TALESFROMEARTHSEA

UrsulaK.LeGuin

“DarkroseandDiamond”firstappearedin

TheMagazineofFantasyandScienceFiction.

Copyright©1999byUrsulaK.LeGuin.

“Dragonfly”firstappearedinLegends.

Copyright©1997byUrsulaK.LeGuin.

LibraryofCongressCataloging-in-PublicationData

LeGuin,UrsulaK.,1929-

TalesfromEarthsea/UrsulaK.LeGuin.-

1sted.p.cm.

Contents:

Thefinder-

DarkroseandDiamond-

Thebonesoftheearth-

Onthehighmarsh-

Dragonfly-

AdescriptionofEarthsea.

Summary:ExploresfurtherthemagicalworldofEarthseathroughfivetalesofeventswhichoccurbeforeorafterthetimeoftheoriginalnovels,aswell

asanessayonthepeople,languages,historyandmagicoftheplace.

ISBN0-15-100561-3I.Fantasyfiction,American,[I.Fantasy.2.Shortstories.]I.Title.

PZ7.L52I5Tal2001[Fic]-dc212001016554

DesignedbyLindaLockowitz

TextsetinAdobeJenson

FirsteditionACBGIKJHFDB

PrintedintheUnitedStatesofAmerica

Contents

Foreword

TheFinder

DarkroseAndDiamond

TheBonesoftheEarth

OntheHighMarsh

Dragonfly

ADescriptionofEarthsea

ForewordATTHEENDOFTHEfourthbookofEarthsea,Tehanu,thestoryhadarrivedatwhatIfelttobenow.And,justasinthenowoftheso-calledrealworld,Ididn’tknowwhatwouldhappennext.Icouldguess,foretell,fear,hope,butIdidn’tknow.

UnabletocontinueTehanu’sstory(becauseithadn’thappenedyet)andfoolishlyassumingthatthestoryofGedandTenarhadreacheditshappily-ever-after,Igavethebookasubtitle:“TheLastBookofEarthsea.”

Ofoolishwriter.Nowmoves.Eveninstorytime,dreamtime,once-upon-atime,nowisn’tthen.

SevenoreightyearsafterTehanuwaspublished,IwasaskedtowriteastorysetinEarthsea.AmereglimpseattheplacetoldmethatthingshadbeenhappeningtherewhileIwasn’tlooking.Itwashightimetogobackandfindoutwhatwasgoingonnow.

Ialsowantedinformationonvariousthingsthathadhappenedbackthen,beforeGedandTenarwereborn.AgooddealaboutEarthsea,aboutwizards,aboutRokeIsland,aboutdragons,hadbeguntopuzzleme.Inordertounderstandcurrentevents,Ineededtodosomehistoricalresearch,tospendsometimeintheArchivesoftheArchipelago.

Thewayonedoesresearchintononexistenthistoryistotellthestoryandfindoutwhathappened.Ibelievethisisn’tverydifferentfromwhathistoriansoftheso-calledrealworlddo.Evenifwearepresentatsomehistoricevent,dowecomprehendit-canweevenrememberit-untilwecantellitasastory?Andforeventsintimesorplacesoutsideourownexperience,wehave

nothingtogoonbutthestoriesotherpeopletellus.Pasteventsexist,afterall,onlyinmemory,whichisaformofimagination.Theeventisrealnow,butonceit’sthen,itscontinuingrealityisentirelyuptous,dependentonourenergyandhonesty.Ifweletitdropfrommemory,onlyimaginationcanrestoretheleastglimmerofit.Ifwelieaboutthepast,forcingittotellastorywewantittotell,tomeanwhatwewantittomean,itlosesitsreality,becomesafake.Tobringthepastalongwithusthroughtimeinthehold-allsofmythandhistoryisaheavyundertaking;butasLaoTzusays,wisepeoplemarchalongwiththebaggagewagons.

Whenyouconstructorreconstructaworldthatneverexisted,awhollyfictionalhistory,theresearchisofasomewhatdifferentorder,butthebasicimpulseandtechniquesaremuchthesame.Youlookatwhathappensandtrytoseewhyithappens,youlistentowhatthepeopletheretellyouandwatchwhattheydo,youthinkaboutitseriously,andyoutrytotellithonestly,sothatthestorywillhaveweightandmakesense.

ThefivetalesinthisbookexploreorextendtheworldestablishedbythefirstfourEarthseanovels.Eachisastoryinitsownright,buttheywillprofitbybeingreadafter,notbefore,thenovels.

“TheFinder”takesplaceaboutthreehundredyearsbeforethetimeofthenovels,inadarkandtroubledtime;itsstorycastslightonhowsomeofthecustomsandinstitutionsoftheArchipelagocametobe.“TheBonesoftheEarth”isaboutthewizardswhotaughtthewizardwhofirsttaughtGed,andshowsthatittakesmorethanonemagetostopanearthquake.“DarkroseandDiamond”mighttakeplaceatanytimeduringthelastcoupleofhundredyearsinEarthsea;afterall,alovestorycanhappenatanytime,anywhere.“OntheHighMarsh”isastoryfromthebriefbuteventfulsixyearsthatGedwasArchmageofEarthsea.Andthelaststory,“Dragonfly,”whichtakesplaceafewyearsaftertheendofTehanu,isthebridgebetweenthatbookandthenextone,TheOtherWind(tobepublishedsoon).Adragonbridge.

Sothatmymindcouldmoveaboutamongtheyearsandcenturieswithoutgettingthingsalloutoforder,andtokeepcontradictionsanddiscrepanciesataminimumwhileIwaswritingthesestories,Ibecame(somewhat)moresystematicandmethodical,andputmyknowledgeofthepeoplesandtheirhistorytogetherinto“ADescriptionofEarthsea.”ItsfunctionislikethatofthefirstbigmapIdrewofalltheArchipelagoandtheReaches,whenIbegantoworkonAWizardofEarthseaoverthirtyyearsago:Ineededtoknowwherethingsare,andhowtogetfromheretothere-intimeaswellasinspace.

Becausethiskindoffictionalfact,likemapsofimaginaryrealms,isofrealinteresttosomereaders,Iincludethedescriptionafterthestories.Ialso

redrewthegeographicalmapsforthisbook,andwhiledoingso,happilydiscoveredaveryoldoneintheArchivesinHavnor.

IntheyearssinceIbegantowriteaboutEarthseaI’vechanged,ofcourse,andsohavethepeoplewhoreadthebooks.Alltimesarechangingtimes,butoursisoneofmassive,rapidmoralandmentaltransformation.Archetypesturnintomillstones,largesimplicitiesgetcomplicated,chaosbecomeselegant,andwhateverybodyknowsistrueturnsouttobewhatsomepeopleusedtothink.

It’sunsettling.Forallourdelightintheimpermanent,theentrancingflickerofelectronics,wealsolongfortheunalterable.

Wecherishtheoldstoriesfortheirchangelessness.ArthurdreamseternallyinAvalon.Bilbocango“thereandbackagain,”and“there”isalwaysthebelovedfamiliarShire.DonQuixotesetsoutforevertokillawindmill…Sopeopleturntotherealmsoffantasyforstability,ancienttruths,immutablesimplicities.

Andthemillsofcapitalismprovidethem.Supplymeetsdemand.Fantasybecomesacommodity,anindustry.

Commodifiedfantasytakesnorisks:itinventsnothing,butimitatesandtrivializes.Itproceedsbydeprivingtheoldstoriesoftheirintellectualandethicalcomplexity,turningtheiractiontoviolence,theiractorstodolls,andtheirtruth-tellingtosentimentalplatitude.Heroesbrandishtheirswords,lasers,wands,asmechanicallyascombineharvesters,reapingprofits.Profoundlydisturbingmoralchoicesaresanitized,madecute,madesafe.Thepassionatelyconceivedideasofthegreatstory-tellersarecopied,stereotyped,reducedtotoys,moldedinbright-coloredplastic,advertised,sold,broken,junked,replaceable,interchangeable.

Whatthecommodifiersoffantasycountonandexploitistheinsuperableimaginationofthereader,childoradult,whichgiveseventhesedeadthingslife-ofasort,forawhile.

Imaginationlikealllivingthingslivesnow,anditliveswith,from,ontruechange.Likeallwedoandhave,itcanbeco-optedanddegraded;butitsurvivescommercialanddidacticexploitation.Thelandoutlaststheempires.Theconquerorsmayleavedesertwheretherewasforestandmeadow,buttherainwillfall,theriverswillruntothesea.Theunstable,mutable,untruthfulrealmsofOnce-upon-a-timeareasmuchapartofhumanhistoryandthoughtasthenationsinourkaleidoscopicatlases,andsomearemoreenduring.

Wehaveinhabitedboththeactualandtheimaginaryrealmsforalongtime.Butwedon’tliveineitherplacethewayourparentsorancestorsdid.

Enchantmentalterswithage,andwiththeage.

WeknowadozendifferentArthursnow,allofthemtrue.TheShirechangedirrevocablyeveninBilboslifetime.DonQuixotewentridingouttoArgentinaandmetJorgeLuisBorgesthere.Plusc’estlamemechose,plusfachange.

It’sbeenajoytometogobacktoEarthseaandfinditstillthere,entirelyfamiliar,andyetchangedandstillchanging.WhatIthoughtwasgoingtohappenisn’twhat’shappening,peoplearen’twho-orwhat-Ithoughttheywere,andIlosemywayonislandsIthoughtIknewbyheart.

Sothesearereportsofmyexplorationsanddiscoveries:talesfromEarthseaforthosewhohavelikedorthinktheymightliketheplace,andwhoarewillingtoacceptthesehypotheses:thingschange:authorsandwizardsarenotalwaystobetrusted:nobodycanexplainadragon.

TheFinderI.IntheDarkTime

THISISTHEFIRSTPAGEoftheBookoftheDark,writtensomesixhundredyearsagoinBerila,onEnlad:

“AfterElfarranandMorredperishedandtheIsleofSoleasankbeneaththesea,theCounciloftheWisegovernedforthechildSerriadhuntilhetookthethrone.Hisreignwasbrightbutbrief.ThekingswhofollowedhiminEnladwereseven,andtheirrealmincreasedinpeaceandwealth.Thenthedragonscametoraidamongthewesternlands,andwizardswentoutinvainagainstthem.KingAkambarmovedthecourtfromBerilainEnladtotheCityofHavnor,whencehesentouthisfleetagainstinvadersfromtheKargadLandsanddrovethembackintotheEast.ButstilltheysentraidingshipsevenasfarastheInmostSea.OfthefourteenKingsofHavnorthelastwasMaharion,whomadepeacebothwiththedragonsandtheKargs,butatgreatcost.AndaftertheRingoftheRuneswasbroken,andErreth-Akbediedwiththegreatdragon,andMahariontheBravewaskilledbytreachery,itseemedthatnogoodthinghappenedintheArchipelago.

“ManyclaimedMaharion’sthrone,butnonecouldkeepit,andthequarrelsoftheclaimantsdividedallloyalties.Nocommonwealthwasleftandnojustice,onlythewillofthewealthy.Menofnoblehouses,merchants,andpirates,anywhocouldhiresoldiersandwizardscalledhimselfalord,claiminglandsandcitiesashisproperty.Thewarlordsmadethosetheyconqueredslaves,andthosetheyhiredwereintruthslaves,havingonlytheirmasterstosafeguardthemfromrivalwarlordsseizingthelands,andsea-piratesraidingtheports,andbandsandhordesoflawless,miserablemendispossessedoftheirliving,drivenbyhungertoraidandrob.”

TheBookoftheDark,writtenlateinthetimeittellsof,isacompilationofself-contradictoryhistories,partialbiographies,andgarbledlegends.Butit’sthebestoftherecordsthatsurvivedthedarkyears.Wantingpraise,nothistory,thewarlordsburntthebooksinwhichthepoorandpowerlessmightlearnwhatpoweris.

Butwhenthelore-booksofawizardcameintoawarlord’shandshewaslikelytotreatthemwithcaution,lockingthemawaytokeepthemharmlessorgivingthemtoawizardinhishiretodowithashewished.Inthemarginsofthespellsandwordlistsandintheendpapersofthesebooksofloreawizardorhisprenticemightrecordaplague,afamine,araid,achangeofmasters,

alongwiththespellsworkedinsucheventsandtheirsuccessorunsuccess.Suchrandomrecordsrevealaclearmomenthereandthere,thoughallbetweenthosemomentsisdarkness.Theyarelikeglimpsesofalightedshipfaroutatsea,indarkness,intherain.

Andtherearesongs,oldlaysandballadsfromsmallislandsandfromthequietuplandsofHavnor,thattellthestoryofthoseyears.

HavnorGreatPortisthecityattheheartoftheworld,white-toweredaboveitsbay;onthetallesttowertheswordofErreth-Akbecatchesthefirstandlastofdaylight.ThroughthatcitypassesallthetradeandcommerceandlearningandcraftofEarthsea,awealthnothoarded.TheretheKingsits,havingreturnedafterthehealingoftheRing,insignofhealing.Andinthatcity,intheselatterdays,menandwomenoftheislandsspeakwithdragons,insignofchange.

ButHavnorisalsotheGreatIsle,abroad,richland;andinthevillagesinlandfromtheport,thefarmlandsoftheslopesofMountOnn,nothingeverchangesmuch.Thereasongworthsingingislikelytobesungagain.ThereoldmenatthetaverntalkofMorredasiftheyhadknownhimwhentheytoowereyoungandheroes.TheregirlswalkingouttofetchthecowshometellstoriesofthewomenoftheHand,whoareforgotteneverywhereelseintheworld,evenonRoke,butrememberedamongthosesilent,sunlitroadsandfieldsandinthekitchensbythehearthswherehousewivesworkandtalk.

Inthetimeofthekings,magesgatheredinthecourtofEnladandlaterinthecourtofHavnortocounselthekingandtakecounseltogether,usingtheirartstopursuegoalstheyagreedweregood.Butinthedarkyears,wizardssoldtheirskillstothehighestbidder,pittingtheirpowersoneagainsttheotherinduelsandcombatsofsorcery,carelessoftheevilstheydid,orworsethancareless.Plaguesandfamines,thefailureofspringsofwater,summerswithnorainandyearswithnosummer,thebirthofsicklyandmonstrousyoungtosheepandcattle,thebirthofsicklyandmonstrouschildrentothepeopleoftheisles-allthesethingswerechargedtothepracticesofwizardsandwitches,andalltoooftenrightlyso.

Soitbecamedangeroustopracticesorcery,exceptundertheprotectionofastrongwarlord;andeventhen,ifawizardmetupwithonewhosepowersweregreaterthanhisown,hemightbedestroyed.Andifawizardletdownhisguardamongthecommonfolk,theytoomightdestroyhimiftheycould,seeinghimasthesourceoftheworstevilstheysuffered,amalignbeing.Inthoseyears,inthemindsofmostpeople,allmagicwasblack.

Itwasthenthatvillagesorcery,andaboveallwomen’switchery,cameintotheillreputethathasclungtoitsince.Witchespaiddearlyforpracticingthe

artstheythoughtofastheirown.Thecareofpregnantbeastsandwomen,birthing,teachingthesongsandrites,thefertilityandorderoffieldandgarden,thebuildingandcareofthehouseanditsfurniture,theminingoforesandmetals-thesegreatthingshadalwaysbeeninthechargeofwomen.Arichloreofspellsandcharmstoensurethegoodoutcomeofsuchundertakingswassharedamongthewitches.Butwhenthingswentwrongatthebirth,orinthefield,thatwouldbethewitches’fault.Andthingswentwrongmoreoftenthanright,withthewizardswarring,usingpoisonsandcursesrecklesslytogainimmediateadvantagewithoutthoughtforwhatfollowedafter.Theybroughtdroughtandstorm,blightsandfiresandsicknessesacrosstheland,andthevillagewitchwaspunishedforthem.Shedidn’tknowwhyhercharmofhealingcausedthewoundtogangrene,whythechildshebroughtintotheworldwasimbecile,whyherblessingseemedtoburntheseedinthefurrowsandblighttheappleonthetree.Butfortheseills,somebodyhadtobetoblame:andthewitchorsorcererwasthere,rightthereinthevillageorthetown,notoffinthewarlord’scastleorfort,notprotectedbyarmedmenandspellsofdefense.Sorcerersandwitchesweredrownedinthepoisonedwells,burnedinthewitheredfields,buriedalivetomakethedeadearthrichagain.

Sothepracticeoftheirloreandtheteachingofithadbecomeperilous.Thosewhoundertookitwereoftenthosealreadyoutcast,crippled,deranged,withoutfamily,old-womenandmenwhohadlittletolose.Thewisemanandwisewoman,trustedandheldinreverence,gavewaytothestockfiguresoftheshuffling,impotentvillagesorcererwithhistrickeries,thehag-witchwithherpotionsusedinaidoflust,jealousy,andmalice.Andachild’sgiftformagicbecameathingtodreadandhide.

Thisisataleofthosetimes.SomeofitistakenfromtheBookoftheDark,andsomecomesfromHavnor,fromtheuplandfarmsofOnnandthewoodlandsofFaliern.Astorymaybepiecedtogetherfromsuchscrapsandfragments,andthoughitwillbeanairyquilt,halfmadeofhearsayandhalfofguesswork,yetitmaybetrueenough.It’sataleoftheFoundingofRoke,andiftheMastersofRokesayitdidn’thappenso,letthemtellushowithappenedotherwise.ForacloudhangsoverthetimewhenRokefirstbecametheIsleoftheWise,anditmaybethatthewisemenputitthere.

II.Otter

Therewasanotterinourbrook

Thateverymortalsemblancetook,

Couldanyspellofmagicmake,

Andspeakthetonguesofmananddrake.

Sorunsthewateraway,away,

Sorunsthewateraway.

OTTERWASTHESONofaboatwrightwhoworkedintheshipyardsofHavnorGreatPort.Hismothergavehimhiscountryname;shewasafarmwomanfromEndlanevillage,aroundnorthwestofMountOnn.Shehadcometothecityseekingwork,asmanycame.Decentfolkinadecenttradeintroubledtimes,theboatwrightandhisfamilywereanxiousnottocometonoticelesttheycometogrief.Andso,whenitbecameclearthattheboyhadagiftofmagery,hisfathertriedtobeatitoutofhim.

“Youmightaswellbeatacloudforraining,”saidOtter’smother.

“Takecareyoudon’tbeatevilintohim,”saidhisaunt.

“Takecarehedoesn’tturnyourbeltonyouwithaspell!”saidhisuncle.

Buttheboyplayednotricksagainsthisfather.Hetookhisbeatingsinsilenceandlearnedtohidehisgift.

Itdidn’tseemtohimtoamounttomuch.Itwassuchaneasymattertohimtomakeasilverylightshineinadarkroom,orfindalostpinbythinkingaboutit,ortrueupawarpedjointbyrunninghishandsoverthewoodandtalkingtoit,thathecouldn’tseewhytheymadeafussoversuchthings.Buthisfatherragedathimforhis“shortcuts,”evenstruckhimonceonthemouthwhenhewastalkingtothework,andinsistedthathedohiscarpentrywithtools,insilence.

Hismothertriedtoexplain.“It’sasifyou’dfoundsomegreatjewel,”shesaid,“andwhat’soneofustodowithadiamondbuthideit?Anybodyrichenoughtobuyitfromyouisstrongenoughtokillyouforit.Keepithid.Andkeepawayfromgreatpeopleandtheircraftymen!”

“Craftymen”iswhattheycalledwizardsinthosedays.

Oneofthegiftsofpoweristoknowpower.Wizardknowswizard,unlesstheconcealmentisveryskillful.Andtheboyhadnoskillsatallexceptinboat-building,ofwhichhewasapromisingscholarbytheageoftwelve.Aboutthattimethemidwifewhohadhelpedhismotherathisbirthcamebyandsaidtohisparents,“LetOttercometomeintheeveningsafterwork.Heshouldlearnthesongsandbepreparedforhisnamingday.”

Thatwasallright,forshehaddonethesameforOtter’seldersister,andsohisparentssenthimtoherintheevenings.ButshetaughtOttermorethanthe

songoftheCreation.Sheknewhisgift.Sheandsomemenandwomenlikeher,peopleofnofameandsomeofquestionablereputation,hadallinsomedegreethatgift;andtheyshared,insecret,whatloreandcrafttheyhad.“Agiftuntaughtisashipunguided,”theysaidtoOtter,andtheytaughthimalltheyknew.Itwasn’tmuch,butthereweresomebeginningsofthegreatartsinit;andthoughhefeltuneasyatdeceivinghisparents,hecouldn’tresistthisknowledge,andthekindnessandpraiseofhispoorteachers.“Itwilldoyounoharmifyouneveruseitforharm,”theytoldhim,andthatwaseasyforhimtopromisethem.

AtthestreamSerrenen,whereitrunswithinthenorthwallofthecity,themidwifegaveOtterhistruename,bywhichheisrememberedinislandsfarfromHavnor.

Amongthesepeoplewasanoldmanwhomtheycalled,amongthemselves,theChanger.HeshowedOtterafewspellsofillusion;andwhentheboywasfifteenorso,theoldmantookhimoutintothefieldsbySerrenentoshowhimtheonespelloftruechangeheknew.“Firstlet’sseeyouturnthatbushintotheseemingofatree,”hesaid,andpromptlyOtterdidso.Illusioncamesoeasytotheboythattheoldmantookalarm.Otterhadtobegandwheedlehimforanyfurtherteachingandfinallytopromisehim,swearingonhisowntrueandsecretname,thatifhelearnedtheChanger’sgreatspellhewouldneveruseitbuttosavealife,hisownoranother’s.

Thentheoldmantaughtittohim.Butitwasn’tmuchuse,Otterthought,sincehehadtohideit.

Whathelearnedworkingwithhisfatheranduncleintheshipyardhecoulduse,atleast;andhewasbecomingagoodcraftsman,evenhisfatherwouldadmitthat.

Losen,asea-piratewhocalledhimselfKingoftheInmostSea,wasthenthechiefwarlordinthecityandalltheeastandsouthofHavnor.Exactingtributefromthatrichdomain,hespentittoincreasehissoldieryandthefleetshesentouttotakeslavesandplunderfromotherlands.AsOttersunclesaid,hekepttheshipwrightsbusy.Theyweregratefultohaveworkinatimewhenmenseekingworkfoundonlybeggary,andratsraninthecourtsofMaharion.Theydidanhonestjob,Otter’sfathersaid,andwhattheworkwasusedforwasnoneoftheirconcern.

ButtheotherlearninghehadbeengivenhadmadeOttertouchyinthesematters,delicateofconscience.ThebiggalleytheywerebuildingnowwouldberowedtowarbyLosen’sslavesandwouldbringbackslavesascargo.Itgalledhimtothinkofthegoodshipinthatvicioususage.“Whycan’twebuildfishingboats,thewayweusedto?”heasked,andhisfathersaid,

“Becausethefishermencan’tpayus.”

“Can’tpayusaswellasLosendoes.Butwecouldlive,”Otterargued.

“YouthinkIcanturntheKing’sorderdown?Youwanttoseemesenttorowwiththeslavesinthegalleywe’rebuilding?Useyourhead,boy!”

SoOtterworkedalongwiththemwithaclearheadandanangryheart.Theywereinatrap.What’stheuseofagiftofpower,hethought,ifnottogetoutofatrap?

Hisconscienceasacraftsmanwouldnotlethimfaultthecarpentryoftheshipinanyway;buthisconscienceasawizardtoldhimhecouldputahexonher,acursewovenrightintoherbeamsandhull.Surelythatwasusingthesecretarttoagoodend?Forharm,yes,butonlytoharmtheharmful.Hedidnottalktohisteachersaboutit.Ifhewasdoingwrong,itwasnoneoftheirfaultandtheywouldknownothingaboutit.Hethoughtaboutitforalongtime,workingouthowtodoit,makingthespellverycarefully.Itwasthereversalofafindingcharm:alosingcharm,hecalledittohimself.Theshipwouldfloat,andhandlewell,andsteer,butshewouldneversteerquitetrue.

Itwasthebesthecoulddoinprotestagainstthemisuseofgoodworkandagoodship.Hewaspleasedwithhimself.Whentheshipwaslaunched(andallseemedwellwithher,forherfaultwouldnotshowupuntilshewasoutontheopensea)hecouldnotkeepfromhisteacherswhathehaddone,thelittlecircleofoldmenandmidwives,theyounghunchbackwhocouldspeakwiththedead,theblindgirlwhoknewthenamesofthings.Hetoldthemhistrick,andtheblindgirllaughed,buttheoldpeoplesaid,“Lookout.Takecare.Keephidden.”

InLosen’sservicewasamanwhocalledhimselfHound,because,ashesaid,hehadanoseforwitchery.HisemploymentwastosniffLosen’sfoodanddrinkandgarmentsandwomen,anythingthatmightbeusedbyenemywizardsagainsthim;andalsotoinspecthiswarships.Ashipisafragilethinginadangerouselement,vulnerabletospellsandhexes.AssoonasHoundcameaboardthenewgalleyhescentedsomething.“Well,well,”hesaid,“who’sthis?”Hewalkedtothehelmandputhishandonit.“Thisisclever,”hesaid.“Butwhoisit?Anewcomer,Ithink.”Hesniffedappreciatively.“Veryclever,”hesaid.

TheycametothehouseinBoatwrightStreetafterdark.Theykickedthedoorin,andHound,standingamongthearmedandarmoredmen,said,“Him.Lettheothersbe.”AndtoOtterhesaid,“Don’tmove,”inalow,amicablevoice.Hesensedgreatpowerintheyoungman,enoughthathewasalittleafraidofhim.ButOtter’sdistresswastoogreatandhistrainingtooslightforhimtothinkofusingmagictofreehimselforstopthemen’sbrutality.Heflung

himselfatthemandfoughtthemlikeananimaltilltheyknockedhimonthehead.TheybrokeOtter’sfather’sjawandbeathisauntandmothersenselesstoteachthemnottobringupcraftymen.ThentheycarriedOtteraway.

Notadooropenedinthenarrowstreet.Nobodylookedouttoseewhatthenoisewas.NottilllongafterthemenweregonedidsomeneighborscreepouttocomfortOtter’speopleasbesttheycould.“Oh,it’sacurse,acurse,thiswizardry!”theysaid.

Houndtoldhismasterthattheyhadthehexerinasafeplace,andLosensaid,“Whowasheworkingfor?”

“Heworkedinyourshipyard,yourhighness.”Losenlikedtobecalledbykinglytitles.

“Whohiredhimtohextheship,fool?”

“Itseemsitwashisownidea,yourmajesty.”

“Why?Whatwashegoingtogetoutofit?”

Houndshrugged.Hedidn’tchoosetotellLosenthatpeoplehatedhimdisinterestedly.

“He’scrafty,yousay.Canyouusehim?”

“Icantry,yourhighness.”

“Tamehimorburyhim,”saidLosen,andturnedtomoreimportantmatters.

Otter’shumbleteachershadtaughthimpride.TheyhadtrainedintohimadeepcontemptforwizardswhoworkedforsuchmenasLosen,lettingfearorgreedpervertmagictoevilends.Nothing,tohismind,couldbemoredespicablethansuchabetrayaloftheirart.Soittroubledhimthathecouldn’tdespiseHound.

HehadbeenstowedinastoreroomofoneoftheoldpalacesthatLosenhadappropriated.Ithadnowindow,itsdoorwascross-grainedoakbarredwithiron,andspellshadbeenlaidonthatdoorthatwouldhavekeptafarmoreexperiencedwizardcaptive.ThereweremenofgreatskillandpowerinLosen’spay.Hounddidnotconsiderhimselftobeoneofthem.“AllIhaveisanose,”hesaid.HecamedailytoseethatOtterwasrecoveringfromhisconcussionanddislocatedshoulder,andtotalkwithhim.Hewas,asfarasOttercouldsee,well-meaningandhonest.“Ifyouwon’tworkforusthey’llkillyou,”hesaid.“Losencan’thavefellowslikeyouontheloose.You’dbetterhireonwhilehe’lltakeyou.”

“Ican’t.”

Otterstateditasanunfortunatefact,notasamoralassertion.Houndlookedathimwithappreciation.Livingwiththepirateking,hewassickofboastsandthreats,ofboastersandthreateners.

“Whatareyoustrongestin?”

Otterwasreluctanttoanswer.HehadtolikeHound,butdidn’thavetotrusthim.“Shape-changing,”hemumbledatlast.

“Shape-taking?”

“No.Justtricks.Turnaleaftoagoldpiece.Seemingly.”

Inthosedaystheyhadnofixednamesforthevariouskindsandartsofmagic,norweretheconnectionsamongthoseartsclear.Therewas-asthewisemenofRokewouldsaylater-noscienceinwhattheyknew.ButHoundknewprettysurelythathisprisonerwasconcealinghistalents.

“Can’tchangeyourownform,evenseemingly?”

Ottershrugged.

Itwashardforhimtolie.Hethoughthewasawkwardatitbecausehehadnopractice.Houndknewbetter.Heknewthatmagicitselfresistsuntruth.Conjuring,sleightofhand,andfalsecommercewiththedeadarecounterfeitsofmagic,glasstothediamond,brasstothegold.Theyarefraud,andliesflourishinthatsoil.Buttheartofmagic,thoughitmaybeusedforfalseends,dealswithwhatisreal,andthewordsitworkswitharethetruewords.Sotruewizardsfindithardtolieabouttheirart.Intheirhearttheyknowthattheirlie,spoken,maychangetheworld.

Houndwassorryforhim.“Youknow,ifitwasGellukquestioningyou,he’dhaveeverythingyouknowoutofyoujustwithawordortwo,andyourwitswithit.I’veseenwhatoldWhitefaceleavesbehindwhenheasksquestions.Listen,canyouworkwiththewindatall?”

Otterhesitatedandsaid,“Yes.”

“D’youhaveabag?”

Weatherworkersusedtocarryaleathersackinwhichtheysaidtheykeptthewinds,untyingittoletafairwindlooseortocaptureacontraryone.Maybeitwasonlyforshow,buteveryweatherworkerhadabag,agreatlongsackoralittlepouch.

“Athome,”Ottersaid.Itwasn’talie.Hedidhaveapouchathome.Hekepthisfine-worktoolsandhisbubblelevelinit.Andhewasn’taltogetherlyingaboutthewind.Severaltimeshehadmanagedtobringabitofmagewindintothesailofaboat,thoughhehadnoideahowtocombatorcontrolastorm,as

aship’sweatherworkermustdo.Buthethoughthe’dratherdrowninagalethanbemurderedinthishole.

“Butyouwouldn’tbewillingtousethatskillintheKing’sservice?”

“ThereisnokinginEarthsea,”theyoungmansaid,sternandrighteous,“Inmymaster’sservice,then,”Houndamended,patient.

“No,”Ottersaid,andhesitated.Hefeltheowedthismananexplanation.“See,it’snotsomuchwon’tascan’t.Ithoughtofmakingplugsintheplankingofthatgalley,nearthekeel-youknowwhatImeanbyplugs?They’dworkoutasthetimbersworkwhenshegetsinaheavysea.”Houndnodded.“ButIcouldn’tdoit.I’mashipbuilder.Ican’tbuildashiptosink.Withthemenaboardher.Myhandswouldn’tdoit.SoIdidwhatIcould.Imadehergoherownway.Nothisway.”

Houndsmiled.“Theyhaven’tundonewhatyoudidyet,either,”hesaid.“OldWhitefacewascrawlingalloverheryesterday,growlingandmuttering.Orderedthehelmreplaced.”HemeantLosen’schiefmage,apalemanfromtheNorthnamedGelluk,whowasmuchfearedinHavnor.

“Thatwon’tdoit.”

“Couldyouundothespellyouputonher?”

AflickerofcomplacencyshowedinOtterstired,batteredyoungface.“No,”hesaid.“Idon’tthinkanybodycan.”

“Toobad.Youmighthaveusedthattobargainwith.”

Ottersaidnothing.

“Anose,now,isausefulthing,asalablething,”Houndwenton.“NotthatI’mlookingforcompetition.Butafindercanalwaysfindwork,astheysay…Youeverbeeninamine?”

Theguessworkofawizardisclosetoknowledge,thoughhemaynotknowwhatitisheknows.ThefirstsignofOtter’sgift,whenhewastwoorthreeyearsold,washisabilitytogostraighttoanythinglost,adroppednail,amislaidtool,assoonasheunderstoodthewordforit.Andasaboyoneofhisdearestpleasureshadbeentogoaloneoutintothecountrysideandwanderalongthelanesoroverthehills,feelingthroughthesolesofhisbarefeetandthroughouthisbodytheveinsofwaterunderground,thelodesandknotsofore,thelayandinterfoldingofthekindsofrockandearth.Itwasasifhewalkedinagreatbuilding,seeingitspassagesandrooms,thedescentstoairycaverns,theglimmerofbranchedsilverinthewalls;andashewenton,itwasasifhisbodybecamethebodyofearth,andheknewitsarteriesandorgansandmusclesashisown.Thispowerhadbeenadelighttohimasaboy.He

hadneversoughtanyuseforit.Ithadbeenhissecret.

HedidnotanswerHound’squestion.

“What’sbelowus?”Houndpointedtothefloor,pavedwithroughslateflags.

Otterwassilentawhile.Thenhesaidinalowvoice,“Clay,andgravel,andunderthattherockthatbearsgarnets.Allunderthispartofthecityisthatrock.Idon’tknowthenames.”

“Youcanlearnem.”

“Iknowhowtobuildboats,howtosailboats.”

“You’lldobetterawayfromtheships,allthefightingandraiding.TheKing’sworkingtheoldminesatSamory,roundthemountain.Thereyou’dbeoutofhisway.Workforhimyoumust,ifyouwanttostayalive.I’llseethatyou’resentthere.Ifyou’llgo.”

AfteralittlesilenceOttersaid,“Thanks.”AndhelookedupatHound,onebrief,questioning,judgingglance.

Houndhadtakenhim,hadstoodandseenhispeoplebeatensenseless,hadnotstoppedthebeating.Yethespokeasafriend.Why?saidOtter’slook.Houndansweredit.

“Craftymenneedtosticktogether,”hesaid.“Menwhohavenoartatall,nothingbutwealth-theypitusoneagainsttheother,fortheirgainnotours.Wesellemourpower.Whydowe?Ifwewentourownwaytogether,we’ddobetter,maybe.”

HoundmeantwellinsendingtheyoungmantoSamory,buthedidnotunderstandthequalityofOtter’swill.NordidOtterhimself.Hewastoousedtoobeyingotherstoseethatinfacthehadalwaysfollowedhisownbent,andtooyoungtobelievethatanythinghedidcouldkillhim.

Heplanned,assoonastheytookhimoutofhiscell,tousetheoldChangersspellofself-transformationandsoescape.Surelyhislifewasindanger,anditwouldbeallrighttousethespell?Onlyhecouldn’tdecidewhattoturnhimselfinto-abird,orawispofsmoke,whatwouldbesafest?Butwhilehewasthinkingaboutit,Losen’smen,usedtowizard’stricks,druggedhisfoodandheceasedtothinkofanythingatall.Theydumpedhimintoamule-cartlikeasackofoats.Whenheshowedsignsofrevivingduringthejourney,oneofthembashedhimonthehead,remarkingthathewantedtomakesurehegothisrest.

Whenhecametohimself,sickandweakfromthepoisonandwithanachingskull,hewasinaroomwithbrickwallsandbricked-upwindows.Thedoorhadnobarsandnovisiblelock.Butwhenhetriedtogettohisfeethefelt

bondsofsorceryholdinghisbodyandmind,resilient,clinging,tighteningashemoved.Hecouldstand,butcouldnottakeasteptowardsthedoor.Hecouldnotevenreachhishandout.Itwasahorriblesensation,asifhismuscleswerenothisown.Hesatdownagainandtriedtoholdstill.Thespellbondsaroundhischestkepthimfrombreathingdeeply,andhismindfeltstifledtoo,asifhisthoughtswerecrowdedintoaspacetoosmallforthem.

Afteralongtimethedooropenedandseveralmencamein.Hecoulddonothingagainstthemastheygaggedhimandboundhisarmsbehindhim.“Nowyouwon’tweavecharmsnorspeakspells,young’un,”saidabroad,strongmanwithafurrowedface,“butyoucannodyourheadwellenough,right?Theysentyouhereasadowser.Ifyou’reagooddowseryou’llfeedwellandsleepeasy.Cinnabar,that’swhatyou’retonodfor.TheKing’swizardsaysit’sstillheresomewhereabouttheseoldmines.Andhewantsit.Soit’sbestforusthatwefindit.NowI’llwalkyouout.It’slikeI’mthewaterfinderandyou’remywand,see?Youleadon.Andifyouwanttogothiswayorthatwayyoudipyourhead,so.Andwhenyouknowthere’soreunderfoot,youstampontheplace,so.Nowthat’sthebargain,right?AndifyouplayfairIwill.”

HewaitedforOttertonod,butOtterstoodmotionless.

“Sulkaway,”themansaid.“Ifyoudon’tlikethiswork,there’salwaystheroaster.”

Theman,whomtheotherscalledLicky,ledhimoutintoahot,brightmorningthatdazzledhiseyes.Leavinghiscellhehadfeltthespellbondsloosenandfallaway,buttherewereotherspellswovenaboutotherbuildingsoftheplace,especiallyaroundatallstonetower,fillingtheairwithstickylinesofresistanceandrepulsion.Ifhetriedtopushforwardintothemhisfaceandbellystungwithjabsofagony,sothathelookedathisbodyinhorrorforthewound;buttherewasnowound.Gaggedandbound,withouthisvoiceandhandstoworkmagic,hecoulddonothingagainstthesespells.Lickyhadtiedoneendofabraidedleathercordaroundhisneckandheldtheotherend,followinghim.HeletOtterwalkintoacoupleofthespells,andafterthatOtteravoidedthem.Wheretheywerewasplainenough:thedustypathwaysbenttomissthem.

Leashedlikeadog,hewalkedalong,sullenandshiveringwithsicknessandrage.Hestaredaroundhim,seeingthestonetower,stacksofwoodbyitswidedoorway,rustywheelsandmachinesbyapit,greatheapsofgravelandclay.Turninghissoreheadmadehimdizzy.

“Ifyou’readowser,betterdowse,”saidLicky,comingupalongsidehimandlookingsidelongintohisface.“Andifyou’renot,you’dbetterdowseallthe

same.Thatwayyou’llstayabovegroundlonger.”

Amancameoutofthestonetower.Hepassedthem,walkinghurriedlywithaqueershamblinggait,staringstraightahead.Hischinshoneandhischestwaswetwithspittleleakingfromhislips.

“That’stheroastertower,”saidLicky.“Wheretheycookthecinnabartogetthemetalfromit.Roastersdieinayearortwo.Whereto,dowser?”

AfterabitOtternoddedleft,awayfromthegreystonetower.Theywalkedontowardsalong,treelessvalley,pastgrass-growndumpsandtailings.

“Allunderhere’sworkedoutlongsince”Lickysaid.AndOtterhadbeguntobeawareofthestrangecountryunderhisfeet:emptyshaftsandroomsofdarkairinthedarkearth,averticallabyrinth,thedeepestpitsfilledwithunmovingwater.“Neverwasmuchsilver,andthewatermetal’slonggone.Listen,young’un,doyouevenknowwhatcinnabaris?”

Ottershookhishead.

“I’llshowyousome.That’swhatGelluk’safter.Theoreofwatermetal.Watermetaleatsalltheothermetals,evengold,see.

.SohecallsittheKing.IfyoufindhimhisKing,he’lltreatyouwell.He’softenhere.Comeon,I’llshowyou.Dogcan’ttracktillhe’shadthescent.”

Lickytookhimdownintotheminestoshowhimthegangues,thekindsofearththeorewaslikelytooccurin.Afewminerswereworkingattheendofalonglevel.

Becausetheyweresmallerthanmenandcouldmovemoreeasilyinnarrowplaces,orbecausetheywereathomewiththeearth,ormostlikelybecauseitwasthecustom,womenhadalwaysworkedtheminesofEarthsea.Theseminerswerefreewomen,notslavesliketheworkersintheroastertower.Gellukhadmadehimforemanovertheminers,Lickysaid,buthedidnoworkinthemine;theminersforbadeit,earnestlybelievingitwastheworstofbadluckforamantopickupashovelorshoreatimber.“Suitsme,”Lickysaid.

Ashock-haired,bright-eyedwomanwithacandleboundtoherforeheadsetdownherpicktoshowOtteralittlecinnabarinabucket,brownishredclotsandcrumbs.Shadowsleaptacrosstheearthfaceatwhichtheminersworked.Oldtimberscreaked,dirtsifteddown.Thoughtheairrancoolthroughthedarkness,thedriftsandlevelsweresolowandnarrowtheminershadtostoopandsqueezetheirway.Inplacestheceilingshadcollapsed.Ladderswereshaky.Theminewasaterrifyingplace;yetOtterfeltasenseofshelterinit.Hewashalfsorrytogobackupintotheburningday.

Lickydidnottakehimintotheroastertower,butbacktothebarracks.Fromalockedroomhebroughtoutasmall,soft,thick,leatherbagthatweighedheavyinhishands.HeopenedittoshowOtterthelittlepoolofdustybrilliancelyinginit.Whenheclosedthebagthemetalmovedinit,bulging,pressing,likeananimaltryingtogetfree.

“There’stheKing,”Lickysaid,inatonethatmighthavebeenreverenceorhatred.

Thoughnotasorcerer,LickywasamuchmoreformidablemanthanHound.YetlikeHoundhewasbrutalnotcruel.Hedemandedobedience,butnothingelse.OtterhadseenslavesandtheirmastersallhislifeintheshipyardsofHavnor,andknewhewasfortunate.Atleastindaylight,whenLickywashismaster.

Hecouldeatonlyinthecell,wheretheytookhisgagoff.Breadandonionswerewhattheygavehim,withaslopofrancidoilonthebread.Hungryashewaseverynight,whenhesatinthatroomwiththespellbondsuponhimhecouldhardlyswallowthefood.Ittastedofmetal,ofash.Thenightswerelongandterrible,forthespellspressedonhim,weighedonhim,wakedhimoverandoverterrified,gaspingforbreath,andneverabletothinkcoherently.Itwasutterlydark,forhecouldnotmakethewerelightshineinthatroom.Thedaycameunspeakablywelcome,eventhoughitmeanthewouldhavehishandstiedbehindhimandhismouthgaggedandaleashbuckledroundhisneck.

Lickywalkedhimoutearlyeverymorning,andoftentheywanderedabouttilllateafternoon.Lickywassilentandpatient.

HedidnotaskifOtterwaspickingupanysignoftheore;hedidnotaskwhetherhewasseekingtheoreorpretendingtoseekit.Otterhimselfcouldnothaveansweredthequestion.Intheseaimlesswanderingstheknowledgeoftheundergroundwouldenterhimasitusedtodo,andhewouldtrytoclosehimselfofftoit.“Iwillnotworkintheserviceofevil!”hetoldhimself.Thenthesummerairandlightwouldsoftenhim,andhistough,baresoleswouldfeelthedrygrassunderthem,andhewouldknowthatundertherootsofthegrassastreamcreptthroughdarkearth,seepingoverawideledgeofrocklayeredwithsheetsofmica,andunderthatledgewasacavern,andinitswallswerethin,crimson,crumblingbedsofcinnabar…Hemadenosign.Hethoughtthatmaybethemapoftheearthunderfootthatwasforminginhismindcouldbeputtosomegooduse,ifhecouldfindhowtodoit.

Butaftertendaysorso,Lickysaid,“MasterGelluk’scominghere.Ifthere’snooreforhim,he’lllikelyfindanotherdowser.”

Otterwalkedonamile,brooding;thencircledback,leadingLickytoa

hillocknotfarfromthefarendoftheoldworkings.Therehenoddeddownwardandstampedhisfoot.

Backinthecellroom,whenLickyhadunleashedhimanduntiedhisgag,hesaid,“There’ssomeorethere.Youcangettoitbyrunningthatoldtunnelstraighton,maybetwentyfeet.”

“Agoodbitofit?”

Ottershrugged.

“Justenoughtokeepgoingon,eh?”

Ottersaidnothing.

“Suitsme,”saidLicky.

Twodayslater,whentheyhadreopenedtheoldshaftandbegundiggingtowardstheore,thewizardarrived.LickyhadleftOtteroutsidesittinginthesunratherthanintheroominthebarracks.Otterwasgratefultohim.Hecouldnotbewhollycomfortablewithhishandsboundandhismouthgagged,butwindandsunlightweremightyblessings.Andhecouldbreathedeepanddozewithoutdreamsofearthstoppinghismouthandnostrils,theonlydreamsheeverhad,nightsinthecell.

Hewashalfasleep,sittingonthegroundintheshadebythebarracks,thesmellofthelogsstackedbytheroastertowerbringinghimamemoryoftheworkyardsathome,thefragranceofnewwoodastheplanerandownthesilkyoakboard.Somenoiseormovementrousedhim.Helookedupandsawthewizardstandingbeforehim,loomingabovehim.

Gellukworefantasticclothes,asmanyofhiskinddidinthosedays.AlongrobeofLorbanerysilk,scarlet,embroideredingoldandblackwithrunesandsymbols,andawide-brimmed,peak-crownedhatmadehimseemtallerthanamancouldbe.Otterdidnotneedtoseehisclothestoknowhim.Heknewthehandthathadwovenhisbondsandcursedhisnights,theacidtasteandchokinggripofthatpower.

“IthinkI’vefoundmylittlefinder,”saidGelluk.Hisvoicewasdeepandsoft,likethenotesofaviol.“Sleepinginthesunshine,likeonewhoseworkhasbeenwelldone.Soyou’vesentthemdiggingfortheRedMother,haveyou?DidyouknowtheRedMotherbeforeyoucamehere?AreyouacourtieroftheKing?Here,now,there’snoneedforropesandknots.”Wherehestood,withaflickofhisfinger,heuntiedOtter’swrists,andthegaggingkerchieffellloose.

“Icouldteachyouhowtodothatforyourself,”thewizardsaid,smiling,watchingOtterrubandflexhisachingwristsandworkhislipsthathadbeen

smashedagainsthisteethforhours.“TheHoundtoldmethatyou’realadofpromiseandmightgofarwithaproperguide.Ifyou’dliketovisittheCourtoftheKing,Icantakeyouthere.Butmaybeyoudon’tknowtheKingI’mtalkingof?”

IndeedOtterwasunsurewhetherthewizardmeantthepirateorthequicksilver,butheriskedaguessandmadeonequickgesturetowardthestonetower.

Thewizard’seyesnarrowedandhissmilebroadened.

“Doyouknowhisname?”

“Thewatermetal,”Ottersaid.

“Sothevulgarcallit,orquicksilver,orthewaterofweight.ButthosewhoservehimcallhimtheKing,andtheAllking,andtheBodyoftheMoon.”Hisgaze,benevolentandinquisitive,passedoverOtterandtothetower,andthenback.Hisfacewaslargeandlong,whiterthananyfaceOtterhadseen,withbluisheyes.Greyandblackhairscurledhereandthereonhischinandcheeks.Hiscalm,opensmileshowedsmallteeth,severalofthemmissing.“Thosewhohavelearnedtoseetrulycanseehimasheis,thelordofallsubstances.Therootofpowerliesinhim.Doyouknowwhatwecallhiminthesecrecyofhispalace?”

ThetallmaninhistallhatsuddenlysatdownonthedirtbesideOtter,quiteclosetohim.Hisbreathsmelledearthy.HislighteyesgazeddirectlyintoOtter’seyes.“Wouldyouliketoknow?Youcanknowanythingyoulike.Ineedhavenosecretsfromyou.Noryoufromme,”andhelaughed,notthreateningly,butwithpleasure.HegazedatOtteragain,hislarge,whitefacesmoothandthoughtful.“Powersyouhave,yes,allkindsoflittletraitsandtricks.Acleverlad.Butnottooclever;that’sgood.Nottooclevertolearn,likesome…I’llteachyou,ifyoulike.Doyoulikelearning?Doyoulikeknowledge?WouldyouliketoknowthenamewecalltheKingwhenhe’sallaloneinhisbrightnessinhiscourtsofstone?HisnameisTurres.Doyouknowthatname?It’sawordinthelanguageoftheAllking.Hisownnameinhisownlanguage.InourbasetonguewewouldsaySemen.”HesmiledagainandpattedOtter’shand.“Forheistheseedandfructifier.Theseedandsourceofmightandright.You’llsee.You’llsee.Comealong!Comealong!Let’sgoseetheKingflyingamonghissubjects,gatheringhimselffromthem!”Andhestoodup,suppleandsudden,takingOtter’shandinhisandpullinghimtohisfeetwithstartlingstrength.Hewaslaughingwithexcitement.

