Is Fitz Happy?

The Fool plays dress up with Fitz, getting ready for the betrothal ceremony between Narcheska Elliania and Prince Dutiful. There, as a the servant Tom Badgerlock, Fitz is able to observe the reactions of all the different groups and lend moral support for Dutiful. It's a long evening, ending with secondhand Smoke, which brings Fitz's guard down against Skill intrusions.  We're reading Golden Fool by Robin Hobb, book 2 of the Tawny Man Trilogy in The Realm of the Elderlings.

FitzChivalry speaks with Prince Dutiful on their afternoon ride in the countryside. The prince vents about his betrothal, commands Tom Badgerlock to attend the event, and speaks about being lonely. Fitz admonishes him to be wary of Civil Bresinga and agrees to start teaching him the Skill.  We're reading Golden Fool by Robin Hobb, book 2 of the Tawny Man Trilogy in The Realm of the Elderlings. 

Fitz heads down to his rooms with Lord Golden, straightens up, and has to kill time before the afternoon ride with Prince Dutiful. He practices with his sword and heads to the steams at Buckkeep, where he runs into an old friend.  We're reading Golden Fool by Robin Hobb, book 2 of the Tawny Man Trilogy in The Realm of the Elderlings. 

Fitz, on his way to Chade's workshop, stops to think and overhears Narcheska Elliania and her uncle Peottre. He walks in on Thick, Chade's servant, and tries to recover from his Skill headache afterward. He and Chade debrief and make plans for the future.  We're reading Golden Fool by Robin Hobb, book 2 of the Tawny Man Trilogy in The Realm of the Elderlings. 

Fitz, as Tom Badgerlock, waits a long time with Jinna for his foster son, Hap, to get home. Companionable silence and small talk pass the time until Fitz has to leave. On the way to Lord Golden's rooms, Fitz is confronted by Piebalds and in turn, Fitz confronts that he needs to think like an assassin again.  We're reading Golden Fool by Robin Hobb, book 2 of the Tawny Man Trilogy in The Realm of the Elderlings. 

We begin book 8 of the Realm of the Elderlings, Golden Fool. Fitz reminisces on the loss of Nighteyes and what it means to be lonely. He thinks about advice from the Fool, and we talk about where Fitz is starting the story.  We're starting Golden Fool by Robin Hobb, book 2 of the Tawny Man Trilogy in The Realm of the Elderlings. 

This is another special episode where Luke and Emma finish the novella with part two, The Piebald Prince. Prince Charger grows up in Buckkeep alongside his friend Redbird, soon to be minstrel. He becomes King-In-Wating and raises up the Wit to higher heights. However, his seeming favoritism and the whispers of Canny's court sway public opinion away from the Piebald Prince. Canny Farseer and Charger Farseer vie for a woman, the throne, and their ego; their struggle brings down the Wit in the process.  We're about to start The Golden Fool, book 2 of the Tawny Man Trilogy, but this is a bonus episode about a novella expanding and shedding light and historical truth on an in-universe myth in the same world.

This special episode covers the first half of The Wilful Princess and the Piebald Prince. Felicity narrates the birth and her relationship with Princess Caution, who doesn't live up to her name. We discuss how close they are, scheming mothers, and secret trysts.  We're about to start The Golden Fool, book 2 of the Tawny Man Trilogy, but this is a bonus episode about a novella expanding and shedding light and historical truth on an in-universe myth in the same world.

Fitz reflects on the meaning of trying to fix history onto paper, and we reflect on the book as a whole. Wrapping up Fool's Errand, we discuss our favorite characters, chapters, and look forward to Golden Fool!  We're finishing and discussing Fool's Errand by Robin Hobb, book 1 of the Tawny Man Trilogy in The Realm of the Elderlings. 

Fitz wakes up in his own bed late in the day and into the evening. Lord Golden is quite upset with Tom Badgerlock for how he packed his silks, and the conversation between them is laden with words unspoken. Fitz heads to town to check on Hap and finds only Jinna, who welcomes him in gladly.  We're reading Fool's Errand by Robin Hobb, book 1 of the Tawny Man Trilogy in The Realm of the Elderlings. 

Lord Golden, Laurel, Fitz, and Prince Dutiful arrive back in Buckkeep Town just in time for the delegation from the OutIslands to arrive. Everyone else heads up to the castle and Fitz follows slowly. He falls asleep in the secret room until Chade comes back. They report to one another and Fitz comes to a decision regarding the Prince.  We're reading Fool's Errand by Robin Hobb, book 1 of the Tawny Man Trilogy in The Realm of the Elderlings. 

