A Bastard's Beginnings

FitzChivalry Farseer, known as Fitz, is introduced as the illegitimate son of Prince Chivalry. Abandoned at Buckkeep Castle, his existence leads to his father's abdication. Raised by Burrich, the stablemaster, Fitz grows up in the shadows, largely ignored by the royal family. However, King Shrewd sees potential in him. Fitz's life is marked by loneliness, but he finds solace in his unique bond with animals, hinting at his latent magical abilities. This bond becomes a crucial part of his identity and survival.

The King's Secret Weapon

As Fitz matures, King Shrewd recognizes his potential as a tool for the throne. Fitz is secretly trained in the arts of assassination by Chade, the king's shadowy operative. This training is both a privilege and a burden, as Fitz learns the skills of stealth, poison, and silent killing. The king's intentions are clear: Fitz is to be a secret weapon, a force to protect the kingdom from threats. This dual life sets the stage for Fitz's internal conflict and moral dilemmas.

Chade's Shadowy Lessons

Under Chade's tutelage, Fitz's education in the dark arts begins. Chade, a master assassin, teaches Fitz the subtleties of poisons, stealth, and the importance of loyalty to the king. Fitz struggles with the moral implications of his training but is drawn to Chade's enigmatic presence and the sense of belonging it provides. The lessons are rigorous and often dangerous, but Fitz's natural aptitude for the work becomes apparent. This training shapes Fitz's character and his role in the unfolding narrative.

Galen's Cruelty Unleashed

Fitz and his fellow students endure Galen's brutal Skill training, marked by physical deprivation and psychological abuse. Galen's disdain for Fitz is evident, and he singles him out for particularly harsh treatment. Despite the cruelty, Fitz is determined to prove himself, driven by a desire to master the Skill. The training isolates the students, creating a toxic environment where they compete for Galen's approval. Fitz struggles with the exercises, feeling the weight of Galen's hatred and the pressure to succeed.

A Journey to Neatbay

Fitz is chosen to accompany Prince Verity on a diplomatic mission to Neatbay, under the guise of attending to the elderly Lady Thyme. The journey is both a test and an opportunity for Fitz to prove his worth. Along the way, he must navigate the complexities of court politics and the suspicions surrounding Lord Kelvar, who may be colluding with the kingdom's enemies. Fitz's role is to observe and report, but the mission holds deeper implications for his future.

The Assassin's Dilemma

As Fitz delves deeper into his mission, he is confronted with the possibility of having to assassinate Lord Kelvar if treachery is confirmed. This task forces Fitz to grapple with the reality of his training and the weight of his responsibilities. The decision is his alone, and the potential consequences weigh heavily on him. Fitz's loyalty to the king is tested, and he must decide whether to follow through with his deadly assignment.

A Desperate Connection

After a brutal encounter with Galen, Fitz is left broken and despondent. He contemplates ending his life, overwhelmed by shame and failure. In his darkest moment, the bond with his dog, Smithy, pulls him back from the brink. Smithy's unconditional love and connection provide Fitz with the strength to endure. This bond becomes a lifeline, reminding Fitz of his worth and the importance of his journey. Smithy's presence is a beacon of hope, offering solace and companionship in Fitz's darkest hour.

Betrayal and Unexpected Alliances

As Fitz struggles with the moral implications of his mission, he finds unexpected allies in Rurisk and his sister, Kettricken. They reveal their suspicions about Regal's intentions and offer Fitz a chance to redeem himself by helping them thwart the plot. Together, they devise a plan to expose Regal's treachery and protect the Mountain Kingdom from his grasp. This alliance forces Fitz to confront his own values and the true nature of loyalty and honor.

A Desperate Struggle for Survival

With Regal's plan in motion, Fitz races against time to save Prince Verity from a similar fate. Using his limited Skill abilities, Fitz attempts to warn Verity of the impending danger. The struggle takes a toll on Fitz, both physically and mentally, as he battles the effects of poison and exhaustion. His determination to protect Verity and the kingdom drives him to push beyond his limits, risking his own life in the process.

The Truth Revealed

Fitz's efforts to warn Verity succeed, and the truth about Regal's plot is revealed. Verity, with Fitz's help, confronts Regal and Galen, the Skillmaster, who has been aiding Regal's schemes. The confrontation exposes the depth of Regal's betrayal and the lengths he is willing to go to seize power. Verity's strength and leadership shine through as he takes decisive action to protect the kingdom and ensure justice is served.