Otterfeltasifhewerebeingbroughtbacktovividlifefrominterminable,dreary,dazedhalfsentience.Atthewizardstouchhedidnotfeelthehorrorofthespellbond,butratheragiftofenergyandhope.Hetoldhimselfnottotrust

thisman,buthelongedtotrusthim,tolearnfromhim.Gellukwaspowerful,masterful,strange,yethehadsethimfree.ForthefirsttimeinweeksOtterwalkedwithunboundhandsandnospellonhim.

“Thisway,thisway,”Gellukmurmured.“Noharmwillcometoyou.”Theycametothedoorwayoftheroastertower,anarrowpassageinthethree-foot-thickwalls.HetookOtter’sarm,fortheyoungmanhesitated.

Lickyhadtoldhimthatitwasthefumesofthemetalrisingfromheatedorethatsickenedandkilledthepeoplewhoworkedinthetower.OtterhadneverentereditnorseenLickyenterit.Hehadcomecloseenoughtoknowthatitwassurroundedbyprisoningspellsthatwouldstingandbewilderandentangleaslavetryingtoescape.Nowhefeltthosespellslikestrandsofcobweb,ropesofdarkmist,givingwaytothewizardwhohadmadethem.

“Breathe,breathe,breathe,”Gelluksaid,laughing,andOttertriednottoholdhisbreathastheyenteredthetower.

Theroastingpittookupthecenterofahugedomedchamber.Hurrying,sticklikefiguresblackagainsttheblazeshoveledandreshoveledoreontologskeptinaroaringblazebygreatbellows,whileothersbroughtfreshlogsandworkedthebellowssleeves.Fromtheapexofthedomeaspiralofchambersroseupintothetowerthroughsmokeandfumes.Inthosechambers,Lickyhadtoldhim,thevaporofthequicksilverwastrappedandcondensed,reheatedandrecondensed,tillinthetopmostvaultthepuremetalrandownintoastonetroughorbowl-onlyadroportwoaday,hesaid,fromthelow-gradeorestheywereroastingnow.

“Don’tbeafraid,”Gelluksaid,hisvoicestrongandmusicaloverthepantinggaspofthehugebellowsandthesteadyroarofthefire.“Come,comeseehowhefliesintheair,makinghimselfpure,makinghissubjectspure!”HedrewOttertotheedgeoftheroastingpit.Hiseyesshoneintheflareanddazzleoftheflames.“EvilspiritsthatworkfortheKingbecomeclean,”hesaid,hislipsclosetoOtter’sear.“Astheyslaver,thedrossandstainsflowoutofthem.Illnessandimpuritiesfesterandrunfreefromtheirsores.Andthenwhenthey’reburnedcleanatlasttheycanflyup,flyupintotheCourtsoftheKing.Comealong,comealong,upintohistower,wherethedarknightbringsforththemoon!”

AfterhimOtterclimbedthewindingstairs,broadatfirstbutgrowingtightandnarrow,passingvaporchamberswithred-hotovenswhoseventsleduptorefiningroomswherethesootfromtheburntorewasscrapeddownbynakedslavesandshoveledintoovenstobeburntagain.Theycametothetopmostroom.Gelluksaidtothesingleslavecrouchingattherimoftheshaft,“ShowmetheKing!”

Theslave,shortandthin,hairless,withrunningsoresonhishandsandarms,uncappedastonecupbytherimofthecondensingshaft.Gellukpeeredin,eagerasachild.“Sotiny,”hemurmured.“Soyoung.ThetinyPrince,thebabyLord,LordTurres.Seedoftheworld!Soul-jewel!”

Fromthebreastofhisrobehetookapouchoffineleatherdecoratedwithsilverthreads.Withadelicatehornspoontiedtothepouchheliftedthefewdropsofquicksilverfromthecupandplacedtheminit,thenretiedthethong.

Theslavestoodby,motionless.Allthepeoplewhoworkedintheheatandfumesoftheroastertowerwerenakedorworeonlybreechcloutandmoccasins.Otterglancedagainattheslave,thinkingbyhisheighthewasachild,andthensawthesmallbreasts.Itwasawoman.Shewasbald.Herjointswereswollenknobsinherbone-thinlimbs.ShelookeduponceatOtter,movinghereyesonly.Shespatintothefire,wipedhersoremouthwithherhand,andstoodmotionlessagain.

“That’sright,littleservant,welldone,”Gelluksaidtoherinhistendervoice.“Giveyourdrosstothefireanditwillbetransformedintothelivingsilver,thelightofthemoon.Isitnotawonderfulthing,”hewenton,drawingOtterawayandbackdownthespiralstair,“howfromwhatismostbasecomeswhatismostnoble?Thatisagreatprincipleoftheart!FromthevileRedMotherisborntheAllking.FromthespittleofadyingslaveismadethesilverSeedofPower.”

Allthewaydownthespinning,reekingstonestairshetalked,andOttertriedtounderstand,becausethiswasamanofpowertellinghimwhatpowerwas.

Butwhentheycameoutintothedaylightagainhisheadkeptonspinninginthedark,andafterafewstepshedoubledoverandvomitedontheground.

Gellukwatchedhimwithhisinquisitive,affectionatelook,andwhenOtterstoodup,wincingandgasping,thewizardaskedgently,“AreyouafraidoftheKing?”

Otternodded.

“Ifyousharehispowerhewon’tharmyou.Tofearapower,tofightapower,isverydangerous.Tolovepowerandtoshareitistheroyalway.Look.WatchwhatIdo.”Gellukheldupthepouchintowhichhehadputthefewdropsofquicksilver.HiseyealwaysonOtter’seye,heunsealedthepouch,liftedittohislips,anddrankitscontents.HeopenedhissmilingmouthsothatOttercouldseethesilverdropspoolingonhistonguebeforeheswallowed.

“NowtheKingisinmybody,thenobleguestofmyhouse.Hewon’tmakemeslaverandvomitorcausesoresonmybody;no,forIdon’tfearhim,but

invitehim,andsoheentersintomyveinsandarteries.Noharmcomestome.Mybloodrunssilver.Iseethingsunknowntoothermen.IsharethesecretsoftheKing.Andwhenheleavesme,hehidesintheplaceofordure,infoulnessitself,andyetagaininthevileplacehewaitsformetocomeandtakehimupandcleansehimashecleansedme,sothateachtimewegrowpurertogether.”ThewizardtookOtter’sarmandwalkedalongwithhim.Hesaid,smilingandconfidential,“Iamonewhoshitsmoonlight.Youwillnotknowanothersuch.Andmorethanthat,morethanthat,theKingentersintomyseed.Heismysemen.IamTurresandheisme…”

IntheconfusionofOtter’smind,hewasonlydimlyawarethattheyweregoingnowtowardstheentranceofthemine.Theywentunderground.Thepassagesoftheminewereadarkmazelikethewizard’swords.Otterstumbledon,tryingtounderstand.Hesawtheslaveinthetower,thewomanwhohadlookedathim.Hesawhereyes.

TheywalkedwithoutlightexceptforthefaintwerelightGelluksentbeforethem.Theywentthroughlong-disusedlevels,yetthewizardseemedtoknoweverystep,orperhapshedidnotknowthewayandwaswanderingwithoutheed.Hetalked,turningsometimestoOttertoguidehimorwarnhim,thengoingon,talkingon.

Theycametowheretheminerswereextendingtheoldtunnel.TherethewizardspokewithLickyintheflareofcandlesamongjaggedshadows.Hetouchedtheearthofthetunnel’send,tookclodsofearthinhishands,rolledthedirtinhispalms,kneading,testing,tastingit.Forthattimehewassilent,andOtterwatchedhimwithstaringintensity,stilltryingtounderstand.

Lickycamebacktothebarrackswiththem.GellukbadeOttergoodnightinhissoftvoice.Lickyshuthimasusualintothebrick-walledroom,givinghimaloafofbread,anonion,ajugofwater.

Ottercrouchedasalwaysintheuneasyoppressionofthespellbond.Hedrankthirstily.Thesharpearthytasteoftheonionwasgood,andheateitall.

Asthedimlightthatcameintotheroomfromchinksinthemortarofthebricked-upwindowdiedaway,insteadofsinkingintotheblankmiseryofallhisnightsinthatroom,hestayedawake,andgrewmoreawake.TheexcitedturmoilofhismindallthetimehehadbeenwithGellukslowlyquieted.Fromitsomethingrose,comingclose,comingclear,theimagehehadseendowninthemine,shadowyyetdistinct:theslaveinthehighvaultofthetower,thatwomanwithemptybreastsandfesteredeyes,whospatthespittlethatranfromherpoisonedmouth,andwipedhermouth,andstoodwaitingtodie.Shehadlookedathim.

Hesawhernowmoreclearlythanhehadseenherinthetower.Hesawher

moreclearlythanhehadeverseenanyone.Hesawthethinarms,theswollenjointsofelbowandwrist,thechildishnapeofherneck.Itwasasifshewaswithhimintheroom.Itwasasifshewasinhim,asifshewashim.Shelookedathim.Hesawherlookathim.Hesawhimselfthroughhereyes.

Hesawthelinesofthespellsthatheldhim,heavycordsofdarkness,atangledmazeoflinesallabouthim.Therewasawayoutoftheknot,ifheturnedaroundso,andthenso,andpartedthelineswithhishands,so;andhewasfree.

Hecouldnotseethewomananymore.Hewasaloneintheroom,standingfree.

Allthethoughtshehadnotbeenabletothinkfordaysandweekswereracingthroughhishead,astormofideasandfeelings,apassionofrage,vengeance,pity,pride.

Atfirsthewasoverwhelmedwithfiercefantasiesofpowerandrevenge:hewouldfreetheslaves,hewouldspellbindGellukandhurlhimintotherefiningfire,hewouldbindhimandblindhimandleavehimtobreathethefumesofquicksilverinthathighestvaulttillhedied…Butwhenhisthoughtssettleddownandbegantorunclearer,heknewthathecouldnotdefeatawizardofgreatcraftandpower,evenifthatwizardwasmad.Ifhehadanyhopeitwastoplayonhismadness,andleadthewizardtodefeathimself.

Hepondered.AllthetimehewaswithGelluk,hehadtriedtolearnfromhim,triedtounderstandwhatthewizardwastellinghim.Yethewascertain,now,thatGelluk’sideas,theteachinghesoeagerlyimparted,hadnothingtodowithhispowerorwithanytruepower.Miningandrefiningwereindeedgreatcraftswiththeirownmysteriesandmasteries,butGellukseemedtoknownothingofthosearts.HistalkoftheAllkingandtheRedMotherwasmerewords.Andnottherightwords.ButhowdidOtterknowthat?

InallhisfloodoftalktheonlywordGellukhadspokenintheOldTongue,thelanguageofwhichwizards’spellsweremade,wasthewordturres.Hehadsaiditmeantsemen.Otter’sowngiftofmageryhadrecognizedthatmeaningasthetrueone.Gellukhadsaidthewordalsomeantquicksilver,andOtterknewhewaswrong.

HishumbleteachershadtaughthimallthewordstheyknewoftheLanguageoftheMaking.Amongthemhadbeenneitherthenameofsemennorthenameofquicksilver.Buthislipsparted,histonguemoved.“Ayezur”hesaid.

Hisvoicewasthevoiceoftheslaveinthestonetower.Itwasshewhoknewthetruenameofquicksilverandspokeitthroughhim.

Thenforawhileheheldstill,bodyandmind,beginningtounderstandforthe

firsttimewherehispowerlay.

Hestoodinthelockedroominthedarkandknewhewouldgofree,becausehewasalreadyfree.Astormofpraiseranthroughhim.

Afterawhile,deliberately,here-enteredthetrapofspell-bonds,wentbacktohisoldplace,satdownonthepallet,andwentonthinking.Theprisoningspellwasstillthere,yetithadnopoweroverhimnow.Hecouldwalkintoitandoutofitasifitweremerelinespaintedonthefloor.Gratitudeforthisfreedombeatinhimassteadyashisheartbeat.

Hethoughtwhathemustdo,andhowhemustdoit.Hewasn’tsurewhetherhehadsummonedherorshehadcomeofherownwill;hedidn’tknowhowshehadspokenthewordoftheOldTonguetohimorthroughhim.Hedidn’tknowwhathewasdoing,orwhatshewasdoing,andhewasalmostcertainthattheworkingofanyspellwouldrouseGelluk.Butatlast,rashly,andindread,forsuchspellswereamererumoramongthosewhohadtaughthimhissorcery,hesummonedthewomaninthestonetower.

Hebroughtherintohismindandsawherashehadseenher,there,inthatroom,andcalledouttoher;andshecame.

Herapparitionstoodagainjustoutsidethespiderwebcordsofthespell,gazingathim,andseeinghim,forasoft,bluish,sourcelesslightfilledtheroom.Hersore,rawlipsquiveredbutshedidnotspeak.

Hespoke,givingherhistruename:“IamMedra.”

“IamAnieb,”shewhispered.

“Howcanwegetfree?”

“Hisname.”

“EvenifIknewit…WhenI’mwithhimIcan’tspeak.”

“IfIwaswithyou,Icoulduseit.”

“Ican’tcallyou.”

“ButIcancome,”shesaid.

Shelookedround,andhelookedup.BothknewthatGellukhadsensedsomething,hadwakened.Otterfeltthebondscloseandtighten,andtheoldshadowfall.

“Iwillcome,Medra,”shesaid.Sheheldoutherthinhandinafist,thenopeneditpalmupasifofferinghimsomething.Thenshewasgone.

Thelightwentwithher.Hewasaloneinthedark.Thecoldgripofthespellstookhimbythethroatandchokedhim,boundhishands,pressedonhis

lungs.Hecrouched,gasping.Hecouldnotthink;hecouldnotremember.“Staywithme,”hesaid,anddidnotknowwhohespoketo.Hewasfrightened,anddidnotknowwhathewasfrightenedof.Thewizard,thepower,thespell…Itwasalldarkness.Butinhisbody,notinhismind,burnedaknowledgehecouldnotnameanymore,acertaintythatwaslikeatinylampheldinhishandsinamazeofcavernsunderground.Hekepthiseyesonthatseedoflight.

Weary,evildreamsofsuffocationcametohim,buttooknoholdonhim.Hebreatheddeep.Hesleptatlast.Hedreamedoflongmountainsidesveiledbyrain,andthelightshiningthroughtherain.Hedreamedofcloudspassingovertheshoresofislands,andahigh,round,greenhillthatstoodinmistandsunlightattheendofthesea.

ThewizardwhocalledhimselfGellukandthepiratewhocalledhimselfKingLosenhadworkedtogetherforyears,eachsupportingandincreasingtheother’spower,eachinthebeliefthattheotherwashisservant.

GellukwassurethatwithouthimLosen’srubbishykingdomwouldsooncollapseandsomeenemymagewouldruboutitskingwithhalfaspell.ButheletLosenactthemaster.Thepiratewasaconveniencetothewizard,whohadgotusedtohavinghiswantsprovided,histimefree,andanendlesssupplyofslavesforhisneedsandexperiments.ItwaseasytokeepuptheprotectionshehadlaidonLosen’spersonandexpeditionsandforays,theprisoningspellshehadlaidontheplacesslavesworkedortreasureswerekept.Makingthosespellshadbeenadifferentmatter,alonghardwork.Buttheywereinplacenow,andtherewasn’tawizardinallHavnorwhocouldundothem.

Gellukhadnevermetamanhefeared.Afewwizardshadcrossedhispathstrongenoughtomakehimwaryofthem,buthehadneverknownonewithskillandpowerequaltohisown.

Oflate,enteringalwaysdeeperintothemysteriesofacertainlore-bookbroughtbackfromtheIsleofWaybyoneofLosen’sraiders,Gellukhadbecomeindifferenttomostoftheartshehadlearnedorhaddiscoveredforhimself.Thebookconvincedhimthatallofthemwereonlyshadowsorhintsofagreatermastery.Asonetrueelementcontrolledallsubstances,onetrueknowledgecontainedallothers.Approachingeverclosertothatmastery,heunderstoodthatthecraftsofwizardswereascrudeandfalseasLosen’stitleandrule.Whenhewasonewiththetrueelement,hewouldbetheonetrueking.Aloneamongmenhewouldspeakthewordsofmakingandunmaking.Hewouldhavedragonsforhisdogs.

Intheyoungdowserherecognizedapower,untaughtandinept,whichhe

coulduse.Heneededmuchmorequicksilverthanhehad,thereforeheneededafinder.Findingwasabaseskill.Gellukhadneverpracticedit,buthecouldseethattheyoungfellowhadthegift.Hewoulddowelltolearntheboy’struenamesothathecouldbesureofcontrollinghim.Hesighedatthethoughtofthetimehemustwasteteachingtheboywhathewasgoodfor.Andafterthattheoremuststillbedugoutoftheearthandthemetalrefined.Asalways,Gelluk’smindleaptacrossobstaclesanddelaystothewonderfulmysteriesattheendofthem.

Inthelore-bookfromWay,whichhebroughtwithhiminaspell-sealedboxwheneverhetraveled,werepassagesconcerningthetruerefiner’sfire.Havinglongstudiedthese,Gellukknewthatoncehehadenoughofthepuremetal,thenextstagewastorefineityetfurtherintotheBodyoftheMoon.Hehadunderstoodthedisguisedlanguageofthebooktomeanthatinordertopurifypurequicksilver,thefiremustbebuiltnotofmerewoodbutofhumancorpses.Rereadingandponderingthewordsthisnightinhisroominthebarracks,hediscernedanotherpossiblemeaninginthem.Therewasalwaysanothermeaninginthewordsofthislore.Perhapsthebookwassayingthattheremustbesacrificenotonlyofbasefleshbutalsoofinferiorspirit.Thegreatfireinthetowershouldburnnotdeadbodiesbutlivingones.Livingandconscious.Purityfromfoulness:blissfrompain.Itwasallpartofthegreatprinciple,perfectlyclearonceseen.Hewassurehewasright,hadatlastunderstoodthetechnique.Buthemustnothurry,hemustbepatient,mustmakecertain.Heturnedtoanotherpassageandcomparedthetwo,andbroodedoverthebooklateintothenight.Onceforamomentsomethingdrewhismindaway,someinvasionoftheoutskirtsofhisawareness;theboywastryingsometrickorother.Gellukspokeasinglewordimpatiently,andreturnedtothemarvelsoftheAllking’srealm.Henevernoticedthathisprisoner’sdreamshadescapedhim.

NextdayhehadLickysendhimtheboy.Helookedforwardtoseeinghim,tobeingkindtohim,teachinghim,pettinghimabitashehaddoneyesterday.Hesatdownwithhiminthesun.Gellukwasfondofchildrenandanimals.Helikedallbeautifulthings.Itwaspleasanttohaveayoungcreatureabout.Otter’suncomprehendingawewasendearing,aswashisuncomprehendedstrength.Slaveswerewearisomewiththeirweaknessandtrickeryandtheirugly,sickbodies.OfcourseOtterwashisslave,buttheboyneednotknowit.Theycouldbeteacherandprentice.Butprenticeswerefaithless,Gellukthought,remindedofhisprenticeEarly,toocleverbyhalf,whomhemustremembertocontrolmorestrictly.Fatherandson,that’swhatheandOttercouldbe.HewouldhavetheboycallhimFather.Herecalledthathehadintendedtofindouthistruename.Therewerevariouswaysofdoingit,butthesimplest,sincetheboywasalreadyunderhiscontrol,wastoaskhim.

“Whatisyourname?”hesaid,watchingOtterintently.

Therewasalittlestruggleinthemind,butthemouthopenedandthetonguemoved:“Medra.”

“Verygood,verygood,Medra,”saidthewizard.“YoumaycallmeFather.”

“YoumustfindtheRedMother,”hesaid,thedayafterthat.Theyweresittingsidebysideagainoutsidethebarracks.Theautumnsunwaswarm.Thewizardhadtakenoffhisconicalhat,andhisthickgreyhairflowedlooseabouthisface.“Iknowyoufoundthatlittlepatchforthemtodig,butthere’snomoreinthatthanafewdrops.It’sscarcelyworthburningforsolittle.Ifyouaretohelpme,andifIamtoteachyou,youmusttryalittleharder.Ithinkyouknowhow.”HesmiledatOtter.“Don’tyou?”

Otternodded.

Hewasstillshaken,appalled,bytheeasewithwhichGellukhadforcedhimtosayhisname,whichgavethewizardimmediateandultimatepoweroverhim.NowhehadnohopeofresistingGellukinanyway.Thatnighthehadbeeninutterdespair.ButthenAniebhadcomeintohismind:comeofherownwill,byherownmeans.Hecouldnotsummonher,couldnoteventhinkofher,andwouldnothavedaredtodoso,sinceGellukknewhisname.Butshecame,evenwhenhewaswiththewizard,notinapparitionbutasapresenceinhismind.

Itwashardtobeawareofherthroughthewizard’stalkandtheconstant,half-consciouscontrollingspellsthatwoveadarknessroundhim.ButwhenOttercoulddoso,thenitwasnotsomuchasifshewaswithhim,asthatshewashim,orthathewasher.Hesawthroughhereyes.Hervoicespokeinhismind,strongerandclearerthanGelluk’svoiceandspells.Throughhereyesandmindhecouldsee,andthink.Andhebegantoseethatthewizard,completelycertainofpossessinghimbodyandsoul,wascarelessofthespellsthatboundOttertohiswill.Abondisaconnection.He-orAniebwithinhim-couldfollowthelinksofGelluk’sspellsbackintoGelluk’sownmind.

Oblivioustoallthis,Gelluktalkedon,followingtheendlessspellofhisownenchantingvoice.

“Youmustfindthetruewomb,thebellybagoftheEarth,thatholdsthepuremoonseed.DidyouknowthattheMoonistheEarth’sfather?Yes,yes;andhelaywithher,asisthefather’sright.Hequickenedherbaseclaywiththetrueseed.ButshewillnotgivebirthtotheKing.Sheisstronginherfearandwillfulinhervileness.Sheholdshimbackandhideshimdeep,fearingtogivebirthtohermaster.Thatiswhy,togivehimbirth,shemustbeburnedalive.”

Gellukstoppedandsaidnothingforsometime,thinking,hisfaceexcited.Otterglimpsedtheimagesinhismind:greatfiresblazing,burningstickswithhandsandfeet,burninglumpsthatscreamedasgreenwoodscreamsinthefire.

“Yes,”Gelluksaid,hisdeepvoicesoftanddreamy,“shemustbeburnedalive.Andthen,onlythen,hewillspringforth,shining!

Oh,it’stime,andpasttime.WemustdelivertheKing.Wemustfindthegreatlode.Itishere;thereisnodoubtofthat:‘ThewomboftheMotherliesunderSamory.””

Againhepaused.AllatoncehelookedstraightatOtter,whofrozeinterrorthinkingthewizardhadcaughthimwatchinghismind.Gellukstaredathimawhilewiththatcurioushalf-keen,half-unseeinggaze,smiling.“LittleMedra!”hesaid,asifjustdiscoveringhewasthere.HepattedOtter’sshoulder.“Iknowyouhavethegiftoffindingwhat’shidden.Quiteagreatgift,wereitsuitablytrained.Havenofear,myson.Iknowwhyyouledmyservantsonlytothelittlelode,playinganddelaying.ButnowthatI’vecome,youserveme,andhavenothingtobeafraidof.Andthere’snousetryingtoconcealanythingfromme,isthere?Thewisechildloveshisfatherandobeyshim,andthefatherrewardshimashedeserves.”Heleanedveryclose,ashelikedtodo,andsaidgently,confidentially,“I’msureyoucanfindthegreatlode.”

“Iknowwhereitis,”Aniebsaid.

Ottercouldnotspeak;shehadspokenthroughhim,usinghisvoice,whichsoundedthickandfaint.

VeryfewpeopleeverspoketoGellukunlesshecompelledthemto.Thespellsbywhichhesilenced,weakened,andcontrolledallwhoapproachedhimweresohabitualtohimthathegavethemnothought.Hewasusedtobeinglistenedto,nottolistening.Sereneinhisstrengthandobsessedwithhisideas,hehadnothoughtbeyondthem.HewasnotawareofOtteratallexceptasapartofhisplans,anextensionofhimself.“Yes,yes,youwill,”hesaid,andsmiledagain.

ButOtterwasintenselyawareofGelluk,bothphysicallyandasapresenceofimmensecontrollingpower;anditseemedtohimthatAnieb’sspeakinghadtakenawaythatmuchofGelluk’spoweroverhim,gaininghimaplacetostand,afoothold.EvenwithGelluksoclosetohim,fearfullyclose,hemanagedtospeak.

“Iwilltakeyouthere,”hesaid,stiffly,laboriously.

Gellukwasusedtohearingpeoplesaythewordshehadputintheirmouths,

iftheysaidanythingatall.Thesewerewordshewantedbuthadnotexpectedtohear.Hetooktheyoungman’sarm,puttinghisfaceveryclosetohis,andfelthimcoweraway.

“Howcleveryouare,”hesaid.“Haveyoufoundbetterorethanthatpatchyoufoundfirst?Worththediggingandtheroasting?”

“Itisthelode,”theyoungmansaid.

Theslowstiffwordscarriedgreatweight.

“Thegreatlode?”Gelluklookedstraightathim,theirfacesnotahand’sbreadthapart.Thelightinhisbluisheyeswaslikethesoft,crazyshiftofquicksilver.“Thewomb?”

“OnlytheMastercangothere.”

“WhatMaster?”

“TheMasteroftheHouse.TheKing.”

ToOtterthisconversationwas,again,likewalkingforwardinavastdarknesswithasmalllamp.Anieb’sunderstandingwasthatlamp.Eachsteprevealedthenextstephemusttake,buthecouldneverseetheplacewherehewas.Hedidnotknowwhatwascomingnext,anddidnotunderstandwhathesaw.Buthesawit,andwentforward,wordbyword.

“HowdoyouknowofthatHouse?”

“Isawit.”

“Where?Nearhere?”

Otternodded.

“Isitintheearth?”

Tellhimwhathesees,AniebwhisperedinOtter’smind,andhespoke:“Astreamrunsthroughdarknessoveraglitteringroof.UndertheroofistheHouseoftheKing.Theroofstandshighabovethefloor,onhighpillars.Thefloorisred.Allthepillarsarered.Onthemareshiningrunes.”

Gellukcaughthisbreath.Presentlyhesaid,verysoftly,“Canyoureadtherunes?”

“Icannotreadthem.”Otter’svoicewastoneless.“Icannotgothere.NoonecanenterthereinthebodybutonlytheKing.Onlyhecanreadwhatiswritten.”

Gelluk’swhitefacehadgonewhiter;hisjawtrembledalittle.Hestoodup,suddenly,ashealwaysdid.“Takemethere,”hesaid,tryingtocontrol

himself,butsoviolentlycompellingOttertogetupandwalkthattheyoungmanlurchedtohisfeetandstumbledseveralsteps,almostfalling.Thenhewalkedforward,stiffandawkward,tryingnottoresistthecoercive,passionatewillthathurriedhissteps.

Gellukpressedclosebesidehim,oftentakinghisarm.“Thisway,”hesaidseveraltimes.“Yes,yes!Thisistheway.”YethewasfollowingOtter.Histouchandhisspellspushedhim,rushedhim,butinthedirectionOtterchosetogo.

Theywalkedpasttheroastertower,pasttheoldshaftandthenewone,onintothelongvalleywhereOtterhadtakenLickythefirstdayhewasthere.Itwaslateautumnnow.Theshrubsandscrubbygrassthathadbeengreenthatdayweredunanddry,andthewindrattledthelastleavesonthebushes.Totheirleftalittlestreamranlowamongwillowthickets.Mildsunlightandlongshadowsstreakedthehillsides.

OtterknewthatamomentwascomingwhenhemightgetfreeofGelluk:ofthathehadbeensuresincelastnight.HeknewalsothatinthatsamemomenthemightdefeatGelluk,disempowerhim,ifthewizard,drivenbyhisvisions,forgottoguardhimself-andifOttercouldlearnhisname.

Thewizard’sspellsstillboundtheirmindstogether.OtterpressedrashlyforwardintoGelluk’smind,seekinghistruename.Buthedidnotknowwheretolookorhowtolook.Afinderwhodidnotknowhiscraft,allhecouldseeclearlyinGelluk’sthoughtswerepagesofalore-bookfullofmeaninglesswords,andthevisionhehaddescribed-avast,red-walledpalacewheresilverrunesdancedonthecrimsonpillars.ButOttercouldnotreadthebookortherunes.Hehadneverlearnedtoread.

AllthistimeheandGellukweregoingonfartherfromthetower,awayfromAnieb,whosepresencesometimesweakenedandfaded.Otterdarednottrytosummonher.

Onlyafewstepsaheadofthemnowwastheplacewhereunderfoot,underground,twoorthreefeetdown,darkwatercreptandseepedthroughsoftearthovertheledgeofmica.Underthatopenedthehollowcavernandthelodeofcinnabar.

Gellukwasalmostwhollyabsorbedinhisownvision,butsinceOtter’smindandhiswereconnected,hesawsomethingofwhatOttersaw.Hestopped,grippingOtter’sarm.Hishandshookwitheagerness.

Otterpointedatthelowslopethatrosebeforethem.“TheKing’sHouseisthere,”hesaid.Gelluk’sattentionturnedentirelyawayfromhimthen,fixedonthehillsideandthevisionhesawwithinit.ThenOttercouldcalltoAnieb.

Atonceshecameintohismindandbeing,andwastherewithhim.

Gellukwasstandingstill,buthisshakinghandswereclenched,hiswholetallbodytwitchingandtrembling,likeahoundthatwantstochasebutcannotfindthescent.Hewasataloss.Therewasthehillsidewithitsgrassandbushesinthelastofthesunlight,buttherewasnoentrance.Grassgrowingoutofgravellydirt;theseamlessearth.

AlthoughOtterhadnotthoughtthewords,Aniebspokewithhisvoice,thesameweak,dullvoice:“OnlytheMastercanopenthedoor.OnlytheKinghasthekey.”

“Thekey,”Gelluksaid.

Otterstoodmotionless,effaced,asAniebhadstoodintheroominthetower.

“Thekey,”Gellukrepeated,urgent.

“ThekeyistheKing’sname.”

Thatwasaleapinthedarkness.Whichofthemhadsaidit?

Gellukstoodtenseandtrembling,stillataloss.“Turres,”hesaid,afteratime,almostinawhisper.

Thewindblewinthedrygrass.

Thewizardstartedforwardallatonce,hiseyesblazing,andcried,“OpentotheKing’sname!IamTinaral!”Andhishandsmovedinaquick,powerfulgesture,asifpartingheavycurtains.

Thehillsideinfrontofhimtrembled,writhed,andopened.Agashinitdeepened,widened.Watersprangupoutofitandranacrossthewizard’sfeet.

Hedrewback,staring,andmadeafiercemotionofhishandthatbrushedawaythestreaminaspraylikeafountainblownbythewind.Thegashintheearthgrewdeeper,revealingtheledgeofmica.Withasharprendingcracktheglitteringstonesplitapart.Underitwasdarkness.

Thewizardsteppedforward.“Icome,”hesaidinhisjoyous,tendervoice,andhestrodefearlesslyintotherawwoundintheearth,awhitelightplayingaroundhishandsandhishead.Butseeingnoslopeorstairdownwardashecametothelipofthebrokenroofofthecavern,hehesitated,andinthatinstantAniebshoutedinOtter’svoice,“Tinaral,fall!”

Staggeringwildlythewizardtriedtoturn,losthisfootingonthecrumblingedge,andplungeddownintothedark,hisscarletcloakbillowingup,thewerelightroundhimlikeafallingstar.

“Close!”Ottercried,droppingtohisknees,hishandsontheearth,ontheraw

lipsofthecrevasse.“Close,Mother!Behealed,bewhole!”Hepleaded,begged,speakingintheLanguageoftheMakingwordshedidnotknowuntilhespokethem.“Mother,bewhole!”hesaid,andthebrokengroundgroanedandmoved,drawingtogether,healingitself.

Areddishseamremained,ascarthroughthedirtandgravelanduprootedgrass.

Thewindrattledthedryleavesonthescrub-oakbushes.Thesunwasbehindthehill,andcloudswerecomingoverinalow,greymass.

Ottercrouchedthereatthefootofthehillslope,alone.

Thecloudsdarkened.Rainpassedthroughthelittlevalley,fallingonthedirtandthegrass.Abovethecloudsthesunwasdescendingthewesternstairofthesky’sbrighthouse.

Ottersatupatlast.Hewaswet,cold,bewildered.Whywashehere?

Hehadlostsomethingandhadtofindit.Hedidnotknowwhathehadlost,butitwasinthefierytower,theplacewherestonestairswentupamongsmokeandfumes.Hehadtogothere.Hegottohisfeetandshuffled,lameandunsteady,backdownthevalley.

Hehadnothoughtofhidingorprotectinghimself.Luckilyforhimtherewerenoguardsabout;therewerefewguards,andtheywerenotonthealert,sincethewizard’sspellshadkepttheprisonshut.Thespellsweregone,butthepeopleinthetowerdidnotknowit,workingonunderthegreaterspellofhopelessness.

Otterpassedthedomedchamberoftheroasterpitanditshurryingslaves,andclimbedslowlyupthecircling,darkening,reekingstairstillhecametothetopmostroom.

Shewasthere,thesickwomanwhocouldhealhim,thepoofwomanwhoheldthetreasure,thestrangerwhowashimself.

Hestoodsilentinthedoorway.Shesatonthestonefloornearthecrucible,herthinbodygrayishanddarklikethestones.Herchinandbreastswereshinywiththespittlethatranfromhermouth.Hethoughtofthespringofwaterthathadrunfromthebrokenearth.

“Medra,”shesaid.Hersoremouthcouldnotspeakclearly.Hekneltdownandtookherhands,lookingintoherface.

“Anieb,”hewhispered,“conicwithme”

“Iwanttogohome,”shesaid.

Hehelpedherstand.Hemadenospelltoprotectorhidethem.Hisstrength

hadbeenusedup.Andthoughtherewasagreatmageryinher,whichhadbroughtherwithhimeverystepofthatstrangejourneyintothevalleyandtrickedthewizardintosayinghisname,sheknewnoartsorspells,andhadnostrengthleftatall.

Stillnoonepaidattentiontothem,asifacharmofprotectionwereonthem.Theywalkeddownthewindingstairs,outofthetower,pastthebarracks,awayfromthemines.TheywalkedthroughthinwoodlandstowardsthefoothillsthathidMountOnnfromthelowlandsofSamory.

Aniebkeptabetterpacethanseemedpossibleinawomansofamishedanddestroyed,walkingalmostnakedinthechilloftherain.Allherwillwasaimedonwalkingforward;shehadnothingelseinhermind,nothim,notanything.Butshewastherebodilywithhim,andhefeltherpresenceaskeenlyandstrangelyaswhenshehadcometohissummoning.Therainrandownhernakedheadandbody.Hemadeherstoptoputonhisshirt.Hewasashamedofit,foritwasfilthy,hehavingwornitalltheseweeks.Shelethimpullitoverherheadandthenwalkedrighton.Shecouldnotgoquickly,butshewentsteadily,hereyesfixedonthefaintcarttracktheyfollowed,tillthenightcameearlyundertherainclouds,andtheycouldnotseewheretosettheirfeet.

“Makethelight,”shesaid.Hervoicewasawhimper,plaintive.“Can’tyoumakethelight?”

“Idon’tknow,”hesaid,buthetriedtobringthewerelightroundthem,andafterawhilethegroundglimmeredfaintlybeforetheirfeet.

“Weshouldfindshelterandrest,”hesaid.

“Ican’tstop,”shesaid,andstartedtowalkagain.

“Youcan’twalkallnight.”

“IfIliedownIwon’tgetup.IwanttoseetheMountain.”

Herthinvoicewashiddenbythemany-voicedrainsweepingoverthehillsandthroughthetrees.

Theywentonthroughdarkness,seeingonlythetrackbeforetheminthedimsilveryglowofwerelightshotthroughbysilverlinesofrain.Whenshestumbledhecaughtherarm.Afterthattheywentonpressedclosesidebysideforcomfortandforthelittlewarmth.Theywalkedslower,andyetslower,buttheywalkedon.Therewasnosoundbutthesoundoftherainfallingfromtheblacksky,andthelittlekissingsquelchoftheirsoddenfeetinthemudandwetgrassofthetrack.

“Look,”shesaid,halting.“Medra,look.”

Hehadbeenwalkingalmostasleep.Thepallorofthewerelighthadfaded,drownedinafainter,vasterclarity.Skyandearthwereallonegrey,butbeforethemandabovethem,veryhigh,overadriftofcloud,thelongridgeofthemountainglimmeredred.

“There,”Aniebsaid.Shepointedatthemountainandsmiled.Shelookedathercompanion,thenslowlydownattheground.Shesankdownkneeling.Hekneltwithher,triedtosupporther,butshesliddowninhisarms.Hetriedtokeepherheadatleastfromthemudofthetrack.Herlimbsandfacetwitched,herteethchattered.Heheldhercloseagainsthim,tryingtowarmher.

“Thewomen,”shewhispered,“thehand.Askthem.Inthevillage.IdidseetheMountain.”

Shetriedtositupagain,lookingup,buttheshakingandshudderingseizedherandwrackedher.Shebegantogaspforbreath.Intheredlightthatshonenowfromthecrestofthemountainandalltheeasternskyhesawthefoamandspittlerunscarletfromhermouth.Sometimessheclutchedathim,butshedidnotspeakagain.Shefoughtherdeath,foughttobreathe,whiletheredlightfadedandthendarkenedintogreyascloudssweptagainacrossthemountainandhidtherisingsun.Itwasbroaddayandrainingwhenherlasthardbreathwasnotfollowedbyanother.

ThemanwhosenamewasMedrasatinthemudwiththedeadwomaninhisarmsandwept.

Acarterwalkingathismule’sheadwithaloadofoakwoodcameuponthemandtookthembothtoWoodedge.Hecouldnotmaketheyoungmanletgoofthedeadwoman.Weakandshakyashewas,hewouldnotsethisburdendownontheload,butclamberedintothecartholdingher,andheldherallthemilestoWoodedge.Allhesaidwas“Shesavedme,”andthecarteraskednoquestions.

“ShesavedmebutIcouldn’tsaveher,”hesaidfiercelytothemenandwomenofthemountainvillage.Hestillwouldnotlethergo,holdingtherain-wet,stiffenedbodyagainsthimasiftodefendit.

VeryslowlytheymadehimunderstandthatoneofthewomenwasAnieb’smother,andthatheshouldgiveAniebtohertohold.Hedidsoatlast,watchingtoseeifshewasgentlewithhisfriendandwouldprotecther.Thenhefollowedanotherwomanmeeklyenough.Heputondryclothingshegavehimtoputon,andatealittlefoodshegavehimtoeat,andlaydownonthepalletsheledhimto,andsobbedinweariness,andslept.

InadayortwosomeofLicky’smencameaskingifanyonehadseenorheardtellofthegreatwizardGellukandayoungfinder-bothdisappearedwithouta

trace,theysaid,asiftheearthhadswallowedthem.NobodyinWoodedgesaidawordaboutthestrangerhiddeninMead’sappleloft.Theykepthimsafe.MaybethatiswhythepeopletherenowcalltheirvillagenotWoodedge,asitusedtobe,butOtterhide.

Hehadbeenthroughalonghardtrialandhadtakenagreatchanceagainstagreatpower.Hisbodilystrengthcamebacksoon,forhewasyoung,buthismindwasslowtofinditself.Hehadlostsomething,lostitforever,lostitashefoundit.

Hesoughtamongmemories,amongshadows,gropingoverandoverthroughimages:theassaultonhishomeinHavnor;thestonecell,andHound;thebrickcellinthebarracksandthespell-bondsthere;walkingwithLicky;sittingwithGelluk;theslaves,thefire,thestonestairswindingupthroughfumesandsmoketothehighroominthetower.Hehadtoregainitall,togothroughitall,searching.Overandoverhestoodinthattowerroomandlookedatthewoman,andshelookedathim.Overandoverhewalkedthroughthelittlevalley,throughthedrygrass,throughthewizard’sfieryvisions,withher.Overandoverhesawthewizardfall,sawtheearthclose.Hesawtheredridgeofthemountaininthedawn.Aniebdiedwhileheheldher,herruinedfaceagainsthisarm.Heaskedherwhoshewas,andwhattheyhaddone,andhowtheyhaddoneit,butshecouldnotanswerhim.

HermotherAyoandhermotherssisterMeadwerewisewomen.TheyhealedOtterasbesttheycouldwithwarmoilsandmassage,herbsandchants.Theytalkedtohimandlistenedwhenhetalked.Neitherofthemhadanydoubtbutthathewasamanofgreatpower.Hedeniedthis.“Icouldhavedonenothingwithoutyourdaughter,”hesaid.

“Whatdidshedo?”Ayoasked,softly.

Hetoldher,aswellashecould.“Wewerestrangers.Yetshegavemehername,”hesaid.“AndIgavehermine.”Hespokehaltingly,withlongpauses.“ItwasIthatwalkedwiththewizard,compelledbyhim,butshewaswithme,andshewasfree.Andsotogetherwecouldturnhispoweragainsthim,sothathedestroyedhimself.”Hethoughttoralongtime,andsaid,“Shegavemeherpower.”

“Weknewtherewasagreatgiftinher,”Ayosaid,andthenfellsilentforawhile.“Wedidn’tknowhowtoteachher.Therearenoteachersleftonthemountain.KingLosen’swizardsdestroythesorcerersandwitches.There’snoonetoturnto.”

“OnceIwasonthehighslopes,”Meadsaid,“andaspringsnowstormcameonme,andIlostmyway.Shecamethere.Shecametome,notinthebody,andguidedmetothetrack.Shewasonlytwelvethen.”

“Shewalkedwiththedead,sometimes,”Ayosaidverylow.“Intheforest,downtowardsFaliern.Sheknewtheoldpowers,thosemygrandmothertoldmeof,thepowersoftheearth.Theywerestrongthere,shesaid.”

“Butshewasonlyagirlliketheothers,too,”Meadsaid,andhidherface.“Agoodgirl,”shewhispered.

AfterawhileAyosaid,“ShewentdowntoFirnwithsomeoftheyoungfolk.Tobuyfleecefromtheshepherdsthere.Ayearagolastspring.Thatwizardtheyspokeofcamethere,castingspells.Takingslaves.”

Thentheywereallsilent.

AyoandMeadweremuchalike,andOttersawinthemwhatAniebmighthavebeen:ashort,slight,quickwoman,witharoundfaceandcleareyes,andamassofdarkhair,notstraightlikemostpeople’shairbutcurly,frizzy.ManypeopleinthewestofHavnorhadhairlikethat.

ButAniebhadbeenbald,likealltheslavesintheroastertower.

Heruse-namehadbeenFlag,theblueirisofthesprings.HermotherandauntcalledherFlagwhentheyspokeofher.

“WhateverIam,whateverIcando,it’snotenough,”hesaid.

“It’sneverenough,”Meadsaid.“Andwhatcananyonedoalone?”

Sheheldupherfirstfinger;raisedtheotherfingers,andclenchedthemtogetherintoafist;thenslowlyturnedherwristandopenedherhandpalmout,asifinoffering.HehadseenAniebmakethatgesture.Itwasnotaspell,hethought,watchingintently,butasign.Ayowaswatchinghim.

“Itisasecret,”shesaid.

“CanIknowthesecret?”heaskedafterawhile.

“Youalreadyknowit.YougaveittoFlag.Shegaveittoyou.Trust.”

“Trust,”theyoungmansaid.“Yes.Butagainst-Againstthem?-Gelluk’sgone.MaybeLosenwillfallnow.Willitmakeanydifference?Willtheslavesgofree?Willbeggarseat?Willjusticebedone?Ithinkthere’sanevilinus,inhumankind.Trustdeniesit.Leapsacrossit.Leapsthechasm.Butit’sthere.Andeverythingwedofinallyservesevil,becausethat’swhatweare.Greedandcruelty.Ilookattheworld,attheforestsandthemountainhere,thesky,andit’sallright,asitshouldbe.Butwearen’t.Peoplearen’t.We’rewrong.Wedowrong.Noanimaldoeswrong.Howcouldthey?Butwecan,andwedo.Andweneverstop.”

Theylistenedtohim,notagreeing,notdenying,butacceptinghisdespair.Hiswordswentintotheirlisteningsilence,andrestedtherefordays,andcame

backtohimchanged.

“Wecan’tdoanythingwithouteachother,”hesaid.“Butit’sthegreedyones,thecrueloneswhoholdtogetherandstrengtheneachother.Andthosewhowon’tjointhemstandeachalone.”TheimageofAniebashehadfirstseenher,adyingwomanstandingaloneinthetowerroom,wasalwayswithhim.“Realpowergoestowaste.Everywizarduseshisartsagainsttheothers,servingthemenofgreed.Whatgoodcananyartbeusedthatway?It’swasted.Itgoeswrong,orit’sthrownaway.Likeslaves’lives.Nobodycanbefreealone.Notevenamage.Allofthemworkingtheirmagicinprisoncells,togainnothing.There’snowaytousepowerforgood.”

Ayoclosedherhandandopeneditpalmup,afleetingsketchofagesture,ofasign.

AmancameupthemountaintoWoodedge,acharcoalburnerfromFirn.“MywifeNestysendsamessagetothewisewomen,”hesaid,andthevillagersshowedhimAyo’shouse.Ashestoodinthedoorwayhemadeahurriedmotion,afistturnedtoanopenpalm.“Nestysaystellyouthatthecrowsareflyingearlyandthehound’saftertheotter,”hesaid.

Otter,sittingbythefireshellingwalnuts,heldstill.Meadthankedthemessengerandbroughthiminforacupofwaterandahandfulofshellednuts.SheandAyochattedwithhimabouthiswife.WhenhehadgonesheturnedtoOtter.

“TheHoundservesLosen,”hesaid.“I’llgotoday.”

Meadlookedathersister.“Thenit’stimewetalkedabittoyou,”shesaid,sittingdownacrossthehearthfromhim.Ayostoodbythetable,silent.Agoodfireburnedinthehearth.Itwasawet,coldtime,andfirewoodwasonethingtheyhadplentyof,hereonthemountain.

“There’speopleallovertheseparts,andmaybebeyond,whothink,asyousaid,thatnobodycanbewisealone.Sothesepeopletrytoholdtoeachother.Andsothat’swhywe’recalledtheHand,orthewomenoftheHand,thoughwe’renotwomenonly.Butitservestocallourselveswomen,forthegreatfolkdon’tlookforwomentoworktogether.Ortohavethoughtsaboutsuchthingsasruleormisrule.Ortohaveanypowers.”

“Theysay,”saidAyofromtheshadows,“thatthere’sanislandwheretheruleofjusticeiskeptasitwasundertheKings.

MorredsIsle,theycallit.Butit’snotEnladoftheKings,norEa.It’ssouth,notnorthofHavnor,theysay.TheretheysaythewomenoftheHandhavekepttheoldarts.Andtheyteachthem,notkeepingthemsecreteachtohimself,asthewizardsdo.”

“Maybewithsuchteachingyoucouldteachthewizardsalesson,”Meadsaid.

“Maybeyoucanfindthatisland,”saidAyo.

Otterlookedfromonetotheother.Clearlytheyhadtoldhimtheirowngreatestsecretandtheirhope.

“Morred’sIsle,”hesaid.

“ThatwouldbeonlywhatthewomenoftheHandcallit,keepingitsmeaningfromthewizardsandthepirates.Tothemnodoubtitwouldbearsomeothername.”

“Itwouldbeaterriblelongway,”saidMead.

Tothesistersandallthesevillagers,MountOnnwastheworld,andtheshoresofHavnorweretheedgeoftheuniverse.Beyondthatwasonlyrumoranddream.

“You’llcometothesea,goingsouth,theysay,”saidAyo.

“Heknowsthat,sister,”Meadtoldher.“Didn’thetellushewasashipcarpenter?Butit’saterriblelongwaydowntothesea,surely.Withthiswizardonyourscent,howareyoutogothere?”

