CHAPTER SEVENTY-FOUR Waystone

As sunset falls, Kvothe and Denna reach the bald peak of a northern hill ringed by trees and marked by greystones, including a great arched trio. They set camp, cook stew, and wait out brief rain. After dark, they glimpse distant blue flares toward the northern bluffs. Kvothe stakes two sticks to mark the direction for morning.

By the fire, Kvothe proposes that the Chandrian came to steal something Mauthen unearthed from the old hill fort. Denna counters that the Chandrian likely intended to eradicate all knowledge of the find, striking during the wedding when everyone aware of it was gathered. Kvothe, reminded of his troupe’s fate, is shaken. Denna beds down, and Kvothe keeps watch.

Later, Denna wakes Kvothe to strange dragging sounds ascending the hill. With the clouds cleared, moonlight reveals movement among the trees. Splintering branches and a deep, thunderous grunt draw near. When a huge shape reaches the crest, Denna urges climbing the greystone arch; Kvothe scrambles and, with Denna’s help, hauls himself atop.

From the greystone, they watch a massive, black, squat, lizard-like creature—larger than a greystone—shuffle into the firelight. It tastes the air, then unleashes a blinding burst of blue flame, heat washing over them. As it approaches and breathes blue fire again, Kvothe recognizes it for what it is: a dragon.