CHAPTER FORTY-NINE The Nature of Wild Things

Kvothe warns that some people, like wild things, cannot be approached with stealth, introducing the idea of a particular woman whose story requires care. To reach her, he first recounts the events that pushed him across the river to Imre.

As admissions week begins, Kvothe studies hard, valuing his late appointment. During the interview he excels at many questions, but Master Hemme is openly hostile and Master Brandeur joins him, while Master Lorren remains coolly disapproving. The deliberations grow heated until Master Kilvin loudly defends Kvothe. The final decision sets his tuition at 3 talents, 9 jots, and 7 drabs—eight jots more than he possesses.

With no family, collateral, or safe lenders, Kvothe rejects borrowing from friends to protect those relationships and his pride. He also dismisses theft as too risky, given potential expulsion. Instead, he decides to find a gaelet, a semilegal moneylender.

Drawing on lessons from Tarbean, Kvothe asks careful questions in seedy taverns and at the Bent Penny pawnshop. The trail points him across the river to Imre, moving him—unwillingly—toward the city and closer to the story of the wild woman he has foreshadowed.