“Bythegraceofwater,thatcarriesnoscent,”Ottersaid,standingup.Alitterofwalnutshellsfellfromhislap,andhetookthehearthbroomandsweptthemintotheashes.“I’dbettergo.”

“There’sbread,”Ayosaid,andMeadhurriedtopackhardbreadandhardcheeseandwalnutsintoapouchmadeofasheep’sstomach.Theywereverypoorpeople.Theygavehimwhattheyhad.SoAniebhaddone.

“MymotherwasborninEndlane,roundbyFaliernForest,”Ottersaid.“Doyouknowthattown?She’scalledRose,Rowan’sdaughter.”

“ThecartersgodowntoEndlane,summers.”

“Ifsomebodycouldtalktoherpeoplethere,they’dgetwordtoher.Herbrother,Littleash,usedtoconictothecityeveryyearortwo.”

Theynodded.

“IfsheknewIwasalive,”hesaid.

Anieb’smothernodded.“She’llhearit.”

“Goonnow,”saidMead.

“Gowiththewater,”saidAyo.

Heembracedthem,andtheyhim,andheleftthehouse.

Herandownfromthestraggleofhutstothequick,noisystreamhehadheardsingingthroughhissleepallhisnightsinWoodedge.Heprayedtoit.“Takemeandsaveme,”heaskedit.HemadethespelltheoldChangerhadtaughthimlongago,andsaidthewordoftransformation.Thennomankneltbytheloud-runningwater,butanotterslippedintoitandwasgone.

III.Tern

TherewasawisemanonourHill

Whofoundhiswaytoworkhiswill.

Hechangedhisshape,hechangedhisname,

Butevertheotherwillbethesame.

Sorunsthewateraway,away,

Sorunsthewateraway.

ONEWINTERAFTERNOONontheshoreoftheOnnevaRiverwhereitfingersoutintothenorthbightoftheGreatBayofHavnor,amanstooduponthemuddysand:amanpoorlydressedandpoorlyshod,athinbrownmanwithdarkeyesandhairsofineandthickitshedtherain.Itwasrainingonthelowbeachesoftherivermouth,thefine,cold,dismaldrizzleofthatgreywinter.Hisclothesweresoaked.Hehunchedhisshoulders,turnedabout,andsetofftowardsawispofchimneysmokehesawfardowntheshore.Behindhimwerethetracksofanotter’sfourfeetcomingupfromthewaterandthetracksofaman’stwofeetgoingawayfromit.

Wherehewentthen,thesongsdon’ttell.Theysayonlythathewandered,“hewanderedlongfromlandtoland.”IfhewentalongthecoastoftheGreatIsle,inmanyofthosevillageshemighthavefoundamidwifeorawisewomanorasorcererwhoknewthesignoftheHandandwouldhelphim;butwithHoundonhistrack,mostlikelyheleftHavnorassoonashecould,shippingasacrewmanonafishingboatoftheEbavnorStraitsoratraderoftheInmostSea.

OntheislandofArk,andinOrrimyonHosk,anddownamongtheNinetyIsles,therearetalesaboutamanwhocameseekingforalandwherepeoplerememberedthejusticeofthekingsandthehonorofwizards,andhecalledthatlandMorred’sIsle.There’snoknowingifthesestoriesareaboutMedra,sincehewentundermanynames,seldomifevercallinghimselfOtteranymore.Gelluk’sfallhadnotbroughtLosendown.Thepiratekinghadotherwizardsinhispay,amongthemamancalledEarly,whowouldhavelikedto

findtheyoungupstartwhodefeatedhismasterGelluk.AndEarlyhadagoodchanceoftracinghim.Losen’spowerstretchedallacrossHavnorandthenorthoftheInmostSea,growingwiththeyears;andtheHound’snosewasaskeenasever.

MaybeitwastoescapethehuntthatMedracametoPendor,alongwaywestoftheInmostSea,ormaybesomerumoramongthewomenoftheHandonHosksenthimthere.Pendorwasarichisland,then,beforethedragonYevauddespoiledit.WhereverMedrahadgoneuntilthen,hehadfoundthelandslikeHavnororworse,sunkinwarfare,raids,andpiracy,thefieldsfullofweeds,thetownsfullofthieves.Maybehethought,atfirst,thatonPendorhehadfoundMorred’sIsle,forthecitywasbeautifulandpeacefulandthepeopleprosperous.

Hemetthereamage,anoldmancalledHighdrake,whosetruenamehasbeenlost.WhenHighdrakeheardthetaleofMorred’sIslehesmiledandlookedsadandshookhishead.“Nothere,”hesaid.“Notthis.TheLordsofPendoraregoodmen.Theyrememberthekings.Theydon’tseekwarorplunder.Buttheysendtheirsonswestdragonhunting.Insport.AsifthedragonsoftheWestReachwereducksorgeeseforthekilling!Nogoodwillcomeofthat.”

HighdraketookMedraashisstudent,gratefully.“Iwastaughtmyartbyamagewhogavemefreelyallheknew,butIneverfoundanybodytogivethatknowledgeto,untilyoucame,”hetoldMedra.“Theyoungmencometomeandtheysay,“Whatgoodisit?Canyoufindgold?”theysay.“Canyouteachmehowtomakestonesintodiamonds?Canyougivemeaswordthatwillkilladragon?What’stheuseoftalkingaboutthebalanceofthings?There’snoprofitinit,”theysay.Noprofit!”Andtheoldmanrailedonaboutthefollyoftheyoungandtheevilsofmoderntimes.

Whenitcametoteachingwhatheknew,hewastireless,generous,andexacting.Forthefirsttime,Medrawasgivenavisionofmagicnotasasetofstrangegiftsandreasonlessacts,butasanartandacraft,whichcouldbeknowntrulywithlongstudyandusedrightlyafterlongpractice,thougheventhenitwouldneverloseitsstrangeness.Highdrake’smasteryofspellsandsorcerywasnotmuchgreaterthanhispupil’s,buthehadclearinhismindtheideaofsomethingverymuchgreater,thewholenessofknowledge.Andthatmadehimamage.

Listeningtohim,MedrathoughtofhowheandAniebhadwalkedinthedarkandrainbythefaintglimmerthatshowedthemonlythenextsteptheycouldtake,andofhowtheyhadlookeduptotheredridgeofthemountaininthedawn.

“Everyspelldependsoneveryotherspell,”saidHighdrake.“Everymotionof

asingleleafmoveseveryleafofeverytreeoneveryisleofEarthsea!Thereisapattern.That’swhatyoumustlookforandlookto.Nothinggoesrightbutaspartofthepattern.Onlyinitisfreedom.”

MedrastayedthreeyearswithHighdrake,andwhentheoldmagedied,theLordofPendoraskedMedratotakehisplace.Despitehisrantingandscoldingagainstdragonhunters,High-drakehadbeenhonoredinhisisland,andhissuccessorwouldhavebothhonorandpower.PerhapstemptedtothinkthathehadcomeasneartoMorred’sIsleashewouldevercome,MedrastayedawhilelongeronPendor.Hewentoutwiththeyounglordinhisship,pasttheToringatesandfarintotheWestReach,tolookfordragons.Therewasagreatlonginginhishearttoseeadragon.Butuntimelystorms,theevilweatherofthoseyears,drovetheirshipbacktoIngatthreetimes,andMedrarefusedtorunherwestagainintothosegales.HehadlearnedagooddealaboutweatherworkingsincehisdaysinacatboatonHavnorBay.

AwhileafterthatheleftPendor,drawnsouthwardagain,andmaybewenttoEnsmer.InoneguiseoranotherhecameatlasttoGeathintheNinetyIsles.

Theretheyfishedforwhales,astheystilldo.Thatwasatradehewantednopartof.Theirshipsstankandtheirtownstank.Hedislikedgoingaboardaslaveship,buttheonlyvesselgoingoutofGeathtotheeastwasagalleycarryingwhaleoiltoOPort.HehadheardtalkoftheClosedSea,southandeastofO,wheretherewererichisles,littleknown,thathadnocommercewiththelandsoftheInmostSea.Whathesoughtmightbethere.Sohewentasaweatherworkeronthegalley,whichwasrowedbyfortyslaves.

Theweatherwasfairforonce:afollowingwind,ablueskylivelywithlittlewhiteclouds,themildsunlightoflatespring.TheymadegoodwayfromGeath.Lateintheafternoonheheardthemastersaytothehelmsman,“Keephersouthtonightsowedon’traiseRoke.”

Hehadnotheardofthatisland,andasked,“What’sthere?”

“Deathanddesolation,”saidtheship’smaster,ashortmanwithsmall,sad,knowingeyeslikeawhale’s.

“War?”

“Yearsback.Plague,blacksorcery.Thewatersallrounditarecursed.”

“Worms,”saidthehelmsman,themaster’sbrother.“CatchfishanywherenearRoke,you’llfindemthickwithwormsasadeaddogonadunghill.”

“Dopeoplestilllivethere?”Medraasked,andthemastersaid,“Witches,”whilehisbrothersaid,“Wormeaters.”

ThereweremanysuchislesintheArchipelago,madebarrenanddesolateby

rivalwizards’blightsandcurses;theywereevilplacestocometooreventopass,andMedrathoughtnomoreaboutthisone,untilthatnight.

Sleepingoutondeckwiththestarlightonhisface,hehadasimple,vividdream:itwasdaylight,cloudsracingacrossabrightsky,andacrosstheseahesawthesunlitcurveofahighgreenhill.Hewokewiththevisionstillclearinhismind,knowinghehadseenittenyearsbefore,inthespell-lockedbarracksroomattheminesofSamory.

Hesatup.Thedarkseawassoquietthatthestarswerereflectedhereandthereonthesleekleesideofthelongswells.Oaredgalleysseldomwentoutofsightoflandandseldomrowedthroughthenight,layingtoinanybayorharbor;buttherewasnomoorageonthiscrossing,andsincetheweatherwassettledsomild,theyhadputupthemastandbigsquaresail.Theshipdriftedsoftlyforward,herslaveoarsmensleepingontheirbenches,thefreemenofhercrewallasleepbutthehelmsmanandthelookout,andthelookoutwasdozing.Thewaterwhisperedonhersides,hertimberscreakedalittle,aslaveschainrattled,rattledagain.

“Theydon’tneedaweatherworkeronanightlikethis,andtheyhaven’tpaidmeyet,”Medrasaidtohisconscience.HehadwakedfromhisdreamwiththenameRokeinhismind.Whyhadheneverheardoftheisleorseenitonachart?Itmightbeaccursedanddesertedastheysaid,butwouldn’titbesetdownonthecharts?

“Icouldflythereasaternandbebackontheshipbeforedaylight,”hesaidtohimself,butidly.HewasboundforOPort.Ruinedlandswerealltoocommon.Noneedtoflytoseekthem.Hemadehimselfcomfortableinhiscoilofcableandwatchedthestars.Lookingwest,hesawthefourbrightstarsoftheForge,lowoverthesea.Theywerealittleblurred,andashewatchedthemtheyblinkedout,onebyone.

Thefaintestlittlesighingtremorranovertheslow,smoothswells.

“Master,”Medrasaid,afoot,“wakeup.”

“Whatnow?”

“Awitchwindcoming.Following.Getthesaildown.”

Nowindstirred.Theairwassoft,thebigsailhungslack.Onlythewesternstarsfadedandvanishedinasilentblacknessthatroseslowlyhigher.Themasterlookedatthat.“Witchwind,yousay?”heasked,reluctant.

Craftymenusedweatherasaweapon,sendinghailtoblightanenemy’scropsoragaletosinkhisships;andsuchstorms,freakishandwild,mightblowonfarpasttheplacetheyhadbeensent,troublingharvestersorsailorsahundred

milesaway.

“Getthesaildown,”Medrasaid,peremptory.Themasteryawnedandcursedandbegantoshoutcommands.Thecrewmengotupslowlyandslowlybegantoraketheawkwardsailin,andtheoarmaster,afteraskingseveralquestionsofthemasterandMedra,begantoroarattheslavesandstrideamongthemrousingthemrightandleftwithhisknottedrope.Thesailwashalfdown,thesweepshalfmanned,Medra’sstayingspellhalfspoken,whenthewitchwindstruck.

Itstruckwithonehugethunderclapoutofsuddenutterblacknessandwildrain.Theshippitchedlikeahorserearingandthenrolledsohardandfarthatthemastbrokeloosefromitsfooting,thoughthestaysheld.Thesailstruckthewater,filled,andpulledthegalleyrightover,thegreatsweepsslidingintheiroarlocks,thechainedslavesstrugglingandshoutingontheirbenches,barrelsofoilbreakinglooseandthunderingoveroneanother-pulledheroverandheldherover,thedeckverticaltothesea,tillahugestormwavestruckandswampedherandshesank.Alltheshoutingandscreamingofmen’svoiceswassuddenlysilent.Therewasnonoisebuttheroaroftherainonthesea,lesseningasthefreakwindpassedoneastward.Throughitonewhiteseabirdbeatitswingsupfromtheblackwaterandflew,frailanddesperate,tothenorth.

Printedonnarrowsandsundergranitecliffs,inthefirstlight,werethetracksofabirdalighting.Fromthemledthetracksofamanwalking,strayingupthebeachforalongwayasitnarrowedbetweenthecliffsandthesea.Thenthetracksceased.

Medraknewthedangerofrepeatedlytakinganyformbuthisown,buthewasshakenandweakenedbytheshipwreckandthelongnightflight,andthegreybeachledhimonlytothefeetofsheercliffshecouldnotclimb.Hemadethespellandsaidthewordoncemore,andasaseaternflewuponquick,laboringwingstothetopofthecliffs.Then,possessedbyflight,heflewonoverashadowysunriseland.Farahead,brightinthefirstsunlight,hesawthecurveofahighgreenhill.

Toitheflew,andonitlanded,andashetouchedtheearthhewasamanagain.

Hestoodthereforawhile,bewildered.Itseemedtohimthatitwasnotbyhisownactordecisionthathehadtakenhisownform,butthatintouchingthisground,thishill,hehadbecomehimself.Amagicgreaterthanhisownprevailedhere.

Helookedabout,curiousandwary.Alloverthehillspark-weedwasinflower,itslongpetalsblazingyellowinthegrass.ChildrenonHavnorknew

thatflower.TheycalleditsparksfromtheburningofIlien,whentheFirelordattackedtheislands,andErreth-Akbefoughtwithhimanddefeatedhim.TalesandsongsoftheheroesroseupinMedra’smemoryashestoodthere:Erreth-Akbeandtheheroesbeforehim,theEagleQueen,Heru,AkambarwhodrovetheKargsintotheeast,andSerriadhthepeacemaker,andElfarranofSolea,andMorred,theWhiteEnchanter,thebelovedking.Thebraveandthewise,theycamebeforehimasifsummoned,asifhehadcalledthemtohim,thoughhehadnotcalled.Hesawthem.Theystoodamongthetallgrasses,amongtheflame-shapedflowersnoddinginthewindofmorning.

Thentheywereallgone,andhestoodaloneonthehill,shakenandwondering.“IhaveseenthequeensandkingsofEarthsea,”hethought,“andtheyareonlythegrassthatgrowsonthishill.”

Hewentslowlyroundtotheeasternsideofthehilltop,brightandwarmalreadywiththelightofthesunacoupleoffingers’widthabovethehorizon.Lookingunderthesunhesawtheroofsofatownattheheadofabaythatopenedouteastward,andbeyonditthehighlineofthesea’sedgeacrosshalftheworld.Turningwesthesawfieldsandpasturesandroads.Tothenorthwerelonggreenhills.Inafoldoflandsouthwardagroveoftalltreesdrewhisgazeandheldit.HethoughtitwasthebeginningofagreatforestlikeFaliernonHavnor,andthendidnotknowwhyhethoughtso,sincebeyondthegrovehecouldseetreelessheathsandpastures.

Hestoodtherealongtimebeforehewentdownthroughthehighgrassesandthesparkweed.Atthefootofthehillhecameintoalane.Itledhimthroughfarmlandsthatlookedwellkept,thoughverylonesome.Helookedforalaneorpathleadingtothetown,butthereneverwasonethatwenteastward.Notasoulwasinthefields,someofwhichwerenewlyploughed.Nodogbarkedashewentby.Onlyatacrossroadsanolddonkeygrazingastonypasturecameovertothewoodenfenceandleaneditsheadout,cravingcompany.Medrastoppedtostrokethegrey-brown,bonyface.Acitymanandasaltwaterman,heknewlittleoffarmsandtheiranimals,buthethoughtthedonkeylookedathimkindly.

“WhereamI,donkey?”hesaidtoit.“HowdoIgettothetownIsaw?”

Thedonkeyleaneditsheadhardagainsthishandsothathewouldgoonscratchingtheplacejustaboveitseyesandbelowitsears.Whenhedidso,itflickeditslongrightear.Sowhenhepartedfromthedonkeyhetooktherighthandofthecrossroad,thoughitlookedasifitwouldleadbacktothehill;andsoonenoughhecameamonghouses,andthenontoastreetthatbroughthimdownatlastintothetownattheheadofthebay.

Itwasasstrangelyquietasthefarmlands.Notavoice,notaface.Itwas

difficulttofeeluneasyinanordinary-lookingtownonasweetspringmorning,butinsuchsilencehemustwonderifhewasindeedinaplague-strickenplaceoranislandunderacurse.Hewenton.Betweenahouseandanoldplumtreewasawashline,theclothespinnedonitflappinginthesunnybreeze.Acatcameroundthecornerofagarden,noabandonedstarvelingbutawhite-pawed,well-whiskered,prosperouscat.Andatlast,comingdownthesteeplittlestreet,whichherewascobbled,heheardvoices.

Hestoppedtolisten,andheardnothing.

Hewentontothefootofthestreet.Itopenedintoasmallmarketsquare.Peopleweregatheredthere,notmanyofthem.Theywerenotbuyingorselling.Therewerenoboothsorstallssetup.Theywerewaitingforhim.

Eversincehehadwalkedonthegreenhillabovethetownandhadseenthebrightshadowsinthegrass,hishearthadbeeneasy.Hewasexpectant,fullofasenseofgreatstrangeness,butnotfrightened.Hestoodstillandlookedatthepeoplewhocametomeethim.

Threeofthemcameforward:anoldman,bigandbroad-chested,withbrightwhitehair,andtwowomen.Wizardknowswizard,andMedraknewtheywerewomenofpower.

Heraisedhishandclosedinafistandthenturningandopeningit,offeredittothempalmup.

“Ah,”saidoneofthewomen,thetallerofthetwo,andshelaughed.Butshedidnotanswerthegesture.

“Telluswhoyouare,”thewhite-hairedmansaid,courteouslyenough,butwithoutgreetingorwelcome.“Tellushowyoucamehere.”

“IwasborninHavnorandtrainedasashipwrightandasorcerer.IwasonashipboundfromGeathtoOPort.Iwassparedalonefromdrowning,lastnight,whenawitchwindstruck.”Hewassilentthen.Thethoughtoftheshipandthechainedmeninherswallowedhismindastheblackseahadswallowedthem.Hegasped,asifcomingupfromdrowning.

“Howdidyoucomehere?”

“As…asabird,atern.IsthisRokeIsland?”

“Youchangedyourself?”

Henodded.

“Whomdoyouserve?”askedtheshorterandyoungerofthewomen,speakingforthefirsttime.Shehadakeen,hardface,withlongblackbrows.

“Ihavenomaster.”

“WhatwasyourerrandinOPort?”

“InHavnor,yearsago,Iwasinservitude.Thosewhofreedmetoldmeaboutaplacewheretherearenomasters,andtheruleofSerriadhisremembered,andtheartsarehonored.Ihavebeenlookingforthatplace,thatisland,sevenyears.”

“Whotoldyouaboutit?”

“WomenoftheHand.”

“Anyonecanmakeafistandshowapalm,”saidthetallwoman,pleasantly.“ButnoteveryonecanflytoRoke.Orswim,orsail,orcomeinanywayatall.Sowemustaskwhatbroughtyouhere.”

Medradidnotansweratonce.“Chance,”hesaidatlast,“favoringlongdesire.Notart.Notknowledge.IthinkI’vecometotheplaceIsought,butIdon’tknow.Ithinkyoumaybethepeopletheytoldmeof,butIdon’tknow.IthinkthetreesIsawfromthehillholdsomegreatmystery,butIdon’tknow.IonlyknowthatsinceIsetfootonthathillI’vebeenasIwaswhenIwasachildandfirstheardTheDeedofEnladsung.Iamlostamongwonders.”

Thewhite-hairedmanlookedatthetwowomen.Otherpeoplehadcomeforward,andtherewassomequiettalkamongthem.

“Ifyoustayedhere,whatwouldyoudo?”theblack-browedwomanaskedhim.

“Icanbuildboats,ormendthem,andsailthem.Icanfind,aboveandunderground.Icanworkweather,ifyouhaveanyneedofthat.AndI’lllearntheartfromanywhowillteachme.”

“Whatdoyouwanttolearn?”askedthetallerwomaninhermildvoice.

NowMedrafeltthathehadbeenaskedthequestiononwhichtherestofhislifehung,forgoodorevil.Againhestoodsilentawhile.Hestartedtospeak,anddidn’tspeak,andfinallyspoke.“Icouldnotsaveone,notone,nottheonewhosavedme,”hesaid.“NothingIknowcouldhavesetherfree.Iknownothing.Ifyouknowhowtobefree,Ibegyou,teachme!”

“Free!”saidthetallwoman,andhervoicecrackedlikeawhip.Thenshelookedathercompanions,andafterawhileshesmiledalittle.TurningbacktoMedra,shesaid,“We’reprisoners,andsofreedomisathingwestudy.Youcameherethroughthewallsofourprison.Seekingfreedom,yousay.ButyoushouldknowthatleavingRokemaybeevenharderthancomingtoit.Prisonwithinprison,andsomeofitwehavebuiltourselves.”Shelookedattheothers.“Whatdoyousay?”sheaskedthem.

Theysaidlittle,seemingtoconsultandassentamongthemselvesalmostin

silence.AtlasttheshorterwomanlookedwithherfierceeyesatMedra.“Stayifyouwill,”shesaid.

“Iwill.”

“Whatwillyouhaveuscallyou?”

“Tern,”hesaid;andsohewascalled.

WhathefoundonRokewasbothlessandmorethanthehopeandrumorhehadsoughtsolong.RokeIslandwas,theytoldhim,theheartofEarthsea.ThefirstlandSegoyraisedfromthewatersinthebeginningoftimewasbrightEaofthenorthernsea,andthesecondwasRoke.Thatgreenhill,RokeKnoll,wasfoundeddeeperthanalltheislands.Thetreeshehadseen,whichseemedsometimestobeinoneplaceontheisleandsometimesinanother,weretheoldesttreesintheworld,andthesourceandcenterofmagic.

“IftheGrovewerecut,allwizardrywouldfail.Therootsofthosetreesaretherootsofknowledge.ThepatternstheshadowsoftheirleavesmakeinthesunlightwritethewordsSegoyspokeintheMaking.”

SosaidEmber,hisfierce,black-browedteacher.

AlltheteachersoftheartmagiconRokewerewomen.Therewerenomenofpower,fewmenatall,ontheisland.

Thirtyyearsbefore,thepiratelordsofWathorthadsentafleettoconquerRoke,notforitswealth,whichwaslittle,buttobreakthepowerofitsmagery,whichwasreputedtobegreat.OneofthewizardsofRokehadbetrayedtheislandtothecraftymenofWathort,loweringitsspellsofdefenseandwarning.Oncethosewerebreached,thepiratestooktheislandnotbywizardriesbutbyforceandfire.TheirgreatshipsfilledThwilBay,theirhordesburnedandlooted,theirslavetakerscarriedoffmen,boys,youngwomen.Littlechildrenandtheoldtheyslaughtered.Theyfiredeveryhouseandfieldtheycameto.Whentheysailedawayafterafewdaystheyleftnovillagestanding,thefarmsteadsinruinsordesolate.

Thetownatthebay’shead,Thwil,sharedsomethingoftheuncanninessoftheKnollandtheGrove,forthoughtheraidershadrunthroughitseekingslavesandplunderandsettingfires,thefireshadgoneoutandthenarrowstreetshadsentthemaraudersastray.Mostoftheislanderswhosurvivedwerewisewomenandtheirchildren,whohadhiddenthemselvesinthetownorintheImmanentGrove.ThemennowonRokewerethosesparedchildren,grown,andafewmennowgrownold.TherewasnogovernmentbutthatofthewomenoftheHand,foritwastheirspellsthathadprotectedRokesolong

andprotecteditfarmorecloselynow.

Theyhadlittletrustinmen.Amanhadbetrayedthem.Menhadattackedthem.Itwasmen’sambitions,theysaid,thathadpervertedalltheartstoendsofgain.“Wedonotdealwiththeirgovernments,”saidtallVeilinhermildvoice.

AndyetEmbersaidtoMedra,“Wewereourownundoing.”

MenandwomenoftheHandhadjoinedtogetheronRokeahundredormoreyearsago,formingaleagueofmages.Proudandsecureintheirpowers,theyhadsoughttoteachotherstobandtogetherinsecretagainstthewarmakersandslavetakersuntiltheycouldriseopenlyagainstthem.Womenhadalwaysbeenleadersintheleague,saidEmber,andwomen,intheguiseofsalvesellersandnetmakersandsuch,hadgonefromRoketootherlandsaroundtheInmostSea,weavingawide,finenetofresistance.Evennowtherewerestrandsandknotsofthatnetleft.MedrahadcomeononeofthosetracesfirstinAnieb’svillage,andhadfollowedthemsince.Buttheyhadnotledhimhere.Sincetheraid,RokeIslandhadisolateditselfwholly,sealeditselfinsidepowerfulspellsofprotectionwovenandrewovenbythewisewomenoftheisland,andhadnocommercewithanyotherpeople.“Wecan’tsavethem,”Embersaid.“Wecouldn’tsaveourselves.”

Veil,withhergentlevoiceandsmile,wasimplacable.ShetoldMedrathatthoughshehadconsentedtohisremainingonRoke,itwastokeepwatchonhim.“Youbrokethroughourdefensesonce,”shesaid.“Allthatyousayofyourselfmaybetrue,andmaynot.Whatcanyoutellmethatwouldmakemetrustyou?”

Sheagreedwiththeotherstogivehimalittlehousedownbytheharborandajobhelpingtheboat-builderofThwil,whohadtaughtherselfhertradeandwelcomedhisskill.Veilputnodifficultiesinhispathandalwaysgreetedhimkindly.Butshehadsaid,“Whatcanyoutellmethatwouldmakemetrustyou?”andhehadnoanswerforher.

Emberusuallyscowledwhenhegreetedher.Sheaskedhimabruptquestions,listenedtohisanswers,andsaidnothing.

Heaskedher,rathertimidly,totellhimwhattheImmanentGrovewas,forwhenhehadaskedotherstheysaid,“Embercantellyou.”Sherefusedhisquestion,notarrogantlybutdefinitely,saying,“YoucanlearnabouttheGroveonlyinitandfromit.”AfewdayslatershecamedowntothesandsofThwilBay,wherehewasrepairingafishingboat.Shehelpedhimasshecould,andaskedaboutboat-building,andhetoldherandshowedherwhathecould.Itwasapeacefulafternoon,butafteritshewentoffinherabruptway.Hefeltsomeaweofher;shewasincalculable.Hewasamazedwhen,notlongafter,

shesaidtohim,“I’llbegoingtotheGroveaftertheLongDance.Comeifyoulike.”

ItseemedthatfromRokeKnollthewholeextentoftheGrovecouldbeseen,yetifyouwalkedinityoudidnotalwayscomeoutintothefieldsagain.Youwalkedonunderthetrees.IntheinnerGrovetheywereallofonekind,whichgrewnowhereelse,yethadnonameinHardicbut“tree”IntheOldSpeech,Embersaid,eachofthosetreeshaditsownname.Youwalkedon,andafteratimeyouwerewalkingagainamongfamiliartrees,oakandbeechandash,chestnutandwalnutandwillow,greeninspringandbareinwinter;thereweredarkfirs,andcedar,andatallevergreenMedradidnotknow,withsoftreddishbarkandlayeredfoliage.Youwalkedon,andthewaythroughthetreeswasnevertwicethesame.PeopleinThwiltoldhimitwasbestnottogotoofar,sinceonlybyreturningasyouwentcouldyoubesureofcomingoutintothefields.

“Howfardoestheforestgo?”Medraasked,andEmbersaid,“Asfarasthemindgoes.”

Theleavesofthetreesspoke,shesaid,andtheshadowscouldberead.“Iamlearningtoreadthem,”shesaid.

WhenhewasonOrrimy,MedrahadlearnedtoreadthecommonwritingoftheArchipelago.Later,HighdrakeofPendorhadtaughthimsomeoftherunesofpower.Thatwasknownlore.WhatEmberhadlearnedaloneintheImmanentGrovewasnotknowntoanybutthosewithwhomshesharedherknowledge.ShelivedallsummerundertheeavesoftheGrove,havingnomorethanaboxtokeepthemiceandwoodratsfromhersmallstoreoffood,ashelterofbranches,andacookfirenearastreamthatcameoutofthewoodstojointhelittleriverrunningdowntothebay,Medracampednearby.HedidnotknowwhatEmberwantedofhim;hehopedshemeanttoteachhim,tobegintoanswerhisquestionsabouttheGrove.Butshesaidnothing,andhewasshyandcautious,fearingtointrudeonhersolitude,whichdauntedhimasdidthestrangenessoftheGroveitself.Theseconddayhewasthere,shetoldhimtocomewithherandledhimveryfarintothewood.Theywalkedforhoursinsilence.Inthesummermiddaythewoodsweresilent.Nobirdsang.Theleavesdidnotstir.Theaislesofthetreeswereendlesslydifferentandallthesame.Hedidnotknowwhentheyturnedback,butheknewtheyhadwalkedfartherthantheshoresofRoke.

Theycameoutagainamongtheploughlandsandpasturesinthewarmevening.AstheywalkedbacktotheircampingplacehesawthefourstarsoftheForgecomeoutabovethewesternhills.

Emberpartedfromhimwithonlya“Goodnight.”

Thenextdayshesaid,“I’mgoingtositunderthetrees.”Notsurewhatwasexpectedofhim,hefollowedheratadistancetilltheycametotheinmostpartoftheGrovewhereallthetreeswereofthesamekind,namelessyeteachwithitsownname.Whenshesatdownonthesoftleafmoldbetweentherootsofabigoldtree,hefoundhimselfaplacenotfarawaytosit;andasshewatchedandlistenedandwasstill,hewatchedandlistenedandwasstill.Sotheydidforseveraldays.Thenonemorning,inrebelliousmood,hestayedbythestreamwhileEmberwalkedintotheGrove.Shedidnotlookback.

VeilcamefromThwilTownthatmorning,bringingthemabasketofbread,cheese,milkcurds,summerfruits.“Whathaveyoulearned?”sheaskedMedrainhercool,gentleway,andheanswered,“ThatI’mafool.”

“Whyso,Tern?”

“Afoolcouldsitunderthetreesforeverandgrownowiser.”

Thetallwomansmiledalittle.“Mysisterhasnevertaughtamanbefore”shesaid.Sheglancedathim,andgazedaway,overthesummeryfields.“She’sneverlookedatamanbefore,”shesaid.

Medrastoodsilent.Hisfacefelthot.Helookeddown.“Ithought,”hesaid,andstopped.

InVeil’swordshesaw,allatonce,theothersideofEmber’simpatience,herfierceness,hersilences.

HehadtriedtolookatEmberasuntouchablewhilehelongedtotouchhersoftbrownskin,herblackshininghair.Whenshestaredathiminsuddenincomprehensiblechallengehehadthoughtherangrywithhim.Hefearedtoinsult,tooffendher.Whatdidshefear?Hisdesire?Herown?-Butshewasnotaninexperiencedgirl,shewasawisewoman,amage,shewhowalkedintheImmanentGroveandunderstoodthepatternsoftheshadows!

Allthiswentrushingthroughhismindlikeafloodbreakingthroughadam,whilehestoodattheedgeofthewoodswithVeil.“Ithoughtmageskeptthemselvesapart,”hesaidatlast.“High-drakesaidthattomakeloveistounmakepower.”

“Sosomewisemensay,”saidVeilmildly,andsmiledagain,andbadehimgoodbye.

Hespentthewholeafternooninconfusion,angry.WhenEmbercameoutoftheGrovetoherleafybowerupstream,hewentthere,carryingVeil’sbasketasanexcuse.“MayItalktoyou?”hesaid.

Shenoddedshortly,frowningherblackbrows.

Hesaidnothing.Shesquatteddowntofindoutwhatwasinthebasket.

“Peaches!”shesaid,andsmiled.

“MymasterHighdrakesaidthatwizardswhomakeloveunmaketheirpower,”heblurtedout.

Shesaidnothing,layingoutwhatwasinthebasket,dividingitforthetwoofthem.

“Doyouthinkthat’strue?”heasked.

Sheshrugged.“No,”shesaid.

Hestoodtongue-tied.Afterawhileshelookedupathim.“No,”shesaidinasoft,quietvoice,“Idon’tthinkit’strue.Ithinkallthetruepowers,alltheoldpowers,atrootareone.”

Hestillstoodthere,andshesaid,“Lookatthepeaches!They’reallripe.We’llhavetoeatthemrightaway.”

“IfItoldyoumyname,”hesaid,“mytruename-“

“I’dtellyoumine,”shesaid.“Ifthat…ifthat’showweshouldbegin.”

Theybegan,however,withthepeaches.

Theywerebothshy.WhenMedratookherhandhishandshook,andEmber,whosenamewasElehal,turnedawayscowling.Thenshetouchedhishandverylightly.Whenhestrokedthesleekblackflowofherhairsheseemedonlytoendurehistouch,andhestopped.Whenhetriedtoembracehershewasstiff,rejectinghim.Thensheturnedand,fierce,hasty,awkward,seizedhiminherarms.Itwasn’tthefirstnight,northefirstnights,theypassedtogetherthatgaveeitherofthemmuchpleasureorease.Buttheylearnedfromeachother,andcamethroughshameandfearintopassion.Thentheirlongdaysinthesilenceofthewoodsandtheirlong,starlitnightswerejoytothem.

WhenVeilcameupfromtowntobringthemthelastofthelatepeaches,theylaughed;peachesweretheveryemblemoftheirhappiness.Theytriedtomakeherstayandeatsupperwiththem,butshewouldn’t.“Stayherewhileyoucan,”shesaid.

Thesummerendedtoosoonthatyear.Raincameearly;snowfellinautumnevenasfarsouthasRoke.Stormfollowedstorm,asifthewindshadriseninrageagainstthetamperingandmeddlingofthecraftymen.Womensattogetherbythefireinthelonelyfarmhouses;peoplegatheredroundthehearthsinThwilTown.Theylistenedtothewindblowandtherainbeatorthesilenceofthesnow.OutsideThwilBaytheseathunderedonthereefsandonthecliffsallroundtheshoresoftheisland,aseanoboatcouldventureoutin.

Whattheyhadtheyshared.InthatitwasindeedMorred’sIsle.NobodyonRokestarvedorwentunhoused,thoughnobodyhadmuchmorethantheyneeded.Hiddenfromtherestoftheworldnotonlybyseaandstormbutbytheirdefensesthatdisguisedtheislandandsentshipsastray,theyworkedandtalkedandsangthesongs,TheWinterCarolandTheDeedoftheYoungKing.Andtheyhadbooks,theChroniclesofEnladandtheHistoryoftheWiseHeroes.Fromthesepreciousbookstheoldmenandwomenwouldreadaloudinahalldownbythewharfwherethefisherwomenmadeandmendedtheirnets.Therewasahearththere,andtheywouldlightthefire.Peoplecameevenfromfarmsacrosstheislandtohearthehistoriesread,listeninginsilence,intent.“Oursoulsarehungry,”Embersaid.

ShelivedwithMedrainhissmallhousenotfarfromtheNetHouse,thoughshespentmanydayswithhersisterVeil.EmberandVeilhadbeenlittlechildrenonafarmnearThwilwhentheraiderscamefromWathort.Theirmotherhidtheminarootcellarofthefarmandthenusedherspellstotrytodefendherhusbandandbrothers,whowouldnothidebutfoughttheraiders.Theywerebutcheredwiththeircattle.Thehouseandbarnswereburnt.Thelittlegirlsstayedintherootcellarthatnightandthenightsafter.Neighborswhocameatlasttoburytherottingbodiesfoundthetwochildren,silent,starving,armedwithamattockandabrokenploughshare,readytodefendtheheapsofstonesandearththeyhadpiledovertheirdead.

MedraknewonlyahintofthisstoryfromEmber.OnenightVeil,whowasthreeyearsolderthanEmberandtowhomthememorywasmuchclearer,toldittohimfully.Embersatwiththem,listeninginsilence.

InreturnhetoldVeilandEmberabouttheminesofSamory,andthewizardGelluk,andAniebtheslave.

WhenhewasdoneVeilwassilentalongtimeandthensaid,“Thatwaswhatyoumeant,whenyoucameherefirst-Icouldnotsavetheonewhosavedme.”

“Andyouaskedme,Whatcanyoutellmethatcouldmakemetrustyou?”

“Youhavetoldme,”Veilsaid.

Medratookherhandandputhisforeheadagainstit.Tellinghisstoryhehadkeptbacktears.Hecouldnotdosonow.

“Shegavemefreedom,”hesaid.“AndIstillfeelthatallIdoisdonethroughherandforher.No,notforher.Wecandonothingforthedead.Butfor…”

“Forus,”saidEmber.“Foruswholive,inhiding,neitherkillednorkilling.Thedeadaredead.Thegreatandmightygotheirwayunchecked.Allthehopeleftintheworldisinthepeopleofnoaccount.”

“Mustwehideforever?”

“Spokenlikeaman,”saidVeilwithhergentle,woundedsmile.

“Yes,”saidEmber.“Wemusthide,andforeverifneedbe.Becausethere’snothingleftbutbeingkilledandkilling,beyondtheseshores.Yousayit,andIbelieveit.”

“Butyoucan’thidetruepower,”Medrasaid.“Notforlong.Itdiesinhiding,unshared.”

“Magicwon’tdieonRoke,”saidVeil.“OnRokeallspellsarestrong.SosaidAthhimself.Andyouhavewalkedunderthetrees…Ourjobmustbetokeepthatstrength.Hideit,yes.Hoardit,asayoungdragonhoardsupitsfire.Andshareit.Butonlyhere.Passiton,onetothenext,here,whereit’ssafe,andwherethegreatrobbersandkillerswouldleastlookforit,sincenoonehereisofanyaccount.Andonedaythedragonwillcomeintoitsstrength.Ifittakesathousandyears…”

“ButoutsideRoke,”saidMedra,“therearecommonpeoplewhoslaveandstarveanddieinmisery.Musttheydosoforathousandyearswithnohope?”

Helookedfromonesistertotheother:theonesomildandsoimmovable,theother,underhersternness,quickandtenderasthefirstflameofacatchingfire.

“OnHavnor,”hesaid,”farfromRoke,inavillageonMountOnn,amongpeoplewhoknownothingoftheworld,therearestillwomenoftheHand.Thatnethasn’tbrokenaftersomanyyears.Howwasitwoven?”

“Craftily,”saidEmber.

“Andcastwide!”Helookedfromonetotheotheragain.“Iwasn’twelltaught,intheCityofHavnor,”hesaid.“Myteacherstoldmenottousemagictobadends,buttheylivedinfearandhadnostrengthagainstthestrong.Theygavemealltheyhadtogive,butitwaslittle.ItwasbymereluckIdidn’tgowrong.AndbyAnieb’sgiftofstrengthtome.ButforherI’dbeGelluk’sservantnow.Yetsheherselfwasuntaught,andsoenslaved.Ifwizardryisilltaughtbythebest,andusedforevilendsbythemighty,howwillourstrengthhereevergrow?Whatwilltheyoungdragonfeedon?”

“Thisisthecenter,”saidVeil.“Wemustkeeptothecenter.Andwait.”

“Wemustgivewhatwehavetogive,”saidMedra.“Ifallbutusareslaves,what’sourfreedomworth?”

“Thetrueartprevailsoverthefalse.Thepatternwillhold,”Embersaid,frowning.Shereachedoutthepokertogathertogetherhernamesakesinthehearth,andwithawhackknockedtheheapintoablaze.“ThatIknow.But

ourlivesareshort,andthepatternsverylong.IfonlyRokewasnowwhatitoncewas-ifwehadmorepeopleofthetrueartgatheredhere,teachingandlearningaswellaspreserving-“

“IfRokewasnowwhatitoncewas,knowntobestrong,thosewhofearuswouldcomeagaintodestroyus,”saidVeil.

“Thesolutionliesinsecrecy,”saidMedra.“Butsodoestheproblem.”

“Ourproblemiswithmen,”Veilsaid,“ifyou’llforgiveme,dearbrother.Menareofmoreaccounttoothermenthanwomenandchildrenare.Wemighthavefiftywitcheshereandthey’llpaylittleheed.Butiftheyknewwehadfivemenofpower,they’dseektodestroyusagain.”

“SothoughthereweremenamonguswewerethewomenoftheHand,”saidEmber.

“Youstillare,”Medrasaid.“Aniebwasoneofyou.Sheandyouandallofusliveinthesameprison.”

“Whatcanwedo?”saidVeil.

“Learnourstrength!”saidMedra.

“Aschool,”Embersaid.“Wherethewisemightcometolearnfromoneanother,tostudythepattern…TheGrovewouldshelterus.”

“Thelordsofwardespisescholarsandschoolmasters,”saidMedra.

“Ithinktheyfearthemtoo,”saidVeil.

Sotheytalked,thatlongwinter,andotherstalkedwiththem.Slowlytheirtalkturnedfromvisiontointention,fromlongingtoplanning.Veilwasalwayscautious,warningofdangers.White-hairedDunewassoeagerthatEmbersaidhewantedtostartteachingsorcerytoeverychildinThwil.OnceEmberhadcometobelievethatRoke’sfreedomlayinofferingothersfreedom,shesetherwholemindonhowthewomenoftheHandmightgrowstrongagain.Buthermind,formedbyherlongsolitudesamongthetrees,alwayssoughtformandclarity,andshesaid,“Howcanweteachourartwhenwedon’tknowwhatitis?”

Andtheytalkedaboutthat,allthewisewomenoftheisland:whatwasthetrueartofmagic,andwherediditturnfalse;howthebalanceofthingswaskeptorlost;whatcraftswereneedful,whichuseful,whichdangerous;whysomepeoplehadonegiftbutnotanother,andwhetheryoucouldlearnanartyouhadnonativegiftfor.Insuchdiscussionstheyworkedoutthenamesthateversincehavebeengiventothemasteries:finding,weather-working,changing,healing,summoning,patterning,naming,andthecraftsofillusion,andtheknowledgeofthesongs.ThosearetheartsoftheMastersofRoke

evennow,thoughtheChantertooktheFinder’splacewhenfindingcametobeconsideredamerelyusefulcraftunworthyofamage.

AnditwasinthesediscussionsthattheschoolonRokebegan.

Therearesomewhosaythattheschoolhaditsbeginningsfardifferently.TheysaythatRokeusedtoberuledbyawomancalledtheDarkWoman,whowasinleaguewiththeOldPowersoftheearth.TheysayshelivedinacaveunderRokeKnoll,nevercomingintothedaylight,butweavingvastspellsoverlandandseathatcompelledmentoherevilwill,untilthefirstArchmagecametoRoke,unsealedandenteredthecave,defeatedtheDarkWoman,andtookherplace.

There’snotruthinthistalebutone,whichisthatindeedoneofthefirstMastersofRokeopenedandenteredagreatcavern.ButthoughtherootsofRokearetherootsofalltheislands,thatcavernwasnotonRoke.

Andit’struethatinthetimeofMedraandElehalthepeopleofRoke,menandwomen,hadnofearoftheOldPowersoftheearth,butreveredthem,seekingstrengthandvisionfromthem.Thatchangedwiththeyears.

Springcamelateagainthatyear,coldandstormy.Medrasettoboat-building.Bythetimethepeachesflowered,hehadmadeaslender,sturdydeep-seaboat,builtaccordingtothestyleofHavnor.HecalledherHopeful.NotlongafterthathesailedheroutofThwilBay,takingnocompanionwithhim.“Lookformeattheendofsummer,”hesaidtoEmber.

“I’llbeintheGrove,”shesaid.“Andmyheartwithyou,mydarkotter,mywhitetern,mylove,Medra.”

“Andminewithyou,myemberoffire,myfloweringtree,mylove,Elehal.”

Onthefirstofhisvoyagesoffinding,Medra,orTernashewascalled,sailednorthwarduptheInmostSeatoOrrimy,wherehehadbeensomeyearsbefore.TherewerepeopleoftheHandtherewhomhetrusted.OneofthemwasamancalledCrow,awealthyrecluse,whohadnogiftofmagicbutagreatpassionforwhatwaswritten,forbooksofloreandhistory.ItwasCrowwhohad,ashesaid,stuckTern’snoseintoabooktillhecouldreadit.“IlliteratewizardsarethecurseofEarthsea!”hecried.“Ignorantpowerisabane!”Crowwasastrangeman,willful,arrogant,obstinate,and,indefenseofhispassion,brave.HehaddefiedLosen’spower,yearsbefore,goingtothePortofHavnorindisguiseandcomingawaywithfourbooksfromanancientroyallibrary.Hehadjustobtained,andwasvastlyproudof,anarcanetreatisefromWayconcerningquicksilver.“GotthatfromunderLosen’snosetoo,”hesaidtoTern.“Comehavealookatit!Itbelongedtoafamouswizard.”

“Tinaral,”saidTern.“Iknewhim.”

“Book’strash,isit?”saidCrow,whowasquicktopickupsignalsiftheyhadtodowithbooks.

“Idon’tknow.I’mafterbiggerprey.”

Crowcockedhishead.

“TheBookofNames.”

“LostwithAthwhenhewentintothewest,”Crowsaid.

“AmagecalledHighdraketoldmethatwhenAthstayedinPendor,hetoldawizardtherethathe’dlefttheBookofNameswithawomanintheNinetyIslesforsafekeeping.”

“Awoman!Forsafekeeping!IntheNinetyIsles!Washemad?”

Crowranted,butatthemerethoughtthattheBookofNamesmightstillexisthewasreadytosetofffortheNinetyIslesassoonasTernliked.

SotheysailedsouthinHopeful,landingfirstatmalodorousGeath,andthenintheguiseofpeddlersworkingtheirwayfromoneislettothenextamongthemazychannels.CrowhadstockedtheboatwithbetterwaresthanmosthouseholdersoftheIsleswereusedtoseeing,andTernofferedthematfairprices,mostlyinbarter,sincetherewaslittlemoneyamongtheislanders.Theirpopularityranaheadofthem.Itwasknownthattheywouldtradeforbooks,ifthebookswereoldanduncanny.ButintheIslesallbookswereoldandalluncanny,whattherewasofthem.

Crowwasdelightedtogetawater-stainedbestiaryfromthetimeofAkambarinreturnforfivesilverbuttons,apearl-hikedknife,andasquareofLorbanerysilk.HesatinHopefulandcroonedovertheantiquedescriptionsofharikkiandotakandicebear.ButTernwentashoreoneveryisle,showinghiswaresinthekitchensofthehousewivesandthesleepytavernswheretheoldmensat.Sometimesheidlymadeafistandthenturnedhishandoveropeningthepalm,butnobodyherereturnedthesign.

“Books?”saidarushplaiteronNorthSudidi.“Likethatthere?”Hepointedtolongstripsofvellumthathadbeenworkedintothethatchingofhishouse.“Theygoodforsomethingelse?”Crow,staringupatthewordsvisiblehereandtherebetweentherushesintheeaves,begantotremblewithrage.Ternhurriedhimbacktotheboatbeforeheexploded.

“Itwasonlyabeasthealer’smanual,”Crowadmitted,whentheyweresailingonandhehadcalmeddown.“’Spavined,”Isaw,andsomethingaboutewes’udders.Buttheignorance!thebruteignorance!Toroofhishousewithit!”

“Anditwasusefulknowledge,”Ternsaid.“Howcanpeoplebeanythingbutignorantwhenknowledgeisn’tsaved,isn’ttaught?Ifbookscouldbebrought

togetherinoneplace…”

“LiketheLibraryoftheKings,”saidCrow,dreamingoflostglories.

