The Kingkiller Chronicle, #1
The Name of the Wind
by Patrick Rothfuss
Contents
CHAPTER FORTY On the Horns
Overview
Summoned before the masters, Kvothe faces expulsion and thirteen lashes for malfeasance after humiliating Hemme. He coolly argues he had Hemme’s permission, and the charges are reduced to reckless use of sympathy with three lashes.
On the same vote, Kvothe is admitted to the Arcanum, gains Kilvin’s interest, and relocates to Arcanum bunks, where peers greet him coldly.
Summary
After news of his classroom humiliation of Master Hemme spreads, Kvothe enjoys fleeting admiration but fears the consequences. A runner summons Kvothe to the Masters’ Hall, and Simmon escorts him, anxious about possible expulsion.
Before the assembled nine, Hemme accuses Kvothe of unauthorized sympathy and malfeasance, seeking thirteen lashes and expulsion. Recalling Abenthy’s lessons, Kvothe centers himself and argues he had both express and implied permission when Hemme ordered him to demonstrate before the class, using Hemme’s hair for a wax mommet and a second binding to a brazier.
Masters Elxa Dal and Kilvin chastise Hemme’s negligence; Lorren recasts the offense as reckless use of sympathy. By vote, the masters strike the harsher charges and set punishment at three lashes. A subsequent motion—led by Kilvin and supported by Elxa Dal, Arwyl, Elodin, and the Chancellor—accepts Kvothe’s double binding as proof of basic mastery, admitting him to the Arcanum.
Afterward, Kilvin schedules Kvothe for his workshop, Arwyl promises care at the Medica post-whipping, and the Chancellor privately welcomes him, wryly noting the trouble he brings. Outside, Kvothe startles at Simmon’s touch, then shares the paradoxical outcome: whipping and admission.
Returning to the Mews, Kvothe receives applause from non-Arcanum students but is promptly reassigned to the west wing. There, Arcanum peers regard him coolly, resentful of his accelerated advancement. Kvothe settles into his new bunk, newly admitted yet uneasy about what comes next.
Who Appears
- KvotheFaces the masters on malfeasance charges, argues permission, gets three lashes, and is admitted to the Arcanum.
- Master HemmeAccuser; seeks harsh punishment after being burned, but loses when charges are reduced.
- The ChancellorPresides over the hearing; upholds three lashes and backs Kvothe’s admission to the Arcanum.
- Master KilvinSupports Kvothe’s competence, questions the binding, votes for admission, invites him to the workshop.
- Elxa DalDefends Kvothe against malfeasance claims and votes to admit him.
- ArwylMoves to strike malfeasance, supports reduced charge, offers medical care after the whipping.
- Master LorrenCites disciplinary statutes; reframes offense as reckless use of sympathy.
- ElodinSmiles on Kvothe, notes many Arcanum students couldn’t manage a double binding, votes to admit.
- BrandeurSits with the masters; later questions Hemme about not wearing a gram.
- MandragMaster Alchemist present at the hearing; does not support suspending punishment.
- JamisonUniversity functionary who records proceedings and summons Kvothe to the hearing.
- SimmonSupports and escorts Kvothe; later shares relief and humor after the verdict.
- SovoyWarns Kvothe at dinner that punishment may be severe.
- ManetAdvises caution around masters and predicts a trip ‘on the horns.’
- BasilFirst-term bunkmate who congratulates Kvothe before his move to Arcanum bunks.