Fitz leaves Starling downstairs spends some time with Prince Dutiful. The young prince has a theory as to who Tom Badgerlock truly is and Lord Golden gives them space to bond. Fitz agrees to teach Dutiful the Skill when they get back, and both Fitz and the Fool agree to be friends with the prince.  We're reading Fool's Errand by Robin Hobb, book 1 of the Tawny Man Trilogy in The Realm of the Elderlings. 

Dutiful is kept in a recovery sleep and Fitz is left to his own grief. Both Farseers, riding back to Buckkeep, are at rock bottom. Lord Golden and Laurel lead the way, they cross the Buck River, and stop for one last night before returning to Buckkeep. Starling is there at the inn, to transfer messages back to Chade, and the Fool sends Fitz to her.  We're reading Fool's Errand by Robin Hobb, book 1 of the Tawny Man Trilogy in The Realm of the Elderlings. 

Warning: You may cry (we definitely did) Fitz and Dutiful, knowing this is the end, try to delay the inevitable to allow Lord Golden and Nighteyes to escape. Dutiful allows the Cat/Peladine to approach him and the Cat launches herself at Fitz, asking for death. With sacrifice comes a fight where they're saved by Old Blood elders and Laurel's return. The day saved, everyone ignores FitzChivalry and his bond partner Nighteyes as they rest together for a final time. The hunt awaits.  Through our tears, we're reading Fool's Errand by Robin Hobb, book 1 of the Tawny Man Trilogy in The Realm of the Elderlings. 

Fitz and Prince Dutiful land back in Buck, via the Skill-pillar. Exhausted, hungry, and desperate, Fitz sets out to try and rescue the Fool and Nighteyes. The Piebalds were waiting for them, however. With some quick talking, Fitz convinces them he could be on their side and to exchange his friends for him and Dutiful.  (Editor's note: Sorry about the sound quality in some spots, our equipment was malfunctioning)  We're on the edge of our seat, reading Fool's Errand by Robin Hobb, book 1 of the Tawny Man Trilogy in The Realm of the Elderlings. 

After Fitz dreams of Nighteyes and the Fool and receives a threat, he wakes Dutiful and tries to figure out a way to get back home to Buck. Dutiful, sharing consciousness with Peladine and the Cat, attacks Fitz until a Skill command makes him stop fighting. Together they look for clues where they are and Fitz determines he must use the Skill-pillar to go back. He plans on leaving Dutiful until they are confronted by an Other.  We're reading Fool's Errand by Robin Hobb, book 1 of the Tawny Man Trilogy in The Realm of the Elderlings. 

After passing through a Skill-pillar, Fitz and Dutiful find themselves stranded on a beach. Dutiful has his first experience losing himself to the temptation of the Skill River, and Fitz has to bury his grief to help keep them both alive. Fitz encounters a mysterious being, finds mysterious objects on the beach, and goes to sleep wondering about his friends.  We're reading Fool's Errand by Robin Hobb, book 1 of the Tawny Man Trilogy in The Realm of the Elderlings. 

Still being pursued by the Piebalds, but resting for now, Fitz is woken up by Nighteyes. Dutiful is almost fully with the Cat and Fitz, through the Skill, learns of Peladine. Waking up, Fitz, Nighteyes, and the Fool flee, trying to escape the pursuit. Unfortunately, they are cornered by the standing Skill Pillars and take their last stand. Saying their goodbyes, Nighteyes and the Fool convince Fitz to escape through the pillar.  We're crying while reading Fool's Errand by Robin Hobb, book 1 of the Tawny Man Trilogy in The Realm of the Elderlings. 

After narrowly escaping from the Piebalds, Fitz leads Lord Golden and Prince Dutiful to rest before moving on. Fitz and Dutiful are at odds, taking turns being aggressive to one another. But, playing good cop/bad cop with Dutiful, Lord Golden slowly gets the story of what happened to the Prince.  We're reading Fool's Errand by Robin Hobb, book 1 of the Tawny Man Trilogy in The Realm of the Elderlings. 

