announces moving King Shrewd and Kettricken to Tradeford. Fitz and Burrich plan to test Shrewd’s Skill for proof of Verity’s life, despite the Fool’s warning to let matters rest.
Summary
On the ride back to Buckkeep, Kettricken is exhausted, and Foxglove reports a wolf shadowing them. Burrich rebukes Fitz for Witting with Nighteyes, warning the rumors are dangerous. Near Buckkeep, Regal’s guards deliver a baton and scroll; Kettricken reads and silently accepts that Verity is reported dead. Fitz finds his Skill link to Verity gone and cannot confirm the truth.
In Buckkeep’s stable, Fitz and Burrich debate the message’s reliability. Burrich argues Regal is capable of any deceit and insists they seek proof by having King Shrewd reach for Verity through the Skill, using Fitz for strength. They plan a night attempt, despite risks of revealing Fitz’s Skill usefulness. Fitz asks Burrich to be cautious and to tell Molly he misses her.
In the kitchens, Cook Sara prepares a victory feast per Regal’s orders, praising Regal’s swift deployments and minimizing Verity’s efforts. Gossip questions Kettricken’s pregnancy timing; Fitz counters by planting corroborating details and redirecting rumor to protect Kettricken’s standing.
The Fool visits in fine court fashion, warning Fitz not to stir events and hinting that Regal’s vengeance for Queen Desire fuels present treacheries. Fitz argues the heir and the realm need a king’s protection and refuses to stand down. The Fool departs, grieving that Fitz, the Catalyst, multiplies perilous futures.
At the feast, Kettricken appears shorn and mourning beside a frail, confused Shrewd, while Regal shines among Farrow and Tilth nobility. Toasts praise Regal and condescend to Verity. Regal flatters and undercuts Kettricken’s Neatbay valor, shrinking her resolve. Finally, he announces moving Shrewd—and urges Kettricken—to Tradeford with Buckkeep’s treasures. Kettricken refuses, but when Shrewd plaintively asks her to stay by him, she yields, binding herself to accompany him. Regal’s objective achieved, he dismisses concerns with entertainments as Fitz and Burrich rise to act.
Who Appears
- FitzChivalry FarseerNarrator; returns to Buckkeep, doubts Verity’s death, plots to use Shrewd’s Skill for proof, counters damaging court gossip.
- Prince RegalDeclares Verity dead, commandeers a victory feast, belittles Kettricken, and announces moving Shrewd and court to Tradeford.
- Queen-in-Waiting KettrickenExhausted and grieving; publicly shorn; resists Tradeford move but yields when Shrewd asks her to remain by him.
- BurrichWarns Fitz about Wit rumors; urges testing Shrewd’s Skill to prove Verity lives; arranges witnesses and cautions haste.
- King ShrewdFrail and confused at the feast; unknowingly aids Regal’s plan by asking Kettricken to stay with him.
- The FoolArrives in elegant garb; urges Fitz to refrain; hints Regal’s vengeance roots; foresees Fitz as a dangerous catalyst.
- Cook SaraVoices court sentiment favoring Regal’s ‘swift action’; spreads and tests gossip about Kettricken’s pregnancy.
- FoxgloveReports a wolf shadowing the party; shows concern for Kettricken but is kept to her soldier’s place.
- HandsStablehand who takes Fitz’s horse; briefly interacts on their return.
- Duke Holder of FarrowToasts Regal as defender; offers Tradeford as haven for Shrewd and court.
- Duke Ram of TilthOffers a condescending eulogy for Verity, reinforcing Regal’s narrative.
- Lady PatiencePresent at the feast; her prior knowledge is invoked to bolster Kettricken’s pregnancy rumor.
- LaceyPatience’s maid; cited as a credible witness to support Kettricken’s early pregnancy.
- Lord BrightRegal’s cousin, proposed as Buckkeep’s defender once court moves inland.
- NighteyesWolf bond-partner; repelled at distance by Burrich’s fierce rejection of the Wit.