Chapter 13, Smithy Summary

Fitz is told to spend his mornings doing as Lady Patience sees fit. On his first morning in the Lady's chamber, she presents him with a puppy as a pet. Patience then asks Fitz to tell her about himself. Lady Patience desires to know Fitz's name and as usual, he gives her the response of "Boy". She is not satisfied with this answer and deems to call him Thomas, Tom for short.

Fitz resolves to hide the puppy from Burrich for as long as possible. He encounters the Fool who suggests that the pup be named Anvil or Forge or Smith. The Fool cautions Fitz that he will have to decide whether the gifts Patience gives him will create a bridge or a wall between them. Fitz suddenly asks the Fool if he knows Chade. The Fool responds that Fitz would...