Twenty-Four: Neatbay

Fitz endures tense winter watchfulness at Buckkeep as Shrewd declines and Regal revels, selling off Buckkeep’s stores. Isolated from Molly and policed by Regal’s allies, Fitz visits Shrewd and the Fool, seeing the King’s confusion deepen. One night, Chade wakes Fitz with news: five Red Ships besiege Neatbay.

Fitz rouses Shrewd despite Regal’s interference, claiming a vision of the Pocked Man to justify the warning. Shrewd orders all available ships and horse dispatched; Kettricken immediately rides. Burrich efficiently mobilizes Buckkeep, and despite a gate challenge, Fitz and Burrich join the Queen’s Guard. On the road, Burrich realizes Fitz is bonded to the wolf Nighteyes, straining their relationship.

At Neatbay, Foxglove assesses that Bayguard still holds the inner wall. Burrich assumes command, planning to pen the besiegers and seize or burn the Red Ships. Fighting through the ruined town, Fitz’s group prevents two ships from launching; one escapes with hostages, but others are taken, one burned. The Rurisk and allied vessels land reinforcements, completing a siege of the besiegers as fresh Red Ships are later driven off.

That night, Outislanders launch a two-pronged breakout aimed at Kettricken’s tent. In brutal close combat lit by the burning shelter, Burrich and Foxglove hold the line while Kettricken fights beside Fitz. Fitz, slipping into a savage unity with Nighteyes, hunts fleeing raiders through the ruins and survives.

At dawn, Bayguard opens its gates to rejoicing allies. Kettricken’s leadership wins Rippon’s loyalty; captured ships are divided to bolster coastal defense. Rumors of her pregnancy spread openly. Fitz notes the disproportionate number of raiders and recalls a fleeting terror of a white ship in fog. Lady Grace recognizes Fitz from years past and honors him, while Burrich quietly warns of the Wit’s consuming pull.