Six: The Wit and the Skill

Fitz parts from Josh, Honey, and Piper at an inn in Crowsneck, determined to pursue his own mission. Passing through the market, he sees trade strangled by Regal’s policies. Two King’s Guards, wearing Crowsneck colors, publicly beat and rob a drunk for mocking Regal, and the cowed townsfolk look away.

When Fitz approaches the fallen man, a powerful Wit-call compels him to help. He aids the drunk, who reveals himself as Black Rolf, and follows him to the river where Rolf’s bond-partner, the bear Hilda, greets them. Rolf invites Fitz to his woodland cabin, where Fitz meets Holly and their hawk Sleet, and learns they call the Wit “Old Blood.”

Over food, Rolf describes Old Blood ways: deliberate quests to find a bond-beast, taboos against childhood bonding, and the belief that Old Blood should pair with its own. He warns that Fitz and Nighteyes “shout” their thoughts, drawing predators and especially Forged ones, and explains that King’s Guards now man city watches and hunt the Witted for gold. Rolf infers Fitz’s intent to kill Regal and cautions him to keep silent.

Rolf presses Fitz about the prior night’s battle, seeking a way Old Blood might counter the Farseer Skill. Fitz admits he cannot teach what he barely understands. Rolf offers months or years of training; Holly suggests possible matches and promises a network that could relay pleas for aid. Fitz declines to stay, citing the danger and urgency, but accepts rest and provisions. At dusk, after warnings that Farrow is even more tightly held by Regal, Fitz and Nighteyes depart by night, resolved to continue their mission.