“Oryourlibrary,”saidTern,whohadbecomeasubtlermanthanheusedtobe.

“Fragments,”Crowsaid,dismissinghislife’swork.“Remnants!”

“Beginnings,”saidTern.

Crowonlysighed.

“Ithinkwemightgosouthagain,”Ternsaid,steeringfortheopenchannel.“TowardsPody.”

“Youhaveagiftforthebusiness,”Crowsaid.“Youknowwheretolook.Wentstraighttothatbestiaryinthebarnloft…Butthere’snothingmuchtolookforhere.Nothingofimportance.Athwouldn’thaveleftthegreatestofallthelore-booksamongboorswho’dmakethatchofit!TakeustoPodyifyoulike.AndthenbacktoOrrimy.I’vehadaboutenough.”

“Andwe’reoutofbuttons,”Ternsaid.Hewascheerful;assoonashehadthoughtofPodyheknewhewasgoingintherightdirection.“PerhapsIcanfindsomealongtheway,”hesaid.“It’smygift,youknow.”

NeitherofthemhadbeenonPody.Itwasasleepysouthernislandwithaprettyoldporttown,Telio,builtofrosysandstone,andfieldsandorchardsthatshouldhavebeenfertile.ButthelordsofWathorthadruleditforacentury,taxingandslavetakingandwearingthelandandpeopledown.ThesunnystreetsofTelioweresadanddirty.Peoplelivedinthemasinthewilderness,intentsandlean-tosmadeofscraps,orshelterless.“Oh,thiswon’tdo,”Crowsaid,disgusted,avoidingapileofhumanexcrement.“Thesecreaturesdon’thavebooks,Tern!”

“Wait,wait,”hiscompanionsaid.“Givemeaday.”

“It’sdangerous,”Crowsaid,“it’spointless,”buthemadenofurtherobjection.Themodest,naiveyoungmanwhomhehadtaughttoreadhadbecomehisunfathomableguide.

Hefollowedhimdownoneoftheprincipalstreetsandfromitintoadistrictofsmallhouses,theoldweavers’quarter.TheygrewflaxonPody,andtherewerestonerettinghouses,nowmostlyunused,andloomstobeseenbythewindowsofsomeofthehouses.Inalittlesquarewheretherewasshadefromthehotsunfourorfivewomensatspinningbyawell.Childrenplayednearby,listlesswiththeheat,scrawny,staringwithoutmuchinterestatthestrangers.Ternhadwalkedthereunhesitating,asifheknewwherehewasgoing.Nowhestoppedandgreetedthewomen.

“Oh,prettyman,”saidoneofthemwithasmile,“don’tevenshowuswhatyouhaveinyourpackthere,forIhaven’tapennyofcopperorivory,norseenoneforamonth.”

“Youmighthaveabitoflinen,though,mistress?woven,orthread?LinenofPodyisthebest-soI’veheardasfarasHavnor.AndIcantellthequalityofwhatyou’respinning.Abeautifulthreaditis.”Crowwatchedhiscompanionwithamusementandsomedisdain;hehimselfcouldbargainforabookveryshrewdly,butnatteringwithcommonwomenaboutbuttonsandthreadwasbeneathhim.“Letmejustopenthisup,”Ternwassayingashespreadhispackoutonthecobbles,andthewomenandthedirty,timidchildrendrewclosertoseethewondershewouldshowthem.“Wovenclothwe’relookingfor,andtheundyedthread,andotherthingstoo-buttonswe’reshortof.Ifyouhadanyofhornorbone,maybe?I’dtradeoneoftheselittlevelvetcapshereforthreeorfourbuttons.Oroneoftheserollsofribbon;lookatthecolorofit.Beautifulwithyourhair,mistress!Orpaper,orbooks.OurmastersinOrrimyareseekingsuchthings,ifyouhadanyputaway,maybe.”

“Oh,youareaprettyman,”saidthewomanwhohadspokenfirst,laughing,asheheldtheredribbonuptoherblackbraid.“AndIwishIhadsomethingforyou!”

“Iwon’tbesoboldastoaskforakiss,”saidMedra,“butanopenhand,maybe?”

Hemadethesign;shelookedathimforamoment.“That’seasy,”shesaidsoftly,andmadethesigninreturn,“butnotalwayssafe,amongstrangers.”

Hewentonshowinghiswaresandjokingwiththewomenandchildren.Nobodyboughtanything.Theygazedatthetrinketsasiftheyweretreasures.Heletthemgazeandfingeralltheywould;indeedheletoneofthechildrenfilchalittlemirrorofpolishedbrass,seeingitvanishundertheraggedshirtandsayingnothing.Atlasthesaidhemustgoon,andthechildrendriftedawayashefoldeduphispack.

“Ihaveaneighbor,”saidtheblack-braidedwoman,“whomighthavesomepaper,ifyou’reafterthat.”

“Writtenon?”saidCrow,whohadbeensittingonthewellcoping,bored.“Marksonit?”

Shelookedhimupanddown.“Marksonit,sir,”shesaid.Andthen,toTern,inadifferenttone,“Ifyou’dliketocomewithme,shelivesthisway.Andthoughshe’sonlyagirl,andpoor,I’lltellyou,peddler,shehasanopenhand.Thoughperhapsnotallofusdo.”

“Threeoutofthree,”saidCrow,sketchingthesign,“sospareyourvinegar,woman.”

“Oh,it’syouwhohaveittospare,sir.We’repoorfolkhere.Andignorant,”shesaid,withaflashofhereyes,andledon.

Shebroughtthemtoahouseattheendofalane.Ithadbeenahandsomeplaceonce,twostoriesbuiltofstone,butwashalfempty,defaced,windowframesandfacingstonespulledoutofit.Theycrossedacourtyardwithawellinit.Sheknockedatasidedoor,andagirlopenedit.

“Ach,it’sawitch’sden,”Crowsaid,atthewhiffofherbsandaromaticsmoke,andhesteppedback.

“Healers,”theirguidesaid.“Issheillagain,Dory?”

Thegirlnodded,lookingatTern,thenatCrow.Shewasthirteenorfourteen,heavysetthoughthin,withasullen,steadygaze.

“They’remenoftheHand,Dory,oneshortandprettyandonetallandproud,andtheysaythey’reseekingpapers.Iknowyouhadsomeonce,thoughyoumaynotnow.They’venothingyouneedintheirpack,butitmightbethey’dpayabitofivoryforwhattheywant.Isitso?”SheturnedherbrighteyesonTern,andhenodded.

“She’sverysick,Rush,”thegirlsaid.ShelookedagainatTern.“You’renotahealer?”Itwasanaccusation.

“No.”

“Sheis,”saidRush.“Likehermotherandhermother’smother.Letusin,Dory,ormeatleast,tospeaktoher.”Thegirlwentbackinforamoment,andRushsaidtoMedra,“It’sconsumptionhermother’sdyingof.Nohealercouldcureher.Butshecouldhealthescrofula,andtouchforpain.Awondershewas,andDorybadefairtofollowher.”

Thegirlmotionedthemtocomein.Crowchosetowaitoutside.Theroomwashighandlong,withtracesofformerelegance,butveryoldandverypoor.Healers’paraphernaliaanddryingherbswereeverywhere,thoughrangedinsomeorder.Nearthefinestonefireplace,whereatinywispofsweetherbsburned,wasabedstead.Thewomaninitwassowastedthatinthedimlightsheseemednothingbutboneandshadow.AsTerncamecloseshetriedtositupandtospeak.Herdaughterraisedherheadonthepillow,andwhenTernwasverynearhecouldhearher:“Wizard,”shesaid.“Notbychance.”

Awomanofpower,sheknewwhathewas.Hadshecalledhimthere?

“I’mafinder,”hesaid.“Andaseeker.”

“Canyouteachher?”

“Icantakehertothosewhocan.”

“Doit.”

“Iwill.”

Shelaidherheadbackandclosedhereyes.

Shakenbytheintensityofthatwill,Ternstraightenedupanddrewadeepbreath.Helookedroundatthegirl,Dory.Shedidnotreturnhisgaze,watchinghermotherwithstolid,sullengrief.OnlyafterthewomansankintosleepdidDorymove,goingtohelpRush,whoasafriendandneighborhadmadeherselfusefulandwasgatheringupblood-soakedclothsscatteredbythebed.

“Shebledagainjustnow,andIcouldn’tstopit,”Dorysaid.Tearsranoutofhereyesanddownhercheeks.Herfacehardlychanged.

“Ohchild,ohlamb,”saidRush,takingherintoherembrace;butthoughshehuggedRush,Dorydidnotbend.

“She’sgoingthere,tothewall,andIcan’tgowithher,”shesaid.“She’sgoingaloneandIcan’tgowithher-Can’tyougothere?”ShebrokeawayfromRush,lookingagainatTern.“Youcangothere!”

“No,”hesaid.“Idon’tknowtheway.”

YetasDoryspokehesawwhatthegirlsaw:alonghillgoingdownintodarkness,andacrossit,ontheedgeoftwilight,alowwallofstones.Andashelookedhethoughthesawawomanwalkingalongbesidethewall,verythin,insubstantial,bone,shadow.Butshewasnotthedyingwomaninthebed.ShewasAnieb.

Thenthatwasgoneandhestoodfacingthewitch-girl.Herlookofaccusationslowlychanged.Sheputherfaceinherhands.

“Wehavetoletthemgo,”hesaid.

Shesaid,“Iknow.”

Rushglancedfromonetotheotherwithherkeen,brighteyes.“Notonlyahandyman,”shesaid,“butacraftyman.Well,you’renotthefirst.”

Helookedhisquestion.

“ThisiscalledAth’sHouse,”shesaid.

“Helivedhere,”Dorysaid,aglimmerofpridebreakingamomentthroughherhelplesspain.“TheMageAth.Longago.Beforehewentintothewest.

Allmyforemotherswerewisewomen.Hestayedhere.Withthem.”

“Givemeabasin,”Rushsaid.“I’llgetwatertosoakthese.”

“I’llgetthewater,”Ternsaid.Hetookthebasinandwentouttothecourtyard,tothewell.Justasbefore,Crowwassittingonthecoping,boredandrestless.

“Whyarewewastingtimehere?”hedemanded,asTernletthebucketdownintothewell.“Areyoufetchingandcarryingforwitchesnow?”

“Yes,”Ternsaid,“andIwilltillshedies.AndthenI’lltakeherdaughtertoRoke.AndifyouwanttoreadtheBookofNames,youcancomewithus.”

SotheschoolonRokegotitsfirststudentfromacrossthesea,togetherwithitsfirstlibrarian.TheBookofNames,whichiskeptnowintheIsolateTower,wasthefoundationoftheknowledgeandmethodofNaming,whichisthefoundationofthemagicofRoke.ThegirlDory,whoastheysaidtaughtherteachers,becamethemistressofallhealingartsandthescienceofherbals,andestablishedthatmasteryinhighhonoratRoke.

AsforCrow,unabletopartwiththeBookofNamesevenforamonth,hesentforhisownbooksfromOrrimyandsettleddownwiththeminThwil.Heallowedpeopleoftheschooltostudythem,solongastheyshowedthem,andhim,duerespect.

SothepatternoftheyearswassetforTern.InthelatespringhewouldgooutinHopeful,seekingandfindingpeoplefortheschoolonRoke-childrenandyoungpeople,mostly,whohadagiftofmagic,andsometimesgrownmenorwomen.Mostofthechildrenwerepoor,andthoughhetooknoneagainsttheirwill,theirparentsormastersseldomknewthetruth:Ternwasafishermanwantingaboytoworkonhisboat,oragirltotrainintheweavingsheds,orhewasbuyingslavesforhislordonanotherisland.Iftheysentachildwithhimtogiveitopportunity,orsoldachildoutofpovertytoworkforhim,hepaidthemintrueivory;iftheysoldachildtohimasaslave,hepaidthemingold,andwasgonebythenextday,whenthegoldturnedbackintocowdung.

HetraveledfarintheArchipelago,evenoutintotheEastReach.Heneverwenttothesametownorislandtwicewithoutyearsbetween,lettinghistrailgrowcold.Evensohebegantobespokenof.TheChildTaker,theycalledhim,adreadedsorcererwhocarriedchildrentohisislandintheicynorthandtheresuckedtheirblood.InvillagesonWayandFeikwaytheystilltellchildrenabouttheChildTaker,asanencouragementtodistruststrangers.

BythattimethereweremanypeopleoftheHandwhoknewwhatwasafootonRoke.Youngpeoplecametheresentbythem.Menandwomencametobe

taughtandtoteach.Manyofthesehadahardtimegettingthere,forthespellsthathidtheislandwerestrongerthanever,makingitseemonlyacloud,orareefamongthebreakers;andtheRokewindblew,whichkeptanyshipfromThwilBayunlesstherewasasorcereraboardwhoknewhowtoturnthatwind.Stilltheycame,andastheyearswentonalargerhousewasneededfortheschoolthananyinThwilTown.

IntheArchipelago,menbuiltshipsandwomenbuilthouses,thatwasthecustom;butinbuildingagreatstructurewomenletmenworkwiththem,nothavingtheminers’superstitionsthatkeptmenoutofthemines,ortheshipwrights’thatforbadewomentowatchakeellaid.SobothmenandwomenofgreatpowerraisedtheGreatHouseonRoke.ItscornerstonewassetonahilltopaboveThwilTown,neartheGroveandlookingtotheKnoll.Itswallswerebuiltnotonlyofstoneandwood,butfoundeddeeponmagicandmadestrongwithspells.

Standingonthathill,Medrahadsaid,“Thereisaveinofwater,justunderwhereIstand,thatwillnotgodry.”Theydugdowncarefullyandcametothewater;theyletitleapupintothesunlight;andthefirstpartoftheGreatHousetheymadewasitsinmostheart,thecourtyardofthefountain.

ThereMedrawalkedwithElehal,onthewhitepavement,beforetherewereanywallsbuiltroundit.

ShehadplantedayoungrowanfromtheGrovebesidethefountain.Theycametobesureitwasthriving.Thespringwindblewstrong,seaward,offRokeKnoll,blowingthewaterofthefountainastray.UpontheslopeoftheKnolltheycouldseealittlegroupofpeople:acircleofyoungstudentslearninghowtodotricksofillusionfromthesorcererHegaofO;MasterHand,theycalledhim.Thesparkweed,pastflowering,castitsashesonthewind.TherewerestreaksofgreyinEmber’shair.

“Offyougo,then,”shesaid,“andleaveustosettlethismatteroftheRule.”Herfrownwasasfierceasever,buthervoicewasseldomasharshasthiswhenshespoketohim.

“I’llstayifyouwant,Elehal.”

“Idowantyoutostay.Butdon’tstay!You’reafinder,youhavetogofind.It’sonlythatagreeingontheWay-ortheRule,Wariswantsustocallit-istwicetheworkofbuildingtheHouse.Andcausestentimesthequarrels.IwishIcouldgetawayfromit!IwishIcouldjustwalkwithyou,likethis…AndIwishyouwouldn’tgonorth.”

“Whydowequarrel?”hesaidratherdespondently.

“Becausetherearemoreofus!Gathertwentyorthirtypeopleofpowerina

room,they’lleachseektohavetheirway.Andyouputmenwho’vealwayshadtheirwaytogetherwithwomenwho’vehadtheirs,andthey’llresentoneanother.Andthen,too,therearesometrueandrealdivisionsamongus,Medra.Theymustbesettled,andtheycan’tbesettledeasily.Thoughalittlegoodwillwouldgoalongway.”

“IsitWaris?”

“Warisandseveralothermen.Andtheyaremen,andtheymakethatimportantbeyondanythingelse.Tothem,theOldPowersareabominable.Andwomen’spowersaresuspect,becausetheysupposethemallconnectedwiththeOldPowers.AsifthosePowersweretobecontrolledorusedbyanymortalsoul!Buttheyputmenwhereweputtheworld.Andsotheyholdthatatruewizardmustbeaman.Andcelibate.”

“Ah,that,”Medrasaid,rueful.

“Thatindeed.Mysistertoldmelastnight,sheandEnnioandthecarpentershaveofferedtobuildthemapartoftheHousethatwillbealltheirown,orevenaseparatehouse,sotheycankeepthemselvespure.”

“Pure?”

“It’snotmyword,it’sWaris’s.Butthey’verefused.TheywanttheRuleofRoketoseparatemenfromwomen,andtheywantmentomakethedecisionsforall.Nowwhatcompromisecanwemakewiththem?Whydidtheycomehere,iftheywon’tworkwithus?”

“Weshouldsendawaythemenwhowon’t.”

“Away?Inanger?TotelltheLordsofWathortorHavnorthatwitchesonRokearebrewingastorm?”

“Iforget-Ialwaysforget,”hesaid,downcastagain.“Iforgetthewallsoftheprison.I’mnotsuchafoolwhenI’moutsidethem…WhenI’mhereIcan’tbelieveitisaprison.Butoutside,withoutyou,Iremember…Idon’twanttogo,butIhavetogo.Idon’twanttoadmitthatanythingherecanbewrongorgowrong,butIhaveto…I’llgothistime,andIwillgonorth,Elehal.ButwhenIcomebackI’llstay.WhatIneedtofindI’llfindhere.Haven’tIfounditalready?”

“No,”shesaid,“onlyme…Butthere’sagreatdealofseekingandfindingtobedoneintheGrove.Enoughtokeepevenyoufrombeingrestless.Whynorth?”

“ToreachouttheHandtoEnladandEa.I’venevergonethere.Weknownothingabouttheirwizardries.EnladoftheKings,andbrightEa,eldestofisles!Surelywe’llfindalliesthere”

“ButHavnorliesbetweenus,”shesaid.

“Iwon’tsailmyboatacrossHavnor,dearlove.Iplantogoaroundit.Bywater.”Hecouldalwaysmakeherlaugh;hewastheonlyonewhocould.Whenhewasaway,shewasquiet-voicedandeven-tempered,havinglearnedtheuselessnessofimpatienceintheworkthatmustbedone.Sometimesshestillscowled,sometimesshesmiled,butshedidnotlaugh.Whenshecould,shewenttotheGrovealone,asshehadalwaysdone.ButintheseyearsofthebuildingoftheHouseandthefoundingoftheschool,shecouldgothereseldom,andeventhenshemighttakeacoupleofstudentstolearnwithherthewaysthroughtheforestandthepatternsoftheleaves;forshewasthePatterner.

Ternleftlatethatyearonhisjourney.Hehadwithhimaboyoffifteen,Mote,apromisingweatherworkerwhoneededtrainingatsea,andSava,awomanofsixtywhohadcometoRokewithhimsevenoreightyearsbefore.SavahadbeenoneofthewomenoftheHandontheisleofArk.Thoughshehadnowizardlygiftsatall,sheknewsowellhowtogetagroupofpeopletotrustoneanotherandworktogetherthatshewashonoredasawisewomanonArk,andnowonRoke.ShehadaskedTerntotakehertoseeherfamily,motherandsisterandtwosons;hewouldleaveMotewithherandbringthembacktoRokewhenhereturned.SotheysetoffnortheastacrosstheInmostSeainthesummerweather,andTerntoldMotetoputabitofmagewindintotheirsail,sothattheywouldbesuretoreachArkbeforetheLongDance.

Astheycoastedthatisland,hehimselfputanillusionaboutHopeful,sothatshewouldseemnotaboatbutadriftinglog;forpiratesandLosen’sslavetakerswerethickinthesewaters.

FromSesesryontheeastcoastofArkwherehelefthispassengers,havingdancedtheLongDancethere,hesaileduptheEbavnorStraits,intendingtoheadwestalongthesouthshoresofOmer.Hekepttheillusionspellabouthisboat.Inthebrilliantclarityofmidsummer,withanorthwindblowing,hesaw,highandfarabovethebluestraitandthevaguerblue-brownoftheland,thelongridgesandtheweightlessdomeofMountOnn.

Look,Medra.Look!

ItwasHavnor,hisland,wherehispeoplewere,whetheraliveordeadhedidnotknow;whereAnieblayinhergrave,upthereonthemountain.Hehadneverbeenback,nevercomethisclose.Ithadbeenhowlong?Sixteenyears,seventeenyears.Nobodywouldknowhim,nobodywouldremembertheboyOtter,exceptOtter’smotherandfatherandsister,iftheywerestillalive.AndsurelytherewerepeopleoftheHandintheGreatPort.Thoughhehadnotknownofthemasaboy,heshouldknowthemnow.

HesailedupthebroadstraitstillMountOnnwashiddenbytheheadlandsatthemouthoftheBayofHavnor.Hewouldnotseeitagainunlesshewentthroughthatnarrowpassage.Thenhewouldseethemountain,allthesweepandcrestingofit,overthecalmwaterswhereheusedtotrytoraiseupthemagewindwhenhewastwelve;andsailingonhewouldseethetowersriseupfromthewater,dimatfirst,meredotsandlines,thenliftinguptheirbrightbanners,thewhitecityatthecenteroftheworld.

ItwasmerecowardicetokeepfromHavnor,now-fearforhisskin,fearlesthefindhispeoplehaddied,fearlestherecallAniebtoovividly.

Fortherehadbeentimeswhenhefeltthat,ashehadsummonedherliving,sodeadshemightsummonhim.Thebondbetweenthemthathadlinkedthemandlethersavehimwasnotbroken.Manytimesshehadcomeintohisdreams,standingsilentasshestoodwhenhefirstsawherinthereekingtoweratSamory.Andhehadseenher,yearsago,inthevisionofthedyinghealerinTelio,inthetwilight,besidethewallofstones.

Heknewnow,fromElehalandothersonRoke,whatthatwallwas.Itlaybetweenthelivingandthedead.Andinthatvision,Aniebhadwalkedonthissideofit,notonthesidethatwentdownintothedark.

Didhefearher,whohadfreedhim?

Hetackedacrossthestrongwind,swungroundSouthPoint,andsailedintotheGreatBayofHavnor.

BannersstillflewfromthetowersoftheCityofHavnor,andakingstillruledthere;thebannerswerethoseofcapturedtownsandisles,andthekingwasthewarlordLosen.Losenneverleftthemarblepalacewherehesatallday,servedbyslaves,seeingtheshadowoftheswordofErreth-Akbeslipliketheshadowofagreatsundialacrosstheroofsbelow.Hegaveorders,andtheslavessaid,“Itisdone,yourmajesty.”Heheldaudiences,andoldmencameandsaid,“Weobey,yourmajesty.”Hesummonedhiswizards,andthemageEarlycame,bowinglow.“Makemewalk!”Losenshouted,beatinghisparalyzedlegswithhisweakhands.

Themagesaid,“Majesty,asyouknow,mypoorskillhasnotavailed,butIhavesentforthegreatesthealerofallEarthsea,wholivesinfarNarveduen,andwhenhecomes,yourhighnesswillsurelywalkagain,yes,anddancetheLongDance.”

ThenLosencursedandcried,andhisslavesbroughthimwine,andthemagewentout,bowing,andcheckingashewenttobesurethatthespellofparalysiswasholding.

ItwasfarmoreconvenienttohimthatLosenshouldbekingthanthathe

himselfshouldruleHavnoropenly.Menofarmsdidn’ttrustmenofcraftanddidn’tliketoservethem.Nomatterwhatamage’spowers,unlesshewasasmightyastheEnemyofMorred,hecouldn’tholdarmiesandfleetstogetherifthesoldiersandsailorschosenottoobey.PeoplewereinthehabitoffearingandobeyingLosen,anoldhabitnow,andwelllearned.Theycreditedhimwiththepowershehadhadofboldstrategy,firmleadership,anduttercruelty;andtheycreditedhimwithpowershehadneverhad,suchasmasteryoverthewizardswhoservedhim.

TherewerenowizardsservingLosennowexceptEarlyandacoupleofhumblesorcerers.Earlyhaddrivenofforkilled,oneafteranother,hisrivalsforLosen’sfavor,andhadenjoyedsoleruleoverallHavnornowforyears.

WhenhewasGelluk’sprenticeandassistant,hehadencouragedhismasterinthestudyoftheloreofWay,findinghimselffreewhileGellukwasoffdotingonhisquicksilver.ButGelluk’sabruptfatehadshakenhim.Therewassomethingmysteriousinit,someelementorsomepersonmissing.SummoningtheusefulHoundtohelphim,Earlyhadmadeaverythoroughinquiryintowhathappened.WhereGellukwas,ofcourse,wasnomystery.Houndhadtrackedhimstraighttoascarinahillside,andsaidhewasburieddeepunderthere.Earlyhadnowishtoexhumehim.Buttheboywhohadbeenwithhim,Houndcouldnottrack:couldnotsaywhetherhewasunderthathillwithGelluk,orhadgotcleanaway.Hehadleftnospelltracesasthemagedid,saidHound,andithadrainedveryhardallthenightafter,andwhenHoundthoughthehadfoundtheboy’stracks,theywereawoman’s;andshewasdead.

EarlydidnotpunishHoundforhisfailure,butherememberedit.Hewasnotusedtofailuresanddidnotlikethem.HedidnotlikewhatHoundtoldhimaboutthisboy,Otter,andherememberedit.

Thedesireforpowerfeedsoffitself,growingasitdevours.Earlysufferedfromhunger.Hestarved.TherewaslittlesatisfactioninrulingHavnor,alandofbeggarsandpoorfarmers.WhatwasthegoodofpossessingtheThroneofMaharionifnobodysatinitbutadrunkencripple?Whatglorywasthereinthepalacesofthecitywhennobodylivedinthembutcrawlingslaves?Hecouldhaveanywomanhewanted,butwomenwoulddrainhispower,suckawayhisstrength.Hewantednowomannearhim.Hecravedanenemy:anopponentworthdestroying.

Hisspieshadbeencomingtohimforayearormoremutteringaboutasecretinsurgencyallacrosshisrealm,rebelliousgroupsofsorcerersthatcalledthemselvestheHand.Eagertofindhisenemy,hehadonesuchgroupinvestigated.Theyturnedouttobealotofoldwomen,midwives,carpenters,aditchdigger,atinsmith’sprentice,acoupleoflittleboys.Humiliatedand

enraged,Earlyhadthemputtodeathalongwiththemanwhoreportedthemtohim.Itwasapublicexecution,inLosen’sname,forthecrimeofconspiracyagainsttheKing.Therehadperhapsnotbeenenoughofthatkindofintimidationlately.Butitwentagainsthisgrain.Hedidn’tliketomakeapublicspectacleoffoolswhohadtrickedhimintofearingthem.Hewouldratherhavedealtwiththeminhisownway,inhisowntime.Tobenourishing,fearmustbeimmediate;heneededtoseepeopleafraidofhim,heartheirterror,smellit,tasteit.ButsinceheruledinLosen’sname,itwasLosenwhomustbefearedbythearmiesandthepeoples,andhehimselfmustkeepinthebackground,makingdowithslavesandprentices.

Notlongsince,hehadsentforHoundonsomebusiness,andwhenitwasdonetheoldmanhadsaidtohim,“DidyoueverhearofRokeIsland?”

“SouthandwestofKamery.TheLordofWathort’sowneditforfortyorfiftyyears.”

Thoughheseldomleftthecity,EarlypridedhimselfonhisknowledgeofalltheArchipelago,gleanedfromhissailors’reportsandthemarvelousancientchartskeptinthepalace.Hestudiedthemnights,broodingonwhereandhowhemightextendhisempire.

Houndnodded,asifitslocationwasallthathadinterestedhiminRoke.

“Well?”

“Oneoftheoldwomenyouhadtorturedbeforetheyburnedthelot,youknow?Well,thefellowwhodidittoldme.ShetalkedabouthersononRoke.Callingouttohimtocome,youknow.Butlikeasifhehadthepowerto.”

“Well?”

“Seemedodd.Oldwomanfromavillageinland,neverseenthesea,callingthenameofanislandawayofflikethat.”

“Thesonwasafishermanwhotalkedabouthistravels.”

Earlywavedhishand.Houndsniffed,nodded,andleft.

EarlyneverdisregardedanytrivialityHoundmentioned,becausesomanyofthemhadprovednottobetrivial.Hedislikedtheoldmanforthat,andbecausehewasunshakable.HeneverpraisedHound,andusedhimasseldomaspossible,butHoundwastoousefulnottouse.

ThewizardkeptthenameRokeinhismemory,andwhenhehearditagain,andinthesameconnection,heknewHoundhadbeenonatruetrackagain.

Threechildren,twoboysoffifteenorsixteenandagirloftwelve,weretakenbyoneofLosen’spatrolssouthofOmer,runningastolenfishingboatwith

themagewind.Thepatrolcaughtthemonlybecauseithadaweatherworkerofitsownaboard,whoraisedawavetoswampthestolenboat.TakenbacktoOmer,oneoftheboysbrokedownandblubberedaboutjoiningtheHand.Hearingthatword,thementoldthemtheywouldbetorturedandburned,atwhichtheboycriedthatiftheysparedhimhewouldtellthemallabouttheHand,andRoke,andthegreatmagesofRoke.

“Bringthemhere,”Earlysaidtothemessenger.

“Thegirlflewaway,lord,”themansaidunwillingly.

“Flewaway?”

“Shetookbirdform.Osprey,theysaid.Didn’texpectthatfromagirlsoyoung.Gonebeforetheyknewit.”

“Bringtheboys,then,”Earlysaidwithdeadlypatience.

Theybroughthimoneboy.Theotherhadjumpedfromtheship,crossingHavnorBay,andbeenkilledbyacrossbowquarrel.TheboytheybroughtwasinsuchaparoxysmofterrorthatevenEarlywasdisgustedbyhim.Howcouldhefrightenacreaturealreadyblindandbeshattenwithfear?Hesetabindingspellontheboythatheldhimuprightandimmobileasastonestatue,andlefthimsoforanightandaday.Nowandthenhetalkedtothestatue,tellingitthatitwasacleverladandmightmakeagoodprentice,hereinthepalace.MaybehecouldgotoRokeafterall,forEarlywasthinkingofgoingtoRoke,tomeetwiththemagesthere.

Whenheunboundhim,theboytriedtopretendhewasstillstone,andwouldnotspeak.Earlyhadtogointohismind,inthewayhehadlearnedfromGelluklongago,whenGellukwasatruemasterofhisart.Hefoundoutwhathecould.Thentheboywasnogoodforanythingandhadtobedisposedof.Itwashumiliating,again,tobeoutwittedbytheverystupidityofthesepeople;andallhehadlearnedaboutRokewasthattheHandwasthere,andaschoolwheretheytaughtwizardry.Andhehadlearnedaman’sname.

Theideaofaschoolforwizardsmadehimlaugh.Aschoolforwildboars,hethought,acollegefordragons!ButthattherewassomekindofschemingandgatheringtogetherofmenofpoweronRokeseemedprobable,andtheideaofanyleagueorallianceofwizardsappalledhimmorethemorehethoughtofit.Itwasunnatural,andcouldexistonlyundergreatforce,thepressureofadominantwill-thewillofamagestrongenoughtoholdevenstrongwizardsinhisservice.Therewastheenemyhewanted!

Houndwasdownatthedoor,theysaid.Earlysentforhimtocomeup.“Who’sTern?”heaskedassoonashesawtheoldman.

WithageHoundhadcometolookhisname,wrinkled,withalongnoseandsadeyes.Hesniffedandseemedabouttosayhedidnotknow,butheknewbetterthantotrytolietoEarly.Hesighed.“Otter,”hesaid.“HimthatkilledoldWhiteface.”

“Where’shehiding?”

“Nothidingatall.Wentaboutthecity,talkingtopeople.WenttoseehismotherinEndlane,roundthemountain.He’stherenow.”

“Youshouldhavetoldmeatonce,”Earlysaid.

“Didn’tknowyouwereafterhim.I’vebeenafterhimalongtime.Hefooledme.”Houndspokewithoutrancor.

“Hetrickedandkilledagreatmage,mymaster.He’sdangerous.Iwantvengeance.Whodidhetalktohere?Iwantthem.ThenI’llseetohim.”

“Someoldwomendownbythedocks.Anoldsorcerer.Hissister.”

“Getthemhere.Takemymen.”

Houndsniffed,sighed,nodded.

Therewasnotmuchtobegotfromthepeoplehismenbroughttohim.Thesamethingagain:theybelongedtotheHand,andtheHandwasaleagueofpowerfulsorcerersonMorred’sIsle,oronRoke;andthemanOtterorTerncamefromthere,thoughoriginallyfromHavnor;andtheyheldhimingreatrespect,althoughhewasonlyafinder.Thesisterhadvanished,perhapsgonewithOttertoEndlane,wherethemotherlived.Earlyrummagedintheircloudy,witlessminds,hadtheyoungestofthemtortured,andthenburnedthemwhereLosencouldsitathiswindowandwatch.TheKingneededsomediversions.

Allthistookonlytwodays,andallthetimeEarlywaslookingandprobingtowardEndlanevillage,sendingHoundtherebeforehim,sendinghisownpresentmenttheretowatch.Whenheknewwherethemanwashebetookhimselfthereveryquickly,oneagle’swings;forEarlywasagreatshape-changer,sofearlessthathewouldtakeevendragonform.

Heknewitwaswelltousecautionwiththisman.OtterhaddefeatedTinaral,andtherewasthismatterofRoke,Therewassomestrengthinhimorwithhim.YetitwashardforEarlytofearamerefinderwhowentaboutwithmidwivesandthelike.Hecouldnotbringhimselftosneakandskulk.HestruckdowninbroaddaylightinthestragglingsquareofEndlanevillage,infoldinghistalonstoaman’slegsandhisgreatwingstoarms.

Achildranbawlingtoitsmammy.Nooneelsewasabout.ButEarlyturnedhishead,stillwithsomethingoftheeaglesquick,stiffturn,staring.Wizard

knowswizard,andheknewwhichhousehispreywasin.Hewalkedtoitandflungthedooropen.

Aslight,brownmansittingatthetablelookedupathim.

Earlyraisedhishandtolaythebindingspellonhim.Hishandwasstayed,heldimmobilehalfliftedathisside.

Thiswasacontest,then,afoeworthfighting!Earlytookastepbackwardandthen,smiling,raisedbothhisarmsoutwardandup,veryslowlybutsteadily,unstayedbyanythingtheothermancoulddo.

Thehousevanished.Nowalls,noroof,nobody.Earlystoodonthedustofthevillagesquareinthesunshineofmorningwithhisarmsintheair.

Itwasonlyillusion,ofcourse,butitcheckedhimamomentinhisspell,andthenhehadtoundotheillusion,bringingbackthedoorframearoundhim,thewallsandroofbeams,thegleamoflightoncrockery,thehearthstones,thetable.Butnobodysatatthetable.Hisenemywasgone.

Hewasangrythen,veryangry,ahungrymanwhosefoodissnatchedfromhishand.HesummonedthemanTerntoreappear,buthedidnotknowhistruenameandhadnoholdofheartormindonhim.Thesummonswentunanswered.

Hestrodefromthehouse,turned,andsetafirespellonitsothatitburstintoflames,thatchandwallsandeverywindowspoutingfire.Womenranoutofitscreaming.Theyhadbeenhidingnodoubtinthebackroom;hepaidthemnoattention.“Hound,”hethought.Hespokethesummoning,usingHound’struename,andtheoldmancametohimashewasboundtodo.Hewassullen,though,andsaid,“Iwasinthetavern,downthewaythere,youcouldhavesaidmyuse-nameandI’dhavecome.”

Earlylookedathimonce.Hound’smouthsnappedshutandstayedshut.

“SpeakwhenIletyou,”thewizardsaid.“Whereistheman?”

Houndnoddednortheastwards.

“What’sthere?”

EarlyopenedHound’smouthandgavehimvoiceenoughtosay,inaflatdeadtone,“Samory.”

“Whatformishein?”

“Otter,”saidtheflatvoice.

Earlylaughed.“I’llbewaitingforhim,”hesaid;hisman’slegsturnedtoyellowtalons,hisarmstowidefeatheredwings,andtheeagleflewupandoff

acrossthewind.

Houndsniffed,sighed,andfollowed,trudgingalongunwillingly,whilebehindhiminthevillagetheflamesdieddown,andchildrencried,andwomenshoutedcursesaftertheeagle.

Thedangerintryingtodogoodisthatthemindcomestoconfusetheintentofgoodnesswiththeactofdoingthingswell.

ThatisnotwhattheotterwasthinkingasitswamfastdowntheYennava.Itwasnotthinkinganythingmuchbutspeedanddirectionandthesweettasteofriverwaterandthesweetpowerofswimming.ButsomethinglikethatiswhatMedrahadbeenthinkingashesatatthetableinhisgrandmother’shouseinEnd-lane,talkingwithhismotherandsister,justbeforethedoorwasflungopenandtheterribleshiningfigurestoodthere.

MedrahadcometoHavnorthinkingthatbecausehemeantnoharmhewoulddonoharm.Hehaddoneirreparableharm.Menandwomenandchildrenhaddiedbecausehewasthere.Theyhaddiedintorment,burnedalive.Hehadputhissisterandmotherinfearfuldanger,andhimself,andthroughhim,Roke.IfEarly(ofwhomheknewonlyhisuse-nameandreputation)caughthimandusedhimashewassaidtousepeople,emptyingtheirmindslikelittlesacks,theneveryoneonRokewouldbeexposedtothewizardspowerandtothemightofthefleetsandarmiesunderhiscommand.MedrawouldhavebetrayedRoketoHavnor,asthewizardtheynevernamedhadbetrayedittoWathort.Maybethatman,too,hadthoughthecoulddonoharm.

Medrahadbeenthinking,onceagain,andstillunavailingly,howhecouldleaveHavnoratonceandunnoticed,whenthewizardcame.

Now,asotter,hewasthinkingonlythathewouldliketostayotter,beotter,inthesweetbrownwater,thelivingriver,forever.Thereisnodeathforanotter,onlylifetotheend.Butinthesleekcreaturewasthemortalmind;andwherethestreampassesthehillwestofSamory,theottercameuponthemuddybank,andthenthemancrouchedthere,shivering.

Wheretonow?Whyhadhecomehere?

Hehadnotthought.Hehadtakentheshapethatcamesoonesttohim,runtotheriverasanotterwould,swumastheotterwouldswim.Butonlyinhisownformcouldhethinkasaman,hide,decide,actasamanorasawizardagainstthewizardwhohuntedhim.

HeknewhewasnomatchforEarly.Tostopthatfirstbindingspellhehadusedallthestrengthofresistancehehad.Theillusionandtheshape-changewereallthetrickshehadtoplay.Ifhefacedthewizardagainhewouldbedestroyed.AndRokewithhim.Rokeanditschildren,andElehalhislove,

andVeil,Crow,Dory,allofthem,thefountaininthewhitecourtyard,thetreebythefountain.OnlytheGrovewouldstand.Onlythegreenhill,silent,immovable.HeheardElehalsaytohim,Havnorliesbetweenus.Heheardhersay,Al!thetruepowers,alltheoldpowers,atrootareone.

Helookedup.ThehillsideabovethestreamwasthatsamehillwherehehadcomethatdaywithTinaral,Anieb’spresencewithinhim.Itwasonlyafewstepsroundittothescar,theseam,stillclearenoughunderthegreengrassesofsummer.

“Mother,”hesaid,onhiskneesthere,“Mother,opentome.”

Helaidhishandsontheseamofearth,buttherewasnopowerinthem.

“Letmein,mother,”hewhisperedinthetonguethatwasasoldasthehill.Thegroundshiveredalittleandopened.

Heheardaneaglescream.Hegottohisfeet.Heleaptintothedark.

Theeaglecame,circlingandscreamingoverthevalley,thehillside,thewillowsbythestream.Itcircled,searchingandsearching,andflewbackasithadcome.

Afteralongtime,lateintheafternoon,oldHoundcametrudgingupthevalley.Hestoppednowandthenandsniffed.Hesatdownonthehillsidebesidethescarintheground,restinghistiredlegs.Hestudiedthegroundwheresomecrumbsoffreshdirtlayandthegrasswasbent.Hestrokedthebentgrasstostraightenit.Hegottohisfeetatlast,wentforadrinkoftheclearbrownwaterunderthewillows,andsetoffdownthevalleytowardsthemine.

Medrawokeinpain,indarkness.Foralongtimethatwasalltherewas.Thepaincameandwent,thedarknessremained.Onceitlightenedalittleintoatwilightinwhichhecoulddimlysee.Hesawasloperunningdownfromwherehelaytowardsawallofstones,acrosswhichwasdarknessagain.Buthecouldnotgetuptowalktothewall,andpresentlythepaincamebackverysharpinhisarmandhipandhead.Thenthedarknesscamearoundhim,andthennothing.

Thirst:andwithitpain.Thirst,andthesoundofwaterrunning.

Hetriedtorememberhowtomakelight.Aniebsaidtohim,plaintively,“Can’tyoumakethelight?”Buthecouldnot.Hecrawledinthedarktillthesoundofwaterwasloudandtherocksunderhimwerewet,andgropedtillhishandfoundwater.Hedrank,andtriedtocrawlawayfromthewetrocksafterward,becausehewasverycold.Onearmhurtandhadnostrengthinit.

Hisheadhurtagain,andhewhimperedandshivered,tryingtodrawhimself

togetherforwarmth.Therewasnowarmthandnolight.

Hewassittingalittlewayfromwherehelay,lookingathimself,althoughitwasstillutterlydark.Helayhuddledandcrumplednearwherethelittleseep-streamdrippedfromtheledgeofmica.Notfarawaylayanotherhuddledheap,rottedredsilk,longhair,bones.Beyonditthecavernstretchedaway.Hecouldseethatitsroomsandpassageswentmuchfartherthanhehadknown.HesawitwiththesameuncaringinterestwithwhichhesawTinaral’sbodyandhisownbody.Hefeltamildregret.Itwasonlyfairthatheshoulddieherewiththemanhehadkilled.Itwasright.Nothingwaswrong.Butsomethinginhimached,notthesharpbodypain,alongache,lifelong.

“Anieb,”hesaid.

Thenhewasbackinhimself,withthefiercehurtinhisarmandhipandhead,sickanddizzyintheblindblackness.Whenhemoved,hewhimpered;buthesatup.Ihavetolive,hethought.Ihavetorememberhowtolive.Howtomakelight.Ihavetoremember.Ihavetoremembertheshadowsoftheleaves.

Howfardoestheforestgo?

Asfarasthemindgoes.

Helookedupintothedarkness.Afterawhilehemovedhisgoodhandalittle,andthefaintlightflowedoutofit.

Theroofofthecavernwasfarabovehim.Thetrickleofwaterdrippingfromthemicaledgeglitteredinshortdashesinthewerelight.

Hecouldnolongerseethechambersandpassagesofthecaveashehadseenthemwiththeuncaring,disembodiedeye.Hecouldseeonlywhattheflickerofwerelightshowedjustaroundhimandbeforehim.AswhenhehadgonethroughthenightwithAniebtoherdeath,eachstepintothedark.

Hegottohisknees,andthoughtthentowhisper,“Thankyou,mother.”Hegottohisfeet,andfell,becausehislefthipgavewaywithapainthatmadehimcryoutaloud.Afterawhilehetriedagain,andstoodup.Thenhestartedforward.

Ittookhimalongtimetocrossthecavern.Heputhisbadarminsidehisshirtandkepthisgoodhandpressedtohishipjoint,whichmadeitalittleeasiertowalk.Thewallsnarrowedgraduallytoapassage.Heretheroofwasmuchlower,justabovehishead.Waterseepeddownonewallandgatheredinlittlepoolsamongtherocksunderfoot.ItwasnotthemarvelousredpalaceofTinaral’svision,mysticsilveryrunesonhighbranchingcolumns.Itwasonlytheearth,onlydirt,rock,water.Theairwascoolandstill.Awayfromthe

drippingofthestreamitwassilent.Outsidethegleamofwerelightitwasdark.

Medrabowedhishead,standingthere.“Anieb,”hesaid,“canyoucomebackthisfar?Idon’tknowtheway.”Hewaitedawhile.Hesawdarkness,heardsilence.Slowandhalting,heenteredthepassage.

Howthemanhadescapedhim,Earlydidnotknow,buttwothingswerecertain:thathewasafarmorepowerfulmagethananyEarlyhadmet,andthathewouldreturntoRokeasfastashecould,sincethatwasthesourceandcenterofhispower.Therewasnousetryingtogettherebeforehim;hehadthelead.ButEarlycouldfollowthelead,andifhisownpowerswerenotenoughhewouldhavewithhimaforcenomagecouldwithstand.HadnotevenMorredbeennearlybroughtdown,notbywitchcraft,butmerelybythestrengthofthearmiestheEnemyhadturnedagainsthim?

“Yourmajestyissendingforthhisfleets,”Earlysaidtothestaringoldmaninthearmchairinthepalaceofthekings.“Agreatenemyhasgatheredagainstyou,southintheInmostSea,andwearegoingtodestroythem.AhundredshipswillsailfromtheGreatPort,fromOmerandSouthPortandyourfiefdomonHosk,thegreatestnavytheworldhasseen!Ishallleadthem.Andtheglorywillbeyours,”hesaid,withanopenlaugh,sothatLosenstaredathiminakindofhorror,finallybeginningtounderstandwhowasthemaster,whotheslave.

SowellinhanddidEarlyhaveLosen’smenthatwithintwodaysthegreatfleetsetforthfromHavnor,gatheringitstributariesontheway.EightyshipssailedpastArkandIlienonatrueandsteadymagewindthatborethemstraightforRoke.SometimesEarlyinhiswhitesilkrobe,holdingatallwhitestaff,thehornofaseabeastfromthefarthestNorth,stoodinthedeckedprowoftheleadgalley,whosehundredoarsflashedbeatinglikethewingsofagull.Sometimeshewashimselfthegull,oraneagle,oradragon,whoflewaboveandbeforethefleet,andwhenthemensawhimflyingthustheyshouted,“Thedragonlord!thedragonlord!”

TheycameashoreinIlienforwaterandfood.Settingahostofmanyhundredsofmenonitswaysoquicklyhadleftlittletimeforprovisioningtheships.TheyoverranthetownsalongthewestshoreofIlien,takingwhattheywanted,anddidthesameonVisstiandKamery,lootingwhattheycouldandburningwhattheyleft.Thenthegreatfleetturnedwest,headingfortheoneharborofRokeIsland,theBayofThwil.EarlyknewoftheharborfromthemapsinHavnor,andknewtherewasahighhillaboveit.Astheycamenearer,hetookdragonformandsoareduphighabovehisships,leadingthem,gazingintothewestforthesightofthathill.

Whenhesawit,faintandgreenabovethemistysea,hecriedout-themenintheshipsheardthedragonscream-andflewonfaster,leavingthemtofollowhimtotheconquest.

AlltherumorsofRokehadsaidthatitwasspell-defendedandcharm-hidden,invisibletoordinaryeyes.Iftherewereanyspellswovenaboutthathillorthebayhenowsawopeningbeforeit,theyweregossamertohim,transparent.Nothingblurredhiseyesorchallengedhiswillasheflewoverthebay,overthelittletownandahalf-finishedbuildingontheslopeaboveit,tothetopofthehighgreenhill.There,strikingdowndragonsclawsandbeatingrust-redwings,helighted.

Hestoodinhisownform.Hehadnotmadethechangehimself.Hestoodalert,uncertain.

Thewindblew,thelonggrassnoddedinthewind.Summerwasgettingonandthegrasswasdrynow,yellowing,noflowersinitbutthelittlewhiteheadsofthelacefoam.Awomancamewalkingupthehilltowardshimthroughthelonggrass.Shefollowednopath,andwalkedeasily,withouthaste.

Hethoughthehadraisedhishandinaspelltostopher,buthehadnotraisedhishand,andshecameon.Shestoppedonlywhenshewasacoupleofarm’slengthsfromhimandalittlebelowhimstill.

“Tellmeyourname,”shesaid,andhesaid,“Teriel,”

“Whydidyoucomehere,Teriel?”

“Todestroyyou.”

Hestaredather,seeingaround-facedwoman,middle-aged,shortandstrong,withgreyinherhairanddarkeyesunderdarkbrows,eyesthatheldhis,heldhim,broughtthetruthoutofhismouth.

“Destroyus?Destroythishill?Thetreesthere?”Shelookeddowntoagroveoftreesnotfarfromthehill.“MaybeSegoywhomadethemcouldunmakethem.Maybetheearthwilldestroyherself.Maybeshe’lldestroyherselfthroughourhands,intheend.Butnotthroughyours.Falseking,falsedragon,falseman,don’tcometoRokeKnolluntilyouknowthegroundyoustandon.”Shemadeonegestureofherhand,downwardtotheearth.

