Read the previous entry in the series here.
Read the next entry in the series here.

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Following an in-milieu commentary on secrets, “Lord Feldspar” begins with Fitz tidying up from the meal and preparing himself to assume the role of Lord Feldspar that has been laid out for him. After he dresses, Chade enters upon him, and the two talk together of access to the hidden corridors of Buckkeep. Chade rebukes Fitz somewhat for his inattentions at Withywoods, and Chade offers details of the assignment as Feldspar and a briefing in support of the same. After a brief consultation regarding the Fool and Bee, Fitz begins his work for Chade again.

Fitz emerges as Feldspar into the hubbub of Winterfest preparations and celebrations, moving easily through the throng as he observes his surroundings. He does mark the presence of Witmaster Web, working to avoid contact with the man and following his assignment as he can. The procession of Six Duchies royalty–the former queen, Kettricken, as well as King Dutiful and Queen Elliania and their sons–and Fitz notes changes in their appearances and demeanors since he last met with them. He also works to immerse himself more fully in his role, finding persons of interest and relaying information about them through the Skill to Chade. His mind turns to his daughter, and he thinks of her, partly through the Skill, before retiring for the evening.

Something that occurred to me suddenly (and belatedly, I concede) is that the cover illustration on the edition of the text I’m reading presents Fitz as backhandedly angelic. He has a halo provided by the O in Hobb’s name, and shadowy wings spread from his shoulders. Both are darker than is typical of “angels,” but then, I’ve long since noted the ways in which Fitz is atypical (here, among others), and I find myself thinking that, if he is an angel, Fitz is an angel of death–still angelic, sure, but hardly a “light” figure. Not a stunning observation, I admit, and one reliant on paratext rather than text (however, this seems relevant), so hardly authorial or narrative, but still something to attend to.

More germane to the present chapter, however, there is some interest in the choices surrounding Fitz’s current alias as Lord Feldspar. The name itself refers to one of the most common minerals to be found, noted for its use in glassmaking and ceramics, among others. (Sometimes, Wikipedia is useful, and this page seems to cite its sources, which helps.) Hobb’s often-evidenced predilection towards emblematic names shows up in this; it’s…appropriate for an ostensibly nondescript observer to have the name of a common thing used in something designed to let images pass through. Similarly, Feldspar is reportedly at Buckkeep to negotiate regarding a new vein of copper ore, and copper is associated both with metalworking from early through current incarnations of it and with money, being the traditional primary component of the most basic currencies. It’s effectively everywhere and in everything, and if it’s more useful in conjunction with others, it’s far from useless on its own…and that’s hardly an inaccurate description of Fitz. Funny how that works out.

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