The Name of the Wind, Chapter 2 - A Beautiful Day

In chapter 1 we learned two things: Old Man Cob enjoys entertaining himself by telling fables to wide-eyed young men and tricks them into buying him beer. He also gets his jollies off by lying to everyone by spreading rumors that it's too dangerous to travel in these "dangerous times" with the "threat of getting robbed." Yeah, right. I'm sure everyone would be much safer staying indoors and continuing to fuel his alcoholic tendencies. (I'm on to you old man.) Don't let him fool you. I say, travel the roads to your heart's content while carrying with you your most valuable of treasures.

(I'm sure everything will be fine.)

*nods*

Chapter 2: A Beautiful Day

With the sun shining and the birds chirping, with nothing but the endless horizon being a prelude to endless possibilities... this was not Chronicler's best day ever.

After being asked politely repeatedly, as if he had a choice, Chronicler steps down from his horse and knows the deal immediately. This was not the first time he had be robbed. The fact that it was a group of soldiers (as opposed to random thugs) made it interesting, but the outcome was the same--minus a few bruises. In the name of "gathering supplies" to "help defend" and "do their duty," they might as well have strip searched him as they rifled through his belongings and took everything of value. His horse, a fancy shirt, some spices, a blanket, and most importantly, his coin.

As Chronicler puts it, it was a "civilized robbery." They take what they need and he yields completely--almost cowardly--to their demands. But outnumbered, outgunned, and outclassed, this lowly scribe could do nothing to defy the soldiers. They eventually leave him with 2 pennies for entertaining them so... but the joke's on them. With hidden rolls of even more coin in his boot, belt, stale bread, and ink bottle, he had more than enough spare coin to keep him going--all by design. I told you this wasn't the first time he had been robbed.

(And I told you they should have strip searched the weaselly bastard.)

With the sun still shining and the birds still chirping, Chronicler continues on his merry way out towards the horizon of endless possibilities.

(Good day. Not his "best day ever." But good day nonetheless.)

* * *

Chronicler

This is obviously the man who's going to find Kote the kingkiller at the inn, looking to transcribe his story. He's a resourceful man and knows how to survive among other less gentle men. He also (suspiciously) has an absurd amount of money for a scribe. (Not your ordinary scribe?) I'm interested.


Old Man Cob

It looks like Old Man Cob isn't full of bullshit after all. Outside of the little village where Kote is hiding in his hidey-hole, there looks to be a greater struggle occurring beyond its scope of influence. A struggle between nations? Possibly a nation who has just lost its king?

(Perhaps? Hm...!)

[Next Chapter]