Contents
Five: Gambit
Overview
Fitz reclaims discipline, secretly tends a wolf cub, and becomes Kettricken’s quiet tutor in court craft. Summoned by Shrewd, he promises not to harm Regal and is sent to Bearns to copy a Skill roll and assess a relic while defusing Virago’s rising cult. In Ripplekeep, Fitz publicly goads Virago; before their duel, she is disfigured by sores and abandons her challenge, collapsing her following.
Summary
Winter settles on Buckkeep as Fitz, heartsick over Molly and restless without duties, is jolted by Burrich to regain discipline. Fitz rebuilds strength, keeps to routine rides, and secretly shelters and trains a rescued wolf cub while striving not to bond via the Wit.
Visiting Kettricken daily, Fitz finds her lonely and stifled. After blunt exchanges, he guides her to exercise soft power: rewarding faithful ladies with exclusive entertainments to rebuild Buckkeep’s court around Verity’s cause. He reports progress to Chade, even as Patience and Lacey keep him from Molly.
Shrewd summons Fitz in frail health, extracts Fitz’s word not to harm Regal, and tasks him to go to Bearns: copy a scroll of Bearns coterie Skill-users, view an Elderling relic, and quietly deflate Virago, a warrior-prophetess whose following threatens Duke Brawndy. On the way out, Fitz endures Regal’s needling and Serene’s veiled menace.
At Ripplekeep, Fitz is warmly received by Brawndy and meets his daughter Celerity. Seated opposite Virago, Fitz lets her bait him, then publicly challenges her treachery and redirects would-be followers toward Verity’s warships. He names a duel a week hence on the cliffs, matching her own theater.
Before the fight, Virago’s mouth erupts in painful sores, echoing the legendary punishment for oath-breakers. Isolated and weakened, she departs inland without meeting Fitz. With nobles as witnesses, Fitz’s calm victory saps her movement. At the closing meal, Brawndy pointedly notes Fitz’s growing likeness to his father.
Who Appears
- FitzChivalry FarseerProtagonist; rebuilds discipline, secretly shelters a wolf cub, tutors Kettricken, promises Shrewd not to harm Regal, defuses Virago at Bearns.
- KettrickenLonely Queen-in-Waiting; craves meaningful work. Guided by Fitz to cultivate court influence through selective favor.
- King ShrewdAiling but sharp; dismisses his servant, binds Fitz to spare Regal, sends him to Bearns for scroll, relic, and Virago problem.
- Virago (formerly Madja)Charismatic Bearns warrior-prophetess opposing Farseers; baited by Fitz, then struck with disfiguring mouth sores and flees.
- Duke Brawndy of BearnsRequests royal intervention; hosts Fitz at Ripplekeep, orchestrates seating, and witnesses Virago’s fall.
- BurrichStablemaster and mentor; urges Fitz to act like a man, regain health and purpose.
- Prince RegalAntagonistic prince; trades barbs with Fitz. Shrewd extracts peace by binding Fitz not to harm him.
- SereneDominant Skill-user; confronts Fitz on the stairs with veiled threats and contempt.
- CelerityBrawndy’s youngest daughter; intelligent, courteous to Fitz, witnesses the failed duel day.
- Lady PatienceFitz’s guardian; keeps him occupied and away from Molly through structured visits.
- LaceyPatience’s maid; tends Fitz, feeds him, and helps enforce distance from Molly.
- MollyFitz’s lost love; absent but haunts his thoughts, intensifying his loneliness.
- WallaceShrewd’s new servant; replaced Cheffers, present during Fitz’s audience.
- RosemaryKettricken’s little maid; unobtrusive observer during courtly scenes.
- Lady HopefulOne of two ladies who faithfully attend Kettricken; rewarded with private entertainment.
- Lady ModestyFaithful lady to Kettricken; included in the exclusive gathering to build court.
- MellowMinstrel suggested by Fitz to charm and elevate Kettricken’s private gathering.