Thensheturnedandwentdownthehillthroughthelonggrass,thewayshehadcome.

Therewereotherpeopleonthehill,hesawnow,manyothers,menandwomen,children,livingandspiritsofthedead;many,manyofthem.Hewasterrifiedofthemandcowered,tryingtomakeaspellthatwouldhidehim

fromthemall.

Buthemadenospell.Hehadnomagicleftinhim.Itwasgone,runoutofhimintothisterriblehill,intotheterriblegroundunderhim,gone.Hewasnowizard,onlyamanliketheothers,powerless.

Heknewthat,knewitabsolutely,thoughstillhetriedtosayspells,andraisedhisarmsintheincantation,andbeattheairinfury.Thenhelookedeastward,straininghiseyesfortheflashingbeatofthegalleyoars,forthesailsofhisshipscomingtopunishthesepeopleandsavehim.

Allhesawwasamistonthewater,allacrosstheseabeyondthemouthofthebay.Ashewatcheditthickenedanddarkened,creepingoutovertheslowwaves.

Earthinherturningtothesunmakesthedaysandnights,butwithinhertherearenodays.Medrawalkedthroughthenight.Hewasverylame,andcouldnotalwayskeepupthewerelight.Whenitfailedhehadtostopandsitdownandsleep.Thesleepwasneverdeath,ashethoughtitwas.Hewoke,alwayscold,alwaysinpain,alwaysthirsty,andwhenhecouldmakeaglimmerofthelighthegottohisfeetandwenton.HeneversawAniebbutheknewshewasthere.Hefollowedher.Sometimesthereweregreatrooms.Sometimestherewerepoolsofmotionlesswater.Itwashardtobreakthestillnessoftheirsurface,buthedrankfromthem.Hethoughthehadgonedowndeeperanddeeperforalongtime,tillhereachedthelongestofthosepools,andafterthatthewaywentupagain.SometimesnowAniebfollowedhim.Hecouldsayhername,thoughshedidnotanswer.Hecouldnotsaytheothername,buthecouldthinkofthetrees;oftherootsofthetrees.Thiswasthekingdomoftherootsofthetrees.Howfardoestheforestgo?Asfarasforestsgo.Aslongasthelives,asdeepastherootsofthetrees.Aslongasleavescastshadows.Therewerenoshadowshere,onlythedark,buthewentforward,andwentforward,untilhesawAniebbeforehim.Hesawtheflashofhereyes,thecloudofhercurlinghair.Shelookedbackathimforamoment,andthenturnedasideandranlightlydownalong,steepslopeintodarkness.

Wherehestooditwasnotwhollydark.Theairmovedagainsthisface.Farahead,dim,small,therewasalightthatwasnotwerelight.Hewentforward.Hehadbeencrawlingforalongtimenow,draggingtherightleg,whichwouldnotbearhisweight.Hewentforward.Hesmelledthewindofeveningandsawtheskyofeveningthroughthebranchesandleavesoftrees.Anarchedoakrootformedthemouthofthecave,nobiggerthanamanorabadgerneededtocrawlthrough.Hecrawledthrough.Helaythereundertherootofthetree,seeingthelightfadeandastarortwocomeoutamongtheleaves.

ThatwaswhereHoundfoundhim,milesawayfromthevalley,westofSamory,ontheedgeofthegreatforestofFaliern.

“Gotyou,”theoldmansaid,lookingdownatthemuddy,laxbody.Headded,“Toolate,”regretfully.Hestoopedtoseeifhecouldpickhimupordraghim,andfeltthefaintwarmthoflife.“You’retough,”hesaid.“Here,wakeup.Comeon.Otter,wakeup.”

HerecognizedHound,thoughhecouldnotsitupandcouldbarelyspeak.Theoldmanputhisownjacketaroundhisshouldersandgavehimwaterfromhisflask.Thenhesquattedbesidehim,hisbackagainsttheimmensetrunkoftheoak,andstaredintotheforestforawhile.Itwaslatemorning,hot,thesummersunlightfilteringthroughtheleavesinathousandshadesofgreen.Asquirrelscolded,farupintheoak,andajayreplied.Houndscratchedhisneckandsighed.

“Thewizardsoffonthewrongtrack,asusual,”hesaidatlast.“Saidyou’dgonetoRokeIslandandhe’dcatchyouthere.Isaidnothing.”

HelookedatthemanheknewonlyasOtter.

“Youwentinthere,thathole,withtheoldwizard,didn’tyou?Didyoufindhim?”

Medranodded.

“Hmn,”Houndwent,ashort,gruntinglaugh.“Youfindwhatyoulookfor,don’tyou?Likeme.”Hesawthathiscompanionwasindistress,andsaid,“I’llgetyououtofhere.Fetchacarterfromthevillagedownthere,whenI’vegotmybreath.Listen.Don’tfret.Ihaven’thuntedyoualltheseyearstogiveyoutoEarly.ThewayIgaveyoutoGelluk.Iwassorryforthat.Ithoughtaboutit.WhatIsaidtoyouaboutmenofacraftstickingtogether.Andwhoweworkfor.Couldn’tseethatIhadmuchchoiceaboutthat.Buthavingdoneyouadisfavor,IthoughtifIcameacrossyouagainI’ddoyouafavor,ifIcould.Asonefindertotheother,see?”

Otter’sbreathwascominghard.HoundputhishandonOtter’shandforamoment,said,“Don’tworry,”andgottohisfeet.“Resteasy,”hesaid.

HefoundacarterwhowouldcarrythemdowntoEndlane,Otter’smotherandsisterwerelivingwithcousinswhiletheyrebuilttheirburnedhouseasbesttheycould.Theywelcomedhimwithdisbelievingjoy.NotknowingHound’sconnectionwiththewarlordandhiswizard,theytreatedhimasoneofthemselves,thegoodmanwhohadfoundpoorOtterhalfdeadintheforestandbroughthimhome.Awiseman,saidOtter’smotherRose,surelyawiseman.Nothingwastoogoodforsuchaman.

Otterwasslowtorecover,toheal.Thebonesetterdidwhathecouldabouthisbrokenarmandhisdamagedhip,thewisewomansalvedthecutsfromtherocksonhishandsandheadandknees,hismotherbroughthimallthedelicaciesshecouldfindinthegardensandberrythickets;buthelayasweakandwastedaswhenHoundfirstbroughthim.Therewasnoheartinhim,thewisewomanofEndlanesaid.Itwassomewhereelse,beingeatenupwithworryorfearorshame.

“Sowhereisit?”Houndsaid.

Otter,afteralongsilence,said,“RokeIsland.”

“WhereoldEarlywentwiththegreatfleet.Isee.Friendsthere.Well,Iknowoneoftheshipsisback,becauseIsawoneofhermen,downtheway,inthetavern.I’llgoaskabout.FindoutiftheygottoRokeandwhathappenedthere.WhatIcantellyouisthatitseemsoldEarlyislatecominghome.Hmn,hmn,”hewent,pleasedwithhisjoke.“Latecominghome,”herepeated,andgotup.HelookedatOtter,whowasnotmuchtolookat.“Resteasy,”hesaid,andwentoff.

Hewasgoneseveraldays.Whenhereturned,ridinginahorse-drawncart,hehadsuchalookabouthimthatOtter’ssisterhurriedintotellhim,“Hound’swonabattleorafortune!He’sridingbehindacityhorse,inacitycart,likeaprince!”

Houndcameinonherheels.“Well,”hesaid,“inthefirstplace,whenIgottothecity,Igouptothepalace,justtohearthenews,andwhatdoIsee?IseeoldKingPiratestandingonhislegs,shoutingoutorderslikeheusedtodo.Standingup!Hasn’tstoodforyears.Shoutingorders!Andsomeofemdidwhathesaid,andsomeofemdidn’t.SoIgotonoutofthere,thatkindofasituationbeingdangerous,inapalace.ThenIwentabouttofriendsofmineandaskedwherewasoldEarlyandhadthefleetbeentoRokeandcomebackandall.Early,theysaid,nobodyknewaboutEarly.Notasignofhimnorfromhim.MaybeIcouldfindhim,theysaid,jokingme,hmn.TheyknowIlovehim.Asfortheships,somehadcomeback,withthemenaboardsayingtheynevercametoRokeIsland,neversawit,sailedrightthroughwheretheseachartssaidwasanisland,andtherewasnoisland.Thenthereweresomemenfromoneofthegreatgalleys.Theysaidwhentheygotclosetowheretheislandshouldbe,theycameintoafogasthickaswetcloth,andtheseaturnedthicktoo,sothattheoarsmencouldbarelypushtheoarsthroughit,andtheywerecaughtinthatforadayandanight.Whentheygotout,therewasn’tanothershipofallthefleetonthesea,andtheslaveswerenearrebelling,sothemasterbroughtherhomeasquickashecould.Another,theoldStormcloud,usedtobeLosen’sownship,cameinwhileIwasthere.Italkedtosomemenoffher.Theysaidtherewasnothingbutfogandreefsallround

whereRokewassupposedtobe,sotheysailedonwithsevenotherships,southaways,andmetupwithafleetsailingupfromWathort.Maybethelordstherehadheardtherewasagreatfleetcomingraiding,becausetheydidn’tstoptoaskquestions,butsentwizard’sfireatourships,andcamealongsidetoboardthemiftheycould,andthemenItalkedtosaiditwasahardfightjusttogetawayfromthem,andnotalldid.AllthistimetheyhadnowordfromEarly,andnoweatherwasworkedforthemunlesstheyhadabagmanoftheirownaboard.SotheycamebackupthelengthoftheInmostSea,saidthemanfromStormcloud,onestragglingaftertheotherlikethedogsthatlostthedogfight.Now,doyoulikethenewsIbringyou?”

Otterhadbeenstrugglingwithtears;hehidhisface.“Yes,”hesaid,“thanks.”

“Thoughtyoumight.AsforKingLosen,”Houndsaid,“whoknows.”Hesniffedandsighed.“IfIwashimI’dretire”hesaid.“IthinkI’lldothatmyself.”

Otterhadgotcontrolofhisfaceandvoice.Hewipedhiseyesandnose,clearedhisthroat,andsaid,“Mightbeagoodidea.CometoRoke.Safer.”

“Seemstobeahardplacetofind,”Houndsaid.

“Icanfindit,”saidOtter.

IV.Medra

Therewasanoldmanbyourdoor

Whoopenedittorichorpoor,

Manycametherebothsmallandgreat,

ButfewcouldpassthroughMedra’sGate.

Sorunsthewateraway,away,

Sorunsthewateraway.

HOUNDSTAYEDINENDLANE.Hecouldmakealivingasafinderthere,andhelikedthetavern,andOtter’smother’shospitality.

Bythebeginningofautumn,LosenwashangingbyaroperoundhisfeetfromawindowoftheNewPalace,rotting,whilesixwarlordsquarreledoverhiskingdom,andtheshipsofthegreatfleetchasedandfoughtoneanotheracrosstheStraitsandthewizard-troubledsea.

ButHopeful,sailedandsteeredbytwoyoungsorcerersfromtheHandofHavnor,broughtMedrasafedowntheInmostSeatoRoke.

Emberwasonthedocktomeethim.Lameandverythin,hecametoherandtookherhands,buthecouldnotlifthisfacetohers.Hesaid,“Ihavetoomanydeathsonmyheart,Elehal.”

“ComewithmetotheGrove,”shesaid.

Theywenttheretogetherandstayedtillthewintercame.Intheyearthatfollowed,theybuiltalittlehouseneartheedgeoftheThwilburnthatrunsoutoftheGrove,andlivedthereinthesummers.

TheyworkedandtaughtintheGreatHouse.Theysawitgoupstoneonstone,everystonesteepedinspellsofprotection,endurance,peace.TheysawtheRuleofRokeestablished,thoughneversofirmlyastheymightwish,andalwaysagainstopposition;formagescamefromotherislandsandroseupfromamongthestudentsoftheschool,womenandmenofpower,knowledge,andpride,swornbytheRuletoworktogetherandforthegoodofall,buteachseeingadifferentwaytodoit.

Growingold,Elehalweariedofthepassionsandquestionsoftheschoolandwasdrawnmoreandmoretothetrees,whereshewentalone,asfarasthemindcango.Medrawalkedtheretoo,butnotsofarasshe,forhewaslame.

Aftershedied,helivedawhilealoneinthesmallhouseneartheGrove.

Onedayinautumnhecamebacktotheschool.Hewentinbythegardendoor,whichgivesonthepaththroughthefieldstoRokeKnoll.ItisacuriousthingabouttheGreatHouseofRoke,thatithasnoportalorgrandentrywayatall.Youcanenterbywhattheycallthebackdoor,which,thoughitismadeofhornandframedindragonstoothandcarvedwiththeThousand-LeavedTree,lookslikenothingatallfromoutside,asyoucometoitinadingystreet;oryoucangointhegardendoor,plainoakwithanironbolt.Butthereisnofrontdoor.

Hecamethroughthehallsandstonecorridorstotheinmostplace,themarble-pavedcourtyardofthefountain,wherethetreeElehalhadplantednowstoodtall,itsberriesreddening.

Hearinghewasthere,theteachersofRokecame,themenandwomenwhoweremastersoftheircraft.MedrahadbeentheMasterFinder,untilhewenttotheGrove.Ayoungwomannowtaughtthatart,ashehadtaughtittoher.

“I’vebeenthinking,”hesaid.“Thereareeightofyou.Nine’sabetternumber.Countmeasamasteragain,ifyouwill.”

“Whatwillyoudo,MasterTern?”askedtheSummoner,agrey-hairedmage

fromIlien.

“I’llkeepthedoor,”Medrasaid.“Beinglame,Iwon’tgofarfromit.Beingold,I’llknowwhattosaytothosewhocome.Beingafinder,I’llfindoutiftheybelonghere.”

“Thatwouldspareusmuchtroubleandsomedanger,”saidtheyoungFinder.

“Howwillyoudoit?”theSummonerasked.

“I’llaskthemtheirname,”Medrasaid.Hesmiled.“Ifthey’lltellme,theycancomein.Andwhentheythinkthey’velearnedeverything,theycangooutagain.Iftheycantellmemyname.”

Soitwas.Fortherestofhislife,MedrakeptthedoorsoftheGreatHouseonRoke.ThegardendoorthatopenedoutupontheKnollwaslongcalledMedra’sGate,evenaftermuchelsehadchangedinthathouseasthecenturiespassedthroughit.AndstilltheninthMasterofRokeistheDoorkeeper.

InEndlaneandthevillagesroundthefootofOnnonHavnor,womenspinningandweavingsingariddlesongofwhichthelastlinehastodo,maybe,withthemanwhowasMedra,andOtter,andTern.

Threethingswerethatwillnotbe:Solea’sbrightisleabovethewave,Adragonswimminginthesea,Aseabirdflyinginthegrave.

DarkroseAndDiamondABOAT-SONGFROMWESTHAVNOR

Wheremyloveisgoing

TherewillIgo.

Wherehisboatisrowing

Iwillrow.

Wewilllaughtogether,

Togetherwewillcry.

IfhelivesIwilllive,

IfhediesIdie.

Wheremyloveisgoing

TherewillIgo.

Wherehisboatisrowing

Iwillrow.

InthewestofHavnor,amonghillsforestedwithoakandchestnut,isthetownofGlade.Awhileago,therichmanofthattownwasamerchantcalledGolden.

GoldenownedthemillthatcuttheoakboardsfortheshipstheybuiltinHavnorSouthPortandHavnorGreatPort;heownedthebiggestchestnutgroves;heownedthecartsandhiredthecartersthatcarriedthetimberandthechestnutsoverthehillstobesold.Hedidverywellfromtrees,andwhenhissonwasborn,themothersaid,“WecouldcallhimChestnut,orOak,maybe?”Butthefathersaid,“Diamond,”diamondbeinginhisestimationtheonethingmorepreciousthangold.

SolittleDiamondgrewupinthefinesthouseinGlade,afat,bright-eyedbaby,aruddy,cheerfulboy.Hehadasweetsingingvoice,atrueear,andaloveofmusic,sothathismother,Tuly,calledhimSongsparrowandSkylark,amongotherlovingnames,forsheneverreallydidlike“Diamond.”Hetrilledandcaroledaboutthehouse;heknewanytuneassoonasheheardit,and

inventedtuneswhenheheardnone.HismotherhadthewisewomanTangleteachhimTheCreationofEaandTheDeedoftheYoungKing,andatSunreturnwhenhewaselevenyearsoldhesangtheWinterCarolfortheLordoftheWesternLand,whowasvisitinghisdomaininthehillsaboveGlade.TheLordandhisLadypraisedtheboy’ssingingandgavehimatinygoldboxwithadiamondsetinthelid,whichseemedakindandprettygifttoDiamondandhismother.ButGoldenwasabitimpatientwiththesingingandthetrinkets.“Therearemoreimportantthingsforyoutodo,son,”hesaid.“Andgreaterprizestobeearned.”

Diamondthoughthisfathermeantthebusiness—theloggers,thesawyers,thesawmill,thechestnutgroves,thepickers,thecarters,thecarts—allthatworkandtalkandplanning,complicated,adultmatters.Heneverfeltthatithadmuchtodowithhim,sohowwashetohaveasmuchtodowithitashisfatherexpected?Maybehe’dfindoutwhenhegrewup.

ButinfactGoldenwasn’tthinkingonlyaboutthebusiness.Hehadobservedsomethingabouthissonthathadmadehimnotexactlysethiseyeshigherthanthebusiness,butglanceaboveitfromtimetotime,andthenshuthiseyes.

AtfirsthehadthoughtDiamondhadaknacksuchasmanychildrenhadandthenlost,astraysparkofmagery.Whenhewasalittleboy,Goldenhimselfhadbeenabletomakehisownshadowshineandsparkle.Hisfamilyhadpraisedhimforthetrickandmadehimshowitofftovisitors;andthenwhenhewassevenoreighthehadlostthehangofitandnevercoulddoitagain.

WhenhesawDiamondcomedownthestairswithouttouchingthestairs,hethoughthiseyeshaddeceivedhim;butafewdayslater,hesawthechildfloatupthestairs,justafingerglidingalongtheoakenbanister-rail.“Canyoudothatcomingdown?”Goldenasked,andDiamondsaid,

“Oh,yes,likethis,”andsailedbackdownsmoothasacloudonthesouthwind.

“Howdidyoulearntodothat?”

“Ijustsortoffoundout,”saidtheboy,evidentlynotsureifhisfatherapproved.

Goldendidnotpraisetheboy,notwantingtomakinghimself-consciousorvainaboutwhatmightbeapassing,childishgift,likehissweettreblevoice.Therewastoomuchfussalreadymadeoverthat.

ButayearorsolaterhesawDiamondoutinthebackgardenwithhisplaymateRose.Thechildrenweresquattingontheirhaunches,headsclosetogether,laughing.Somethingintenseoruncannyaboutthemmadehimpause

atthewindowonthestairslandingandwatchthem.Athingbetweenthemwasleapingupanddown,afrog?atoad?abigcricket?Hewentoutintothegardenandcameupnearthem,movingsoquietly,thoughhewasabigman,thattheyintheirabsorptiondidnothearhim.Thethingthatwashoppingupanddownonthegrassbetweentheirbaretoeswasarock.WhenDiamondraisedhishandtherockjumpedupintheair,andwhenheshookhishandalittletherockhoveredintheair,andwhenheflippedhisfingersdownwarditfelltoearth.

“Nowyou,”DiamondsaidtoRose,andshestartedtodowhathehaddone,buttherockonlytwitchedalittle.“Oh,”shewhispered,“there’syourdad.”

“That’sveryclever,”Goldensaid.

“Dithoughtitup,”Rosesaid.

Goldendidnotlikethechild.Shewasbothoutspokenanddefensive,bothrashandtimid.Shewasagirl,andayearyoungerthanDiamond,andawitch’sdaughter.Hewishedhissonwouldplaywithboyshisownage,hisownsort,fromtherespectablefamiliesofGlade.Tulyinsistedoncallingthewitch“thewisewoman,”butawitchwasawitchandherdaughterwasnofitcompanionforDiamond.Ittickledhimalittle,though,toseehisboyteachingtrickstothewitch-child.

“Whatelsecanyoudo,Diamond?”heasked.

“Playtheflute,”Diamondsaidpromptly,andtookoutofhispocketthelittlefifehismotherhadgivenhimforhistwelfthbirthday.Heputittohislips,hisfingersdanced,andheplayedasweet,familiartunefromthewesterncoast,“WhereMyLoveIsGoing.”

“Verynice,”saidthefather.“Butanybodycanplaythefife,youknow.”

DiamondglancedatRose.Thegirlturnedherheadaway,lookingdown.

“Ilearneditreallyquickly,”Diamondsaid.

Goldengrunted,unimpressed.

“Itcandoitbyitself,”Diamondsaid,andheldoutthefifeawayfromhislips.Hisfingersdancedonthestops,andthefifeplayedashortjig.Ithitseveralfalsenotesandsquealedonthelasthighnote.“Ihaven’tgotitrightyet,”Diamondsaid,vexedandembarrassed.

“Prettygood,prettygood,”hisfathersaid.“Keeppracticing.”Andhewenton.Hewasnotsurewhatheoughttohavesaid.Hedidnotwanttoencouragetheboytospendanymoretimeonmusic,orwiththisgirl;hespenttoomuchalready,andneitherofthemwouldhelphimgetanywhereinlife.Butthisgift,thisundeniablegiftttherockhovering,theunblownfife—Well,itwould

bewrongtomaketoomuchofit,butprobablyitshouldnotbediscouraged.

InGolden’sunderstanding,moneywaspower,butnottheonlypower.Thereweretwoothers,oneequal,onegreater.Therewasbirth.WhentheLordoftheWesternLandcametohisdomainnearGlade,Goldenwasgladtoshowhimfealty.TheLordwasborntogovernandtokeepthepeace,asGoldenwasborntodealwithcommerceandwealth,eachinhisplace;andeach,nobleorcommon,ifheservedwellandhonestly,deservedhonorandrespect.ButtherewerealsolesserlordswhomGoldencouldbuyandsell,lendtoorletbeg,menbornnoblewhodeservedneitherfealtynorhonor.Powerofbirthandpowerofmoneywerecontingent,andmustbeearnedlesttheybelost.

ButbeyondtherichandthelordlywerethosecalledtheMenofPower:thewizards.Theirpower,thoughlittleexercised,wasabsolute.Intheirhandslaythefateofthelong-kinglesskingdomoftheArchipelago.

IfDiamondhadbeenborntothatkindofpower,ifthatwashisgift,thenallGolden’sdreamsandplansoftraininghiminthebusiness,andhavinghimhelpinexpandingthecartingroutetoaregulartradewithSouthPort,andbuyingupthechestnutforestsaboveReche—allsuchplansdwindledintotrifles.MightDiamondgo(ashismother’sunclehadgone)totheSchoolofWizardsonRokeIsland?Mighthe(asthatunclehaddone)gaingloryforhisfamilyanddominionoverlordandcommoner,becomingaMageintheCourtoftheLordsRegentintheGreatPortofHavnor?Goldenallbutfloatedupthestairshimself,borneonsuchvisions.

Buthesaidnothingtotheboyandnothingtotheboy’smother.Hewasaconsciouslyclose-mouthedman,distrustfulofvisionsuntiltheycouldbemadeacts;andshe,thoughadutiful,lovingwifeandmotherandhousekeeper,alreadymadetoomuchofDiamond’stalentsandaccomplishments.Also,likeallwomen,shewasinclinedtobabbleandgossip,andindiscriminateinherfriendships.ThegirlRosehungaboutwithDiamondbecauseTulyencouragedRose’smotherthewitchtovisit,consultinghereverytimeDiamondhadahangnail,andtellinghermorethansheoranyoneoughttoknowaboutGolden’shousehold.Hisbusinesswasnoneofthewitch’sbusiness.Ontheotherhand,Tanglemightbeabletotellhimifhissoninfactshowedpromise,hadatalentformagery…butheflinchedawayfromthethoughtofaskingher,askingawitch’sopiniononanything,leastofallajudgmentonhisson.

Heresolvedtowaitandwatch.Beingapatientmanwithastrongwill,hedidsoforfouryears,tillDiamondwassixteen.Abig,well-grownyouth,goodatgamesandlessons,hewas‘stillruddy-facedandbright-eyedandcheerful.Hehadtakenithardwhenhisvoicechanged,thesweettreblegoingalluntunedandhoarse.Goldenhadhopedthatthatwastheendofhissinging,buttheboy

wentonwanderingaboutwithitinerantmusicians,ballad-singersandsuch,learningalltheirtrash.Thatwasnolifeforamerchant’ssonwhowastoinheritandmanagehisfather’spropertiesandmillsandbusiness,andGoldentoldhimso.“Singingtimeisover,son,”hesaid.“Youmustthinkaboutbeingaman.”

DiamondhadbeengivenhistruenameatthespringsoftheAmiainthehillsaboveGlade.ThewizardHemlock,whohadknownhisgreat-uncletheMage,cameupfromSouthPorttonamehim.AndHemlockwasinvitedtohisnamedaypartytheyearafter,abigparty,beerandfoodforall,andnewclothes,ashirtorskirtorshiftforeverychild,whichwasanoldcustomintheWestofHavnor,anddancingonthevillagegreeninthewarmautumnevening.Diamondhadmanyfriends,alltheboyshisageintownandallthegirlstoo.Theyoungpeopledanced,andsomeofthemhadabittoomuchbeer,butnobodymisbehavedverybadly,anditwasamerryandmemorablenight.ThenextmorningGoldentoldhissonagainthathemustthinkaboutbeingaman.

“Ihavethoughtsomeaboutit,”saidtheboy,inhishuskyvoice.

“And?”

“Well,I,”saidDiamond,andstuck.

“I’dalwayscountedonyourgoingintothefamilybusiness,”Goldensaid.Histonewasneutral,andDiamondsaidnothing.“Haveyouhadanyideasofwhatyouwanttodo?”

“Sometimes.”

“DidyoutalkatalltoMasterHemlock?”

Diamondhesitatedandsaid,“No.”Helookedaquestionathisfather.

“Italkedtohimlastnight,”Goldensaid.“Hesaidtomethattherearecertainnaturalgiftswhichit’snotonlydifficultbutactuallywrong,harmful,tosuppress.”

ThelighthadcomebackintoDiamond’sdarkeyes.

“TheMastersaidthatsuchgiftsorcapacities,untrained,arenotonlywasted,butmaybedangerous.Theartmustbelearned,andpracticed,hesaid.”

Diamond’sfaceshone.

“But,hesaid,itmustbelearnedandpracticedforitsownsake.”

Diamondnoddedeagerly.

“Ifit’sarealgift,anunusualcapacity,that’sevenmoretrue.Awitchwithher

lovepotionscan’tdomuchharm,butevenavillagesorcerer,hesaid,musttakecare,foriftheartisusedforbaseends,itbecomesweakandnoxious….Ofcourse,evenasorcerergetspaid.Andwizards,asyouknow,livewithlords,andhavewhattheywish.”

Diamondwaslisteningintently,frowningalittle.

“So,tobebluntaboutit,ifyouhavethisgift,Diamond,it’sofnouse,directly,toourbusiness.Ithastobecultivatedonitsownterms,andkeptundercontrol—learnedandmastered.Onlythen,hesaid,canyourteachersbegintotellyouwhattodowithit,whatgooditwilldoyou.Orothers,”headdedconscientiously.

Therewasalongpause.

“Itoldhim,”Goldensaid,“thatIhadseenyou,withaturnofyourhandandasingleword,changeawoodencarvingofabirdintoabirdthatflewupandsang.Preseenyoumakealightglowinthinair.Youdidn’tknowIwaswatching.I’vewatchedandsaidnothingforalongtime.Ididn’twanttomaketoomuchofmerechildishplay.ButIbelieveyouhaveagift,perhapsagreatgift.WhenItoldMasterHemlockwhatI’dseenyoudo,heagreedwithme.HesaidthatyoumaygostudywithhiminSouthPortforayear,orperhapslonger.”

“StudywithMasterHemlock?”saidDiamond,hisvoiceuphalfanoctave.

“Ifyouwish.”

“I,I,Ineverthoughtaboutit.CanIthinkaboutit?Forawhile—aday?”

“Ofcourse,”Goldensaid,pleasedwithhisson’scaution.HehadthoughtDiamondmightleapattheoffer,whichwouldhavebeennatural,perhaps,butpainfultothefather,theowlwhohad—perhaps—hatchedoutaneagle.

ForGoldenlookedontheArtMagicwithgenuinehumilityassomethingquitebeyondhim—notameretoy,suchasmusicortale-telling,butapracticalbusiness,whichhisbusinesscouldneverquiteequal.Andhewas,thoughhewouldn’thaveputitthatway,afraidofwizards.Abitcontemptuousofsorcerers,withtheirsleightsandillusionsandgibble-gabble,butafraidofwizards.

“DoesMotherknow?”Diamondasked.

“Shewillwhenthetimecomes.Butshehasnoparttoplayinyourdecision,Diamond.Womenknownothingofthesemattersandhavenothingtodowiththem.

Youmustmakeyourchoicealone,asaman.Doyouunderstandthat?”Goldenwasearnest,seeinghischancetobegintoweantheladfromhis

mother.Sheasawomanwouldcling,butheasamanmustlearntoletgo.AndDiamondnoddedsturdilyenoughtosatisfyhisfather,thoughhehadathoughtfullook.

“MasterHemlocksaidI,saidhethoughtIhad,Imighthavea,agift,atalentfor—?”

Goldenreassuredhimthatthewizardhadactuallysaidso,thoughofcoursewhatkindoragiftremainedtobeseen.Theboy’smodestywasagreatrelieftohim.

Hehadhalf-consciouslydreadedthatDiamondwouldtriumphoverhim,assertinghispowerrightaway—thatmysterious,dangerous,incalculablepoweragainstwhichGolden’swealthandmasteryanddignityshranktoimpotence.

“Thankyou,Father,”theboysaid.Goldenembracedhimandleft,wellpleasedwithhim.

THEIRMEETINGPLACEwasinthesallows,thewillowthicketsdownbytheAmiaasitranbelowthesmithy.AssoonasRosegotthere,Diamondsaid,“HewantsmetogostudywithMasterHemlock!WhatamIgoingtodo?”

“Studywiththewizard?”

“HethinksIhavethishugegreattalent.Formagic.”

“Whodoes?”

“Fatherdoes.Hesawsomeofthestuffwewerepracticing.ButhesaysHemlocksaysIshouldcomestudywithhimbecauseitmightbedangerousnotto.Oh,”andDiamondbeathisheadwithhishands.

“Butyoudohaveatalent.”

Hegroanedandscouredhisscalpwithhisknuckles.Hewassittingonthedirtintheiroldplay-place,akindofbowerdeepinthewillows,wheretheycouldhearthestreamrunningoverthestonesnearbyandtheclang-clangofthesmithyfurtheroff.Thegirlsatdownfacinghim.

“Lookatallthestuffyoucando,”shesaid.“Youcouldn’tdoanyofitifyoudidn’thaveagift.”

“Alittlegift,”Diamondsaidindistinctly.“Enoughfortricks.”

“Howdoyouknowthat?”

Rosewasverydark-skinned,withacloudofcrinkledhair,athinmouth,anintent,seriousface.Herfeetandlegsandhandswerebareanddirty,herskirt

andjacketdisreputable.Herdirtytoesandfingersweredelicateandelegant,andanecklaceofamethystsgleamedunderthetorn,buttonlessjacket.Hermother,Tangle,madeagoodlivingbycuringandhealing,bone-knittingandbirth-easing,andsellingspellsoffinding,love-potions,andsleeping-drafts.Shecouldaffordtodressherselfandherdaughterinnewclothes,buyshoes,andkeepclean,butitdidn’toccurtohertodoso.Norwashousekeepingoneofherinterests.SheandRoselivedmostlyonboiledchickenandfriedeggs,asshewasoftenpaidinpoultry.Theyardoftheirtwo-roomhousewasawildernessofcatsandhens.Shelikedcats,toads,andjewels.TheamethystnecklacehadbeenpaymentforthesafedeliveryofasontoGolden’sheadforester.Tangleherselfworearmfulsofbraceletsandbanglesthatflashedandcrashedwhensheflickedoutanimpatientspell.Attimessheworeakittenonhershoulder.Shewasnotanattentivemother.Rosehaddemanded,atsevenyearsold,“Whydidyouhavemeifyoudidn’twantme?”

“Howcanyoudeliverbabiesproperlyifyouhaven’thadone?”saidhermother.

“SoIwaspractice,”Rosesnarled.

“Everythingispractice,”Tanglesaid.Shewasneverill-natured.Sheseldomthoughttodoanythingmuchforherdaughter,butneverhurther,neverscoldedher,andgaveherwhateversheaskedfor,dinner,atoadofherown,theamethystnecklace,lessonsinwitchcraft.ShewouldhaveprovidednewclothesifRosehadaskedforthem,butsheneverdid.Rosehadlookedafterherselffromanearlyage;andthiswasoneofthereasonsDiamondlovedher.Withher,heknewwhatfreedomwas.Withouther,hecouldattainitonlywhenhewashearingandsingingandplayingmusic.

“Idohaveagift,”hesaidnow,rubbinghistemplesandpullinghishair.

“Stopdestroyingyourhead,”Rosetoldhim.

“IknowTarrythinksIdo.”

“Ofcourseyoudo!WhatdoesitmatterwhatTarrythinks?Youalreadyplaytheharpaboutninetimesbetterthanheeverdid.”

ThiswasanotherofthereasonsDiamondlovedher.

“Arethereanywizardmusicians?”heasked,lookingup.

Shepondered.“Idon’tknow.”

“Idon’teither.MorredandElfarransangtoeachother,andhewasamage.Ithinkthere’saMasterChanteronRoke,thatteachesthelaysandthehistories.ButIneverheardofawizardbeingamusician.”

“Idon’tseewhyonecouldn’tbe.”Sheneversawwhysomethingcouldnot

be.

Anotherreasonhelovedher.

“Italwaysseemedtomethey’resortofalike,”hesaid,“magicandmusic.Spellsandtunes.Foronething,youhavetogetthemjustexactlyright.”

“Practice,”Rosesaid,rathersourly.“Iknow.”SheflickedapebbleatDiamond.Itturnedintoabutterflyinmidair.Heflickedabutterflybackather,andthetwoflittedandflickeredamomentbeforetheyfellbacktoearthaspebbles.DiamondandRosehadworkedoutseveralsuchvariationsontheoldstone-hoppingtrick.

“Yououghttogo,Di,”shesaid.“Justtofindout.”

“Iknow.”

“Whatifyougottobeawizard!Oh!Thinkofthestuffyoucouldteachme!Shapechanging—Wecouldbeanything.Horses!Bears!”

“Moles,”Diamondsaid.“Honestly,Ifeellikehidingunderground.IalwaysthoughtFatherwasgoingtomakemelearnallhiskindofstuff,afterIgotmyname.Butallthisyearhe’skeptsortofholdingoff.Iguesshehadthisinmindallalong.ButwhatifIgodownthereandI’mnotanybetteratbeingawizardthanIamatbookkeeping?Whycan’tIdowhatIknowIcando?”

“Well,whycan’tyoudoitall?Themagicandthemusic,anyhow?Youcanalwayshireabookkeeper.”

Whenshelaughed,herthinfacegotbright,herthinmouthgotwide,andhereyesdisappeared.

“Oh,Darkrose,”Diamondsaid,“Iloveyou.”

“Ofcourseyoudo.You’dbetter.I’llwitchyouifyoudon’t.”

Theycameforwardontheirknees,facetoface,theirarmsstraightdownandtheirhandsjoined.Theykissedeachotherallovertheirfaces.ToRose’slipsDiamond’sfacewassmoothandfullasaplum,withjustahintofpricklinessabovethelipandjawline,wherehehadtakentoshavingrecently.ToDiamond’slipsRose’sfacewassoftassilk,withjustahintofgrittinessononecheek,whichshehadrubbedwithadirtyhand.Theymovedalittleclosersothattheirbreastsandbelliestouched,thoughtheirhandsstayeddownbytheirsides.Theywentonkissing.

“Darkrose,”hebreathedinherear,hissecretnameforher.

Shesaidnothing,butbreathedverywarminhisear,andhemoaned.Hishandsclenchedhers.Hedrewbackalittle.Shedrewback.Theysatbackontheirankles.

“OhDi,”shesaid,“itwillbeawfulwhenyougo.”

“Iwon’tgo,”hesaid.“Anywhere.Ever.”

BUTOFCOURSEhewentdowntoHavnorSouthPort,inoneofhisfather’scartsdrivenbyoneofhisfather’scarters,alongwithMasterHemlock.Asarule,peopledowhatwizardsadvisethemtodo.Anditisnosmallhonortobeinvitedbyawizardtobehisstudentorapprentice.Hemlock,whohadwonhisstaffonRoke,wasusedtohavingboyscometohimbeggingtobetestedand,iftheyhadthegiftforit,taught.Hewasalittlecuriousaboutthisboywhosecheerfulgoodmannershidsomereluctanceorself-doubt.Itwasthefather’sidea,nottheboy’s,thathewasgifted.Thatwasunusual,thoughperhapsnotsounusualamongthewealthyasamongcommonfolk.Atanyratehecamewithaverygoodprenticingfeepaidbeforehandingoldandivory.IfhehadthemakingsofawizardHemlockwouldtrainhim,andifhehad,asHemlocksuspected,amerechildishflair,thenhe’dbesenthomewithwhatremainedofhisfee.Hemlockwasanhonest,upright,humorless,scholarlywizardwithlittleinterestinfeelingsorideas.Hisgiftwasfornames.“Theartbeginsandendsinnaming,”hesaid,whichindeedistrue,althoughtheremaybeagooddealbetweenthebeginningandtheend.

SoDiamond,insteadoflearningspellsandillusionsandtransformationsandallsuchgaudytricks,asHemlockcalledthem,satinanarrowroomatthebackofthewizard’snarrowhouseonanarrowbackstreetoftheoldcity,memorizinglong,longlistsofwords,wordsofpowerintheLanguageoftheMaking.Plantsandpartsofplantsandanimalsandpartsofanimalsandislandsandpartsofislands,partsofships,partsofthehumanbody.Thewordsnevermadesense,nevermadesentences,onlylists.Long,longlists.

Hismindwandered.“Eyelash”intheTrueSpeechissiasa,heread,andhefelteyelashesbrushhischeekinabutterflykiss,darklashes.Helookedupstartledanddidnotknowwhathadtouchedhim.Laterwhenhetriedtorepeattheword,hestooddumb.

“Memory,memory,”Hemlocksaid.“Talent’snogoodwithoutmemory!”Hewasnotharsh,buthewasunyielding.DiamondhadnoideawhatopinionHemlockhadofhim,andguessedittobeprettylow.Thewizardsometimeshadhimcomewithhimtohiswork,mostlylayingspellsofsafetyonshipsandhouses,purifyingwells,andsittingonthecouncilsofthecity,seldomspeakingbutalwayslistening.Anotherwizard,notRoke-trainedbutwiththehealer’sgift,lookedafterthesickanddyingofSouthPort.Hemlockwasgladtolethimdoso.Hisownpleasurewasinstudyingand,asfarasDiamondcouldsee,doingnomagicatall.“KeeptheEquilibrium,it’sallinthat,”

Hemlocksaid,and,“Knowledge,order,andcontrol.”ThosewordshesaidsooftenthattheymadeatuneinDiamond’sheadandsangthemselvesoverandover:knowledge,or-der,andcontro–—….

WhenDiamondputthelistsofnamestotuneshemadeup,helearnedthemmuchfaster;butthenthetunewouldcomeaspartofthename,andhewouldsingoutsoclearly—forhisvoicehadre-establisheditselfasastrong,darktenor—thatHemlockwinced.Hemlock’swasaverysilenthouse.

MostlythepupilwassupposedtobewiththeMaster,orstudyingthelistsofnamesintheroomwherethelorebooksandwordbookswere,orasleep.Hemlockwasasticklerforearlyabedandearlyafoot.ButnowandthenDiamondhadanhourortwofree.HealwayswentdowntothedocksandsatonapiersideorawaterstairandthoughtaboutDarkrose.AssoonashewasoutofthehouseandawayfromMasterHemlock,hebegantothinkaboutDarkrose,andwentonthinkingaboutherandverylittleelse.Itsurprisedhimalittle.Hethoughtheoughttobehomesick,tothinkabouthismother.Hedidthinkabouthismotherquiteoften,andoftenwashomesick,lyingonhiscotinhisbareandnarrowlittleroomafterascantysupperofcoldpea-porridge—forthiswizard,atleast,didnotliveinsuchluxuryasGoldenhadimagined.DiamondneverthoughtaboutDarkrose,nights.Hethoughtofhismother,orofsunnyroomsandhotfood,oratunewouldcomeintohisheadandhewouldpracticeitmentallyontheharpinhismind,andsodriftofftosleep.Darkrosewouldcometohismindonlywhenhewasdownatthedocks,staringoutatthewateroftheharbor,thepiers,thefishingboats,onlywhenhewasoutdoorsandawayfromHemlockandhishouse.

Sohecherishedhisfreehoursasiftheywereactualmeetingswithher.Hehadalwayslovedher,buthadnotunderstoodthathelovedherbeyondanyoneandanything.Whenhewaswithher,evenwhenhewasdownonthedocksthinkingofher,hewasalive.HeneverfeltentirelyaliveinMasterHemlock’shouseandpresence.Hefeltalittledead.Notdead,butalittledead.

Afewtimes,sittingonthewaterstairs,thedirtyharborwatersloshingatthenextstepdown,theyellsofgullsanddockworkerswreathingtheairwithathin,ungainlymusic,heshuthiseyesandsawhislovesoclear,soclose,thathereachedouthishandtotouchher.Ifhereachedouthishandinhismindonly,aswhenheplayedthementalharp,thenindeedhetouchedher.Hefeltherhandinhis,andhercheek,warm-cool,silken-gritty,layagainsthismouth.Inhismindhespoketoher,andinhismindsheanswered,hervoice,herhuskyvoicesayinghisname,“Diamond….”

ButashewentbackupthestreetsofSouthPorthelosther.Hesworetokeepherwithhim,tothinkofher,tothinkofherthatnight,butshefadedaway.By

thetimeheopenedthedoorofMasterHemlock’shousehewasrecitinglistsofnames,orwonderingwhatwouldbefordinner,forhewashungrymostofthetime.Nottillhecouldtakeanhourandrunbackdowntothedockscouldhethinkofher.

Sohecametofeelthatthosehoursweretruemeetingswithher,andhelivedforthem,withoutknowingwhathelivedforuntilhisfeetwereonthecobbles,andhiseyesontheharborandthefarlineofthesea.Thenherememberedwhatwasworthremembering.

Thewinterpassedby,andthecoldearlyspring,andwiththewarmlatespringcamealetterfromhismother,broughtbyacarter.DiamondreaditandtookittoMasterHemlock,saying,“MymotherwondersifImightspendamonthathomethissummer.”

“Probablynot,”thewizardsaid,andthen,appearingtonoticeDiamond,putdownhispenandsaid,“Youngman,Imustaskyouifyouwishtocontinuestudyingwithme.”

Diamondhadnoideawhattosay.Theideaofitsbeinguptohimhadnotoccurredtohim.“DoyouthinkIoughtto?”heaskedatlast.

“Probablynot,”thewizardsaid.

Diamondexpectedtofeelrelieved,released,butfoundhefeltrejected,ashamed.

“I’msorry,”hesaid,withenoughdignitythatHemlockglancedupathim.

“YoucouldgotoRoke,”thewizardsaid.

“ToRoke?”

Theboy’sdrop-jawedstareirritatedHemlock,thoughheknewitshouldn’t.Wizardsareusedtooverweeningconfidenceintheyoungoftheirkind.Theyexpectmodestytocomelater,ifatall.“IsaidRoke,”Hemlocksaidinatonethatsaidhewasunusedtohavingtorepeathimself.Andthen,becausethisboy,thissoft-headed,spoiled,moonyboyhadendearedhimselftoHemlockbyhisuncomplainingpatience,hetookpityonhimandsaid,“YoushouldeithergotoRokeorfindawizardtoteachyouwhatyouneed.OfcourseyouneedwhatIcanteachyou.Youneedthenames.Theartbeginsandendsinnaming.Butthat’snotyourgift.Youhaveapoormemoryforwords.Youmusttrainitdiligently.However,it’sclearthatyoudohavecapacities,andthattheyneedcultivationanddiscipline,whichanothermancangiveyoubetterthanIcan.”Sodoesmodestybreedmodesty,sometimes,eveninunlikelyplaces.“IfyouweretogotoRoke,I’dsendaletterwithyoudrawingyoutotheparticularattentionoftheMasterSummoner.”

“Ah,”saidDiamond,floored.TheSummoner’sartisperhapsthemostarcaneanddangerousofalltheartsofmagic.

“PerhapsIamwrong,”saidHemlockinhisdry,flatvoice.“YourgiftmaybeforPattern.Orperhapsit’sanordinarygiftforshapingandtransformation.I’mnotcertain.”

“Butyouare—Idoactually—“

“Ohyes.Youareuncommonlyslow,youngman,torecognizeyourowncapacities.”Itwasspokenharshly,andDiamondstiffenedupabit.

“Ithoughtmygiftwasformusic,”hesaid.

Hemlockdismissedthatwithaflickofhishand.“IamtalkingoftheTrueArt,”hesaid.“NowIwillbefrankwithyou.Iadviseyoutowriteyourparents—Ishallwritethemtoo—informingthemofyourdecisiontogototheSchoolonRoke,ifthatiswhatyoudecide;ortotheGreatPort,iftheMageRestivewilltakeyouon,asIthinkhewill,withmyrecommendation.ButIadviseagainstvisitinghome.Theentanglementoffamily,friends,andsoonispreciselywhatyouneedtobefreeof.Now,andhenceforth.”

“Dowizardshavenofamily?”

Hemlockwasgladtoseeabitoffireintheboy.“Theyareoneanother’sfamily,”hesaid.

“Andnofriends?”

“Theymaybefriends.DidIsayitwasaneasylife?”Apause.HemlocklookeddirectlyatDiamond.“Therewasagirl,”hesaid.

Diamondmethisgazeforamoment,lookeddown,andsaidnothing.

“Yourfathertoldme.Awitch’sdaughter,achildhoodplaymate.Hebelievedthatyouhadtaughtherspells.”

“Shetaughtme.”

Hemlocknodded.“Thatisquiteunderstandable,amongchildren.Andquiteimpossiblenow.Doyouunderstandthat?”“No,”Diamondsaid.

“Sitdown,”saidHemlock.AfteramomentDiamondtookthestiff,high-backedchairfacinghim.

“Icanprotectyouhere,andhavedoneso.OnRoke,ofcourse,you’llbeperfectlysafe.Theverywalls,there…Butifyougohome,youmustbewillingtoprotectyourself.It’sadifficultthingforayoungman,verydifficult—atestofawillthathasnotyetbeensteeled,amindthathasnotyetseenitstruegoal.Iverystronglyadvisethatyounottakethatrisk.Writeyour

parents,andgototheGreatPort,ortoRoke.Halfyouryear’sfee,whichI’llreturntoyou,willseetoyourfirstexpenses.”

Diamondsatuprightandstill.Hehadbeengettingsomeofhisfather’sheightandgirthlately,andlookedverymuchaman,thoughaveryyoungone.

“Whatdidyoumean,MasterHemlock,insayingthatyouhadprotectedmehere?”

“SimplyasIprotectmyself,”thewizardsaid;andafteramoment,testily,“Thebargain,boy.Thepowerwegiveforourpower.Thelesserstateofbeingweforego.Surelyyouknowthateverytruemanofpoweriscelibate.”

Therewasapause,andDiamondsaid,“Soyousawtoit…thatI…”

“Ofcourse.Itwasmyresponsibilityasyourteacher.”

Diamondnodded.Hesaid,“Thankyou.”Presentlyhestoodup.

“Excuseme,Master,”hesaid.“Ihavetothink.”

“Whereareyougoing?”

“Downtothewaterfront.”

“Betterstayhere.”

“Ican’tthink,here.”

