The Kingkiller Chronicle, #1
The Name of the Wind
by Patrick Rothfuss
Contents
CHAPTER FIVE Notes
Overview
Kote returns to the Waystone with the unconscious Chronicler, revealing he fought and killed five scrael. Bast confronts Kote about sneaking out and lying about keeping a scrael piece, then carefully stitches Kote’s wounds. Afterward, Bast keeps vigil and sings, underscoring their bond and Kote’s fragile state.
Summary
Well past midnight, Kote returns to Newarre carrying the unconscious Chronicler. The Waystone is lit, and Bast rushes out, furious over a terse note Kote left. Kote hands Chronicler to Bast and admits he left to deal with scrael, anticipating Bast would argue if told.
They put Chronicler to bed and discuss trust. Kote insists he acted to keep Bast safe, while Bast is hurt at being excluded. Kote asks for help stitching his wounds. Bast, disdainful of iron, uses bone needles and cleans long razorlike cuts across Kote’s shoulders, back, arms, and scalp.
As Bast works, he presses for details. Kote reveals there were five scrael and that Chronicler only distracted one briefly. Bast is aghast, insisting Kote should be dead, while Kote responds wearily that survival is a familiar habit.
Later, with Kote asleep, Bast quietly checks his master’s color, breath, and pulse, then sits vigil. He gently brushes Kote’s hair back and sings a soft, otherworldly lullaby, watching over him through the deep hours before dawn.
Who Appears
- Kote (Kvothe)Returns wounded after killing five scrael, brings Chronicler to safety, and endures Bast’s stitching and concern.
- BastConfronts Kote over secrecy, tends his wounds with bone needles, learns the scale of the fight, and keeps a heartfelt vigil.
- Chronicler (Devan Lochees)Unconscious from the scrael attack; undressed and settled into bed at the Waystone for recovery.