A Kingdom's Fragile Peace

With Regal's plot thwarted, the kingdom begins to heal from the wounds of betrayal. Kettricken marries Verity, solidifying the alliance between the Six Duchies and the Mountain Kingdom. Fitz, though scarred by the events, finds a renewed sense of purpose and belonging. As the kingdom moves forward, the bonds of loyalty and trust are tested, but the hope for a brighter future remains strong.

Characters

FitzChivalry Farseer

Fitz is the illegitimate son of Prince Chivalry, raised in the shadows of Buckkeep Castle. He possesses a unique bond with animals and is secretly trained as an assassin by Chade. Fitz struggles with his identity and the moral implications of his role, seeking acceptance and purpose in a world that views him as an outsider. His journey is one of self-discovery and redemption as he navigates the treacherous waters of court politics and loyalty.

Chade Fallstar

Chade is a master of the dark arts, serving as King Shrewd's secret weapon. He becomes Fitz's mentor, teaching him the skills of stealth and assassination. Chade is a complex figure, both nurturing and demanding, and his loyalty to the throne is unwavering. He sees potential in Fitz and guides him through the moral complexities of their shared profession.

King Shrewd

King Shrewd is the ruler of the Six Duchies, known for his strategic mind and political acumen. He recognizes Fitz's potential as a tool for the throne and orchestrates his training as an assassin. Shrewd's motivations are often shrouded in mystery, and his decisions have far-reaching consequences for Fitz and the kingdom.

Burrich

Burrich is the stablemaster at Buckkeep and the man responsible for raising Fitz. He is a man of integrity and discipline, instilling in Fitz a strong work ethic and a sense of duty. Burrich's relationship with Fitz is complex, marked by both affection and frustration, as he struggles to protect the boy from the dangers of court life.

Prince Verity

Verity is the younger brother of Prince Chivalry and the current king-in-waiting. He is a capable leader, though less politically astute than his brother. Verity's focus is on defending the kingdom from external threats, and he is often caught between his responsibilities and his personal desires. His relationship with Fitz is one of cautious respect.

Regal Farseer

Regal is the youngest of King Shrewd's sons, known for his vanity and ambition. He harbors disdain for Fitz and views him as a threat to his own aspirations. Regal's relationship with Fitz is antagonistic, and his actions often complicate Fitz's life at court.

Molly Nosegay

Molly is a girl from Buckkeep Town who befriends Fitz during his visits. She is strong-willed and resourceful, managing her family's chandlery business. Molly represents a connection to a simpler life for Fitz, and their friendship provides him with a sense of normalcy and belonging.

The Fool

The Fool is King Shrewd's jester, known for his enigmatic presence and cryptic messages. He appears to have a deeper understanding of events than he lets on, and his interactions with Fitz are both puzzling and enlightening. The Fool's role in the story is shrouded in mystery, adding an element of intrigue to Fitz's journey.

Prince Chivalry

Chivalry is Fitz's father, a prince who abdicated the throne upon Fitz's existence becoming known. His death casts a long shadow over Fitz's life, and his legacy influences the political landscape of the Six Duchies. Chivalry's actions and decisions continue to impact Fitz, shaping his identity and his place in the world.

Galen

Galen is the Skillmaster tasked with training Fitz and other students. He harbors a deep hatred for Fitz, stemming from his idolization of Chivalry and disdain for Fitz's existence. Galen's teaching methods are harsh and abusive, designed to break the spirits of his students. He is a complex character, driven by a desire to prove his worth to the King, yet blinded by his own prejudices. Galen's cruelty and manipulation create a toxic environment, challenging Fitz's resolve and pushing him to his limits.

Plot Devices

The Skill

The Skill is a hereditary magic that runs strong in the Farseer line. It allows for mental communication and manipulation, but it is also addictive and can be perilous. The Skill is a central element of the story, influencing the characters' actions and the political dynamics of the Six Duchies. Fitz's potential to wield the Skill makes him both valuable and vulnerable.

The Assassin's Training

Fitz's training as an assassin under Chade is a key plot device, shaping his character and his role in the story. The lessons in stealth, poison, and silent killing are both a privilege and a burden, forcing Fitz to confront the moral implications of his actions. This training is central to his development and the unfolding of the narrative.

Court Intrigue

The political landscape of the Six Duchies is fraught with intrigue, alliances, and betrayals. The interactions between the royal family, nobles, and foreign powers create a complex web of relationships that drive the plot. Fitz's position as a royal bastard places him at the center of these machinations, influencing his decisions and his fate.

Loyalty and Betrayal

**The shifting allegiances

Last updated: February 10, 2025