Hemlockmighthaveknownthenwhathewasupagainst;buthavingtoldtheboyhewouldnotbehismasteranylonger,hecouldnotinconsciencecommandhim.“Youhaveatruegift,Essiri,”hesaid,usingthenamehehadgiventheboyinthespringsoftheAmia,awordthatintheOldSpeechmeansWillow.“Idon’tentirelyunderstandit.Ithinkyoudon’tunderstanditatall.Takecare!Tomisuseagift,ortorefusetouseit,maycausegreatloss,greatharm.”

Diamondnodded,suffering,contrite,unrebellious,unmovable.

“Goon,”thewizardsaid,andhewent.

Laterheknewheshouldneverhavelettheboyleavethehouse.HehadunderestimatedDiamond’swillpower,orthestrengthofthespellthegirlhadlaidonhim.Theirconversationwasinthemorning;Hemlockwentbacktotheancientcantriphewasannotating;itwasnottillsuppertimethathethoughtabouthispupil,andnotuntilhehadeatensupperalonethatheadmittedthatDiamondhadrunaway.

Hemlockwas10thtopracticeanyofthelesserartsofmagic.Hedidnotputoutafindingspell,asanysorcerermighthavedone.NordidhecalltoDiamondinanyway.Hewasangry;perhapshewashurt.Hehadthought

welloftheboy,andofferedtowritetheSummonerabouthim,andthenatthefirsttestofcharacterDiamondhadbroken.“Glass,”thewizardmuttered.Atleastthisweaknessprovedhewasnotdangerous.Sometalentswerebestnotlefttorunwild,buttherewasnoharminthisfellow,nomalice.Noambition.“Nospine,”saidHemlocktothesilenceofthehouse.“Lethimcrawlhometohismother.”

StillitrankledhimthatDiamondhadlethimdownflat,withoutawordofthanksorapology.Somuchforgoodmanners,hethought.

Assheblewoutthelampandgotintobed,thewitch’sdaughterheardanowlcalling,thelittle,liquidhu-hu-hu-huthatmadepeoplecallthemlaughingowls.Shehearditwithamournfulheart.Thathadbeentheirsignal,summernights,whentheysneakedouttomeetinthewillowgrovedownonthebanksoftheAmia,wheneverybodyelsewassleeping.Shewouldnotthinkofhimatnight.Backinthewintershehadsenttohimnightafternight.Shehadlearnedhermother’sspellofsending,andknewthatitwasatruespell.Shehadsenthimhertouch,hervoicesayinghisname,againandagain.Shehadmetawallofairandsilence.Shetouchednothing.Hewouldnothear.

Severaltimes,allofasudden,inthedaytime,therehadbeenamomentwhenshehadknownhimcloseinmindandcouldtouchhimifshereachedout.Butatnightsheknewonlyhisblankabsence,hisrefusalofher.Shehadstoppedtryingtoreachhim,monthsago,butherheartwasstillverysore.

“Hu-hu-hu,”saidtheowl,underherwindow,andthenitsaid,“Darkrose!”Startledfromhermisery,sheleapedoutofbedandopenedtheshutters.

“Comeonout,”whisperedDiamond,ashadowinthestarlight.

“Mother’snothome.Comein!”Shemethimatthedoor.

Theyheldeachothertight,hard,silentforalongtime.ToDiamonditwasasifheheldhisfuture,hisownlife,hiswholelife,inhisarms.

Atlastshemoved,andkissedhischeek,andwhispered,“Imissedyou,Imissedyou,Imissedyou.Howlongcanyoustay?”

“AslongasIlike.”

Shekepthishandandledhimin.Hewasalwaysalittlereluctanttoenterthewitch’shouse,apungent,disorderlyplacethickwiththemysteriesofwomenandwitchcraft,verydifferentfromhisowncleancomfortablehome,evenmoredifferentfromthecoldausterityofthewizard’shouse.Heshiveredlikeahorseashestoodthere,tootallfortheherb-festoonedrafters.Hewasveryhighlystrung,andwornout,havingwalkedfortymilesinsixteenhourswithoutfood.

“Where’syourmother?”heaskedinawhisper.

“SittingwitholdFerny.Shediedthisafternoon,Motherwillbethereallnight.Buthowdidyougethere?”

“Walked.”

“Thewizardletyouvisithome?”

“Iranaway.”

“Ranaway!Why?”

“Tokeepyou.”

Helookedather,thatvivid,fierce,darkfaceinitsroughcloudofhair.Sheworeonlyhershift,andhesawtheinfinitelydelicate,tenderriseofherbreasts.Hedrewhertohimagain,butthoughshehuggedhimshedrewawayagain,frowning.

“Keepme?”sherepeated.“Youdidn’tseemtoworryaboutlosingmeallwinter.Whatmadeyoucomebacknow?”

“HewantedmetogotoRoke.”

“ToRoke?”Shestared.“ToRoke,Di?Thenyoureallydohavethegift—youcouldbeasorcerer?”

TofindheronHemlock’ssidewasablow.

“Sorcerersarenothingtohim.HemeansIcouldbeawizard.Domagery.Notjustwitchcraft.”

“OhIsee,”Rosesaidafteramoment.“ButIdon’tseewhyyouranaway.”

Theyhadletgoofeachother’shands.

“Don’tyouunderstand?”hesaid,exasperatedwithherfornotunderstanding,becausehehadnotunderstood.“Awizardcan’thaveanythingtodowithwomen.Withwitches.Withallthat.”

“Oh,Iknow.It’sbeneaththem.”

“It’snotjustbeneaththem—“

“Oh,butitis.I’llbetyouhadtounlearneveryspellItaughtyou.Didn’tyou?”

“Itisn’tthesamekindofthing.”

“No.Itisn’ttheHighArt.Itisn’ttheTrueSpeech.Awizardmustn’tsoilhislipswithcommonwords.“Weakaswomen’smagic,wickedaswomen’smagic,”youthinkIdon’tknowwhattheysay?So,whydidyoucomeback

here?”

“Toseeyou!”

“Whatfor?”

“Whatdoyouthink?”

“Youneversenttome,youneverletmesendtoyou,allthetimeyouweregone.Iwasjustsupposedtowaituntilyougottiredofplayingwizard.Well,Igottiredofwaiting.”Hervoicewasnearlyinaudible,aroughwhisper.

“Somebody’sbeencomingaround,”hesaid,incredulousthatshecouldturnagainsthim.“Who’sbeenafteryou?”

“Noneofyourbusinessifthereis!Yougooff,youturnyourbackonme.Wizardscan’thaveanythingtodowithwhatIdo,whatmymotherdoes.Well,Idon’twantanythingtodowithwhatyoudo,either,ever.Sogo!”

Starvinghungry,frustrated,misunderstood,Diamondreachedouttoholdheragain,tomakeherbodyunderstandhisbody,repeatingthatfirst,deepembracethathadheldalltheyearsoftheirlivesinit.Hefoundhimselfstandingtwofeetback,hishandsstingingandhisearsringingandhiseyesdazzled.ThclightningwasinRose’seyes,andherhandssparkedassheclenchedthem.“Neverdothatagain,”shewhispered.

“Neverfear,”Diamondsaid,turnedonhisheel,andstrodeout.Astringofdriedsagecaughtonhisheadandtrailedafterhim.

HESPENTTHENIGHTintheiroldplaceinthesallows.Maybehehopedshewouldcome,butshedidnotcome,andhesoonsleptinsheerweariness.Hewokeinthefirst,coldlight.Hesatupandthought.Helookedatlifeinthatcoldlight.Itwasadifferentmatterfromwhathehadbelievedit.Hewentdowntothestreaminwhichhehadbeennamed.Hedrank,washedhishandsandface,madehimselflookasdecentashecould,andwentupthroughthetowntothefinehouseatthehighend,hisfather’shouse.

Afterthefirstoutcriesandembraces,theservantsandhismothersathimrightdowntobreakfast.Soitwaswithwarmfoodinhisbellyandacertainchillcourageinhisheartthathefacedhisfather,whohadbeenoutbeforebreakfastseeingoffastringoftimber-cartstotheGreatPort.

“Well,son!”Theytouchedcheeks.“SoMasterHemlockgaveyouavacation?”

“No,sir.Ileft.”

Goldenstared,thenfilledhisplateandsatdown.“Left,”hesaid.

“Yes,sir.IdecidedthatIdon’twanttobeawizard.”

“Hmf,”saidGolden,chewing.“Leftofyourownaccord?Entirely?WiththeMaster’spermission?”

“Ofmyownaccordentirely,withouthispermission.”

Goldenchewedveryslowly,hiseyesonthetable.Diamondhadseenhisfatherlooklikethiswhenaforesterreportedaninfestationinthechestnutgroves,andwhenhefoundamule-dealerhadcheatedhim.

“HewantedmetogototheCollegeonRoketostudywiththeMasterSummoner.Hewasgoingtosendmethere.Idecidednottogo.”

AfterawhileGoldenasked,stilllookingatthetable,“Why?”

“Itisn’tthelifeIwant.”

Anotherpause.Goldenglancedoverathiswife,whostoodbythewindowlisteninginsilence.Thenhelookedathisson.Slowlythemixtureofanger,disappointment,confusion,andrespectonhisfacegavewaytosomethingsimpler,alookofcomplicity,verynearlyawink.“Isee,”hesaid.“Andwhatdidyoudecideyouwant?”

Apause.“This,”Diamondsaid.Hisvoicewaslevel.Helookedneitherathisfathernorhismother.

“Hah!”saidGolden.“Well!IwillsayI’mgladofit,son.”Heateasmallporkpieinonemouthful.“Beingawizard,goingtoRoke,allthat,itneverseemedreal,notexactly.Andwithyouoffthere,Ididn’tknowwhatallthiswasfor,totellyouthetruth.Allmybusiness.Ifyou’rehere,itaddsup,yousee.Itaddsup.Well!Butlistenhere,didyoujustrunofffromthewizard?Didheknowyouweregoing?”

“No.I’llwritehim,”Diamondsaid,inhisnew,levelvoice.

“Hewon’tbeangry?Theysaywizardshaveshorttempers.Fullofpride.”

“He’sangry,”Diamondsaid,“buthewon’tdoanything.”

Soitproved.Indeed,toGolden’samazement,MasterHemlocksentbackascrupuloustwo-fifthsoftheprenticing-fee.Withthepacket,whichwasdeliveredbyoneofGolden’scarterswhohadtakenaloadofsparsdowntoSouthPort,wasanoteforDiamond.Itsaid,“Trueartrequiresasingleheart.”ThedirectionontheoutsidewastheHardicruneforwillow.ThenotewassignedwithHemlock’srune,whichhadtwomeanings:thehemlocktree,andsuffering.

Diamondsatinhisownsunnyroomupstairs,onhiscomfortablebed,hearinghismothersingingasshewentaboutthehouse.Heheldthewizard’sletterandrereadthemessageandthetworunesmanytimes.Thecoldandsluggish

mindthathadbeenborninhimthatmorningdowninthesallowsacceptedthelesson.Nomagic.Neveragain.Hehadnevergivenhishearttoit.Ithadbeenagametohim,agametoplaywithDarkrose.EventhenamesoftheTrueSpeechthathehadlearnedinthewizard’shouse,thoughheknewthebeautyandthepowerthatlayinthem,hecouldletgo,letslip,forget.Thatwasnothislanguage.

Hecouldspeakhislanguageonlywithher.Andhehadlosther,lethergo.Thedoublehearthasnotruespeech.Fromnowonhecouldtalkonlythelanguageofduty:thegettingandthespending,theoutlayandtheincome,theprofitandtheloss.

Andbeyondthat,nothing.Therehadbeenillusions,littlespells,pebblesthatturnedtobutterflies,woodenbirdsthatflewonlivingwingsforaminuteortwo.Therehadneverbeenachoice,really.Therewasonlyonewayforhimtogo.

GOLDENWASimmenselyhappyandquiteunconsciousofit.“Oldman’sgothisjewelback,”saidthecartertotheforester.“Sweetasnewbutter,heis.”Golden,unawareofbeingsweet,thoughtonlyhowsweetlifewas.HehadboughttheRechegrove,ataverystiffpricetobesure,butatleastoldLowboughofEasthillhadn’tgotit,andnowheandDiamondcoulddevelopitasitoughttobedeveloped.Inamongthechestnutstherewerealotofpines,whichcouldbefelledandsoldformastsandsparsandsmalllumber,andreplantedwithchestnutseedlings.ItwouldintimebeapurestandliketheBigGrove,theheartofhischestnutkingdom.Intime,ofcourse.Oakandchestnutdon’tshootupovernightlikealderandwillow.Buttherewastime.Therewastime,now.Theboywasbarelyseventeen,andhehimselfjustforty-five.Inhisprime.Hehadbeenfeelingold,butthatwasnonsense.Hewasinhisprime.Theoldesttrees,pastbearing,oughttocomeoutwiththepines.Somegoodwoodforfurniturecouldbesalvagedfromthem.

“Well,well,well,”hesaidtohiswife,frequently,“allrosyagain,eh?Gottheappleofyoureyebackhome,eh?Nomoremoping,eh?”

AndTulysmiledandstrokedhishand.

Onceinsteadofsmilingandagreeing,shesaid,“It’slovelytohavehimback,but”andGoldenstoppedhearing.Motherswereborntoworryabouttheirchildren,andwomenwerebornnevertobecontent.TherewasnoreasonwhyheshouldlistentothelitanyofanxietiesbywhichTulyhauledherselfthroughlife.Ofcourseshethoughtamerchant’slifewasn’tgoodenoughfortheboy.She’dhavethoughtbeingKinginHavnorwasn’tgoodenoughforhim.

“Whenhegetshimselfagirl,”Goldensaid,inanswertowhateveritwasshe

hadbeensaying,“he’llbeallsquaredaway.Livingwiththewizards,youknow,thewaytheyare,itsethimbackabit.Don’tworryaboutDiamond.He’llknowwhathewantswhenheseesit!”

“Ihopeso,”saidTuly.

“Atleasthe’snotseeingthewitch’sgirl,”saidGolden.“That’sdonewith.”Lateronitoccurredtohimthatneitherwashiswifeseeingthewitchanymore.Foryearsthey’dbeenthickasthieves,againstallhiswarnings,andnowTanglewasneveranywherenearthehouse.Women’sfriendshipsneverlasted.Heteasedheraboutit.Findingherstrewingpennyroyalandmiller’s-baneinthechestsandclothes-pressesagainstaninfestationofmoths,hesaid,“Seemslikeyou’dhaveyourfriendthewisewomanuptohex‘emaway.Oraren’tyoufriendsanymore?”

“No,”hiswifesaidinhersoft,levelvoice,“wearen’t.”

“Andagoodthingtoo!”Goldensaidroundly.“What’sbecomeofthatdaughterofhers,then?Wentoffwithajuggler,Iheard?”

“Amusician,”Tulysaid.“Lastsummer.”

“ANAMEDAYPARTY,”saidGolden.“Timeforabitofplay,abitofmusicanddancing,boy.Nineteenyearsold.Celebrateit!”

“I’llbegoingtoEasthillwithSul’smules.”

“No,no,no.Sulcanhandleit.Stayhomeandhaveyourparty.You’vebeenworkinghard.We’llhireaband.Who’sthebestinthecountry?Tarryandhislot?”

“Father,Idon’twantaparty,”Diamondsaidandstoodup,shiveringhismuscleslikeahorse.HewasbiggerthanGoldennow,andwhenhemovedabruptlyitwasstartling.“I’llgotoEasthill,”hesaid,andlefttheroom.

“What’sthatallabout?”Goldensaidtohiswife,arhetoricalquestion.Shelookedathimandsaidnothing,anon-rhetoricalanswer.

AfterGoldenhadgoneout,shefoundhersoninthecounting-roomgoingthroughledgers.Shelookedatthepages.Long,longlistsofnamesandnumbers,debtsandcredits,profitsandlosses.

“Di,”shesaid,andhelookedup.Hisfacewasstillroundandabitpeachy,thoughtheboneswereheavierandtheeyesweremelancholy.

“Ididn’tmeantohurtFather’sfeelings,”hesaid.

“Ifhewantsaparty,he’llhaveit,”shesaid.Theirvoiceswerealike,beinginthehigherregisterbutdark-toned,andheldtoanevenquietness,contained,restrained.Sheperchedonastoolbesidehisatthehighdesk.

“Ican’t,”hesaid,andstopped,andwenton,“Ireallydon’twanttohaveanydancing.”

“He’smatchmaking,”Tulysaid,dry,fond.

“Idon’tcareaboutthat.”

“Iknowyoudon’t.”

“Theproblemis…”

“Theproblemisthemusic,”hismothersaidatlast.

Henodded.

“Myson,thereisnoreason,”shesaid,suddenlypassionate,“thereisnoreasonwhyyoushouldgiveupeverythingyoulove!”

Hetookherhandandkisseditastheysatsidebyside.

“Thingsdon’tmix,”hesaid.“Theyoughtto,buttheydon’t.Ifoundthatout.WhenIleftthewizard,IthoughtIcouldbeeverything.Youknow—domagic,playmusic,beFather’sson,loveRose….Itdoesn’tworkthatway.Thingsdon’tmix.”

“Theydo,theydo,”Tulysaid.“Everythingishookedtogether,tangledup!”

“Maybethingsare,forwomen.ButI…Ican’tbedouble-hearted.”

“Double-hearted?You?Yougaveupwizardrybecauseyouknewthatifyoudidn’t,you’dbetrayit.”

Hetookthewordwithavisibleshock,butdidnotdenyit.

“Butwhydidyougiveupmusic?”

“Ihavetohaveasingleheart.Ican’tplaytheharpwhileI’mbargainingwithamule-breeder.Ican’tsingballadswhileI’mfiguringwhatwehavetopaythepickerstokeep‘emfromhiringouttoLowbough!”Hisvoiceshookalittlenow,avibrato,andhiseyeswerenotsad,butangry.

“Soyouputaspellonyourself,”shesaid,“justasthatwizardputoneonyou.Aspelltokeepyousafe.Tokeepyouwiththemule-breeders,andthenut-pickers,andthese.”Shestrucktheledgerfulloflistsofnamesandfigures,aflicking,dismissivetap.“Aspellofsilence,”shesaid.

Afteralongtimetheyoungmansaid,“WhatelsecanIdo?”

“Idon’tknow,mydear.Idowantyoutobesafe.Idolovetoseeyourfatherhappyandproudofyou.ButIcan’tbeartoseeyouunhappy,withoutpride!Idon’tknow.Maybeyou’reright.Maybeforamanit’sonlyonethingever.ButImisshearingyousing.”

Shewasintears.Theyhugged,andshestrokedhisthick,shininghairandapologizedforbeingcruel,andhehuggedheragainandsaidshewasthekindestmotherintheworld,andsoshewentoff.Butassheleftsheturnedbackamomentandsaid,“Lethimhavetheparty,Di.Letyourselfhaveit.”

“Iwill,”hesaid,tocomforther.

GOLDENorderedthebeerandfoodandfireworks,butDiamondsawtohiringthemusicians.

“OfcourseI’llbringmyband,”Tarrysaid,“fatchanceI’dmissit!You’llhaveeverytootlerinthewestoftheworldhereforoneofyourdad’sparties.”

“Youcantell‘emyou’rethebandthat’sgettingpaid.”

“Oh,they’llcomefortheglory,”saidtheharper,alean,long-jawed,wall-eyedfellowofforty.“Maybeyou’llhaveagowithusyourself,then?Youhadahandforit,beforeyoutooktomakingmoney.Andthevoicenotbad,ifyou’dworkedonit.”

“Idoubtit,”Diamondsaid.

“Thatgirlyouliked,witch’sRose,she’stuningaboutwithLabby,Ihear.Nodoubtthey’llcomeby.”

“I’llseeyouthen,”saidDiamond,lookingbigandhandsomeandindifferent,andwalkedoff.

“Toohighandmightythesedaystostopandtalk,”saidTarry,“thoughItaughthimallheknowsofharping.Butwhat’sthattoarichman?”

TARRY’SMALICEhadlefthisnervesraw,andthethoughtofthepartyweighedonhimtillhelosthisappetite.Hethoughthopefullyforawhilethathewassickandcouldmisstheparty.Butthedaycame,andhewasthere.Notsoevidently,soeminently,soflamboyantlythereashisfather,butpresent,smiling,dancing.Allhischildhoodfriendsweretheretoo,halfofthemmarriedbynowtotheotherhalf,itseemed,buttherewasstillplentyofflirtinggoingon,andseveralprettygirlswerealwaysnearhim.HedrankagooddealofGadgeBrewer’sexcellentbeer,andfoundhecouldendurethemusicifhewasdancingtoitandtalkingandlaughingwhilehedanced.Sohedancedwithalltheprettygirlsinturn,andthenagainwithwhicheveroneturnedupagain,whichallofthemdid.

ItwasGolden’sgrandestpartyyet,withadancingfloorbuiltonthetowngreendownthewayfromGolden’shouse,andatentfortheoldfolkstoeatanddrinkandgossipin,andnewclothesforthechildren,andjugglersandpuppeteers,someofthemhiredandsomeofthemcomingbytopickupwhatevertheycouldinthewayofcoppersandfreebeer.Anyfestivitydrew

itinerantentertainersandmusiciansitwastheirliving,andthoughuninvitedtheywerewelcomed.Atale-singerwithadroningvoiceandadroningbagpipewassingingTheDeedoftheDragonlordtoagroupofpeopleunderthebigoakonthehilltop.WhenTarry’sbandofharp,fife,viol,anddrumtooktimeoffforabreatherandaswig,anewgrouphoppedupontothedancefloor.“Hey,there’sLabby’sband!”criedtheprettygirlnearestDiamond.“Comeon,they’rethebest!”

Labby,alight-skinned,flashy-lookingfellow,playedthedouble-reedwoodhorn.

Withhimwereaviolist,atabor-player,andRose,whoplayedfife.Theirfirsttunewasastampy,fastandbrilliant,toofastforsomeofthedancers.Diamondandhispartnerstayedin,andpeoplecheeredandclappedthemwhentheyfinishedthedance,sweatingandpanting.“Beer!”Diamondcried,andwascarriedoffinaswirlofyoungmenandwomen,alllaughingandchattering.

Heheardbehindhimthenexttunestartup,theviolalone,strongandsadasatenorvoice:“WhereMyLoveIsGoing.”

Hedrankamugofbeerdowninonedraft,andthegirlswithhimwatchedthemusclesinhisstrongthroatasheswallowed,andtheylaughedandchattered,andheshiveredalloverlikeacarthorsestungbyflies.Hesaid,“Oh!Ican’t—!”Heboltedoffintotheduskbeyondthelanternshangingaroundthebrewer’sbooth.“Where’shegoing?”saidone,andanother,“He’llbeback,”andtheylaughedandchattered.

Thetuneended.“Darkrose,”hesaid,behindherinthedark.Sheturnedherheadandlookedathim.Theirheadswereonalevel,shesittingcrossleggeduponthedanceplatform,hekneelingonthegrass.

“Cometothesallows,”hesaid.

Shesaidnothing.Labby,glancingather,sethiswoodhorntohislips.Thedrummerstruckatriplebeatonhistabor,andtheywereoffintoasailor’sjig.

WhenshelookedaroundagainDiamondwasgone.

Tarrycamebackwithhisbandinanhourorso,ungratefulfortherespiteandmuchtheworseforbeer.Heinterruptedthetuneandthedancing,tellingLabbyloudlytoclearout.

“Ah,pickyournose,harp-picker,”Labbysaid,andTarrytookoffense,andpeopletooksides,andwhilethedisputewasatitsbriefheight,Roseputherfifeinherpocketandslippedaway.

Awayfromthelanternsofthepartyitwasdark,butsheknewthewayinthe

dark.Hewasthere.Thewillowshadgrown,thesetwoyears.Therewasonlyalittlespacetositamongthegreenshootsandthelong,fallingleaves.

Themusicstartedup,distant,blurredbywindandthemurmuroftheriverrunning.

“Whatdidyouwant,Diamond?”

“Totalk.”

Theywereonlyvoicesandshadowstoeachother.

“So,”shesaid.

“Iwantedtoaskyoutogoawaywithme,”hesaid.

“When?”

“Then.Whenwequarreled.Isaiditallwrong.Ithought….”Alongpause.“IthoughtIcouldgoonrunningaway.Withyou.Andplaymusic.Makealiving.Together.Imeanttosaythat.”

“Youdidn’tsayit.”

“Iknow.Isaideverythingwrong.Idideverythingwrong.Ibetrayedeverything.Themagic.Andthemusic.Andyou.”

“I’mallright,”shesaid.

“Areyou?”

“I’mnotreallygoodonthefife,butI’mgoodenough.Whatyoudidn’tteachme,Icanfillinwithaspell,ifIhaveto.Andtheband,they’reallright.Labbyisn’tasbadashelooks.Nobodyfoolswithme.Wemakeaprettygoodliving.Winters,IgostaywithMotherandhelpherout.SoI’mallright.Whataboutyou,Di?”

“Allwrong.”

Shestartedtosaysomething,anddidnotsayit.

“Iguesswewerechildren,”hesaid.“Now….”

“What’schanged?”

“Imadethewrongchoice.”

“Once?”shesaid.“Ortwice?”

“Twice.”

“Thirdtime’sthecharm.”

Neitherspokeforawhile.Shecouldjustmakeoutthebulkofhiminthe

leafyshadows.“You’rebiggerthanyouwere,”shesaid.“Canyoustillmakealight,Di?Iwanttoseeyou.”

Heshookhishead.

“ThatwastheonethingyoucoulddothatInevercould.Andyounevercouldteachme.”

“Ididn’tknowwhatIwasdoing,”hesaid.“Sometimesitworked,sometimesitdidn’t.”

“AndthewizardinSouthPortdidn’tteachyouhowtomakeitwork?”

“Heonlytaughtmenames.”

“Whycan’tyoudoitnow?”

“Igaveitup,Darkrose.Ihadtoeitherdoitandnothingelse,ornotdoit.Youhavetohaveasingleheart.”

“Idon’tseewhy,”shesaid.“Mymothercancureafeverandeaseachildbirthandfindalostring,maybethat’snothingcomparedtowhatthewizardsandthedragonlordscando,butit’snotnothing,allthesame.Andshedidn’tgiveupanythingforit.Havingmedidn’tstopher.Shehadmesothatshecouldlearnhowtodoit!JustbecauseIlearnedhowtoplaymusicfromyou,didIhavetogiveupsayingspells?Icanbringafeverdownnowtoo.Whyshouldyouhavetostopdoingonethingsoyoucandotheother?”

“Myfather,”hebegan,andstopped,andgaveakindoflaugh.“Theydon’tgotogether,”hesaid.“Themoneyandthemusic.”

“Thefatherandthewitch-girl,”saidDarkrose.

Againtherewassilencebetweenthem.Theleavesofthewillowsstirred.

“Wouldyoucomebacktome?”hesaid.“Wouldyougowithme,livewithme,marryme,Darkrose?”

“Notinyourfather’shouse,Di.”

“Anywhere.Runaway.”

“Butyoucan’thavemewithoutthemusic.”

“Orthemusicwithoutyou.”

“Iwould,”shesaid.

“DoesLabbywantaharper?”

Shehesitated;shelaughed.“Ifhewantsafife-player,”shesaid.

“Ihaven’tpracticedeversinceIleft,Darkrose,”hesaid.“Butthemusicwas

alwaysinmyhead,andyou….”Shereachedoutherhandstohim.Theykneltfacing,thewillow-leavesmovingacrosstheirhair.Theykissedeachother,timidlyatfirst.

INTHEYEARSafterDiamondlefthome,Goldenmademoremoneythanhehadeverdonebefore.Allhisdealswereprofitable.Itwasasifgoodfortunestucktohimandhecouldnotshakeitoff.Hegrewimmenselywealthy.

Hedidnotforgivehisson.Itwouldhavemadeahappyending,buthewouldnothaveit.Toleaveso,withoutaword,onhisnamedaynight,togooffwiththewitch-girl,leavingallthehonestworkundone,tobeavagrantmusician,aharpertwangingandsingingandgrinningforpennies—therewasnothingbutshameandpainandangerinitforGolden.Sohehadhistragedy.

Tulyshareditwithhimforalongtime,sinceshecouldseehersononlybylyingtoherhusband,whichshefoundhardtodo.ShewepttothinkofDiamondhungry,sleepinghard.Coldnightsofautumnwereamiserytoher.ButastimewentonandsheheardhimspokenofasDiamondthesweetsingeroftheWestofHavnor,DiamondwhohadharpedandsungtothegreatlordsintheToweroftheSword,herheartgrewlighter.Andonce,whenGoldenwasdown‘atSouthPort,sheandTangletookadonkeycartanddroveovertoEasthill,wheretheyheardDiamondsingtheLayoftheLostQueen,whileRosesatwiththem,andLittleTulysatonTuly’sknee.Andifnotahappyending,thatwasatruejoy,whichmaybeenoughtoaskfor,afterall.

TheBonesoftheEarth

ITWASRAININGAGAIN,andthewizardofReAlbiwassorelytemptedtomakeaweatherspell,justalittle,smallspell,tosendtherainonroundthemountain.Hisbonesached.Theyachedforthesuntocomeoutandshinethroughhisfleshanddrythemout.Ofcoursehecouldsayapainspell,butallthatwoulddowashidetheacheforawhile.Therewasnocureforwhatailedhim.Oldbonesneedthesun.Thewizardstoodstillinthedoorwayofhishouse,betweenthedarkroomandtherain-streakedopenair,preventinghimselffrommakingaspell,andangryathimselfforpreventinghimselfandforhavingtobeprevented.

Heneverswore-menofpowerdonotswear,itisnotsafe-butheclearedhisthroatwithacoughinggrowl,likeabear.AmomentlaterathunderclaprolledoffthehiddenupperslopesofGontMountain,echoingroundfromnorthtosouth,dyingawayinthecloud-filledforests.

Agoodsign,thunder,Dulsethought.Itwouldstoprainingsoon.Hepulleduphishoodandwentoutintotheraintofeedthechickens.

Hecheckedthehenhouse,findingthreeeggs.RedBuccawassetting.Hereggswereaboutduetohatch.Themiteswerebotheringher,andshelookedscruffyandjaded.Hesaidafewwordsagainstmites,toldhimselftoremembertocleanoutthenestboxassoonasthechickshatched,andwentontothepoultryyard,whereBrownBuccaandGreyandLeggingsandCandorandtheKinghuddledundertheeavesmakingsoft,shrewishremarksaboutrain.

“It’llstopbymidday,”thewizardtoldthechickens.Hefedthemandsquelchedbacktothehousewiththreewarmeggs.Whenhewasachildhehadlikedtowalkinmud.Herememberedenjoyingthecoolofitrisingbetweenhistoes.Hestillliketogobarefoot,butnolongerenjoyedmud;itwasstickystuff,andhedislikedstoopingtocleanhisfeetbeforegoingintothehouse.Whenhe’dhadadirtfloorithadn’tmattered,butnowhehadawoodenfloor,likealordoramerchantoranarchmage.Tokeepthecoldanddampoutofhisbones.Nothisownnotion.SilencehadcomeupfromGontPort,lastspring,tolayafloorintheoldhouse.Theyhadhadoneoftheirargumentsaboutit.Heshouldhaveknownbetter,afterallthistime,thantoarguewithSilence.

“I’vewalkedondirtforseventy-fiveyears,”Dulsehadsaid.“Afewmorewon’tkillme!”

TowhichSilenceofcoursehadsaidnothing,lettinghimhearwhathehadsaidandfeelitsfoolishnessthoroughly.

“Dirt’seasiertokeepclean,”hesaid,knowingthestrugglealreadylost.Itwastruethatallyouhadtodowithagoodhard-packedclayfloorwassweepitandnowandthensprinkleittokeepthedustdown.Butitsoundedsillyallthesame.

“Who’stolaythisfloor?”hesaid,nowmerelyquerulous.

Silencenodded,meaninghimself.

Theboywasinfactaworkmanofthefirstorder,carpenter,cabinetmaker,stonelayer,roofer;hehadprovedthatwhenheliveduphereasDulse’sstudent,andhislifewiththerichfolkofGontPorthadnotsoftenedhishands.HebroughttheboardsfromSixth’smillinReAlbi,drivingGammer’sox-team;helaidthefloorandpolisheditthenextday,whiletheoldwizardwasupatBogLakegatheringsimples.WhenDulsecamehomethereitwas,shininglikeadarklakeitself.“HavetowashmyfeeteverytimeIcomein,”hegrumbled.Hewalkedingingerly.Thewoodwassosmoothitseemedsofttothebaresole.“Satin,”hesaid.“Youdidn’tdoallthatinonedaywithoutaspellortwo.Avillagehutwithapalacefloor.Well,it’llbeasight,comewinter,toseethefireshineinthat!OrdoIhavetogetmeacarpetnow?Afleecefell,onagoldenwarp?”

Silencesmiled.Hewaspleasedwithhimself.

HehadturneduponDulse’sdoorstepafewyearsago.Well,no,twentyyearsagoitmustbe,ortwenty-five.Awhileagonow.Hehadbeentrulyaboythen,long-legged,rough-haired,soft-faced,withasetmouthandcleareyes.“Whatdoyouwant?”thewizardhadasked,knowingwhathewanted,whattheyallwanted,andkeepinghiseyesfromthosecleareyes.Hewasagoodteacher,thebestonGont,heknewthat.Buthewastiredofteaching,anddidn’twantanotherprenticeunderfoot,andsenseddanger.

“Tolearn,”theboywhispered.

“GotoRoke,”thewizardsaid.Theboyworeshoesandagoodleathervest.Hecouldaffordorearnship’spassagetotheSchool.

“I’vebeenthere.”

AtthatDulselookedhimoveragain.Nocloak,nostaff.

“Failed?Sentaway?Ranaway?”

Theboyshookhisheadateachquestion.Heshuthiseyes;hismouthwasalreadyshut.Hestoodthere,intenselygathered,suffering:drewbreath:lookedstraightintothewizard’seyes.

“Mymasteryishere,onGont,”hesaid,stillspeakinghardlyaboveawhisper.“MymasterisHeleth”.

AtthatthewizardwhosetruenamewasHelethstoodasstillashedid,lookingbackathim,tilltheboy’sgazedropped.

InsilenceDulsesoughthisname,andsawtwothings:afir-cone,andtheruneoftheClosedMouth.Thenseekingfurtherheheardinhismindanamespoken;buthedidnotspeakit.

“I’mtiredofteachingandtalking,”hesaid.“Ineedsilence.Isthatenoughforyou?”

Theboynoddedonce.

“ThentomeyouareSilence,”thewizardsaid.“Youcansleepinthenookunderthewestwindow.There’sanoldpalletinthewoodhouse.Airit.Don’tbringmiceinwithit.”AndhestalkedofftowardstheOverfell,angrywiththeboyforcomingandwithhimselfforgivingin;butitwasnotangerthatmadehisheartpound.Stridingalong-hecouldstride,then-withtheseawindpushingathimalwaysfromtheleftandtheearlysunlightontheseaoutpastthevastshadowofthemountain,hethoughtoftheMagesofRoke,themastersoftheartmagic,theprofessorsofmysteryandpower.“Hewastoomuchfor‘em,washe?Andhe’llbetoomuchforme,”hethought,andsmiled.Hewasapeacefulman,buthedidnotmindabitofdanger.

Hestoppedandfeltthedirtunderhisfeet.Hewasbarefoot,asusual.WhenhewasastudentonRoke,hehadwornshoes.ButhehadcomebackhometoGont,toReAlbi,withhiswizard’sstaff,andkickedhisshoesoff.Hestoodstillandfeltthedustandrockofthecliff-toppathunderhisfeet,andthecliffsunderthat,andtherootsoftheislandinthedarkunderthat.Inthedarkunderthewatersallislandstouchedandwereone.SohisteacherArdhadsaid,andsohisteachersonRokehadsaid.Butthiswashisisland,hisrock,dust,dirt.Hiswizardrygrewoutofit.“Mymasteryishere,”theboyhadsaid,butitwentdeeperthanmastery.That,perhaps,wassomethingDulsecouldteachhim:whatwentdeeperthanmastery.Whathehadlearnedhere,onGont,beforeheeverwenttoRoke.

Andtheboymusthaveastaff.WhyhadNemmerlelethimleaveRokewithoutone,empty-handedasaprenticeorawitch?Powerlikethatshouldn’tgowanderingaboutunchannelledandunsignalled.

Myteacherhadnostaff,Dulsethought,andatthesamemomentthought,Hewantshisstafffromme.Gontishoak,fromthehandsofaGontishwizard.Well,ifheearnsitI’llmakehimone.Ifhecankeephismouthclosed.AndI’llleavehimmylore-books.Ifhecancleanoutahenhouse,andunderstand

theGlossesofDanemer,andkeephismouthclosed.

Thenewstudentcleanedoutthehenhouseandhoedthebean-patch,learnedthemeaningoftheGlossesofDanemerandtheArcanaoftheEnlades,andkepthismouthclosed.Helistened.HeheardwhatDulsesaid;sometimesheheardwhatDulsethought.HedidwhatDulsewantedandwhatDulsedidnotknowhewanted.HisgiftwasfarbeyondDulse’sguidance,yethehadbeenrighttocometoReAlbi,andtheybothknewit.

Dulsethoughtsometimesinthoseyearsaboutsonsandfathers.Hehadquarreledwithhisownfather,asorcerer-prospector,overhischoiceofateacher;hisfatherhadshoutedthatastudentofArd’swasnosonofhis,hadnursedhisrageanddiedunforgiving.

Dulsehadseenyoungmenweepforjoyatthebirthofafirstson.Hehadseenpoormenpaywitchesayear’searningsforthepromiseofahealthyboy,andarichmantouchhisgold-bedizenedbaby’sfaceandwhisper,adoring,“Myimmortality!”Hehadseenmenbeattheirsons,bullyandhumiliatethem,spiteandthwartthem,hatingthedeaththeysawinthem.Hehadseentheansweringhatredintheson’seyes,thethreat,thepitilesscontempt.Andseeingit,Dulseknewwhyhehadneversoughtreconciliationwithhisfather.

Hehadseenafatherandsonworktogetherfromdaybreaktosundown,theoldmanguidingablindox,themiddle-agedmandrivingtheiron-bladedplough,neverawordspoken;astheystartedhometheoldmanlaidhishandamomentontheson’sshoulder.

Hehadalwaysrememberedthat.Heremembereditnow,whenhelookedacrossthehearth,winterevenings,atthedarkfacebentabovealore-bookorashirtthatneededmending.Theeyescastdown,themouthclosed,thespiritlistening.

“Onceinhislifetime,ifhe’slucky,awizardfindssomebodyhecantalkto.”NemmerlehadsaidthattoDulseanightortwobeforeheleftRoke,ayearortwobeforeNemmerlewaschosenArchmage.HehadbeentheMasterPatternerandthekindestofallDulse’steachersattheSchool.“Ithink,ifyoustayed,Heleth,wecouldtalk.”

Dulsehadbeenunabletoansweratallforawhile.Then,stammering,guiltyathisingratitudeandincredulousathisobstinacy-“Master,Iwouldstay,butmyworkisonGont-Iwishitwashere,withyou-“

“It’sararegift,toknowwhereyouneedtobe,beforeyou’vebeentoalltheplacesyoudon’tneedtobe.Well,sendmeastudentnowandthen.RokeneedsGontishwizardry.Ithinkwe’releavingthingsout,here,thingsworthknowing….”

DulsehadsentstudentsontotheSchool,threeorfourofthem,niceladswithagiftforthisorthat;buttheoneNemmerlewaitedforhadcomeandgoneofhisownwill,andwhattheyhadthoughtofhimonRokeDulsedidnotknow.Silencedidnotsay.Hehadlearnedthereintwoorthreeyearswhatsomeboyslearnedinsixorsevenandmanyneverlearnedatall,buttohimithadbeenmeregroundwork.

“Whydidn’tyoucometomefirst?”Dulsehaddemanded.“AndthenRoke,toputapolishonit?”

“Ididn’twanttowasteyourtime.”

“DidNemmerleknowyouwerecomingtoworkwithme?”

Silenceshookhishead.

“Ifyou’ddeignedtotellhimyourintentions,hemighthavesentamessagetome.”

Silencelookedstricken.“Washeyourfriend?”

Dulsepaused.“Hewasmymaster.Wouldhavebeenmyfriend,perhaps,ifI’dstayedonRoke.Havewizardsfriends?Nomorethantheyhavewives,orsons,somewouldsay….Oncehesaidtomethatinourtradeit’saluckymanwhofindssomeonetotalkto.Keepthatinmind.Ifyou’relucky,onedayyou’llhavetoopenyourmouth.”

Silencebowedhisrough,thoughtfulhead.

“Ifithasn’trustedshut,”Dulseadded.

“Ifyouaskmeto,I’lltalk,”theyoungmansaid,soearnest,sowillingtodenyhiswholenatureatDulse’srequestthatthewizardhadtolaugh.

“Iaskedyounotto,”hesaid,“andit’snotmyneedIspokeof.Italkenoughfortwo.Nevermind.You’llknowwhattosaywhenthetimecomes.That’stheart,eh?Whattosay,andwhentosayit.Andtherestissilence.”

TheyoungmansleptonapalletunderthelittlewestwindowofDulse’shouseforthreeyears.Helearnedwizardry,fedthechickens,milkedthecow.Hesuggested,once,thatDulsekeepgoats.Hehadnotsaidanythingforaweekorso,acold,wetweekofautumn.Hesaid,“Youmightkeepsomegoats.”

Dulsehadthebiglore-bookopenonthetable.HehadbeentryingtoreweaveoneoftheAcastanSpells,muchbrokenandmadepowerlessbytheEmanationsofFundaurcenturiesago.Hehadjustbeguntogetasenseofthemissingwordthatmightfilloneofthegaps,healmosthadit,and-“Youmightkeepsomegoats,”Silencesaid.

Dulseconsideredhimselfawordy,impatientmanwithashorttemper.Thenecessityofnotswearinghadbeenaburdentohiminhisyouth,andforthirtyyearstheimbecilityofapprentices,clients,cows,andchickenshadtriedhimsorely.Apprenticesandclientswereafraidofhistongue,thoughcowsandchickenspaidnoattentiontohisoutbursts.HehadneverbeenangryatSilencebefore.Therewasaverylongpause.

“Whatfor?”

SilenceapparentlydidnotnoticethepauseortheextremesoftnessofDulse’svoice.“Milk,cheese,roastkid,company,”hesaid.

“Haveyoueverkeptgoats?”Dulseasked,inthesamesoft,politevoice.

Silenceshookhishead.

Hewasinfactatownboy,borninGontPort.Hehadsaidnothingabouthimself,butDulsehadaskedaroundabit.Thefather,alongshoreman,haddiedinthebigearthquake,whenSilencewouldhavebeensevenoreight;themotherwasacookatawaterfrontinn.Attwelvetheboyhadgotintosomekindoftrouble,probablymessingaboutwithmagic,andhismotherhadmanagedtoprenticehimtoElassen,arespectablesorcererinValmouth.Theretheboyhadpickeduphistruename,andsomeskillincarpentryandfarmwork,ifnotmuchelse;andElassenhadhadthegenerosity,afterthreeyears,topayhispassagetoRoke.ThatwasallDulseknewabouthim.

“Idislikegoatcheese,”Dulsesaid.

Silencenodded,acceptantasalways.

Fromtimetotimeintheyearssincethen,Dulserememberedhowhehadn’tlosthistemperwhenSilenceaskedaboutkeepinggoats;andeachtimethememorygavehimaquietsatisfaction,likethatoffinishingthelastbiteofaperfectlyripepear.

Afterspendingthenextseveraldaystryingtorecapturethemissingword,hehadsetSilencetostudyingtheAcastanSpells.Togethertheyhadfinallyworkeditout,alongtoil.“Likeploughingwithablindox,”Dulsesaid.

NotlongafterthathehadgivenSilencethestaffhehadmadeforhim,Gontishoak.

AndtheLordofGontPorthadtriedonceagaintogetDulsetocomedowntodowhatneededdoinginGontPort,andDulsehadsentSilencedowninstead,andtherehehadstayed.

AndDulsewasstandingonhisowndoorstep,threeeggsinhishandandtherainrunningcolddownhisback.

Howlonghadhebeenstandinghere?Whywashestandinghere?Hehadbeenthinkingaboutmud,aboutthefloor,aboutSilence.HadhebeenoutwalkingonthepathabovetheOverfell?No,thatwasyearsago,yearsago,inthesunlight.Itwasraining.Hehadfedthechickens,andcomebacktothehousewiththreeeggs,theywerestillwarminhishand,silkybrownlukewarmeggs,andthesoundofthunderwasstillinhismind,thevibrationofthunderwasinhisbones,inhisfeet.Thunder?

No.Therehadbeenathunderclap,awhileago.Thiswasnotthunder.Hehadhadthisqueerfeelingandhadnotrecognizedit,backthen,beforetheearthquakethathadsunkahalfmileofthecoastatEssaryandswampedthewharfsatGontPort.

Hesteppeddownfromthedoorstepontothedirtsothathecouldfeelthegroundwiththenervesofhissoles,butthemudslimedandfouledanymessagesthedirthadforhim.Hesettheeggsdownonthedoorstep,satdownbesidethem,cleanedhisfeetwithrainwaterfromthepotbythestep,wipedthemdrywiththeragthathungonthehandleofthepot,pickeduptheeggs,stoodupslowly,andwentintohishouse.

Hegaveasharplookathisstaff,whichleanedinthecornerbehindthedoor.Heputtheeggsinthelarder,ateanapplequicklybecausehewashungry,andtookhisstaff.Itwasyew,boundatthefootwithcopper,worntosilkatthegrip.Nemmerlehadgivenittohim.

“Stand!”hesaidtoitinitslanguage,andletgoofit.Itstoodasifhehaddrivenitintoasocket.

“Totheroot,”hesaidimpatiently,inthelanguageoftheMaking.“Totheroot!”

Hewatchedthestaffthatstoodontheshiningfloor.Inalittlewhilehesawitquiververyslightly,ashiver,atremble.

“Ah,ah,ah,”saidtheoldwizard.

“WhatshouldIdo?”hesaidaloudafterawhile.

Thestaffswayed,wasstill,shiveredagain.

“Enoughofthat,mydear,”Dulsesaid,layinghishandonit.“Comenow.NowonderIkeptthinkingaboutSilence.Ishouldsendforhim…sendtohim…No.WhatdidArdsay?Findthecenter,findthecenter.That’sthequestiontoask.That’swhattodo…”Ashemutteredontohimself,routingouthisheavycloak,settingwatertoboilonthesmallfirehehadlightedearlier,hewonderedifhehadalwaystalkedtohimself,ifhehadtalkedallthetimewhenSilencelivedwithhim.No,ithadbecomeahabitafterSilenceleft,he

thought,withthebitofhismindthatwentonthinkingtheordinarythoughtsoflife,whiletherestofitmadepreparationsforterroranddestruction.

Hehard-boiledthethreeneweggsandonealreadyinthelarderandputthemintoapouchalongwithfourapplesandabladderofresinatedwine,incasehehadtostayoutallnight.Heshruggedarthriticallyintohisheavycloak,tookuphisstaff,toldthefiretogoout,andleft.

Henolongerkeptacow.Hestoodlookingintothepoultryyard,considering.Thefoxhadbeenvisitingtheorchardlately.Butthebirdswouldhavetoforageifhestayedaway.Theymusttaketheirchances,likeeveryoneelse.Heopenedtheirgatealittle.Thoughtherainwasnomorethanamistydrizzlenow,theystayedhunchedupunderthehenhouseeaves,disconsolate.TheKinghadnotcrowedoncethismorning.

“Haveyouanythingtotellme?”Dulseaskedthem.

BrownBucca,hisfavorite,shookherselfandsaidhernameafewtimes.Theotherssaidnothing.

“Well,takecare.Isawthefoxonthefull-moonnight,”Dulsesaid,andwentonhisway.

Ashewalkedhethought;hethoughthard;herecalled.Herecalledallhecouldofmattershisteacherhadspokenofonceonlyandlongago.Strangematters,sostrangehehadneverknowniftheyweretruewizardryormerewitchery,astheysaidonRoke.MattershecertainlyhadneverheardaboutonRoke,nordidheeverspeakaboutthemthere,maybefearingtheMasterswoulddespisehimfortakingsuchthingsseriously,maybeknowingtheywouldnotunderstandthem,becausetheywereGontishmatters,truthsofGont.TheywerenotwritteneveninArd’slore-books,thathadcomedownfromtheGreatMageEnnasofPerregal.Theywereallwordofmouth.Theywerehometruths.

