Name of the Wind 46 - 48

Chapter 46

Kote tracks down Master Elodin and tries to convince him to take him on as a student. Elodin allows Kote to ask 3 questions. With the first, Kote asks why Elodin doesn't want to teach him. Elodin gives him a few ersatz answers, then says he will show Kote why. He takes Kote to the rookery and introduces him to some of the mad inhabitants. He also shows Kote the room where Elodin was imprisoned. Kote ask how he escaped, and he quotes from the story of Taborlon the Great, who knew the name of stone and told the wall to break. He tries to give a practical demonstration, but the room has been reinforced with some possibly enchanted copper and is a little more sturdy. They do manage to get out side and climb up a 20 foot tower. Kote's final question is what does he have to do to get accepted as an apprentice and Elodin says "jump." Kote does but instead of saving him Eldoin lets him fall and he ends up with broken ribs and a concussion. Elodin says anyone who would do that is too reckless to teach. Kote decides to join Master Kilvin.

Elodin comes off as the most interesting if the Masters, hopefully he will change his mind about Kote. Interesting that his escape from the Rookery is so much like the story of Taborlin. Also found it unfair of him to test Kote by asking him to jump - but maybe he is right, Maybe Kote wants it TOO much.

Chapter 47

Kote finishes his first term, passing time between his studies playing card games and earning extra money from working for Kilvin. He cultivates rumors about himself to add to his reputation and continues to bicker with Ambrose.

One gets the feeling that Ambrose's power and connections are going to spell bad news for Kote sooner rather than later.

Chapter 48

Back in the tavern, Kote pauses his story. Bast has for some reason learned to fear when silence gathers around Kote. But finally Kote speaks, saying he will talk about a special woman, to whom he doesn't think he can do justice with words.

Does this silence that Bast fears have anything to do with the Chandrian? There's a sense that the story is about to turn and become darker here.