The Wise Man’s Fear
The start of this year I finally finished reading the infamous ‘Name of the Wind’ by Patrick Rothfuss. I listened to him do a D&D Podcast a while back and loved his creative streak, it’s shocking to me that it’s taken me this long to get around to reading his first book. I should clarify that I didn’t have a hard time getting into it, it was more that I was intimidated by such a large book. But the moment I started (almost 5 years after first wanting to read it), I devoured it. It occupied my thoughts when I wasn’t reading. So I’d say it’s a pretty good read if you’re into fantasy.
After that I read the newest Tom Clancy book, Red Winter, which was an unexpected throwback to the cold war in 1980-something. I really enjoyed it, it was a quick read and the story was tight. I really enjoy seeing characters that you know become good friends first meet and get to know each other. Not sure why I like that so much, I just do. Which brings up one thing that has just dawned on me, ‘Name of the Wind’ is constructed with the main story being told from the present, with the primary character, Kvothe, telling a story of his life. In the present day he is accompanied by someone named Bast. They appear to be close friends and they have been together for quite some time. I am excited to see how their relationship begins in Kvothe’s tale.
And that brings me to what I’m reading right now, The Wise Man’s Fear, the second book in Rothfuss’ trilogy. And it’s pretty great too, except for a long and weird scene involving a woodland fae nymph. It was weird.
On to other matters, last entry I promised a viewing of the story I wrote for Furious Fiction. I was pretty happy with it, although it didn’t get any notes from the competition judges. As far as i’m concerned it’s another story in the experience vault, and one that I’m not embarrassed to show people. So below is my attempt with the parameters being, 1. Includes a CHAIR 2. Includes the words ALBUM, BRIGHT and CLICK 3. Character must make a choice.
Grandfather’s Coins
Declan reached into his backpack and pulled out a leather folder. The appraiser sitting opposite him took the folder and opened it, revealing a vast coin collection.
“Quite varied,” he says, taking a cursory glance through the album.
Declan squirmed in his chair, his back sticking to the leather.
“Hot out?” asks the appraiser, gesturing to the sweat beading from underneath his askew flat peak snapback
“It’s not bad,” Declan replied, “but I rode my bike in.”
“Of course,” the appraiser responded, “now, do you have your identification with you?”
Declan reached for his back pocket but stopped half way. “I… I lost it.”
“No matter, I can appraise and hold the valuation for three days, you’ll just have to bring in some photo identification.”
“Oh,” Declan said, holding his phone up, “I have a photo of it, I just don’t have the card anymore.”
“This will do just fine. These days everything is all digital anyway, hey?” the appraiser assured, a knowing curve to his smile.
Declan smiled back, he assumed the appraiser was making a joke. He put his phone's brightness to maximum and placed it on the table.
The appraiser took his time, flicking through the album, turning to his computer screen, and then to a sheet of paper. Typing, inspecting, and writing in between his ‘Hmm’s and ‘ah’s.
After what Declan felt was half an hour, the appraiser broke out of his inquisitive fervor. “This is a fine collection,” he stated, “guilders, francs, a VOC Company duit. Your grandfather had taste.”
Declan smiled, pretending that he understood.
“I can offer you twelve-thousand dollars for this collection.”
Declan’s smile disappeared. Up until this point they were just coins, now they had value. His mind raced as morality came into question. This was now real. “I’m not sure I'm ready.”
“I understand. Losing someone is hard. But I assure you I am offering a fair price for this collection, and I also assure you that the collection will remain as one, and go to someone who will appreciate it.”
The phone on the table dinged. Declan read a new message from his friend, Kyle.
“Bro, Jake’s house got broken into. His Pa’s coins are gone…”
Declan froze, staring at three dots dancing on the screen.
They know.
He looked back to the appraiser, “OK, yes, please take them.”
“Wonderful,” the appraiser said. He picked up the album and stood, pushing the papers he scribbled on towards Declan and handing him a pen. “Please sign at the bottom. I will arrange your payment.”
Declan clicked the top of the pen, running his eye over the document. The details looked right. He scrawled his initials.
His phone chimed again, “he’s real upset, let’s take him out for drinks.”
“That sucks. Jager bombs for sure, ” Declan replied.
Twelve minutes later and twelve-thousand dollars richer, Declan tapped on his phone, “drinks are on me btw,” he replied to the text chain. “Unrelated. Do you need a license to ride a jetski?”
I feel like the thing letting me down in this one is the choice isn’t a very strong one. The main character is kind of a dick who has obviously made his choice before he stepped in the appraisers. Either way, let me know what you think below!
Also I just noticed that in my last blog entry I said there was a $500 prize to the winner, that is no longer the case, but the results/review process is a lot more inclusive and in depth. It’s a fair trade.
Until next time, look after yourself!