FitzChivalry finds his way into Blue Lake to discover that the way across is virtually impossible with the funds he has and the winter storms approaching. He learns that Burrich truly believes that Fitz is dead now and the coterie is hot on his trail. Two unlooked for allies find him to offer advice, warnings, and a way forward. Loneliness abounds in this chapter as we discuss Fitz's prospects on his way to the Mountain Kingdom and Verity. 

We're reading Assassin's Quest by Robin Hobb, book 3 of the Farseer Trilogy in The Realm of the Elderlings

King Regal's guards are constantly on the hunt for the Pocked Man and for Fitz. Starling warns Fitz that they're looking for him but also sings about his exploits to the caravan members, which prompts Tassin to suspect who he is. When they meet some of the King's guards along the way, it only takes a midnight conversation for Tassin to tell the guards her suspicions. Fitz is captured by them, but not before he can poison them. 

We're reading Assassin's Quest by Robin Hobb, book 3 of the Farseer Trilogy in The Realm of the Elderlings

While Fitz watches the sheep flock, the rest of the caravan members gather. We meet Starling the minstrel for the first time as they travel towards Blue Lake and the Mountain Kingdom. We also feel the echoes of FitzChivalry's intense loneliness and feel the surge of hope for the future when he learns of Molly giving birth to their daughter. 

We're reading Assassin's Quest by Robin Hobb, book 3 of the Farseer Trilogy in The Realm of the Elderlings

Fitz flees further north to find new supplies and a way to the mountains. With Verity always in the back of his mind urging him forward, and without Nighteyes, Fitz must lay low as someone looking for work. He learns the true value of Burrich’s earring and the value of having support around you. 

We're reading Assassin's Quest by Robin Hobb, book 3 of the Farseer Trilogy in The Realm of the Elderlings

Content warning for talk of suicide and suicidal thoughts. 

We're reading Assassin's Quest by Robin Hobb, book 3 of the Farseer Trilogy in The Realm of the Elderlings

Coping with his loneliness without Nighteyes, Fitz Skills to the downfall of Duke Bearns. He determinedly walks through Tradeford and contemplates how Regal grew up. Learning more about Regal's depravity, Fitz steels his mind and starts planning. 

We're reading Assassin's Quest by Robin Hobb, book 3 of the Farseer Trilogy in The Realm of the Elderlings

Our protagonist and his sidekick, Fitz, deepen their friendship and bond during their journey. Along the way, they encounter a wild pack of wolves which prompts Nighteyes to run off at the chance to see what he was missing. A return to the melancholic dramatics, FitzChivalry faces a journey alone, upriver. He has determined to kill Regal with or without Nighteyes’ help. This episode we talk about loneliness and over dramatics. 

We're reading Assassin's Quest by Robin Hobb, book 3 of the Farseer Trilogy in The Realm of the Elderlings

Nighteyes and FitzChivalry journey alone for about 15 minutes until Fitz meets Black Rolf. Another of the Old Blood asked for aid and the wolves end up at a house with Rolf and Holly. This chapter contains reflections on the Wit and on the Skill, more discussions of Forged ones and what attracts them, and further conviction to chase after Regal alone. 

We're reading Assassin's Quest by Robin Hobb, book 3 of the Farseer Trilogy in The Realm of the Elderlings

FitzChivalry tries to reenter the human world but is woefully unprepared. His social skills, his lying, and his general attitude is rusty while trying to fit in and escort a group of minstrels. Fitz has to fit into civilian life while grappling with his fear and dark memories. Along the journey Fitz is harassed by his own companions, Skills out, attacked from multiple fronts, and meets enemies from his past. 

We're reading Assassin's Quest by Robin Hobb, book 3 of the Farseer Trilogy in The Realm of the Elderlings

Fitz's demons appear in this episode as he navigates towards the self-appointed destiny of Regal's demise. FitzChivalry is dead and just Fitz wakes up hungover to gather his possessions to walk to Tradeford. He's attacked on his way out and is lost for a while in his own memories. We discuss PTSD, trauma, and Fitz's (lack of) coping mechanisms. Along the way, Fitz learns about the poor state of the Six Duchies and starts to yearn for more human contact. 

We're reading Assassin's Quest by Robin Hobb, book 3 of the Farseer Trilogy in The Realm of the Elderlings