The Kingkiller Chronicle, #1
The Name of the Wind
by Patrick Rothfuss
Contents
CHAPTER THIRTY The Broken Binding
Overview
Kvothe sells Abenthy’s Rhetoric and Logic at The Broken Binding to fund his departure, out-negotiating the bookseller with a shrewd receipt. Realizing University admissions close in five days, he commits to leaving Tarbean immediately. He departs with two talents, a copper jot, and stolen writing supplies.
Summary
Kvothe enters a shop called The Broken Binding to sell Abenthy’s Rhetoric and Logic. The tall, reedy owner initially offers a poor price, prompting Kvothe to negotiate for more and request a receipt, which makes the owner suspicious of theft.
When the owner tries to force a false illiteracy attestation, Kvothe counters with legalistic terms and veiled threats, earning the man’s respect. The owner agrees to let Kvothe write the receipt. Kvothe cleverly writes that the book can be reclaimed for pennies rather than talents, securing a theoretical buyback advantage.
As Kvothe dates the receipt, he learns it is the thirty-fifth of Shuden and realizes University admissions end on Cendling—five days away. He understands he likely cannot buy the book back and that leaving immediately is essential.
Kvothe accepts two silver talents and, unexpectedly, a copper jot from the apologetic owner. He pockets the receipt to soften the loss of his last childhood possession. Before leaving, Kvothe steals three pens and, lacking a way to return them, also takes a bottle of ink, then departs to pursue the University.
Who Appears
- Kvothe (as a boy)Sells Abenthy’s book, outmaneuvers the bookseller with a crafty receipt, notes the five-day admissions deadline, and steals pens and ink.
- Bookseller at The Broken BindingSkeptical shop owner who buys the book for two talents, signs Kvothe’s receipt, and adds a copper jot in apology.