Prologue, Losses Sustained; Chapter I, Piebalds; Chapter II, Chade's Servant Summary

Golden Fool by Robin Hobb focuses on Tom Badgerlock, a royal servant, who is in disguise. He is actually FitzChivalry Farseer, a magical royal. Tom aids the royals and others to understand the two forms of magic, Wit and Skill, of the kingdom.

In the Prologue, Losses Sustained, Tom Badgerlock and FitzChivalry Farseer are the same person. Tom is deeply saddened and in mourning over the death of his pet wolf, Nighteyes. Nighteyes is not just a pet to him; he had been literally part of Tom. Tom has a foster son named Hap. Hap is an apprentice who learns a trade and he is also involved in a romance. Tom has the friendship of the Fool, guised as Lord Golden, and Chade. Tom is...