Fool’s Quest

Nettle broke into my thoughts. I sensed her confusion and worry. I must have spilled over. I could not contain what I was feeling. My hidden decision burst from me. I can delay no longer. I will not see your child born, nor hold my first grandchild in my arms. Nettle, I am sorry. I have to go. I have to avenge her. I have to find the people who sent her killers and I have to avenge her. I’ve no idea how far I must go but go I must.

For long moments, I felt nothing from her. She boxed herself in so tightly that all I could sense was that she was still there. She was a hollow of sound, a seashell held to the ear. I waited.

I knew that you would. I hoped . . . well. I know you must go. Riddle told me you would have to go. She was silent a time longer. If you could have, you would have gone after her in that moment. Right into the Skill-stone.

I would.

Another pause. I will go to King Dutiful and tell him why I think he should not oppose it. And frankly, why opposing it would do no good. Will I see you before you go?

I will be using the Skill-portals to travel. So I must first return to Buckkeep. I tried to put my thoughts in order. I’ll return by horseback. I will need to consult the Fool as to my route. So, yes, you will see me before I go.

Silently, we both wondered if I would ever return.

Actually, when I reached for you tonight, it was to give you news of the Fool. And then I stumbled into your storm.

News of the Fool?

He’s missing.

A lurch of loss. With you or without you, that was what he had said. He wouldn’t leave without me. Would he? He’d been so afraid. And so tired of waiting for me to act. How long has he been missing?

I don’t know. Since this morning, at least. Kettricken went to call on him, and he was not in his room. At first she was pleased, thinking he had gone to visit Chade or had finally decided to take some air. But this evening, when she went back, he still was not there. Chade does not recall him visiting. No one has seen him.

Have you asked his serving boy Ash?

The Fool sent him on an errand to town, to buy smoked fish. He returned after we’d begun to search. He’s as worried as we are.

I started to lie to her. And stopped myself. Perhaps I was as tired of secrets as Dutiful was. Perhaps I just needed an answer swiftly. Look in the lower parts of the castle. The dungeons.

What? Why?

He knew what Chade found there. A Skill-portal incorporated into the foundation. A rune on it that would take him to Aslevjal.

But he has no Skill! And no reason to go to Aslevjal.

Nonetheless, can you send someone to search that area?

I will check, but, Fitz, I don’t think you need worry. Dutiful had a door of iron bars installed across that end of the corridor to make it a bit easier for Chade to keep his promise not to use it anymore. It’s always locked. Dutiful and I are the only ones with keys.