The Kingkiller Chronicle, #1
The Name of the Wind
by Patrick Rothfuss
Contents
CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE A Parting of Ways
Overview
The caravan arrives in Imre at sunset. Kvothe, wounded by Denna’s closeness with Josn, prepares to part ways. Reta quietly rewards Kvothe’s help, and Derrick explains Cealdish customs. Denna invites Kvothe to Anilin, but he refuses, reaffirming his commitment to the University as they make a bittersweet farewell.
Summary
The caravan rolls into Imre at sunset. Kvothe, hurt by Denna spending the day with Josn, keeps his distance as Roent’s team begins unloading. Amid the bustle, Reta thanks Kvothe for his road help and discreetly gives him a copper jot, surprising him with the generosity.
Kvothe worries the gift might anger Roent, so he asks Derrick. Derrick explains Cealdish custom: grown men avoid giving money directly and prefer women to handle buying and bargaining, so Reta’s gesture is proper and likely known to Roent. Kvothe pockets the jot, realizing his worldliness has limits.
Intending to slip away without good-byes, Kvothe turns to leave but finds Denna behind him. Denna invites him to continue on to Anilin and even suggests he could teach Josn the lute. Kvothe nearly yields but decides against it, committed to trying his fortune at the University in Imre.
Denna says she’ll be in Anilin for a while and playfully promises to come looking for him if needed. Kvothe, sensing the truth of a traveler’s life, believes they will never meet again. They exchange a tender farewell—“I’ll see you where the roads meet”—and Denna runs off into the twilight as Kvothe stays his course.
Who Appears
- KvotheArrives in Imre, receives a tip from Reta, learns Cealdish customs, and refuses Denna’s invitation to Anilin to pursue the University.
- DennaShares a wagon with Josn, invites Kvothe to Anilin, playfully promises to seek him if needed; parts from Kvothe with a tender farewell.
- DerrickExplains Cealdish customs about money and bargaining, reassuring Kvothe about Reta’s gift.
- RetaThanks Kvothe for his help and discreetly gives him a copper jot; oversees unloading.
- RoentLeads the caravan’s arrival and bargaining in Imre; implied approval of Reta’s handling of money.
- JosnTravels close to Denna and is proposed as Kvothe’s potential pupil; continues on toward Anilin.