Is Fitz Happy?

FitzChivalry gets an introduction to the Mountain Kingdom from the gardens, statues, colorful buildings, and all the way to the tree-grown palace. Fitz is waited upon and gets his first glimpse of the royal family of King Eyod, Rurisk and Kettricken. Fitz tries to navigate and regain his footing when his secret is revealed. He stumbles his way back his tent to reflect on the next steps of his mission and to contemplate death and hatred. In this week's episode we talk about improper guest etiquette, gifts, how hot princes are, and eating unknown herbs from someone who just called you out.

After Fitz spent a miserable night recovering, Rurisk speaks frankly to him. Diplomacy wins out in FitzChivalry's mind and they spend the next day with the wedding festivities. Feasts, gifts, and an unexpected reunion brings joy and wonder to Fitz along with an understanding of another culture. However, Regal only wants to further his own goals and orders Fitz to complete the mission before the wedding and brings his high hopes crashing down. Join us for rants about Regal, Burrich, and a discussion about the Wit!

The plots and schemes of being an assassin have caught up to FitzChivalry in the Mountain Kingdom. He doesn't seem to have all the information he needs, and yet he is still ordered to complete his mission with Prince Rurisk. Fitz is without his mentors and must puzzle this out for himself. This episode contains more of Regal and Galen being hate-able, tragedy for Fitz, a reluctant reunion with Burrich, and Nosey being the best dog ever.

Embroiled in a plot to take the throne, FitzChivalry and Burrich desperately try to think of a plan to warn the Royal family before confronting Regal. Fitz is at the end of his strength, struggling to stay above water, and reaches out with all of his power to try and change the future for the better. This episode we discuss character motivations, the Skill (and our lack of knowledge about it), and have a discussion about metaphors for the Wit.

Following a tumultuous wedding, Fitz and Burrich spend a long time recovering in the Mountain Kingdom. Crimes are forgiven, amends are promised, and loyalties are questioned. We discuss FitzChivalry's shifting thoughts, how much Regal gets away with, and the meaning of an earring. 

We wrap up Assassin's Apprentice by talking about Robin Hobb's writing, characters, and plot. "Old" FitzChivalry makes a reappearance while accepting help from his adopted son, Hap, and a mysterious voice in his head, who we know as Nighteyes. We talk about Chade's habits, favorite parts of this book, and the Fool's interior designer. Royal Assassin is right around the corner!

The start of a new book, Royal Assassin, and a recap of the last one, all in one chapter. We get a bit more detail on the decisions FitzChivalry had to make after his ordeal in the Mountain Kingdom. He opens up a bit to Burrich and reflects on what it means to start a new life for himself and whether or not he should.

We dive into King Shrewd's mind, his relationship with the Fool, and the troubles of the Six Duchies. FitzChivalry once again Skills erratically to witness a night raid and the discussion that Shrewd and Fool have about it. He finds himself trapped in the sickly body of his grandfather. Does Fitz gain some perspective? Does he learn what it's like to not be able to heal?

FitzChivalry comes home to a new Buckkeep. Decorations, clean walls and stairs, warmth, and an occupied Verity mystify but comfort him. However, he also needs a reminder to regain his caution amongst the court, once more. 

FitzChivalry wakes up with a renewed hope to find Molly, but before he can really start his day, he finds himself in front of Verity. A day-long, exhausting conversation ensues whereupon he is corralled by Lacey to talk to Patience. He started off ambitious about his strength and ability, but Fitz is shaky and can barely make it up the steps to his room without the help of a familiar servant at the end of his day. This week we talk about his relationship with Verity, Patience's clutter, and the introduction of FitzChivalry the noble to Molly.