“IfyouneedtoreadtheMountain,”histeacherhadtoldhim,“gototheDarkPondatthetopofSemere’scowpasture.Youcanseethewaysfromthere.Youneedtofindthecenter.Seewheretogoin.”

“Goin?”theboyDulsehadwhispered.

“Whatcouldyoudofromoutside?”

Dulsewassilentforalongtime,andthensaid,“How?”

“Thus.”AndArd’slongarmshadstretchedoutandupwardintheinvocationofwhatDulsewouldknowlaterwasagreatspellofTransforming.Ardspokethewordsofthespellawry,asteachersofwizardrymustdolestthespelloperate.Dulseknewthetrickofhearingthemarightandrememberingthem.

Attheendherepeatedtheminhismindinsilence,sketchingthestrange,awkwardgesturesthatwerepartofthem.Allatoncehishandstopped.

“Butyoucan’tundothis!”hesaidaloud.

Ardnodded.“Itisirrevocable”.

Dulseknewnotransformationthatwasirrevocable,nospellthatcouldnotbeunsaid,excepttheWordofUnbinding,whichisspokenonlyonce.

“Butwhy-?”

“Atneed,”Ardsaid.

Dulseknewbetterthantoaskforexplanation.Theneedtospeaksuchaspellcouldnotcomeoften;thechanceofhiseverhavingtouseitwasveryslight.Helettheterriblespellsinkdowninhismindandbehiddenandlayeredoverwithathousandusefulorbeautifulorenlighteningmageriesandcharms,alltheloreandrulesofRoke,allthewisdomofthebooksArdhadbequeathedhim.Crude,monstrous,useless,itlayinthedarkofhismindforsixtyyears,likethecornerstoneofanearlier,forgottenhousedowninthecellarofamansionfulloflightsandtreasuresandchildren.

Therainhadceased,thoughmiststillhidthepeakandshredsofclouddriftedthroughthehighforests.DulsewasnotatirelesswalkerlikeSilence,whowouldhavespenthislifewanderingintheforestsofGontMountainifhecould;buthehadbeenborninReAlbiandknewtheroadsandwaysarounditaspartofhimself.HetooktheshortcutatRissi’swellandcameoutbeforemiddayonSemere’shighpasture,alevelsteponthemountainside.Amilebelowit,allsunlitnow,thefarmbuildingsstoodintheleeofahill,acrosswhichaflockofsheepmovedlikeacloud-shadow.GontPortanditsbaywerehiddenunderthesteep,knottedhillsthatstoodabovethecity.

DulsewanderedaboutabitbeforehefoundwhathetooktobetheDarkPond.Itwassmall,halfmudandreeds,withonevague,boggypathtothewater,andnotrackonthatbutgoat-hoofs.Thewaterwasdark,thoughitlayoutunderthebrightskyandfarabovethepeatsoils.Dulsefollowedthegoat-tracks,growlingwhenhisfootslippedinthemudandhewrenchedhisankletokeepfromfalling.Atthebrinkofthewaterhestoodstill.Hestoopedtorubhisankle.Helistened.

Itwasabsolutelysilent.

Nowind.Nobirdcall.Nodistantlowingorbleatingorcallofvoice.Asifalltheislandhadgonestill.Notaflybuzzed.

Helookedatthedarkwater.Itreflectednothing.

Reluctant,hesteppedforward,barefootandbare-legged;hehadrolleduphis

cloakintohispackanhouragowhenthesuncameout.Reedsbrushedhislegs.Themudwassoftandsuckingunderhisfeet,fulloftanglingreed-roots.Hemadenonoiseashemovedslowlyoutintothepool,andthecirclesofripplesfromhismovementwereslightandsmall.Itwasshallowforalongway.Thenhiscautiousfootfeltnobottom,andhepaused.

Thewatershivered.Hefeltitfirstonhisthighs,alappingliketheticklingtouchoffur;thenhesawit,thetremblingofthesurfacealloverthepond.Nottheroundrippleshemade,whichhadalreadydiedaway,butaruffling,aroughening,ashudder,again,andagain.

“Where?”hewhispered,andthensaidthewordaloudinthelanguageallthingsunderstandthathavenootherlanguage.

Therewasthesilence.Thenafishleaptfromtheblack,shakingwater,awhite-greyfishthelengthofhishand,andasitleaptitcriedoutinasmall,clearvoice,inthatsamelanguage,“Yaved!”

Theoldwizardstoodthere.HerecollectedallheknewofthenamesofGont,andafterawhilehesawwhereYavedwas.Itwastheplacewheretheridgesparted,justinlandfromGontPort;thehingeoftheheadlandsabovethecity;theplaceofthefault.Anearthquakecenteredtherecouldshakethecitydown,bringavalancheandtidalwave,closethecliffsofthebaytogetherlikehandsclapping.Dulseshivered,shudderedalloverlikethewaterofthepool.

Heturnedandmadefortheshore,hasty,carelesswherehesethisfeetandnotcaringifhebrokethesilencebysplashingandbreathinghard.Hesloggedbackupthepaththroughthereedstillhereacheddrygroundandcoarsegrass,andheardthebuzzofmidgesandcrickets.Hesatdownthenontheground,ratherhard,forhislegswereshaking.

“Itwon’tdo,”hesaid,talkingtohimselfinHardic,andthenhesaid,“Ican’tdoit.”Thenhesaid,“Ican’tdoitbymyself.”

HewassodistraughtthatwhenhemadeuphismindtocallSilencehecouldnotthinkoftheopeningofthespell,whichhehadknownforsixtyyears;thenwhenhethoughthehadit,hebegantospeakaSummoninginstead,andthespellhadbeguntoworkbeforeherealisedwhathewasdoingandstoppedandundiditwordbyword.

Hepulledupsomegrassandrubbedattheslimymudonhisfeetandlegs.Itwasnotdryyet,andonlysmearedaboutonhisskin.“Ihatemud,”hewhispered.Thenhesnappedhisjawsandstoppedtryingtocleanhislegs.“Dirt,dirt,”hesaid,gentlypattingthegroundhesaton.Then,veryslow,verycareful,hebegantospeakthespellofcalling.

InabusystreetleadingdowntothebusywharfsofGontPort,thewizard

Ogionstoppedshort.Theship’scaptainbesidehimwalkedonseveralstepsandturnedtoseeOgiontalkingtotheair.

“ButIwillcome,master!”hesaid.Andthenafterapause,“Howsoon?”Andafteralongerpause,hetoldtheairsomethinginalanguagetheship’scaptaindidnotunderstand,andmadeagesturethatdarkenedtheairabouthimforaninstant.

“Captain,”hesaid,“I’msorry,Imustwaittospellyoursails.Anearthquakeisnear.Imustwarnthecity.Doyoutellthemdownthere,everyshipthatcansailmakefortheopensea.Clearout,pasttheArmedCliffs!Goodlucktoyou.”Andheturnedandranbackupthestreet,atall,strongmanwithroughgreyinghair,runningnowlikeastag.

GontPortliesattheinnerendofalongnarrowbaybetweensteepshores.Itsentrancefromtheseaisbetweentwogreatheadlands,theGatesofthePort,theArmedCliffs,notahundredfeetapart.Theyaresafefromsea-piratesinGontPort.Buttheirsafetyistheirdanger;thelongbayfollowsafaultintheearth,andjawsthathaveopenedmayshut.

Whenhehaddonewhathecouldtowarnthecity,andseenallthegate-guardsandport-guardsdoingwhattheycouldtokeepthefewroadsoutfrombecomingchokedandmurderouswithpanickypeople,OgionshuthimselfintoaroominthesignaltowerofthePort,lockedthedoor,foreverybodywantedhimatonce,andsentasendingtotheDarkPondinSemere’scowpastureupontheMountain.

Hisoldmasterwassittinginthegrassnearthepond,eatinganapple.Bitsofeggshellfleckedthegroundnearhislegs,whichwerecakedwithdryingmud.WhenhelookedupandsawOgion’ssendinghesmiledawide,sweetsmile.Buthelookedold.Hehadneverlookedsoold.Ogionhadnotseenhimforoverayear,havingbeenbusy;hewasalwaysbusyinGontPort,doingthebusinessofthelordsandpeople,neverachancetowalkintheforestsonthemountainsideortocomesitwithHelethinthelittlehouseatReAlbiandlistenandbestill.Helethwasanoldman,neareightynow;andhewasfrightened.HesmiledwithjoytoseeOgion,buthewasfrightened.

“Ithinkwhatwehavetodo,”hesaidwithoutpreamble,“istrytoholdthefaultfromslippingmuch,youattheGatesandmeattheinnerend,intheMountain.Workingtogether,youknow.Wemightbeableto.Icanfeelitbuildingup,canyou?”

Ogionshookhishead.HelethissendingsitdowninthegrassnearHeleth,thoughitdidnotbendthestemsofthegrasswhereitsteppedorsat.“I’vedonenothingbutsetthecityinapanic,”hesaid.“Andsendtheshipsoutofthebay.Whatisityoufeel?Howdoyoufeelit?”

Theyweretechnicalquestions,magetomage.Helethhesitatedbeforeanswering.

“IlearnedaboutthisfromArd,”hesaid,andpausedagain.

HehadnevertoldOgionanythingabouthisfirstteacher,asorcererofnofame,eveninGont,andperhapsofillfame.TherewassomemysteryorshameconnectedwithArd.Thoughhewastalkative,forawizard,Helethwassilentasastoneaboutsomethings.Ogion,whorespectedsilence,hadneveraskedhimabouthisteacher.

“It’snotRokemagic,”theoldmansaid.Hisvoicewasdry,alittleforced.“NottodowiththeOldPowers,either.Nothingofthatsort.Nothingsticky.”

Thathadalwaysbeenhiswordforevildoings,spellsforgain,curses,blackmagic:“stickystuff.”

Afterawhile,searchingforwords,hewenton:“Dirt.Rocks.It’sadirtymagic.Old.Veryold.AsoldasGontIsland.”

“TheOldPowers?”Ogionmurmured.

Helethsaid.“I’mnotsure.”

“Willitcontroltheearthitself?”

“Moreamaterofgettinginwithit,Ithink.”Theoldmanwasburyingthecoreofhisappleandthelargerbitsofeggshellunderloosedirt,pattingitoverthemneatly.“OfcourseIknowthewords,butI’llhavetolearnwhattodoasIgo.That’sthetroublewiththebigspells,isn’tit?Youlearnwhatyou’redoingwhileyoudoit.Nochancetopractice.“Ah-there!Youfeelthat?”

Ogionshookhishead.

“Straining,”Helethsaid,hishandstillabsently,gentlypattingthedirtasonemightpatascaredcow.“Quitesoonnow,Ithink.CanyouholdtheGatesopen,mydear?”

“Tellmewhatyou’llbedoing-“

ButHelethwasshakinghishead:“No,”hesaid,“notime.Notyourkindofthing.”Hewasmoreandmoredistractedbywhateveritwashesensedintheearthorair,andthroughhimOgionfeltthatgathering,intolerabletension.

Theysatunspeaking.Thecrisispassed.Helethrelaxedalittleandevensmiled.“Veryoldstuff,”hesaid,“whatI’llbedoing.IwishnowI’dthoughtaboutitmore.Passeditontoyou.Butitseemedabitcrude.Heavy-handed…Shedidn’tsaywhereshe’dlearnedit.Here,ofcourse…Therearedifferentkindsofknowledge,afterall.”

“She?”

“Ard.Myteacher.”Helethlookedup,hisfaceunreadable,itsexpressionpossiblysly.“Youdidn’tknowthat?No,IsupposeInevermentionedit.Butitdoesn’tmakemuchdifference,afterall.Sincewenoneofushaveanysex,uswizards,dowe?Whatmattersiswhosehousewelivein.Itseemswemayhaveleftoutagooddealworthknowing.Thiskindofthing-There!Thereagain-“

Hissuddentensionandimmobility,thestrainedfaceandinwardlook,werelikethoseofawomaninlaborwhenherwombcontracts.ThatwasOgion’sthought,evenashesaid,“Whatdidyoumean,“intheMountain’?”

Thespasmpassed;Helethanswered,“Insideit.ThereatYaved.”Hepointedtotheknottedhillsbelowthem.“I’llgoin,trytokeepthingsfromslidingaround,eh?I’llfindoutwhenI’mdoingit,nodoubt.Ithinkyoushouldbegettingbacktoyourself.Thingsaretighteningup.”Hestoppedagain,lookingasifhewereinintensepain,hunchedandclenched.Hestruggledtostandup.Unthinking,Ogionheldouthishandtohelphim.

“Nouse,”saidtheoldwizard,grinning,“you’reonlywindandsunlight.NowI’mgoingtobedirtandstone.You’dbestgoon.Farewell,Aihal.Keepthe-keepthemouthopen,foronce,eh?”

Ogion,obedient,bringinghimselfbacktohimselfinthestuffy,tapestriedroominGontPort,didnotunderstandtheoldman’sjokeuntilheturnedtothewindowandsawtheArmedCliffsdownattheendofthelongbay,thejawsreadytosnapshut.“Iwill,”hesaid,andsettoit.

“WhatIhavetodo,yousee,”theoldwizardsaid,stilltalkingtoSilencebecauseitwasacomforttotalktohimevenifhewasnolongerthere,“isgetintothemountain,rightinside;butnotthewayasorcerer-prospectordoes;notjustslippingaboutbetweenthingsandlookingandtasting.Deeper.Allthewayin.Nottheveins,butthebones.So,”andstandingtherealoneinthehighpasture,inthenoonlight,Helethopenedhisarmswideinthegestureofinvocationthatopensallthegreaterspells;andhespoke.

NothinghappenedashesaidthewordsArdhadtaughthim,hisoldwitch-teacherwithherbittermouthandherlong,leanarms,thewordsspokenawrythen,spokentrulynow.

Nothinghappened,andhehadtimetoregretthesunlightandtheseawind,andtodoubtthespell,andtodoubthimself,beforetheearthroseuparoundhim,dry,warm,anddark.

Inthereheknewheshouldhurry,thatthebonesoftheearthachedtomove,andthathemustbecomethemtoguidethem,buthecouldnothurry.There

wasonhimthebewildermentofanytransformation.Hehadinhisdaybeenfox,andbull,anddragonfly,andknewwhatitwastochangebeing.Butthiswasdifferent,thisslowenlargement.Iamvastening,hethought.

HereachedouttowardsYaved,towardstheache,thesuffering.Ashecameclosertoithefeltagreatstrengthflowintohimfromthewest,asifSilencehadtakenhimbythehandafterall.Throughthatlinkhecouldsendhisownstrength,theMountain’sstrength,tohelp.Ididn’ttellhimIwasn’tcomingback,hethought,hislastwordsinHardic,hislastgrief,forhewasinthebonesofthemountainnow.Heknewthearteriesoffire,andthebeatofthegreatheart.Heknewwhattodo.Itwasinnotongueofmanthathesaid,“Bequiet,beeasy.Therenow,there.Holdfast.So,there.Wecanbeeasy.”

Andhewaseasy,hewasstill,heheldfast,rockinrockandearthinearthinthefierydarkofthemountain.

ItwastheirmageOgionwhomthepeoplesawstandaloneontheroofofthesignaltoweronthewharf,whenthestreetsranupanddowninwaves,thecobblesburstingoutofthem,andwallsofclaybrickpuffedintodust,andtheArmedCliffsleanedtogether,groaning.ItwasOgiontheysaw,hishandsheldoutbeforehim,straining,parting:andthecliffspartedwiththem,andstoodstraight,unmoved.Thecityshudderedandstoodstill.ItwasOgionwhostoppedtheearthquake.Theysawit,theysaidit.

Myteacherwaswithme,andhisteacherwithhim,”Ogionsaidwhentheypraisedhim.“IcouldholdtheGateopenbecauseheheldtheMountainstill.”Theypraisedhismodestyanddidnotlistentohim.Listeningisararegift,andmenwillhavetheirheroes.

Whenthecitywasinorderagain,andtheshipshadallcomeback,andthewallswerebeingrebuilt,OgionescapedfrompraiseandwentupintothehillsaboveGontPort.HefoundthequeerlittlevalleycalledTrimmer’sDell,thetruenameofwhichinthelanguageoftheMakingwasYaved,asOgion’struenamewasAihal.Hewalkedabouttherealloneday,asifseekingsomething.Intheeveninghelaydownonthegroundandtalkedtoit.“Youshouldhavetoldme,Icouldhavesaidgoodbye,”hesaid.Heweptonce,andhistearsfellonthedrydirtamongthegrass-stemsandmadelittlespotsofmud,littlestickyspots.

Hesleptthere,ontheground.AtsunrisehegotupandwalkedbythehighroadovertoReAlbi.Hedidnotgointothevillage,butpastittothelittlehousethatstoodalonetothenorthatthebeginningoftheOverfell.Thedoorofthehousestoodopen.

Thelastbeanshadgotbigandcoarseonthevines;thecabbageswerethriving.Threehenscamecluckingandpeckingaroundthedustydooryard,a

red,abrown,awhite;agreyhenwassettingherclutchinthehenhouse.Therewerenochicks,andnosignofthecock,theKing,Helethhadcalledhim.Thekingisdead,Ogionthought.Maybeachickishatchingevennowtotakehisplace.Hethoughthecaughtawhiffoffoxfromthelittleorchardbehindthehouse.

Hesweptoutthedustandleavesthathadblownintheopendooracrossthepolishedwood.HesetHeleth’smattressandblanketinthesuntoair.“I’llstayhereawhile,”hethought.“It’sagoodhouse.”Afterawhilehethought,“Imightkeepsomegoats.”

OntheHighMarshTHEISLANDOFSEMELliesnorthandwestacrossthePelnishSeafromHavnor,southandwestoftheEnlades.ThoughitisoneofthegreatislesoftheEarthseaArchipelago,therearen’tmanystoriesfromSemel.Enladhasitsglorioushistory,andHavnoritswealth,andPalnitsillrepute,butSemelhasonlycattleandsheep,forestsandlittletowns,andthegreatsilentvolcanocalledAndandenstandingoverall.

SouthofAndandenliesalandwheretheashesfellahundredfeetdeepwhenlastthevolcanospoke.Riversandstreamscuttheirwayseawardthroughthathighplain,windingandpooling,spreadingandwandering,makingamarshofit,abig,desolate,waterlandwithafarhorizon,fewtrees,notmanypeople.Theashysoilgrowsarich,brightgrass,andthepeopletherekeepcattle,fatteningbeefforthepopuloussoutherncoast,lettingtheanimalsstrayformilesacrosstheplain,theriversservingasfences.

Asmountainswill,Andandenmakestheweather.Itgatherscloudsaroundit.Thesummerisshort,thewinterlong,outonthehighmarsh.

Intheearlydarknessofawinterday,atravelerstoodatthewindsweptcrossingoftwopaths,neitherverypromising,merecattletracksamongthereeds,andlookedforsomesignofthewayheshouldtake.

Ashecamedownthelastslopeofthemountain,hehadseenhouseshereandthereoutinthemarshlands,avillagenotfaraway.Hehadthoughthewasonthewaytothevillage,buthadtakenawrongturningsomewhere.Tallreedsroseupclosebesidethepaths,sothatifalightshoneanywherehecouldnotseeit.Waterchuckledsoftlysomewherenearhisfeet.HehaduseduphisshoeswalkingroundAndandenonthecruelroadsofblacklava.Thesoleswerewornrightthrough,andhisfeetachedwiththeicydampofthemarshpaths.

Itgrewdarkerquickly.Ahazewascomingupfromthesouth,blottingoutthesky.Onlyabovethehuge,dimbulkofthemountaindidstarsburnclearly.Windwhistledinthereeds,soft,dismal.

Thetravelerstoodatthecrosswayandwhistledbackatthereeds.

Somethingmovedononeofthetracks,somethingbig,dark,inthedarkness.

“Areyouthere,mydear?”saidthetraveler.HespokeintheOldSpeech,theLanguageoftheMaking.“Comealong,then,Ulla,”hesaid,andtheheifercameasteportwotowardshim,towardshername,whilehewalkedtomeether.Hemadeoutthebigheadmorebytouchthansight,strokingthesilkendipbetweenhereyes,scratchingherforeheadattherootsofthenubbinhorns.“Beautiful,youarebeautiful,”hetoldher,breathinghergrassybreath,leaningagainstherlargewarmth.“Willyouleadme,dearUlla?WillyouleadmewhereIneedtogo?”

Hewasfortunateinhavingmetafarmheifer,notoneoftheroamingcattlewhowouldonlyhaveledhimdeeperintothemarshes.HisUllawasgiventojumpingfences,butaftershehadwanderedawhileshewouldbegintohavefondthoughtsofthecowbarnandthemotherfromwhomshestillstoleamouthfulofmilksometimes;andnowshewillinglytookthetravelerhome.Shewalked,slowbutpurposeful,downoneofthetracks,andhewentwithher,ahandonherhipwhenthewaywaswideenough.Whenshewadedaknee-deepstream,heheldontohertail.Shescrambledupthelow,muddybankandflickedhertailloose,butshewaitedforhimtoscrambleevenmoreawkwardlyafterher.Thensheploddedgentlyon.Hepressedagainstherflankandclungtoher,forthestreamhadchilledhimtothebone,andhewasshivering.

“Moo,”saidhisguide,softly,andhesawthedim,smallsquareofyellowlightjustalittletohisleft.

“Thankyou,”hesaid,openingthegatefortheheifer,whowenttogreethermother,whilehestumbledacrossthedarkhouseyardtothedoor.

ItwouldbeBerryatthedoor,thoughwhyheknockedshedidn’tknow.“Comein,youfool!”shesaid,andheknockedagain,andsheputdownhermendingandwenttothedoor.“Canyoubedrunkalready?”shesaid,andthensawhim.

Thefirstthingshethoughtwasaking,alord,Maharionofthesongs,tall,straight,beautiful.Thenextthingshethoughtwasabeggar,alostman,indirtyclothes,hugginghimselfwithshiveringarms.

Hesaid,“Ilostmyway.HaveIcometothevillager?”Hisvoicewashoarseandharsh,abeggar’svoice,butnotabeggar’saccent.

“It’sahalfmileon,”saidGift.

“Isthereaninn?”

“Nottillyou’dcometoOraby,aten-twelvemilesonsouth.”Sheconsideredonlybriefly.“Ifyouneedaroomforthenight,Ihaveone.OrSanmight,ifyou’regoingtothevillage.”

“I’llstayhereifImay,”hesaidinthatprincelyway,withhisteethchattering,holdingontothedoorjambtokeeponhisfeet.

“Takeyourshoesoff,”shesaid,“they’resoaking.Comeinthen.”Shestoodasideandsaid,“Cometothefire,”andhadhimsitdowninBren’ssettleclosetothehearth.“Stirthefireupabit,”shesaid.“Willyouhaveabitofsoup?It’sstillhot.”

“Thankyou,mistress,”hemuttered,crouchingatthefire.Shebroughthimabowlofbroth.Hedrankfromiteagerlyyetwarily,asiflongunaccustomedtohotsoup.

“Youcameoverthemountain?”

Henodded.

“Whateverfor?”

“Tocomehere,”hesaid.Hewasbeginningtotrembleless.Hisbarefeetwereasadsight,bruised,swollen,sodden.Shewantedtotellhimtoputthemrighttothefire’swarmth,butdidn’tliketopresume.Whateverhewas,hewasn’tabeggarbychoice.

“NotmanycomeheretotheHighMarsh,”shesaid.“Peddlersandsuch.Butnotinwinter.”

Hefinishedhissoup,andshetookthebowl.Shesatdowninherplace,thestoolbytheoillamptotherightofthehearth,andtookuphermending.“Getwarmthrough,andthenI’llshowyouyourbed,”shesaid.“There’snofireinthatroom.Didyoumeetweather,uponthemountain?Theysaythere’sbeensnow.”

“Someflurries,”hesaid.Shegotagoodlookathimnowinthelightoflampandfire.Hewasnotayoungman,thin,notastallasshehadthought.Itwasafineface,buttherewassomethingwrong,somethingamiss.Helooksruined,shethought,aruinedman.

“WhywouldyoucometotheMarsh?”sheasked.Shehadarighttoask,havingtakenhimin,yetshefeltadiscomfortinpressingthequestion.

“Iwastoldthere’samurrainamongthecattlehere.”Nowthathewasn’talllockedupwithcoldhisvoicewasbeautiful.Hetalkedlikethetale-tellers

whentheyspokethepartsoftheheroesandthedragonlords.Maybehewasatellerorasinger?Butno;themurrain,hehadsaid.

“Thereis.”

“Imaybeabletohelpthebeasts.”

“You’reacurer?”

Henodded.

“Thenyou’llbemorethanwelcome.Theplagueisterribleamongthecattle.Andgettingworse.”

Hesaidnothing.Shecouldseethewarmthcomingintohim,untyinghim.

“Putyourfeetuptothefire,”shesaidabruptly.“Ihavesomeoldshoesofmyhusbands.”Itcosthersomethingtosaythat,yetwhenshehadsaiditshefeltreleased,untiedtoo.WhatwasshekeepingBren’sshoesfor,anyhow?TheyweretoosmallforBerryandtoobigforher.She’dgivenawayhisclothes,butkepttheshoes,shedidn’tknowwhatfor.Forthisfellow,itwouldseem.Thingscameroundifyoucouldwaitforthem,shethought.“I’llsetemoutforyou,”shesaid.“Yoursareperished.”

Heglancedather.Hisdarkeyeswerelarge,deep,opaquelikeahorse’seyes,unreadable.

“He’sdead,”shesaid,“twoyears.Themarshfever.Youhavetowatchoutforthat,here.Thewater.Ilivewithmybrother.He’sinthevillage,atthetavern.Wekeepadairy.Imakecheese.Ourherd’sbeenallright,”andshemadethesigntoavertevil.“Ikeepemclosein.Outontheranges,themurrain’sverybad.Maybethecoldweather’llputanendtoit.”

“Morelikelytokillthebeaststhatsickenwithit,”themansaid.Hesoundedabitsleepy.

“I’mcalledGift,”shesaid.“Mybrother’sBerry.”

“Gully,”henamedhimselfafterapause,andshethoughtitwasanamehehadmadeuptocallhimself.Itdidnotfithim.Nothingabouthimfittogether,madeawhole.Yetshefeltnodistrustofhim.Shewaseasywithhim.Hemeantnoharmtoher.Shethoughttherewaskindnessinhim,thewayhespokeoftheanimals.Hewouldhaveawaywiththem,shethought.Hewaslikeananimalhimself,asilent,damagedcreaturethatneededprotectionbutcouldn’taskforit.

“Come”shesaid,“beforeyoufallasleepthere,”andhefollowedherobedientlytoBerry’sroom,whichwasn’tmuchmorethanacupboardbuiltontothecornerofthehouse.Herroomwasbehindthechimney.Berrywould

comein,drunk,inawhile,andshe’dputdownthepalletinthechimneycornerforhim.Letthetravelerhaveagoodbedforanight.Maybehe’dleaveacopperortwowithherwhenhewenton.Therewasaterribleshortageofcoppersinherhouseholdthesedays.

Hewoke,ashealwaysdid,inhisroomintheGreatHouse.Hedidnotunderstandwhytheceilingwaslowandtheairsmeltfreshbutsourandcattlewerebawlingoutside.Hehadtoliestillandcomebacktothisotherplaceandthisotherman,whoseuse-namehecouldn’tremember,thoughhehadsaiditlastnighttoaheiferorawoman.Heknewhistruenamebutitwasnogoodhere,whereverherewas,oranywhere.Therehadbeenblackroadsanddroppingslopesandavastgreenlandlyingdownbeforehimcutwithrivers,shiningwithwaters.Acoldwindblowing.Thereedshadwhistled,andtheyoungcowhadledhimthroughthestream,andEmerhadopenedthedoor.Hehadknownhernameassoonashesawher.Buthemustusesomeothername.Hemustnotcallherbyhername.Hemustrememberwhatnamehehadtoldhertocallhim.HemustnotbeIrioth,thoughhewasIrioth.Maybeintimehewouldbeanotherman.No;thatwaswrong;hemustbethisman.Thisman’slegsachedandhisfeethurt.Butitwasagoodbed,afeatherbed,warm,andheneednotgetoutofityet.Hedrowsedawhile,driftingawayfromIrioth.

Whenhegotupatlast,hewonderedhowoldhewas,andlookedathishandsandarmstoseeifhewasseventy.Hestilllookedforty,thoughhefeltseventyandmovedlikeit,wincing.Hegothisclotheson,foulastheywerefromdaysanddaysoftravel.Therewasapairofshoesunderthechair,wornbutgood,strongshoes,andapairofknitwoolstockingstogowiththem.Heputthestockingsonhisbatteredfeetandlimpedintothekitchen.Emerstoodatthebigsink,strainingsomethingheavyinacloth.

“Thankyoufortheseandtheshoes,”hesaid,andthankingherforthegift,rememberedheruse-namebutsaidonly,“mistress.”

“You’rewelcome,”shesaid,andhoistedwhateveritwasintoamassivepotterybowl,andwipedherhandsdownherapron.Heknewnothingatallaboutwomen.Hehadnotlivedwherewomenweresincehewastenyearsold.Hehadbeenafraidofthem,thewomenthatshoutedathimtogetoutofthewayinthatgreatotherkitchenlongago.ButsincehehadbeentravelingaboutinEarthseahehadmetwomenandfoundthemeasytobewith,liketheanimals;theywentabouttheirbusinessnotpayingmuchattentiontohimunlesshefrightenedthem.Hetriednottodothat.Hehadnowishorreasontofrightenthem.Theywerenotmen.

“Wouldyoulikesomefreshcurds?Itmakesagoodbreakfast.”Shewaseyeinghim,butnotforlong,andnotmeetinghiseyes.Likeananimal,likea

cat,shewas,sizinghimupbutnotchallenging.Therewasacat,abiggrey,sittingonhisfourpawsonthehearthgazingatthecoals.Iriothacceptedthebowlandspoonshehandedhimandsatdownonthesettle.Thecatjumpedupbesidehimandpurred.

“Lookatthat,”saidthewoman.“He’snotfriendlywithmostfolk.”

“It’sthecurds.”

“Heknowsacurer,maybe.”

Itwaspeacefulherewiththewomanandthecat.Hehadcometoagoodhouse.

“It’scoldout,”shesaid.“Iceonthetroughthismorning.Willyoubegoingon,thisday?”

Therewasapause.Heforgotthathehadtoanswerinwords.“I’dstayifImight,”hesaid.“I’dstayhere.”

Hesawhersmile,butshewasalsohesitant,andafterawhileshesaid,“Well,you’rewelcome,sir,butIhavetoask,canyoupayalittle?”

“Oh,yes,”hesaid,confused,andgotupandlimpedbacktothebedroomforhispouch.Hebroughtherapieceofmoney,alittleEnladiancrownpieceofgold.

“Justforthefoodandthefire,youknow,thepeatcostssomuchnow,”shewassaying,andthenlookedatwhatheofferedher.

“Oh,sir,”shesaid,andheknewhehaddonewrong.

“There’snobodyinthevillagecouldchangethat,”shesaid.Shelookedupintohisfaceforamoment.“Thewholevillagetogethercouldn’tchangethat!”shesaid,andlaughed.Itwasallright,then,thoughtheword“change”rangandranginhishead.

“Ithasn’tbeenchanged,”hesaid,butheknewthatwasnotwhatshemeant.“I’msorry,”hesaid.“IfIstayedamonth,ifIstayedthewinter,wouldthatuseitup?Ishouldhaveaplacetostay,whileIworkwiththebeasts.”

“Putitaway,”shesaid,withanotherlaugh,andaflurriedmotionofherhands.“Ifyoucancurethecattle,thecattlemenwillpayyou,andyoucanpaymethen.Callthatsurety,ifyoulike.Butputitaway,sir!Itmakesmedizzytolookatit.-Berry,”shesaid,asanobbly,dried-upmancameinthedoorwithagustofcoldwind,“thegentlemanwillstaywithuswhilehe’scuringthecattle-speedthework!He’sgivenussuretyofpayment.Soyou’llsleepinthechimneycorner,andhimintheroom.ThisismybrotherBerry,sir.”

Berryduckedhisheadandmuttered.Hiseyesweredull.ItseemedtoIrioth

thatthemanhadbeenpoisoned.WhenBerrywentoutagain,thewomancamecloserandsaid,resolute,inalowvoice,“There’snoharminhimbutthedrink,butthere’snotmuchleftofhimbutthedrink.It’seatenupmostofhismind,andmostofwhatwehave.So,doyousee,putupyourmoneywherehewon’tseeit,ifyoudon’tmind,sir.Hewon’tcomelookingforit.Butifhesawit,he’dtakeit.Heoftendoesn’tknowwhathe’sdoing,doyousee.”

“Yes,”Iriothsaid.“Iunderstand.Youareakindwoman.”Shewastalkingabouthim,abouthisnotknowingwhathewasdoing.Shewasforgivinghim.“Akindsister,”hesaid.Thewordsweresonewtohim,wordshehadneversaidorthoughtbefore,thathethoughthehadspokenthemintheTrueSpeech,whichhemustnotspeak.Butsheonlyshrugged,withafrowningsmile.

“TimesIcouldshakehisfoolheadoff,”shesaid,andwentbacktoherwork.

Hehadnotknownhowtiredhewasuntilhecametohaven.Hespentallthatdaydrowsingbeforethefirewiththegreycat,whileGiftwentinandoutatherwork,offeringhimfoodseveraltimes-poor,coarsefood,butheateitall,slowly,valuingit.Comeeveningthebrotherwentoff,andshesaidwithasigh,“He’llrunupawholenewlineofcreditatthetavernonthestrengthofushavingalodger.Notthatit’syourfault.”

“Oh,yes,”Iriothsaid.“Itwasmyfault.”Butsheforgave;andthegreycatwaspressedupagainsthisthigh,dreaming.Thecat’sdreamscameintohismind,inthelowfieldswherehespokewiththeanimals,theduskyplaces.Thecatleaptthere,andthentherewasmilk,andthedeepsoftthrilling.Therewasnofault,onlythegreatinnocence.Noneedforwords.Theywouldnotfindhimhere.Hewasnotheretofind.Therewasnoneedtospeakanyname.Therewasnobodybuther,andthecatdreaming,andthefireflickering.Hehadcomeoverthedeadmountainonblackroads,butherethestreamsranslowamongthepastures.

Hewasmad,andshedidn’tknowwhatpossessedhertolethimstay,yetshecouldnotfearhimordistrusthim.Whatdiditmatterifhewasmad?Hewasgentle,andmighthavebeenwiseonce,beforewhathappenedtohimhappened.Andhewasn’tsomadasallthat.Madinpatches,madatmoments.Nothinginhimwaswhole,notevenhismadness.Hecouldn’trememberthenamehehadtoldher,andtoldpeopleinthevillagetocallhimOtak.Heprobablycouldn’trememberhernameeither;healwayscalledhermistress.Butmaybethatwashiscourtesy.Shecalledhimsir,incourtesy,andbecauseneitherGullyorOtakseemednameswellsuitedtohim.Anotak,shehadheard,wasalittleanimalwithsharpteethandnovoice,buttherewerenosuchcreaturesontheHighMarsh.

Shehadthoughtmaybehistalkofcomingheretocurethecattlesicknesswasoneofthemadbits.Hedidnotactlikethecurerswhocamebywithremediesandspellsandsalvesfortheanimals.Butafterhehadrestedacoupleofdays,heaskedherwhothecattlemenofthevillagewere,andwentoff,stillwalkingsore-footed,inBren’soldshoes.Itmadeherheartturninher,seeingthat.

Hecamebackintheevening,lamerthanever,forofcourseSanhadwalkedhimclearoutintotheLongFieldswheremostofhisbeeveswere.NobodyhadhorsesbutAlder,andtheywereforhiscowboys.Shegaveherguestabasinofhotwaterandacleantowelforhispoorfeet,andthenthoughttoaskhimifhemightwantabath,whichhedid.Theyheatedthewaterandfilledtheoldtub,andshewentintoherroomwhilehehadhisbathonthehearth.Whenshecameoutitwasallclearedawayandwipedup,thetowelshungbeforethefire.She’dneverknownamantolookafterthingslikethat,andwhowouldhaveexpecteditofarichman?Wouldn’thehaveservants,wherehecamefrom?Buthewasnomoretroublethanthecat.Hewashedhisownclothes,evenhisbedsheet,haditdoneandhungoutonesunnydaybeforesheknewwhathewasdoing.“Youneedn’tdothat,sir,I’lldoyourthingswithmine,”shesaid.

“Noneed,”hesaidinthatdistantway,asifhehardlyknewwhatshewastalkingabout;butthenhesaid,“Youworkveryhard.”

“Whodoesn’t?Ilikethecheesemaking.There’saninteresttoit.AndI’mstrong.AllIfearisgettingold,whenIcan’tliftthebucketsandthemolds.”Sheshowedhimherround,musculararm,makingafistandsmiling.“Prettygoodforfiftyyearsold!”shesaid.Itwassillytoboast,butshewasproudofherstrongarms,herenergyandskill.

“Speedthework,”hesaidgravely.

Hehadawaywithhercowsthatwaswonderful.Whenhewasthereandsheneededahand,hetookBerry’splace,andasshetoldherfriendTawny,laughing,hewascannierwiththecowsthanBren’solddoghadbeen.“Hetalkstoem,andI’llsweartheyconsiderwhathesays.Andthatheiferfollowshimaboutlikeapuppy.”Whateverhewasdoingoutontherangeswiththebeeves,thecattlemenwerecomingtothinkwellofhim.Ofcoursetheywouldgrabatanypromiseofhelp.HalfSan’sherdwasdead.Alderwouldnotsayhowmanyheadhehadlost.Thebodiesofcattlewereeverywhere.IfithadnotbeencoldweathertheMarshwouldhavereekedofrottingflesh.Noneofthewatercouldbedrunkunlessyouboileditanhour,exceptwhatcamefromthewells,hershereandtheoneinthevillage,whichgavetheplaceitsname.

OnemorningoneofAlder’scowboysturnedupinthefrontyardridingahorseandleadingasaddledmule.“MasterAldersaysMasterOtakcanride

her,itbeingaten-twelvemilesouttotheEastFields,”theyoungmansaid.

Herguestcameoutofthehouse.Itwasabright,mistymorning,themarsheshiddenbygleamingvapors.Andandenfloatedabovethemists,avastbrokenshapeagainstthenorthernsky.

Thecurersaidnothingtothecowboybutwentstraighttothemule,orhinny,rather,beingoutofSan’sbigjennybyAlder’swhitehorse.Shewasawhiteyroan,young,withaprettyface.Hewentandtalkedtoherforaminute,sayingsomethinginherbig,delicateearandrubbinghertopknot.

“Hedoesthat,”thecowboysaidtoGift.“Talksatem.”Hewasamused,disdainful.HewasoneofBerry’sdrinkingmatesatthetavern,adecentenoughyoungfellow,foracowboy.

“Ishecuringthecattle?”sheasked.

“Well,hecan’tliftthemurrainallatonce.Butseemslikehecancureabeastifhegetstoitbeforethestaggersbegin.Andthosenotstruckyet,hesayshecankeepitoffem.Sothemaster’ssendinghimallabouttherangetodowhatcanbedone.It’stoolateformany.”

Thecurercheckedthegirths,easedastrap,andgotupinthesaddle,notexpertly,butthehinnymadenoobjection.Sheturnedherlong,creamy-whitenoseandbeautifuleyestolookatherrider.Hesmiled.Gifthadneverseenhimsmile.

“Shallwego?”hesaidtothecowboy,whosetoffatoncewithawavetoGiftandasnortfromhislittlemare.Thecurerfollowed.Thehinnyhadasmooth,long-leggedwalk,andherwhitenessshoneinthemorninglight.Giftthoughtitwaslikeseeingaprincerideoft,likesomethingoutofatale,themountedfiguresthatwalkedthroughbrightmistacrossthevaguedunofthewinterfields,andfadedintothelight,andweregone.

Itwashardworkoutinthepastures.“Whodoesn’tdohardwork?”Emerhadasked,showingherround,strongarms,herhard,redhands.ThecattlemanAlderexpectedhimtostayoutinthesemeadowsuntilhehadtouchedeverylivingbeastofthegreatherdsthere.Alderhadsenttwocowboysalong.Theymadeacampofsorts,withagroundclothandahalftent.Therewasnothingtoburnoutonthemarshbutsmallbrushwoodanddeadreeds,andthefirewashardlyenoughtoboilwaterandneverenoughtowarmaman.Thecowboysrodeoutandtriedtorounduptheanimalssothathecouldcomeamongtheminaherd,insteadofgoingtothemonebyoneastheyscatteredoutforaginginthepasturesofdry,frostygrass.Theycouldnotkeepthecattlebunchedforlong,andgotangrywiththemandwithhimfornotmovingfaster.Itwasstrangetohimthattheyhadnopatiencewiththeanimals,which

theytreatedasthings,handlingthemasalografterhandleslogsinariver,bymereforce.

Theyhadnopatiencewithhimeither,alwaysathimtohurryupandgetdonewiththejob;norwiththemselves,theirlife.Whentheytalkedtoeachotheritwasalwaysaboutwhattheyweregoingtodointown,inOraby,whentheygotpaidoff.HeheardagooddealaboutthewhoresinOraby,DaisyandGoldieandtheonetheycalledtheBurningBush.Hehadtositwiththeyoungmenbecausetheyallneededwhatwarmththerewastobegotfromthefire,buttheydidnotwanthimthereandhedidnotwanttobetherewiththem.Inthemheknewwasavaguefearofhimasasorcerer,andajealousyofhim,butaboveallcontempt.Hewasold,other,notoneofthem.Fearandjealousyheknewandshrankfrom,andcontemptheremembered.Hewasgladhewasnotoneofthem,thattheydidnotwanttotalktohim.Hewasafraidofdoingwrongtothem.

Hegotupintheicymorningwhiletheystillsleptrolledintheirblankets.Heknewwherethecattlewerenearby,andwenttothem.Thesicknesswasveryfamiliartohimnow.Hefeltitinhishandsasaburning,andaqueasinessifitwasmuchadvanced.Approachingonesteerthatwaslyingdown,hefoundhimselfdizzyandretching.Hecamenocloser,butsaidwordsthatmighteasethedying,andwenton.

Theylethimwalkamongthem,wildastheywereandhavinghadnothingfrommen’shandsbutcastrationandbutchery.Hehadapleasureintheirtrustinhim,aprideinit.Heshouldnot,buthedid.Ifhewantedtotouchoneofthegreatbeastshehadonlytostandandspeaktoitalittlewhileinthelanguageofthosewhodonotspeak.“Ulla,”hesaid,namingthem.“Ellu.Ellua.”Theystood,big,indifferent;sometimesonelookedathimforalongtime.Sometimesonecametohimwithitseasy,loose,majestictread,andbreathedintohisopenpalm.Allthosethatcametohimhecouldcure.Helaidhishandsonthem,onthestiff-haired,hotflanksandneck,andsentthehealingintohishandswiththewordsofpowerspokenoverandover.Afterawhilethebeastwouldgiveashake,ortossitsheadabit,orstepon.Andhewoulddrophishandsandstandthere,drainedandblank,forawhile.Thentherewouldbeanotherone,big,curious,shylybold,muddy-coated,withthesicknessinitlikeaprickling,atingling,ahotnessinhishands,adizziness.“Ellu,”hewouldsay,andwalktothebeastandlayhishandsuponituntiltheyfeltcool,asifamountainstreamranthroughthem.

Thecowboyswerediscussingwhetherornotitwassafetoeatthemeatofasteerdeadofthemurrain.Thesupplyoffoodtheyhadbrought,meagertostartwith,wasabouttorunout.Insteadofridingtwentyorthirtymilestorestock,theywantedtocutthetongueoutofasteerthathaddiednearbythat

morning.

Hehadforcedthemtoboilanywatertheyused.Nowhesaid,“Ifyoueatthatmeat,inayearyou’llbegintogetdizzy.You’llendwiththeblindstaggersanddieastheydo.”

Theycursedandsneered,butbelievedhim.Hehadnoideaifwhathesaidwastrue.Ithadseemedtrueashesaidit.Perhapshewantedtospitethem.Perhapshewantedtogetridofthem.

“Rideback,”hesaid.“Leavemehere.There’senoughfoodforonemanforthreeorfourdaysmore.Thehinnywillbringmeback.”

Theyneedednopersuasion.Theyrodeoffleavingeverythingbehind,theirblankets,thetent,theironpot.“Howdowegetallthatbacktothevillage?”heaskedthehinny.Shelookedafterthetwoponiesandsaidwhathinniessay.“Aaawww!”shesaid.Shewouldmisstheponies.

“Wehavetofinishtheworkhere,”hetoldher,andshelookedathimmildly.Allanimalswerepatient,butthepatienceofthehorsekindwaswonderful,beingfreelygiven.Dogswereloyal,buttherewasmoreofobedienceinit.Dogswerehierarchs,dividingtheworldintolordsandcommoners.Horseswerealllords.Theyagreedtocollude.Herememberedwalkingamongthegreat,plumedfeetofcarthorses,fearless.Thecomfortoftheirbreathonhishead.Alongtimeago.Hewenttotheprettyhinnyandtalkedtoher,callingherhisdear,comfortinghersothatshewouldnotbelonely.

Ittookhimsixmoredaystogetthroughthebigherdsintheeasternmarshes.Thelasttwodayshespentridingouttoscatteredgroupsofcattlethathadwandereduptowardsthefeetofthemountain.Manyofthemwerenotinfectedyet,andhecouldprotectthem.Thehinnycarriedhimbarebackandmadethegoingeasy.Buttherewasnothingleftforhimtoeat.Whenherodebacktothevillagehewaslight-headedandweak-kneed.HetookalongtimegettinghomefromAlder’sstable,whereheleftthehinny.Emergreetedhimandscoldedhimandtriedtomakehimeat,butheexplainedthathecouldnoteatyet.“AsIstayedthereinthesickness,inthesickfields,Ifeltsick.AfterawhileI’llbeabletoeatagain,”heexplained.

“You’recrazy,”shesaid,veryangry.Itwasasweetanger.Whycouldnotmoreangerbesweet?

“Atleasthaveabath!”shesaid.

Heknewwhathesmelledlike,andthankedher.

“What’sAlderpayingyouforallthis?”shedemandedwhilethewaterwasheating.Shewasstillindignant,speakingmorebluntlyeventhanusual.

“Idon’tknow,”hesaid.

Shestoppedandstaredathim.

“Youdidn’tsetaprice?”

“Setaprice?”heflashedout.Thenherememberedwhohewasnot,andspokehumbly.“No.Ididn’t.”

“Ofalltheinnocence,”Giftsaid,hissingtheword.“He’llskinyou.”Shedumpedakettlefulofsteamingwaterintothebath.“Hehasivory,”shesaid.“Tellhimivoryithastobe.Outtheretendaysstarvinginthecoldtocurehisbeasts!San’sgotnothingbutcopper,butAldercanpayyouinivory.I’msorryifI’mmeddlinginyourbusiness.Sir.”Sheflungoutthedoorwithtwobuckets,goingtothepump.Shewouldnotusethestreamwaterforanythingatall,thesedays.Shewaswise,andkind.Whyhadhelivedsolongamongthosewhowerenotkind?

“We’llhavetosee,”saidAlder,thenextday,“ifmybeastsarecured.Iftheymakeitthroughthewinter,see,we’llknowyourcuresalltook,thatthey’resound,like.NotthatIdoubtit,butfair’sfair,right?Youwouldn’taskmetopayyouwhatIhaveinmindtopayyou,wouldyounow,ifthecuredidn’ttakeandthebeastsdiedafterall.Avertthechance!ButIwouldn’taskyoutowaitallthattimeunpaid,neither.Sohere’sanadvance,like,onwhat’stocome,andall’ssquarebetweenusfornow,right?”

Thecoppersweren’tdecentlyinabag,even.Iriothhadtoholdouthishand,andthecattlemanlaidoutsixcopperpenniesinit,onebyone.“Nowthen!That’sfairandsquare!”hesaid,expansive.“Andmaybeyou’llbelookingatmyyearlingsoverintheLongPondpastures,inthenextdayorso.”

“No,”Iriothsaid.“SansherdwasgoingdownfastwhenIleft.I’mneededthere.”