Fitz, the Fool, and Nighteyes wake up alone with Laurel and the Piebald prisoner having left. Fitz is concerned even more with the Prince's situation, so they set out to catch Dutiful instead of follow the deserters. A chase, a fight, and an escape later, Fitz and company run from the Piebalds with a sullen Farseer in tow.  We're reading Fool's Errand by Robin Hobb, book 1 of the Tawny Man Trilogy in The Realm of the Elderlings.  *Editor's note: If you hear background noise, we apologize! Some intense construction started almost exactly as we sat down to record. The background sounds abate around 20 min.

Fitz, Lord Golden, and Laurel wake up and continue following the trail left by Prince Dutiful and the Piebalds. They encounter a trap that happened to chasing villagers and surge forward into an ambush of their own. They capture a young Piebald that Laurel seems to have a connection with. Fitz is convinced that the only way to find the prince is to get information out of this man any way he can.  We're reading Fool's Errand by Robin Hobb, book 1 of the Tawny Man Trilogy in The Realm of the Elderlings.

Fitz, the Fool as Lord Golden, Nighteyes, and Laurel wake up and continue tracking Prince Dutiful and the Piebalds. As night nears, they enter a village with an inn, unfortunately named the Piebald Prince. Fitz's mind clouds, and the party discovers the tragedy that befell their quarry. Will they catch up in time, or will they discover that the prejudiced villagers exacted their "justice" against the Prince?  We're reading Fool's Errand by Robin Hobb, book 1 of the Tawny Man Trilogy in The Realm of the Elderlings.

In the morning, Lord Golden and Tom Badgerlock gather up supplies and Laurel to leave Galekeep in disgrace. Fitz, as Tom, takes the lead to track Prince Dutiful's group. They meet back up with Nighteyes, and Laurel starts to get a bit suspicious of Fitz. At night, Fitz reaches out with the Skill and fully connects with someone who is not Dutiful.  We're reading Fool's Errand by Robin Hobb, book 1 of the Tawny Man Trilogy in The Realm of the Elderlings.

Fitz, as Tom Badgerlock, tracks down the injured Nighteyes, planning their next moves and reconnecting. Back at Galeton, Lord Golden has come up with a plan to be excused without suspicion. He purposefully gets drunk during the dinner, flirts with young Sydel, and makes a fool of himself. Tom collects his master, and they prepare to pursue Prince Dutiful in the morning.  We're reading Fool's Errand by Robin Hobb, book 1 of the Tawny Man Trilogy in The Realm of the Elderlings.

Fitz dreams as Dutiful, hunting through the hills of Galeton. Lord Golden has to manufacture an excuse for Fitz during the morning hunt to go to where Nighteyes has treed the Prince. Nighteyes is injured, the Prince is missing, and there is more than meets the eye to the Cat. It's now on Lord Golden to create an excuse for Fitz, Beloved, and Laurel to chase after the escaping Dutiful.  We're reading Fool's Errand by Robin Hobb, book 1 of the Tawny Man Trilogy in The Realm of the Elderlings.

Lord Golden leads the way into a dinner with Lady Bresinga, Civil, the Graylings and their daughter Sydel, and the huntsman. Fitz stands guard the whole time, trying to not fall asleep and gather information. After dinner, Fitz goes to the kitchen where he sees a suspicious meal being brought out of the keep. He goes back to the rooms and happens upon Lord Golden and Laurel close together.  We're reading Fool's Errand by Robin Hobb, book 1 of the Tawny Man Trilogy in The Realm of the Elderlings.

The journey from Buckkeep leaves time for Laurel and Fitz to get to know one another. Fitz is reunited with Nighteyes along the journey to Galeton, and the party receives a royal welcome. Lord Golden drops and the Fool makes an appearance before the charade continues, which reinvigorates Fitz in their hunt.  We're reading Fool's Errand by Robin Hobb, book 1 of the Tawny Man Trilogy in The Realm of the Elderlings.

Waking up befuddled, Fitz finds himself in a whirlwind of preparation for Lord Golden and his trip to Galeton to retrieve Prince Dutiful. Fitz, as Tom Badgerlock, takes care of some chores before they depart. On this journey with them, Queen Kettricken is sending her huntswoman, Laurel.  We're reading Fool's Errand by Robin Hobb, book 1 of the Tawny Man Trilogy in The Realm of the Elderlings.

After his trip to town, Fitz trains with his new sword, tries to get information about Dutiful from the servants, and checks in with Lord Golden. Meeting Chade quickly turns into an audience with Queen Kettricken and an agreement to Skill out to search for the missing Prince. We're reading Fool's Errand by Robin Hobb, book 1 of the Tawny Man Trilogy in The Realm of the Elderlings.

