The Kingkiller Chronicle, #1
The Name of the Wind
by Patrick Rothfuss
Contents
CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX Less Talents
Overview
Kvothe reaches the University, is refused entry to the Archives without enrollment, and hurries to last-day admissions. Despite lacking a letter, he impresses the masters in rigorous questioning. He boldly requests free tuition and support; after deliberation, he is admitted with Kilvin as sponsor and awarded a tuition credit of three talents.
Summary
Kvothe arrives at the University after camping outside Imre and seeks the Archives, the core reason for his journey. A scriv denies entry until he is enrolled and directs him to Hollows for admissions, warning the session may soon end. Kvothe hurries there.
Onstage before nine masters, Kvothe admits he has no sponsor letter, citing Abenthy and a pawned, inscribed copy of Rhetoric and Logic. Master Lorren offers to verify the book in Tarbean. Kvothe, age fifteen, faces questioning across disciplines and answers swiftly, having secretly observed earlier interviews to prepare.
Master Brandeur probes arithmetic and geometry; Master Arwyl tests medicine; Master Lorren asks history; Master Mandrag covers chemistry; Master Kilvin challenges him on an “ever-burning lamp”; Elxa Dal tests sympathy; Hemme employs trick questions; and Elodin poses eccentric queries. Kvothe demonstrates breadth and composure, sparring briefly with Hemme.
When asked his purpose, Kvothe cannot give a tidy answer but then makes a bold plea: admit him free and grant three talents so he can study properly, or he will survive by any means while attending. Kilvin applauds his fire as the masters deliberate.
The Chancellor announces Kvothe’s admission, Kilvin as official sponsor, and Arcanum entry contingent on proof of basic sympathy. Hearing “less three talents,” Kvothe initially despairs, then bristles when Lorren asks about his father, Arliden. Lorren hands him a slip showing a credit of three talents; Kvothe realizes he can attend and breaks down in relieved tears.
Who Appears
- KvotheArrives at the University, seeks the Archives, aces admissions questioning, boldly pleads poverty, and is admitted with a three-talent credit.
- The Chancellor (Herma)Presides over admissions, questions Kvothe’s background and motives, and formally announces his admission and terms.
- Master KilvinMaster Artificer; challenges Kvothe, appreciates his boldness, and becomes his official sponsor.
- Master LorrenMaster Archivist; verifies Abenthy’s book, asks history questions, inquires about Arliden, and confirms the three-talent credit.
- Master HemmeRhetorician; hostile and condescending, poses trick questions, and argues during deliberations.
- Master BrandeurArithmetician; tests Kvothe on currency, geometry, and quick calculations.
- Master ArwylPhysician; quizzes Kvothe on hellebore, anatomy of the hand, and correct medical practice.
- Master MandragAlchemist; questions sources and yields for phosphorus and the chemist’s core rules.
- Elxa DalSympathist; tests kinetic bindings and theory; gauges Kvothe’s knowledge calmly.
- Master ElodinNamer; asks eccentric questions, including in Siaru, subtly unsettling the room.
- Archives scrivCealdish attendant who bars Kvothe from the Archives and directs him to admissions.