Wilem, Simmon, and Kvothe travel to Imre. Sim says Kvothe looks different and calm—“tight” (356), like a coiled spring. They spit over Stonebridge for luck and then go to the Eolian so that Kvothe can try for his pipes.

Kvothe asks one of the owners, Stanchion, if anyone has played “The Lay of Sir Savien Traliard” lately. Stanchion warns him subtly that he might wish to try a less difficult song to display his talent and wonders who will sing the female part. Kvothe says he hopes a woman who knows the part might jump in, and that he hopes the place is as good as everyone says it is: “I need a place to burn” (361). The friends then see Ambrose with a lyre, which is enough to make Kvothe determine to sing his original intended song. After several other musicians perform, it is Kvothe’s turn.

Once Kvothe is on stage, his nervousness leaves him, and he sings. He worries that no one will jump in to do the woman Aloine’s part, but someone does—a beautiful female voice. He weaves a spell over the crowd with his playing, but disaster happens when a string breaks.