In Buckkeep Town, Fitz finds some weapons and Jinna's shop. The hedgewitch is very happy to see him and has a special charm she made especially for him. We meet Fennel the cat and Miskya, Jinna's niece, before he makes his way back to Buckkeep with a lot more smiles directed at him.  We're reading Fool's Errand by Robin Hobb, book 1 of the Tawny Man Trilogy in The Realm of the Elderlings.

After a long night of trying to decipher Skill scrolls, Fitz goes to bed only for a short time. He has to wake up early and start acting like Lord Golden's servant. He sees Queen Kettricken for the first time, comes up with his full backstory, and goes to Buckkeep town for clothes and a sword.   We're reading Fool's Errand by Robin Hobb, book 1 of the Tawny Man Trilogy in The Realm of the Elderlings.

Fitz finds himself back in Buckkeep town where everything looks like it has changed; new growth, new faces, and yet the nostalgia hits him hard. He becomes a servant to the recently arrived noble, Lord Golden, and finds his way to the hidden chamber where Chade taught him. He learns from Chade that Prince Dutiful has run away and that he is suspected of having the Wit.  We're reading Fool's Errand by Robin Hobb, book 1 of the Tawny Man Trilogy in The Realm of the Elderlings.

The Fool's last days with Fitz pass in thoughtful silence as Fitz reflects on his choices. The Fool departs for Buckkeep and Fitz is morose. Hap finds his way back home with hard news and Fitz thinks about borrowing money from Chade. When he is packed, a messenger comes with an urgent scroll.  We're reading Fool's Errand by Robin Hobb, book 1 of the Tawny Man Trilogy in The Realm of the Elderlings.

Perhaps the after effects of elfbark tea stayed with Fitz. He wakes up with a feeling of no direction or purpose in life. He and the Fool spend a day relaxing and partaking in their respective hobbies. Eventually, Fitz talks about the years he spent wandering the Six Duchies, his journey to Bingtown and back, and seeing Burrich and Molly.  We're reading Fool's Errand by Robin Hobb, book 1 of the Tawny Man Trilogy in The Realm of the Elderlings.

Nighteyes, Fitz, and the Fool stumble back to the cottage. Fitz and Beloved sip elfbark tea to relieve their headaches while Fitz starts to talk abou his time with the Old Blood. He and Nighteyes met up with Black Rolf and Holly to learn about their magic.  We're reading Fool's Errand by Robin Hobb, book 1 of the Tawny Man Trilogy in The Realm of the Elderlings.

The third day with the Fool starts with Fitz becoming claustrophobic in his small life, longing for more. Nighteyes speaks about getting older, and he runs off. Fitz is forced to rush to his side later, as the wolf starts choking. Not willing to stand by idle while his bond partner dies, Fitz attempts Skill healing for the first time.  We're reading Fool's Errand by Robin Hobb, book 1 of the Tawny Man Trilogy in The Realm of the Elderlings.

Fitz, Nighteyes, and Beloved fall into routine. Chores are done, stories exchanged, jokes made, and brandy fills their glasses at night. Fitz begins to tell the Fool of the year in the mountains after Verity-as-Dragon took flight against the Raiders.  We're reading Fool's Errand by Robin Hobb, book 1 of the Tawny Man Trilogy in The Realm of the Elderlings.

Fitz is restless. He and Nighteyes continue to do chores until someone rides down the lane towards his cabin. FitzChivalry meets the Tawny Man and his horse, Malta. The Fool has found his way back to Fitz and Nighteyes' life, and he settles in with them as if he never left. Reunited, and with some good apricot brandy, Fitz asks the Fool his real name.  We're reading Fool's Errand by Robin Hobb, book 1 of the Tawny Man Trilogy in The Realm of the Elderlings.

Fitz and Hap settle into their summer routine but with more interest to save money for the boy's apprenticeship. At the market, they meet Jinna, a hedge-witch, and an offer of hospitality at Fitz's cottage is extended. Hap leaves on a money-making journey, Jinna visits the cottage, and a secret is inadvertently revealed.  We're reading Fool's Errand by Robin Hobb, book 1 of the Tawny Man Trilogy in The Realm of the Elderlings.

