The Kingkiller Chronicle, #1
The Name of the Wind
by Patrick Rothfuss
Contents
CHAPTER EIGHTY-FIVE Hands Against Me
Overview
Kvothe faces the masters on the horns after felling Ambrose with the wind. He successfully secures fines against Ambrose for theft and destruction of his lute, though a motion to suspend Ambrose fails. The masters then find Kvothe guilty of malfeasance, voting six lashes and mandatory expulsion.
Summary
After Simmon and Wilem deliver Kvothe to his room, he sleeps eighteen hours and wakes feeling better. An errand boy summons him to the Masters’ Hall; he and Ambrose face the horns. Ambrose accuses Kvothe of malfeasance; Kvothe counters with theft, destruction of property, and Conduct Unbecoming.
During testimony, Ambrose appears dulled by laudanum. Master Hemme moves to strike the theft charge as redundant, but Kvothe argues the charges are distinct. The masters vote to keep theft. They find Ambrose guilty of destruction of property and fine him for the lute’s value.
Questioned about the lute’s cost, Kvothe claims he won the money at corners, deflecting suspicion. The masters also find Ambrose guilty of theft and levy an additional fine. Kvothe then seeks Ambrose’s suspension for Conduct Unbecoming, arguing the danger of granting power to petty, spiteful students.
The motion to suspend Ambrose gains several votes but ultimately fails. The Chancellor turns to Ambrose’s grievance of malfeasance against Kvothe. Ambrose seeks six lashes, calculating the masters might accept it.
Kvothe panics, fearing expulsion more than punishment, but the Chancellor presses the vote. All nine masters raise their hands: six lashes and mandatory expulsion. Kvothe realizes he has been expelled from the University.
Who Appears
- KvotheOn the horns; prosecutes Ambrose effectively but is found guilty of malfeasance and expelled.
- AmbroseAccuses Kvothe of malfeasance; fined for theft and destruction of the lute; avoids suspension.
- The Chancellor (Herma)Presides over the hearing, guides votes, and declares Kvothe’s expulsion.
- Master HemmeAttempts to strike the theft charge; votes against Kvothe and supports Ambrose.
- Master LorrenRecites codified punishments; votes to fine Ambrose and later for Kvothe’s expulsion.
- Master ElodinSupports some sanctions on Ambrose; ultimately votes for Kvothe’s expulsion with the others.
- Master KilvinSilent during debate; votes for Kvothe’s expulsion.
- Master ArwylVotes to suspend Ambrose but later votes to expel Kvothe.
- Master Elxa DalSupports penalties against Ambrose; then votes to expel Kvothe.
- Master BrandeurChallenges Kvothe’s claim of funds; votes against some charges; votes to expel Kvothe.
- Master MandragSupports striking theft earlier; participates in votes against Kvothe.
- SimmonHelps bring Kvothe home after the incident; offstage support.
- WilemHelps deliver Kvothe to his room; offstage support.