Chapter 25-28 Summary

~25~ Kettricken and the others are riding back to Buckkeep rejoicing over their victory when they are halted in the road by a rider from Regal. The riders give Kettricken a letter that announces king-in-waiting Verity has died on the way to find the ancient beings for whom he was in searching. Fitz is unable to find Verity's thoughts within his own thoughts and fears that it may be true. Burrich and Fitz decide that they will go to King Shrewd and have him Skill through Fitz to see if they can get an answer from Verity later. When they return to the palace Regal makes crude comments publicly regarding Kettricken and announces that he will take her and his ailing father far from Buckkeep where they will be safe.

~26~ When Fitz and Burrich reach King Shrewd's room the Fool tries to...