Name of the Wind 34 - 36

Chapter 34

A new traveler named Josn shows up and flirts with Denna. Later he pulls out a lute and plays. Kote asks to borrow it and begins to play. Everyone is stunned by his skill.

Kote takes another step in reconnecting with his past and gets in touch with his music. He shows up Josn with his own lute (not cool Kote!) Maybe that's just revenge for flirting with his crush.

Chapter 35

The caravan leader's wife gives Kote a coin for helping  with the he caravan. He feels guilty and does not want her to get in trouble with her husband but learns the husband probably told her to. He says goodbye to Denna, accepting they will probably never meet again.

Not sure I believe we won't see Denna again, this relationship got built up a little too much.

Chapter 36

Kote arrives at the university and tries to go to the archives but is told they are for students only. He goes before the board and is given the mother of all admissions tests which he passes with flying colors, combining his own genius with a bit of cheating (he watched several other students being examined). His only proof of having a sponsor is the book with a dedication that Abenthy gave him, which is in a pawnshop in Tarbean. Luckily one of the masters is heading that way and will check on it. At the end he makes an impassioned speech about his financial needs and the financial aid committee decides to pay him to come to the uni.

A fun chapter where Kote gets to show off all he's learned. Some entertaining verbal sparring from some of the masters who I imagine we will get to know better, especially the enigmatic Master Elodin. Also will be interesting to find out how Master Lorren has heard of Kote's father.

Name of the Wind Chapters 31 - 33

Chapter 31

Kote splurges on a meal and then a bath at an inn. He makes a deal with the innkeeper to wash some dishes for pay after the bath. Once clean, he gets a bright idea - rather than get back in his dirty clothes, he runs into the street and pretends to be a noble's son. He goes into a store and buys some clothes, claiming a whore had stolen his clothes. When he gets back to the inn, he finds he is no longer interested in washing dishes.

A fun chapter I which Kote gets cleaned up and has fun using his acting chops to masquerade as a noble. Feels good to see him get cleaned up and get some of his identity back (ironically by playing a role). Kote also shows some quick wits and a good heart in dealing with the shopkeeper. Good stuff here.

Chapter 32

Kote runs into a cobbler's store. The kindly man sees how rough his feet are and he gifts him one of his son's old pair of shoes. Kote leaves the man a couple of pennies, then heads off and secures passage to a town close to the university. One of the fellow passengers is a good looking young girl. They exchange a few words. He impresses the driver by speaking a few words in the driver's native language. Later he returns to Tardis to say good-bye.

The chapter ends on a nice emotional note at the end as Kote bids Tardis and the only home he has had for the last few years farewell. The girl they introduced has the makings of a love interest?

Chapter 33 

Kote starts on his trip. He discusses the value of a good cloak. On the trip he does not interact much with anyone other then Denna. They spent some romantic time together but in the end he never makes a move.

Looking like Kote is going to end up in the friend zone with Denna. Time will tell.

Name of the Wind Chapters 28-30

Chapter 28

A pair of priests and their enforcers come into the bar and arrest Skarpi for blasphemy. He mouths off to them and receives a helping of Tarbean-style police brutality. He warns Kote to run without implicating him.

A little tension in this scene as Skarpi does not seem overly worried about the arrest, which at first made me wonder if he was a sorcerer in disguise and was going to call the wind to get himself out of the jam. Turns out he has friends in the church, as he reveals at the end, but it's interesting that he singles Kote out and tells him to run.

Chapter 29

Kote returns to his hiding spot and starts to remember things from his previous life. He also realizes from what he overheard the Chandrian saying that they have enemies too. He needs to learn more about these enemies. He opens the book that Abenthy gave him and reads the dedication telling him to defend himself well at the university.

I was gratified to see Kote recognize the fact that not every song about the Chandrian seems to call them up. So what was special about his father's song? I've been looking forward to have Kote go to the university and it looks like we're heading there soon!

Chapter 30

Kote sells his book the book that Abenthy gave him to a book binder in exchange for two silver talents. He shows off some of his education to convince the shopkeeper he can actually read and did not steal the book. Then he steals some pens and ink. 

A sentimental moment as Kote sells his last possession tying him to his childhood, but he does keep the receipt so hopefully he will have a chance to get it back - although if all goes to plan he will be enrolled in university and won't have a chance to come and get it.