Fitz heads back to his cottage to speak with Starling and confront her. They argue but put it aside to speak of the political issues embroiling the Six Duchies regarding the Old Blood and Wit. Restating that he is done laying with her while she is married, Fitz sparks Starling's anger. She lashes out at both Fitz and Hap on her way out.  We're reading Fool's Errand by Robin Hobb, book 1 of the Tawny Man Trilogy in The Realm of the Elderlings.

From Chade's visit, Fitz has become a bit restless. He has taken it upon himself to do a bunch of chores around his cottage until Starling and Hap come back. When they do, Hap doesn't seem very pleased. Fitz and Starling get reacquainted, and he sneaks out at night to talk to his boy, Hap. Fitz finds out about Starling's secret and dreads the future confrontation.  We're reading Fool's Errand by Robin Hobb, book 1 of the Tawny Man Trilogy in The Realm of the Elderlings.

FitzChivalry Farseer has taken the name of Tom Badgerlock, has taken in a boy named Mishap, and taken a break from the world. He's 35 years old in a small cottage, raising his 15 year old boy and keeping Nighteyes company. The peace is shattered when Chade, his old mentor, comes to visit.  We're reading Fool's Errand by Robin Hobb, book 1 of the Tawny Man Trilogy in The Realm of the Elderlings.

We wrap up the Liveship Traders by discussing Shreever's cocooning and the journey the serpents made upriver. We talk about our thoughts on the book, the trilogy, and look forward to Tawny Man and Fool's Errand!  We're reading Ship of Destiny by Robin Hobb, book 3 of the Liveship Traders in The Realm of the Elderlings.

Content Warning: Discussion and conclusion of Althea's arc, with talk of sexual assault. After guiding the serpents up the Rain Wild River, Althea, Brashen, Amber, and Paragon are all lazily floating back to Bingtown. Paragon points the way to a Igrot's hidden trove, and Amber makes a decision. Althea has a nightmare taken away before she and Brashen start healing.  We're reading Ship of Destiny by Robin Hobb, book 3 of the Liveship Traders in The Realm of the Elderlings.

Bingtown is settling down after the showdown among Jamaillia, the Pirate Isles, and the liveship crews. Spring and trade has come back to town; Keffria and Ronica are feeling hopeful about the future. Former Companion Serilla brings some news, and we discuss the where the characters end up.  We're reading Ship of Destiny by Robin Hobb, book 3 of the Liveship Traders in The Realm of the Elderlings.

A time jump shows Malta and Reyn attend a gala in Jamaillia. Along with Etta and Wintrow, they're the guests of honor of Satrap Cosgo. We discuss how the trade arrangements are coming along and how relationships evolved after the climax.  We're reading Ship of Destiny by Robin Hobb, book 3 of the Liveship Traders in The Realm of the Elderlings.

Tintaglia lands among the Pirates, Bingtowners, and allies. She makes demands and tries to dictact their lives for her own end but Wintrow stands strong before her. More negotiations spring up to determine the human side of an arrangement. Brashen and Althea head back to Paragon, ready to sail with the Serpents in the morning, and they snipe at each other, upset with miscommunication.  We're reading Ship of Destiny by Robin Hobb, book 3 of the Liveship Traders in The Realm of the Elderlings.

Althea and Brashen are reunited, but there remains a distance between them that is misunderstood. The closeness of Paragon's blue eyes, Brashen's insistence to continue loving the ship, and Althea's own memories create a small rift. Wintrow calls everyone to Vivacia and meets Amber for the first time. When everyone is gathered, the crews, captains, captives, and diplomats are presented with a plan to help the serpents.  We're reading Ship of Destiny by Robin Hobb, book 3 of the Liveship Traders in The Realm of the Elderlings.

Wintrow Vestrit takes command of Vivacia in the wake of King Kennit's death. He struggles to fill the void left by his mentor and get the crew out alive from the Jamaillian fleet threat. Brashen and Althea, reunited on Paragon, fight next to Vivacia. Loss looms over all of the crewmates as they're still in danger.  We're reading Ship of Destiny by Robin Hobb, book 3 of the Liveship Traders in The Realm of the Elderlings.

Paragon and Vivacia rush to Kennit's rescue, carrying their crews. The Jamaillian crew won't give Satrap Cosgo and Kennit up alive and turn to kill the two. Amidst the rescue attempt, Malta and Reyn reunite, Etta and Wintrow rush towards Kennit, they save the Satrap, and Kennit is ultimately reunited with his family liveship.  We're reading Ship of Destiny by Robin Hobb, book 3 of the Liveship Traders in The Realm of the Elderlings.