Is Fitz Happy?

Ep. 030 - Ch. 4 Part 1 Royal Assassin - Dilemmas

FitzChivalry is still slowly recovering from his poisoning in the Mountain Kingdom, wakes up still weak, and immediately passes out to sleep through the day. A brief reunion with the Fool is the highlight of Fitz’s day before he gets lectured about the proper courting behavior expected of royals. Patience and Lacey take over his room and his health while also steering Fitz straight about his relationship with Molly. His life is not his own and belongs to King Shrewd. Over the course of the first half of this chapter, that simple fact is hammered into him by Patience and Chade. Join us in our discussion of Patience’s motivations, thoughts, and relationships with Chivalry and Fitz, and the parallels that appear between past events and the present.

 

Disclaimer: Emma’s microphone had a malfunction that we weren’t aware of while recording, so there is white noise as she speaks. We’ve tried to edit it so it is less apparent, but that also results in a slight warping in Emma’s voice for this episode. Ch. 4 Part 2 will also have white noise in it while Emma speaks.

Ep. 031 - Ch. 4 Part 2 Royal Assassin - Dilemmas

Continuing his talk with Chade, FitzChivalry is handed the task of keeping Kettricken company. Chade knows that misery loves company and offers the fact that a Queen-in-Waiting can be a powerful ally. However, Fitz also hears the same bad news about Molly from the old assassin as he did from Lady Patience. Discouraged from those talks and angered by the realization that his life isn’t his own to control, he walks down to Buckkeep Town. Anger built upon anger at being caged leads Fitz like a hound to a quarry. He meets a new friend.

 

Disclaimer: Emma’s microphone had a malfunction that we weren’t aware of while recording, so there is white noise as she speaks. We’ve tried to edit it so it is less apparent, but that also results in a slight warping in Emma’s voice for this episode. The white noise while Emma speaks will be fixed next episode.

Ep. 032 - Ch. 5 Royal Assassin - Gambit

Our beloved, if somewhat dense, main character is in a big depressed funk thinking about his inability to see Molly. He can’t keep his mind on any tasks and ends up creeping on Molly’s world, but maintains his word to Patience and Chade. After Burrich snaps him out of it with a night of drinking and conversation, Fitz becomes a better companion and advisor to Queen-in-Waiting Kettricken, regains stamina, and cleans up. Robin Hobb introduces us to more characters and plot lines with future importance like a secret spy and the ruling family of Bearns. Fitz is once again called upon by King Shrew to dole out the King’s Justice in Bearns duchy and finds admirers that send a chill down his spine. This week we discuss Fitz’s stalking habits, his need for a bath, loneliness, and loyalty.

Ep. 033 - Ch. 6 Royal Assassin - Forged Ones

With great relief, FitzChivalry makes his way back to Buckkeep from his task in the northern duchy of Bearns only to see Kettricken and Regal happily riding together through the countryside. He's drawn to Verity with that disturbing image in his mind and reports on his mission. Verity also sets out a new task to protect the countryside and dismisses Fitz, but not before they have a bit of a heart to heart. More relationship talk and thoughts about Verity's responsibilities take the forefront of this week's conversation on Robin Hobb's Royal Assassin.

Ep. 034 - Ch. 7 Royal Assassin - Encounters

This week's discussion of Royal Assassin is about a lot of conversations. Nighteyes, Patience, King Shrewd, the Fool, Kettricken, and Verity all demand and need time from FitzChivalry. Our favorite assassin is busy with Verity's task, convincing Nighteyes they aren't pack, and his longing (and dreaming) of Molly. His need for companionship wars with promises made to those he loves, and the ever-looming threat of Forged Ones attack closer to home than ever before.

Ep. 035 - Ch. 8 Royal Assassin - The Queen Awakes

Kettricken responds to the situation with the Forged Ones by giving something back to the people. She embodies a true leader and shows Buck what she is and what she can be. Tragedy and grieving begets optimism for the future, and in talking with Fitz, Chade revels in that feeling of joy. Finally, Fitz confronts his feelings for Molly and we have some brief but important relationship advice for them. Enjoy hearing us discuss Emma's favorite Royal Assassin chapter!

Ep. 036 - Ch.9 Royal Assassin - Guards and Bonds

Concerned with his loved ones’ safety, FitzChivalry heads to Patience and Lacey’s room to try and safeguard them from potential attacks. They talk about protection and Fitz embarrasses himself, as usual, before he moves on to find Kettricken. What comes next is a wild goose chase around the keep to find his Queen-in-Waiting. An awkward conversation, a mule ride in a snow storm, a jealous look, and a promise of meat later, and Fitz is walking toward the abandoned house and a wolf cub. He has to confront who he really is and make a decision that affects his future forever. 

Ep. 037 - Ch. 10 Royal Assassin - Fool's Errand

In this week of Robin Hobb's Realm of the Elderlings, Fitz is handed the responsibility for a new Queen's Guard and with the mounting frustration of so many relationships pulling him in different directions, it's only a matter of time before he snaps. Pining after Molly and stressing over cheering Kettricken up, he is beset upon by the Fool. We learn the future and get some foreshadowing in a ballad, leaving Fitz embarrassed and frustrated, of course. Zen Kettricken somewhat calms FitzChivalry down until he learns she can use the Wit and others might be able to discover his secret.  

Ep. 038 - Ch. 11 Royal Assassin - Lone Wolves

This week we discuss two important scenes. The first is a moment we've been waiting for, FitzChivalry has a confrontation with Nighteyes that ultimately brings them closer together. They go through a harrowing attack and Fitz is once again injured. Meanwhile, Verity has been feeding his Skill addiction in his tower while also tracking enemy movements across the land. They talk about another task for Fitz, missing magic users, and the mythical Elderlings.

Ep. 039 - Ch. 12 Royal Assassin - Tasks

A Queen gets her garden and Fitz gets his love. Kettricken is elated at Verity's gift and can't wait to get started. FitzChivalry, on the other hand, spirals downward into loneliness until he can't take it anymore. A confrontation at Patience and Lacey's room leads to a night he won't forget. Happy Holidays everyone!