The Kingkiller Chronicle, #1
The Name of the Wind
by Patrick Rothfuss
Contents
CHAPTER TWO A Beautiful Day
Overview
On a deceptively perfect autumn day, Chronicler is stopped by six ex-soldiers turned road robbers who seize his horse and select gear. He keeps his scribe’s tools and retrieves multiple hidden cash stashes afterward, revealing foresight and resilience. The scene underscores wartime scarcity and Chronicler’s determination to continue his journey.
Summary
On an idyllic autumn day, Chronicler is halted on the road by six ex-soldiers led by a competent former officer. The men, citing the king’s army’s need for mounts, take Chronicler’s unimpressive horse despite his protest. They methodically lay out his belongings and choose practical items, maintaining an efficient, almost courteous manner.
The commander inspects Chronicler’s satchel and confirms it contains only pens and paper, leaving it. The men select clothing and supplies—salt, socks, dried fruit, sugar, alcohol, dice—and exchange worn items for Chronicler’s better ones. They take his purse and a silver ring, but allow him to keep an iron amulet out of respect for his beliefs.
Chronicler boldly asks for a little money back for food; the commander, amused, returns two pennies to his purse. Chronicler warns them the alcohol is wood alcohol and not for drinking, earning a final nod of respect before they ride off, suggesting he can still reach Abbott’s Ford by dark.
Alone, Chronicler reveals careful preparation: he retrieves hidden coin bundles from his boot and clothing, leaving further caches concealed in stale bread and an ink jar. Though losing the horse stings, he calculates he can replace it and continue “this foolishness” before meeting Skarpi in Treya. After a brief scare from a startled crow, he resumes his journey, unexpectedly lighthearted beneath the golden leaves.
Who Appears
- ChroniclerTraveling scribe robbed on the road; keeps his tools and reveals multiple hidden stashes of money.
- CommanderLeader of six ex-soldiers; conducts a disciplined, civil robbery and returns two pennies to Chronicler.
- JannsEx-soldier who needs an extra blanket; receives one of Chronicler’s under the commander’s orders.
- WitkinsEx-soldier who lacks a tinderbox; takes Chronicler’s better cloak while leaving his own.