“Oh,no,you’renot,MasterOtak.Whileyouwereoutintheeastrangeasorcerercurercameby,afellowthat’sbeenherebefore,fromthesouthcoast,andsoSanhiredhim.Youworkformeandyou’llbepaidwell.Betterthancopper,maybe,ifthebeastsfarewell!”

Iriothdidnotsayyes,orno,orthanks,butwentoffunspeaking.Thecattlemanlookedafterhimandspat.“Avert,”hesaid.

ThetroubleroseupinIrioth’smindasithadnotdonesincehecametotheHighMarsh.Hestruggledagainstit.Amanofpowerhadcometohealthecattle,anothermanofpower.Butasorcerer,Alderhadsaid.Notawizard,notamage.Onlyacurer,acattlehealer.Idonotneedtofearhim.Idonotneedtofearhispower.Idonotneedhispower.Imustseehim,tobesure,tobe

certain.IfhedoeswhatIdoherethereisnoharm.Wecanworktogether.IfIdowhathedoeshere.Ifheusesonlysorceryandmeansnoharm.AsIdo.

HewalkeddownthestragglingstreetofPurewellstoSanshouse,whichwasaboutmidway,oppositethetavern.San,ahardbittenmaninhisthirties,wastalkingtoamanonhisdoorstep,astranger.WhentheysawIrioththeylookeduneasy.Sanwentintohishouseandthestrangerfollowed.

Iriothcameupontothedoorstep.Hedidnotgoin,butspokeintheopendoor.“MasterSan,it’saboutthecattleyouhavetherebetweentherivers.Icangotothemtoday.”Hedidnotknowwhyhesaidthis.Itwasnotwhathehadmeanttosay.

“Ah,”Sansaid,comingtothedoor,andhemmedabit.“Noneed,MasterOtak.ThishereisMasterSunbright,comeuptodealwiththemurrain.He’scuredbeastsformebefore,thehoofrotandall.BeingashowyouhaveallonemancandowithAlder’sbeeves,yousee…”

ThesorcerercameoutfrombehindSan.HisnamewasAyeth.Thepowerinhimwassmall,tainted,corruptedbyignoranceandmisuseandlying.Butthejealousyinhimwaslikeastingingfire.“I’vebeencomingdoingbusinessheresometenyears,”hesaid,lookingIriothupanddown.“Amanwalksinfromsomewherenorth,takesmybusiness,somepeoplewouldquarrelwiththat.Aquarrelofsorcerersisabadthing.Ifyou’reasorcerer,amanofpower,thatis.Iam.Asthegoodpeopleherewellknow.”

Iriothtriedtosayhedidnotwantaquarrel.Hetriedtosaythattherewasworkfortwo.Hetriedtosayhewouldnottaketheman’sworkfromhim.Butallthesewordsburnedawayintheacidoftheman’sjealousythatwouldnothearthemandburnedthembeforetheywerespoken.

Ayeth’sstaregrewmoreinsolentashewatchedIriothstammer.HebegantosaysomethingtoSan,butIriothspoke.

“Youhave-“hesaid-“youhavetogo.Back.”Ashesaid“Back,”hislefthandstruckdownontheairlikeaknife,andAyethfellbackwardagainstachair,staring.

Hewasonlyalittlesorcerer,acheatinghealerwithafewsorryspells.Orsoheseemed.Whatifhewascheating,hidinghispower,arivalhidinghispower?Ajealousrival.Hemustbestopped,hemustbebound,named,called.Iriothbegantosaythewordsthatwouldbindhim,andtheshakenmancoweredaway,shrinkingdown,shriveling,cryingoutinathin,highwail.Itiswrong,wrong,Iamdoingthewrong,Iamtheill,Irioththought.Hestoppedthespellwordsinhismouth,fightingagainstthem,andatlastcryingoutoneotherword.ThenthemanAyethcrouchedthere,vomitingandshuddering,

andSanwasstaringandtryingtosay,“Avert!Avert!”Andnoharmwasdone.ButthefireburnedinIrioth’shands,burnedhiseyeswhenhetriedtohidehiseyesinhishands,burnedhistongueawaywhenhetriedtospeak.

Foralongtimenobodywouldtouchhim.HehadfallendowninafitinSan’sdoorway.Helaytherenowlikeadeadman.Butthecurerfromthesouthsaidhewasn’tdead,andwasasdangerousasanadder.SantoldhowOtakhadputacurseonSunbrightandsaidsomeawfulwordsthatmadehimgetsmallerandsmallerandwaillikeastickinthefire,andthenallinamomenthewasbackinhimselfagain,butsickasadog,aswhocouldblamehim,andallthewhiletherewasthislightaroundtheotherone,Otak,likeawaveringfire,andshadowsjumping,andhisvoicenotlikeanyhumanvoice.Aterriblething.

Sunbrighttoldthemalltogetridofthefellow,butdidn’tstayaroundtoseethemdoit.Hewentbackdownthesouthroadassoonashe’dgulpedapintofbeeratthetavern,tellingthemtherewasnoroomfortwosorcerersinonevillageandhe’dbeback,maybe,whenthatman,orwhateverhewas,hadgone.

Nobodywouldtouchhim.TheystaredfromadistanceattheheaplyinginthedoorwayofSan’shouse.San’swifeweptaloudupanddownthestreet.“Badcess!Badcess!”shecried.“Oh,mybabewillbeborndead,Iknowit!”

Berrywentandfetchedhissister,afterhehadheardSunbright’staleatthetavern,andSan’sversionofit,andseveralotherversionsalreadycurrent.Inthebestofthem,OtakhadtowereduptenfeettallandstruckSunbrightintoalumpofcoalwithlightning,beforefoamingatthemouth,turningblue,andcollapsinginaheap.

Gifthurriedtothevillage.Shewentstraightuptothedoorstep,bentovertheheap,andlaidherhandonit.Everybodygaspedandmuttered,“Avert!Avert!”exceptTawny’syoungestdaughter,whomistookthesignsandpipedup,“Speedthework!”

Theheapmoved,androusedupslowly.Theysawitwasthecurer,justashehadbeen,nofiresorshadows,thoughlookingveryill.“Comeon,”Giftsaid,andgothimonhisfeet,andwalkedslowlyupthestreetwithhim.

Thevillagersshooktheirheads.Giftwasabravewoman,buttherewassuchathingasbeingtoobrave.Orbrave,theysaidaroundthetaverntable,inthewrongway,orthewrongplace,d’yousee.Nobodyshouldoughttomeddlewithsorcerythatain’tborntoit.Norwithsorcerers.Youforgetthat.Theyseemthesameasotherfolk.Buttheyain’tlikeotherfolk.Seemsthere’snoharminacurer.Healthefootrot,clearacakedudder.That’sallfine.Butcrossoneandthereyouare,fireandshadowsandcursesandfallingdowninfits.Uncanny.Alwayswasuncanny,thatone.Where’dhecomefrom,

anyhow?Answermethat.

Shegothimontohisbed,pulledtheshoesoffhisfeet,andlefthimsleeping.Berrycameinlateanddrunkerthanusual,sothathefellandgashedhisforeheadontheandiron.Bleedingandraging,heorderedGifttokicktheshorsheroutthehoush,rightaway,kick‘imout.Thenhevomitedintotheashesandfellasleeponthehearth.Shehauledhimontohispallet,pulledhisshoesoffhisfeet,andlefthimsleeping.Shewenttolookattheotherone.Helookedfeverish,andsheputherhandonhisforehead.Heopenedhiseyes,lookingstraightintoherswithoutexpression.“Emer,”hesaid,andclosedhiseyesagain.

Shebackedawayfromhim,terrified.

Inherbed,inthedark,shelayandthought:Heknewthewizardwhonamedme.OrIsaidmyname.MaybeIsaiditoutloudinmysleep.Orsomebodytoldhim.Butnobodyknowsit.Nobodyeverknewmynamebutthewizard,andmymother.Andthey’redead,they’redead…Isaiditinmysleep…

Butsheknewbetter.

Shestoodwiththelittleoillampinherhand,andthelightofitshoneredbetweenherfingersandgoldenonherface.Hesaidhername.Shegavehimsleep.

Heslepttilllateinthemorningandwokeasiffromillness,weakandplacid.Shewasunabletobeafraidofhim.Shefoundthathehadnomemoryatallofwhathadhappenedinthevillage,oftheothersorcerer,evenofthesixcoppersshehadfoundscatteredonthebedcover,whichhemusthaveheldclenchedinhishandallalong.

“Nodoubtthat’swhatAldergaveyou,”shesaid.“Theflint!”

“IsaidI’dseetohisbeastsat…atthepasturebetweentherivers,wasit?”hesaid,gettinganxious,thehuntedlookcomingbackintohim,andhegotupfromthesettle.

“Sitdown,”shesaid.Hesatdown,buthesatfretting.

“Howcanyoucurewhenyou’resick?”shesaid.

“Howelse?”hesaid.

Buthequieteddownagainpresently,strokingthegreycat.

Herbrothercamein.“Comeonout,”hesaidtoherassoonashesawthecurerdozingonthesettle.Shesteppedoutsidewithhim.

“NowIwon’thavehimherenomore,”Berrysaid,comingmasterofthehouseoverher,withthegreatblackgashinhisforehead,andhiseyeslike

oysters,andhishandsjuddering.

“Where’llyougo?”shesaid.

“It’shimhastogo.”

“It’smyhouse.Bren’shouse.Hestays.Goorstay,it’suptoyou.”

“It’suptometooifhestaysorgoes,andhegoes.Youhaven’tgotallthesayso.Allthepeoplesayheoughttogo.He’snotcanny.”

“Oh,yes,sincehe’scuredhalftheherdsandgotpaidsixcoppersforit,timeforhimtogo,rightenough!I’llhavehimhereaslongasIchoose,andthat’stheendofit.”

“Theywon’tbuyourmilkandcheese,”Berrywhined.

“Whosaysthat?”

“Sanswife.Allthewomen.”

“ThenI’llcarrythecheesestoOraby,”shesaid,“andsellemthere.Inthenameofhonor,brother,gowashoutthatcut,andchangeyourshirt.Youstinkofthepothouse.”Andshewentbackintothehouse.“Oh,dear,”shesaid,andburstintotears.

“What’sthematter,Emer?”saidthecurer,turninghisthinfaceandstrangeeyestoher.

“Oh,it’snogood,Iknowit’snogood.Nothing’sanygoodwithadrunkard,”shesaid.Shewipedhereyeswithherapron.“Wasthatwhatbrokeyou,”shesaid,“thedrink?”

“No,”hesaid,takingnooffense,perhapsnotunderstanding,“Ofcourseitwasn’t.Ibegyourpardon,”shesaid.

“Maybehedrinkstotrytobeanotherman,”hesaid.“Toalter,tochange…”

“Hedrinksbecausehedrinks,”shesaid.“Withsome,that’sallitis.I’llbeinthedairy,now.I’lllockthehousedoor.There’s…there’sbeenstrangersabout.Yourestyourself.It’sbitterout.”Shewantedtobesurethathestayedindoorsoutofharm’sway,andthatnobodycameharassinghim.Lateronshewouldgointothevillage,haveawordwithsomeofthesensiblepeople,andputastoptothisrubbishytalk,ifshecould.

Whenshedidso,Alder’swifeTawnyandseveralotherpeopleagreedwithherthatasquabblebetweensorcerersoverworkwasnothingnewandnothingtotakeonabout.ButSanandhiswifeandthetaverncrewwouldn’tletitrest,itbeingtheonlythingofinteresttotalkaboutfortherestofthewinter,exceptthecattledying.“Besides,”Tawnysaid,“myman’sneveraverseto

payingcopperwherehethoughthemighthavetopayivory.”“Arethecattlehetouchedkeepingafoot,then?”“Sofaraswecansee,theyare.Andnonewsickenings.”“He’satruesorcerer,Tawny,”Giftsaid,veryearnest.“Iknowit.”“That’sthetrouble,love,”saidTawny.“Andyouknowit!Thisisnoplaceforamanlikethat.Whoeverheis,isnoneofourbusiness,butwhydidhecomehere,iswhatyouhavetoask.”“Tocurethebeasts,”Giftsaid.

Sunbrighthadnotbeengonethreedayswhenanewstrangerappearedintown:amanridingupthesouthroadonagoodhorseandaskingatthetavernforlodging.TheysenthimtoSanshouse,butSan’swifescreechedwhensheheardtherewasastrangeratthedoor,cryingthatifSanletanotherwitch-maninthedoorherbabywouldbeborndeadtwiceover.Herscreamingcouldbeheardforseveralhousesupanddownthestreet,andacrowd,thatis,tenorelevenpeople,gatheredbetweenSanshouseandthetavern.

“Well,thatwon’tdo,”saidthestrangerpleasantly.“Ican’tbebringingonabirthuntimely.Istheremaybearoomabovethetavern?”

“Sendhimonouttothedairy,”saidoneofAlder’scowboys.“Gift’stakingwhatevercomes.”Therewassomesniggeringandshushing.

“Backthatway,”saidthetaverner.

“Thanks,”saidthetraveler,andledhishorsealongthewaytheypointed.

“Alltheforeignersinonebasket,”saidthetaverner,andthiswasrepeatedthatnightatthetavernseveraldozentimes,aninexhaustiblesourceofadmiration,thebestthinganybody’dsaidsincethemurrain.

Giftwasinthedairy,havingfinishedtheeveningmilking.Shewasstrainingthemilkandsettingoutthepans.“Mistress,”saidavoiceatthedoor,andshethoughtitwasthecurerandsaid,“JustaminutewhileIfinishthis,”andthenturningsawastrangerandnearlydroppedthepan.“Oh,youstartledme!”shesaid.“WhatcanIdoforyou,then?”

“I’mlookingforabedforthenight.”

“No,I’msorry,there’smylodger,andmybrother,andme.MaybeSan,inthevillage-“

“Theysentmehere.Theysaid,“Alltheforeignersinonebasket.””Thestrangerwasinhisthirties,withabluntfaceandapleasantlook,dressedplain,thoughthecobthatstoodbehindhimwasagoodhorse.“Putmeupinthecowbarn,mistress,it’lldofine.It’smyhorseneedsagoodbed;he’stired.I’llsleepinthebarnandbeoffinthemorning.Cowsareapleasuretosleepwithonacoldnight.I’llbegladtopayyou,mistress,iftwocopperswouldsuit,andmyname’sHawk.”

“I’mGift,”shesaid,abitflustered,butlikingthefellow.“Allright,then,MasterHawk.Putyourhorseupandseetohim.There’sthepump,there’splentyofhay.Comeoninthehouseafter.Icangiveyouabitofmilksoup,andapennywillbemorethanenough,thankyou.”Shedidn’tfeellikecallinghimsir,asshealwaysdidthecurer.Thisonehadnothingofthatlordlywayabouthim.Shehadn’tseenakingwhenshefirstsawhim,aswiththeotherone.

Whenshefinishedinthedairyandwenttothehouse,thenewfellow,Hawk,wassquattingonthehearth,skillfullymakingupthefire.Thecurerwasinhisroomasleep.Shelookedin,andclosedthedoor.

“He’snottoowell,”shesaid,speakinglow.“Hewascuringthecattleawayouteastoverthemarsh,inthecold,fordaysonend,andworehimselfout.”

Asshewentaboutherworkinthekitchen,Hawklentherahandnowandtheninthemostnaturalway,sothatshebegantowonderifmenfromforeignpartswereallsomuchhandieraboutthehousethanthemenoftheMarsh.Hewaseasytotalkwith,andshetoldhimaboutthecurer,sincetherewasnothingmuchtosayaboutherself.

“They’lluseasorcererandthenill-mouthhimforhisusefulness,”shesaid.“It’snotjust.”

“Buthescaredem,somehow,didhe?”

“Iguesshedid.Anothercurercameupthisway,afellowthat’sbeenbyherebefore.Doesn’tamounttomuchthatIcansee.Hedidnogoodtomycowwiththecakedbag,twoyearsago.Andhisbalm’sjustpigfat,I’dswear.Well,so,hesaystoOtak,you’retakingmybusiness.AndmaybeOtaksaysthesameback.Andtheylosetheirtempers,andtheydidsomeblackspells,maybe.IguessOtakdid.Buthedidnoharmtothemanatall,butfelldowninaswoonhimself.Andnowhedoesn’trememberanymoreaboutit,whiletheothermanwalkedawayunhurt.Andtheysayeverybeasthetouchedisstandingyet,andhale.Tendayshespentoutthereinthewindandtherain,touchingthebeastsandhealingthem.Andyouknowwhatthecattlemangavehim?Sixpennies!Canyouwonderhewasalittlerageous?ButIdon’tsay…”Shecheckedherselfandthenwenton,“Idon’tsayhe’snotabitstrange,sometimes.Thewaywitchesandsorcerersare,Iguess.Maybetheyhavetobe,dealingwithsuchpowersandevilsastheydo.Butheisatrueman,andkind.”

“Mistress,”saidHawk,“mayItellyouastory?”

“Oh,areyouateller?Oh,whydidn’tyousaysotobeginwith!Isthatwhatyouarethen?Iwondered,itbeingwinterandall,andyoubeingontheroads.

Butwiththathorse,Ithoughtyoumustbeamerchant.Canyoutellmeastory?Itwouldbethejoyofmylife,andthelongerthebetter!Butdrinkyoursoupfirst,andletmesitdowntohear…”

“I’mnottrulyateller,mistress,”hesaidwithhispleasantsmile,“butIdohaveastoryforyou.”Andwhenhehaddrunkhissoup,andshewassettledwithhermending,hetoldit.

“IntheInmostSea,ontheIsleoftheWise,onRokeIsland,whereallmageryistaught,therearenineMasters,”hebegan.

Sheclosedhereyesinblissandlistened.

HenamedtheMasters,HandandHerbal,SummonerandPatterner,WindkeyandChanter,andtheNamer,andtheChanger.“TheChangersandtheSummoner’sareveryperilousarts,”hesaid.“Changing,ortransformation,youmaybeknowof,mistress.Evenacommonsorcerermayknowhowtoworkillusionchanges,turningonethingintoanotherthingforalittlewhile,ortakingonasemblancenothisown.Haveyouseenthat?”

“Heardofit,”shewhispered.

“Andsometimeswitchesandsorcererswillsaythatthey’vesummonedthedeadtospeakthroughthem.Maybeachildtheparentsaregrievingfor.Inthewitch’shut,inthedarkness,theyhearitcry,orlaugh…”

Shenodded.

“Thosearespellsofillusiononly,ofseeming.Buttherearetruechanges,andtruesummonings.Andthesemaybetruetemptationstothewizard!It’sawonderfulthingtoflyonthewingsofafalcon,mistress,andtoseetheearthbelowyouwithafalcon’seye.Andsummoning,whichisnamingtruly,isagreatpower.Toknowthetruenameistohavepower,asyouknow,mistress.Andthesummoner’sartgoesstraighttothat.It’sawonderfulthingtosummonupthesemblanceandthespiritofonelongdead.ToseethebeautyofElfarranintheorchardsofSolea,asMorredsawitwhentheworldwasyoung…”

Hisvoicehadbecomeverysoft,verydark.

“Well,tomystory.Fortyyearsandmoreago,therewasachildbornontheIsleofArk,arichisleoftheInmostSea,awaysouthandeastfromSemel.Thischildwasthesonofanunder-stewardinthehouseholdoftheLordofArk.Notapoorman’sson,butnotachildofmuchaccount.Andtheparentsdiedyoung.Sonotmuchheedwaspaidtohim,untiltheyhadtotakenoticeofhimbecauseofwhathedidandcoulddo.Hewasanuncannybrat,astheysay.Hehadpowers.Hecouldlightafireordouseitwithaword.Hecould

makepotsandpansflythroughtheair.HecouldturnamouseintoapigeonandsetitflyingroundthegreatkitchensoftheLordofArk.Andifhewascrossed,orfrightened,thenhedidharm.Heturnedakettleofboilingwateroveracookwhohadmistreatedhim.”

“Mercy,”whisperedGift.Shehadnotsewnastitchsincehebegan.

“Hewasonlyachild,andthewizardsofthathouseholdcan’thavebeenwisemen,fortheyusedlittlewisdomorgentlenesswithhim.Maybetheywereafraidofhim.Theyboundhishandsandgaggedhismouthtokeephimfrommakingspells.Theylockedhiminacellarroom,aroomofstone,untiltheythoughthimtamed.Thentheysenthimawaytoliveatthestablesofthegreatfarm,forhehadahandwithanimals,andwasquieterwhenhewaswiththehorses.Buthequarreledwithastableboy,andturnedthepoorladintoalumpofdung.Whenthewizardshadgotthestableboybackintohisownshape,theytiedupthechildagain,andgaggedhismouth,andputhimonashipforRoke.TheythoughtmaybetheMasterstherecouldtamehim.”

“Poorchild,”shemurmured.

“Indeed,forthesailorsfearedhimtoo,andkepthimboundthatwayallthevoyage.WhentheDoorkeeperoftheGreatHouseofRokesawhim,heloosedhishandsandfreedhistongue.AndthefirstthingtheboydidintheGreatHouse,theysay,heturnedtheLongTableofthedininghallupsidedown,andsouredthebeer,andastudentwhotriedtostophimgotturnedintoapigforabit…ButtheboyhadmethismatchintheMasters.

“Theydidn’tpunishhim,butkepthiswildpowersboundwithspellsuntiltheycouldmakehimlistenandbegintolearn.Ittookthemalongtime.Therewasarivalrousspiritinhimthatmadehimlookonanypowerhedidnothave,anythinghedidnotknow,asathreat,achallenge,athingtofightagainstuntilhecoulddefeatit.Therearemanyboyslikethat.Iwasone.ButIwaslucky.Ilearnedmylessonyoung.

“Well,thisboydidlearnatlasttotamehisangerandcontrolhispower.Andaverygreatpoweritwas.Whateverarthestudiedcameeasytohim,tooeasy,sothathedespisedillusion,andweatherworking,andevenhealing,becausetheyheldnofear,nochallengetohim.Hesawnovirtueinhimselfforhismasteryofthem.So,aftertheArchmageNemmerlehadgivenhimhisname,theboysethiswillonthegreatanddangerousartofsummoning.AndhestudiedwiththeMasterofthatartforalongtime.

“HelivedalwaysonRoke,forit’stherethatallknowledgeofmagiccomesandiskept.Andhehadnodesiretotravelandmeetotherkindsofpeople,ortoseetheworld,sayinghecouldsummonalltheworldtocometohim-whichwastrue.Maybethat’swherethedangerofthatartlies.

“Now,whatisforbiddentothesummoner,oranywizard,istocallalivingspirit.Wecancalltothem,yes.Wecansendtothemavoiceorapresentment,aseeming,ofourself.Butwedonotsummonthem,inspiritorinflesh,tocometous.Onlythedeadmaywesummon.Onlytheshadows.Youcanseewhythismustbe.Tosummonalivingmanistohaveentirepoweroverhim,bodyandmind.Noone,nomatterhowstrongorwiseorgreat,canrightlyownanduseanother.

“Butthespiritofrivalryworkedintheboyashegrewtobeaman.It’sastrongspiritonRoke:alwaystodobetterthantheothers,alwaystobefirst…Theartbecomesacontest,agame.Theendbecomesameanstoanendlessthanitself…Therewasnomantheremoregreatlygiftedthanthisman,yetifanydidbetterthanheinanything,hefoundithardtobear.Itfrightenedhim,itgalledhim.

“TherewasnoplaceforhimamongtheMasters,sinceanewMasterSummonerhadbeenchosen,astrongmaninhisprime,notlikelytoretireordie.Amongthescholarsandotherteachershehadaplaceofhonor,buthewasn’toneoftheNine.He’dbeenpassedover.Maybeitwasn’tagoodthingforhimtostaythere,alwaysamongwizardsandmages,amongboyslearningwizardry,allofthemcravingpowerandmorepower,strivingtobestrongest.Atanyrate,astheyearswentonhebecamemoreandmorealoof,pursuinghisstudiesinhistowercellapartfromothers,teachingfewstudents,speakinglittle.TheSummonerwouldsendgiftedstudentstohim,butmanyoftheboystherescarcelyknewofhim.Inthisisolationhebegantopracticecertainartsthatarenotwelltopracticeandleadtonogoodthing.

“Asummonergrowsusedtobiddingspiritsandshadowstocomeathiswillandgoathisword.Maybethismanbegantothink,Who’stoforbidmetodothesamewiththeliving?WhyhaveIthepowerifIcannotuseit?Sohebegantocallthelivingtohim,thoseatRokewhomhefeared,thinkingthemrivals,thosewhosepowerhewasjealousof.Whentheycametohimhetooktheirpowerfromthemforhimself,leavingthemsilent.Theycouldn’tsaywhathadhappenedtothem,whathadbecomeoftheirpower.Theydidn’tknow.

“Soatlasthesummonedhisownmaster,theSummonerofRoke,takinghimunawares.

“ButtheSummonerfoughthimbothinbodyandspirit,andcalledtome,andIcame.Togetherwefoughtagainstthewillthatwoulddestroyus.”

Nighthadcome.Gift’slamphadflickeredout.OnlytheredglowofthefireshoneonHawk’sface.Itwasnotthefaceshehadthoughtit.Itwasworn,andhard,andscarredalldownoneside.Thehawk’sface,shethought.Sheheld

still,listening.

“Thisisnotateller’stale,mistress.Thisisnotastoryyouwilleverhearanyoneelsetell.

“IwasnewatthebusinessofbeingArchmagethen.Andyoungerthanthemanwefought,andmaybenotafraidenoughofhim.Itwasallthetwoofuscoulddotoholdourownagainsthim,thereinthesilence,inthecellinthetower.Nobodyelseknewwhatwasgoingon.Wefought.Alongtimewefought.Andthenitwasover.Hebroke.Likeastickbreaking.Hewasbroken.Buthefledaway.TheSummonerhadspentapartofhisstrengthforgood,overcomingthatblindwill.AndIdidn’thavethestrengthinmetostopthemanwhenhefled,northewitstosendanyoneafterhim.Andnotashredofpowerleftinmetofollowhimwith.SohegotawayfromRoke.Cleangone.

“Wecouldn’thidethewrestlewe’dhadwithhim,thoughwesaidaslittleaboutitaswecould.Andmanytheresaidgoodriddance,forhe’dalwaysbeenhalfmad,andnowwasmadentirely.

“ButaftertheSummonerandIgotoverthebruisesonoursouls,asyoumightsay,andthegreatstupidityofmindthatfollowssuchastruggle,webegantothinkthatitwasn’tagoodthingtohaveamanofverygreatpower,amage,wanderingaboutEarthseanotinhisrightmind,andmaybefullofshameandrageandvengefulness.

“Wecouldfindnotraceofhim.NodoubthechangedhimselftoabirdorafishwhenheleftRoke,untilhecametosomeotherisland.Andawizardcanhidehimselffromallfindingspells.Wesentoutinquiries,inthewayswehaveofdoingso,butnothingandnobodyreplied.Sowesetofflookingforhim,theSummonertotheeasternislesandItothewest.ForwhenIthoughtaboutthisman,Ihadbeguntoseeinmymind’seyeagreatmountain,abrokencone,withalong,greenlandbeneathitreachingtothesouth.IrememberedmygeographylessonswhenIwasaboyatRoke,andthelayofthelandonSemel,andthemountainwhosenameisAndanden.SoIcametotheHighMarsh.IthinkIcametherightway.”

Therewasasilence.Thefirewhispered.

“ShouldIspeaktohim?”Giftaskedinasteadyvoice.

“Noneed,”saidthemanlikeafalcon.“Iwill.”Andhesaid,“Irioth.”

Shelookedatthedoorofthebedroom.Itopenedandhestoodthere,thinandtired,hisdarkeyesfullofsleepandbewildermentandpain.

“Ged,”hesaid.Hebowedhishead.Afterawhilehelookedupandasked,“Willyoutakemynamefromme?”

“WhyshouldIdothat?”

“Itmeansonlyhurt.Hate,pride,greed.”

“I’lltakethosenamesfromyou,Irioth,butnotyourown.”

“Ididn’tunderstand,”Iriothsaid,“abouttheothers.Thattheyareother.Weareallother.Wemustbe.Iwaswrong.”

ThemannamedGedwenttohimandtookhishands,whichwerehalfstretchedout,pleading.

“Youwentwrong.You’vecomeback.Butyou’retired,Irioth,andtheway’shardwhenyougoalone.Comehomewithme.”

Irioth’sheaddroopedasifinutterweariness.Alltensionandpassionhadgoneoutofhisbody.Buthelookedup,notatGedbutatGift,silentinthehearthcorner.

“Ihaveworkhere,”hesaid.

Gedtoolookedather.

“Hedoes,”shesaid.“Hehealsthecattle.”

“TheyshowmewhatIshoulddo,”Iriothsaid,“andwhoIam.Theyknowmyname.Buttheyneversayit.”

AfterawhileGedgentlydrewtheoldermantohimandheldhiminhisarms.Hesaidsomethingquietlytohimandlethimgo.Iriothdrewadeepbreath.

“I’mnogoodthere,yousee,Ged,”hesaid.“Iam,here.Ifthey’llletmedothework.”HelookedagainatGift,andGeddidalso.Shelookedatthemboth.

“Whatsayyou,Emer?”askedtheonelikeafalcon.

“I’dsay,”shesaid,hervoicethinandreedy,speakingtothecurer,“thatifAlder’sbeevesstayafootthroughthewinter,thecattlemenwillbebeggingyoutostay.Thoughtheymaynotloveyou.”

“Nobodylovesasorcerer,”saidtheArchmage.“Well,Irioth!DidIcomeallthiswayforyouinthedeadofwinter,andmustgobackalone?”

“Tellthem-tellthemIwaswrong,”Iriothsaid.“TellthemIdidwrong.TellThorion-“Hehalted,confused.

“I’lltellhimthatthechangesinaman’slifemaybebeyondalltheartsweknow,andallourwisdom,”saidtheArchmage.HelookedatEmeragain.“Mayhestayhere,mistress?Isthatyourwishaswellashis?”

“He’stentimestheuseandcompanytomemybrotheris,”shesaid.“Anda

kindtrueman,asItoldyou.Sir.”

“Verywell,then.Irioth,mydearcompanion,teacher,rival,friend,farewell.Emer,bravewoman,myhonorandthankstoyou.Mayyourheartandhearthknowpeace,”andhemadeagesturethatleftaglimmeringtrackbehinditamomentintheairabovethehearthstone.“NowI’mofftothecowbarn,”hesaid,andhewas.

Thedoorclosed.Itwassilentexceptforthewhisperofthefire.

“Cometothefire,”shesaid.Iriothcameandsatdownonthesettle.

“WasthattheArchmage?Truly?”

Henodded.

“TheArchmageoftheworld,”shesaid.“Inmycowbarn.Heshouldhavemybed-“

“Hewon’t,”saidIrioth.

Sheknewhewasright.

“Yournameisbeautiful,Irioth,”shesaidafterawhile.“Ineverknewmyhusband’struename.Norhemine.Iwon’tspeakyoursagain.ButIliketoknowit,sinceyouknowmine.”

“Yournameisbeautiful,Emer,”hesaid.“Iwillspeakitwhenyoutellmeto.”

DragonflyI.Iria

Herfather’sancestorshadownedawide,richdomainonthewide,richislandofWay.Claimingnotitleorcourtprivilegeinthedaysofthekings,throughallthedarkyearsafterMaharionfelltheyheldtheirlandandpeoplewithfirmhands,puttingtheirgainsbackintotheland,upholdingsomesortofjustice,andfightingoffpettytyrants.AsorderandpeacereturnedtotheArchipelagoundertheswayofthewisemenofRoke,forawhileyetthefamilyandtheirfarmsandvillagesprospered.Thatprosperityandthebeautyofthemeadowsanduplandpasturesandoak-crownedhillsmadethedomainabyword,sothatpeoplesaid,“asfatasacowofIria’,or,“asluckyasanIrian’.Themastersandmanytenantsofthedomainaddeditsnametotheirown,callingthemselvesIrian.Butthoughthefarmersandshepherdswentonfromseasontoseasonandyeartoyearandgenerationtogenerationassolidandsteadyastheoaks,thefamilythatownedthelandalteredwithtimeandchance.

Aquarrelbetweenbrothersovertheirinheritancedividedthem.Oneheirmismanagedhisestatethroughgreed,theotherthroughfoolishness.Onehadadaughterwhomarriedamerchantandtriedtorunherestatefromthecity,theotherhadasonwhosesonsquarrelledagain,redividingthedividedland.BythetimethegirlcalledDragonflywasborn,thedomainofIria,thoughstilloneoftheloveliestregionsofhillandfieldandmeadowinallEarthsea,wasabattlegroundoffeudsandlitigations.Farmlandswenttoweeds,farmsteadswentunroofed,milkingshedsstoodunused,andshepherdsfollowedtheirflocksoverthemountaintobetterpastures.Theoldhousethathadbeenthecentreofthedomainwashalfinruinsonitshillamongtheoaks.

ItsownerwasoneoffourmenwhocalledthemselvesMasterofIria.TheotherthreecalledhimMasterofOldIria.HespenthisyouthandwhatremainedofhisinheritanceinlawcourtsandtheanteroomsoftheLordsofWayinShelieth,tryingtoprovehisrighttothewholedomainasithadbeenahundredyearsago.Hecamebackunsuccessfulandembitteredandspenthisagedrinkingthehardredwinefromhislastvineyardandwalkinghisboundarieswithatroopofill-treated,underfeddogstokeepinterlopersoffhisland.

HehadmarriedwhilehewasinShelieth,awomannooneatIriaknewanythingabout,forshecamefromsomeotherisland,itwassaid,somewhereinthewest,andshenevercametoIria,forshediedinchildbirththereinthecity.

Whenhecamehomehehadathree-year-olddaughterwithhim.Heturnedherovertothehousekeeperandforgotabouther.Whenhewasdrunksometimesherememberedher.Ifhecouldfindher,hemadeherstandbyhischairorsitonhiskneesandlistentoallthewrongsthathadbeendonetohimandtothehouseofIria.Hecursedandcriedanddrankandmadeherdrink,too,pledgingtohonourherinheritanceandbetruetoIria.Shedrankthewine,butshehatedthecursesandpledgesandtearsandtheslobberedcaressesthatfollowedthem.Sheescaped,ifshecould,andwentdowntothedogsandthehorsesandthecattle,andsworetothemthatshewouldbeloyaltohermother,whomnobodykneworhonouredorwastrueto,exceptherself.

Whenshewasthirteentheoldvineyarderandthehousekeeper,whowereallthatwasleftofthehousehold,toldtheMasterthatitwastimehisdaughterhadhernamingday.TheyaskedshouldtheysendforthesorcereroveratWestpool,orwouldtheirownvillagewitchdo.TheMasterofIriafellintoascreamingrage.“Avillagewitch?Ahex-hagtogiveIrian’sdaughterhertruename?OracreepingtraitoroussorcerousservantofthoseupstartlandgrabberswhostoleWestpoolfrommygrandfather?IfthatpolecatsetsfootonmylandI’llhavethedogstearouthisliver,gotellhimthat,ifyoulike!”Andsoon.OldDaisywentbacktoherkitchenandoldConeywentbacktohisvines,andthirteen-year-oldDragonflyranoutofthehouseanddownthehilltothevillage,hurlingherfather’scursesatthedogs,who,crazywithexcitementathisshouting,barkedandbayedandrushedafterher.

“Getback,youblack-heartedbitch!”sheyelled.“Home,youcrawlingtraitor!”Andthedogsfellsilentandwentsidlingbacktothehousewiththeirtailsdown.

Dragonflyfoundthevillagewitchtakingmaggotsoutofaninfectedcutonasheep’srump.Thewitch’suse-namewasRose,likeagreatmanywomenofWayandotherislandsoftheHardicArchipelago.Peoplewhohaveasecretnamethatholdstheirpowerthewayadiamondholdslightmaywellliketheirpublicnametobeordinary,common,likeotherpeople’snames.

Rosewasmutteringarotespell,butitwasherhandsandherlittleshortsharpknifethatdidmostofthework.Theeweborethediggingknifepatiently,heropaque,amber,slottedeyesgazingintosilence;onlyshestampedhersmallleftfrontfootnowandthen,andsighed.

DragonflypeeredcloseatRose’swork.Rosebroughtoutamaggot,droppedit,spatonit,andprobedagain.Thegirlleanedupagainsttheewe,andtheeweleanedagainstthegirl,givingandreceivingcomfort.Roseextracted,dropped,andspatonthelastmaggot,andsaid,“Justhandmethatbucketnow.”Shebathedthesorewithsaltwater.Theewesigheddeeplyandsuddenlywalkedoutoftheyard,headingforhome.Shehadhadenoughof

medicine.“Bucky!”Roseshouted.Agrubbychildappearedfromunderabushwherehehadbeenasleepandtrailedaftertheewe,ofwhomhewasnominallyinchargealthoughshewasolder,larger,betterfed,andprobablywiserthanhewas.

“Theysaidyoushouldgivememyname,”saidDragonfly.“Fatherfelltoraging.Sothat’sthat.”

Thewitchsaidnothing.Sheknewthegirlwasright.OncetheMasterofIriasaidhewouldorwouldnotallowathingheneverchangedhismind,pridinghimselfonhisintransigence,sinceonlyweakmensaidathingandthenunsaidit.

“Whycan’tIgivemyselfmyowntruename?”Dragonflyasked,whileRosewashedtheknifeandherhandsinthesaltwater.

“Can’tbedone,”

“Whynot?Whydoesithavetobeawitchorasorcerer?Whatdoyoudo?”

“Well,”Rosesaid,anddumpedoutthesaltwateronthebaredirtofthesmallfrontyardofherhouse,which,likemostwitches’houses,stoodsomewhatapartfromthevillage.“Well,”shesaid,straighteningupandlookingaboutvaguelyasifforananswer,oraewe,oratowel.“Youhavetoknowsomethingaboutthepower,see,”shesaidatlast,andlookedatDragonflywithoneeye.Herothereyelookedalittleofftotheside.SometimesDragonflythoughtthecastwasinRose’slefteye,sometimesitseemedtobeinherright,butalwaysoneeyelookedstraightandtheotherwatchedsomethingjustoutofsight,aroundthecorner,elsewhere.

“Whichpower?”

“Theone,”Rosesaid.Assuddenlyastheewehadwalkedoff,shewentintoherhouse.Dragonflyfollowedher,butonlytothedoor.Nobodyenteredawitch’shouseuninvited.

“YousaidIhadit,”thegirlsaidintothereekinggloomoftheone-roomedhut.

“Isaidyouhaveastrengthinyou,agreatone,”thewitchsaidfromthedarkness.“Andyouknowittoo.WhatyouaretodoIdon’tknow,nordoyou.That’stofind.Butthere’snosuchpowerastonameyourself.”

“Whynot?What’smoreyourselfthanyourowntruename?”

Alongsilence.

Thewitchemergedwithasoapstonedrop-spindleandaballofgreasywool.Shesatdownonthebenchbesideherdoorandsetthespindleturning.She

hadspunayardofgrey-brownyarnbeforesheanswered.

“Myname’smyself.True.Butwhat’saname,then?It’swhatanothercallsme.Iftherewasnoother,onlyme,whatwouldIwantanamefor?”

“But,”saidDragonflyandstopped,caughtbytheargument.Afterawhileshesaid,“Soanamehastobeagift?”

Rosenodded.

“Givememyname,Rose,”thegirlsaid.

“Yourdadsaysnot.”

“Isayto.”

“He’stheMasterhere.”

“Hecankeepmepoorandstupidandworthless,buthecan’tkeepmenameless!”

Thewitchsighed,liketheewe,uneasyandconstrained.

“Tonight,”Dragonflysaid.“Atourspring,underIriaHill.Whathedoesn’tknowwon’thurthim.”Hervoicewashalf-coaxing,half-savage.

“Yououghttohaveyourpropernameday,yourfeastanddancing,likeanyyoung‘un,”thewitchsaid.“It’satdaybreakanameshouldbegiven.Andthenthereoughttobemusicandfeastingandall.Notsneakingaboutatnightandnooneknowing…”

“I’llknow.Howdoyouknowwhatnametosay,Rose?Doesthewatertellyou?”

Thewitchshookheriron-greyheadonce.“Ican’ttellyou.”Her‘can’t’didnotmean‘won’t’.Dragonflywaited.“It’sthepower,likeIsaid.Itcomesjustso.”Rosestoppedherspinningandlookedupwithoneeyeatacloudinthewest;theotherlookedalittlenorthwardofthesky.“You’rethereinthewater,together,youandthechild.Youtakeawaythechild-name.Peoplemaygoonusingthatnameforause-name,butit’snothername,noreverwas.Sonowshe’snotachild,andshehasnoname.Sothenyouwait.Youopenyourmindup,like.Likeopeningthedoorsofahousetothewind.Soitcomes.Yourtonguespeaksit,thename.Yourbreathmakesit.Yougiveittothatchild,thebreath,thename.Youcan’tthinkofit.Youletitcometoyou.Itmustcomethroughyoutoheritbelongsto.That’sthepower,thewayitworks.It’salllikethat.It’snotathingyoudo.Youhavetoknowhowtoletitdo.That’sallthemastery.”

“Magescandomorethanthat,”thegirlsaid.

“Nobodycandomorethanthat,”saidRose.

Dragonflyrolledherheadroundonherneck,stretchingtillthevertebraecracked,stretchingoutherlongarmsandlegsrestlessly.“Willyou?”shesaid.

Aftersometime,Rosenoddedonce.

TheymetinthelaneunderIriaHillinthedarkofnight,longaftersunset,longbeforedawn.Rosemadeadimglowofwerelightsothattheycouldfindtheirwaythroughthemarshygroundaroundthespringwithoutfallinginasinkholeamongthereeds.Inthecolddarknessunderafewstarsandtheblackcurveofthehill,theystrippedandwadedintotheshallowwater,theirfeetsinkingdeepinvelvetmud.Thewitchtouchedthegirl’shand,saying,“Itakeyourname,child.Youarenochild.Youhavenoname.”

Itwasutterlystill.

Inawhisperthewitchsaid,“Woman,benamed.YouareIrian.”

Foramomentlongertheyheldstill;thenthenightwindblewacrosstheirnakedshoulders,andshivering,theywadedout,driedthemselvesaswellastheycould,struggledbarefootandwretchedthroughthesharp-edgedreedsandtanglingroots,andfoundtheirwaybacktothelane.AndthereDragonflyspokeinaragged,ragingwhisper:‘Howcouldyounamemethat!”

Thewitchsaidnothing.

“Itisn’tright.Itisn’tmytruename!Ithoughtmynamewouldmakemebeme.Butthismakesitworse.Yougotitwrong.You’reonlyawitch.Youdiditwrong.It’shisname.Hecanhaveit.He’ssoproudofit,hisstupiddomain,hisstupidgrandfather.Idon’twantit.Iwon’thaveit.Itisn’tme.Istilldon’tknowwhoIam.I’mnotIrian!”Shefellsilentabruptly,havingspokenthename.

Thewitchstillsaidnothing.Theywalkedalonginthedarknesssidebyside.Atlast,inaplacating,frightenedvoice,Rosesaid,“Itcameso…”

“IfyouevertellittoanyoneI’llkillyou,”Dragonflysaid.

Atthat,thewitchstoppedwalking.Shehissedlikeacat.“Tellanyone?”

Dragonflystoppedtoo.Shesaidafteramoment,“I’msorry.ButIfeellike-Ifeellikeyoubetrayedme.”

“Ispokeyourtruename.It’snotwhatIthoughtitwouldbe.AndIdon’tfeeleasyaboutit.AsifI’dleftsomethingunfinished.Butitisyourname.Ifitbetraysyou,thenthat’sthetruthofit.”Rosehesitatedandthenspokelessangrily,morecoldly:‘Ifyouwantthepowertobetrayme,Irian,I’llgiveyouthat.MynameisEtaudis.”

Thewindhadcomeupagain.Theywerebothshivering,theirteethchattering.Theystoodfacetofaceintheblacklane,hardlyabletoseewheretheotherwas.Dragonflyputouthergropinghandandmetthewitch’shand.Theyputtheirarmsroundeachotherinafierce,longembrace.Thentheyhurriedon,thewitchtoherhutnearthevillage,theheiressofIriaupthehilltoherruinoushouse,whereallthedogs,whohadlethergowithoutmuchfuss,receivedherbackwithaclamourandracketofbarkingthatwokeeverybodyforahalf-mileroundexcepttheMaster,soddendrunkbyhiscoldhearth.

II.Ivory

TheMasterofIriaofWestpool,Birch,didn’towntheoldhouse,buthedidownthecentralandrichestlandsoftheolddomain.Hisfather,moreinterestedinvinesandorchardsthaninquarrelswithhisrelatives,hadleftBirchathrivingproperty.Birchhiredmentomanagethefarmsandwineriesandcooperageandcartageandall,whileheenjoyedhiswealth.HemarriedthetimiddaughteroftheyoungerbrotheroftheLordofWayfirth,andtookinfinitepleasureinthinkingthathisdaughterswereofnobleblood.

Thefashionofthetimeamongthenobilitywastohaveawizardintheirservice,agenuinewizardwithastaffandagreycloak,trainedontheIsleoftheWise,andsotheMasterofIriaofWestpoolgothimselfawizardfromRoke.Hewassurprisedhoweasyitwastogetone,ifyoupaidtheprice.

Theyoungman,calledIvory,didnotactuallyhavehisstaffandcloakyet;heexplainedthathewastobemadewizardwhenhewentbacktoRoke.TheMastershadsenthimoutintheworldtogainexperience,foralltheclassesintheSchoolcannotgiveamantheexperienceheneedstobeawizard.Birchlookedalittledubiousatthis,andIvoryreassuredhimthathistrainingonRokehadequippedhimwitheverykindofmagicthatcouldbeneededinIriaofWestpoolonWay.Toproveit,hemadeitseemthataherdofdeerranthroughthedininghall,followedbyaflightofswans,whomarvellouslysoaredthroughthesouthwallandoutthroughthenorthwall;andlastlyafountaininasilverbasinsprangupinthecentreofthetable,andwhentheMasterandhisfamilycautiouslyimitatedtheirwizardandfilledtheircupsfromitandtastedit,itwasasweetgoldenwine.“WineoftheAndrades,”saidtheyoungmanwithamodest,complacentsmile.Bythenthewifeanddaughterswereentirelywonover.AndBirchthoughttheyoungmanwasworthhisfee,althoughhisownsilentpreferencewasforthedryredFanianofhisownvineyards,whichgotyoudrunkifyoudrankenough,whilethisyellowstuffwasjusthoneywater.

Iftheyoungsorcererwasseekingexperience,hedidnotgetmuchat

Westpool.WheneverBirchhadguestsfromKembermouthorfromneighboringdomains,theherdofdeer,theswans,andthefountainofgoldenwinemadetheirappearance.Healsoworkedupsomeveryprettyfireworksforwarmspringevenings.ButifthemanagersoftheorchardsandvineyardscametotheMastertoaskifhiswizardmightputaspellofincreaseonthepearsthisyearormaybecharmtheblackrotofftheFanianvinesonthesouthhill,Birchsaid,“AwizardofRokedoesn’tlowerhimselftosuchstuff.Gotellthevillagesorcerertoearnhiskeep!”Andwhentheyoungestdaughtercamedownwithawastingcough,Birch’swifedarednottroublethewiseyoungmanaboutit,butsenthumblytoRoseofOldIria,askinghertocomeinbythebackdoorandmaybemakeapoulticeorsingachanttobringthegirlbacktohealth.

Ivorynevernoticedthatthegirlwasailing,northepeartrees,northevines.Hekepthimselftohimself,asamanofcraftandlearningshould.HespenthisdaysridingaboutthecountrysideontheprettyblackmarethathisemployerhadgivenhimforhisusewhenhemadeitclearthathehadnotcomefromRoketotrudgeaboutonfootinthemudanddustofcountrybyways.

Onhisrides,hesometimespassedanoldhouseonahillamonggreatoaks.Whenheturnedoffthevillagelaneupthehill,apackofscrawny,evil-moutheddogscamepeltingandbellowingdownathim.Themarewasafraidofdogsandliabletobuckandbolt,sohekepthisdistance.Buthehadaneyeforbeauty,andlikedtolookattheoldhousedreamingawayinthedappledlightoftheearlysummerafternoons.

HeaskedBirchabouttheplace.“That’sIria,”Birchsaid-“OldIria,Imeantosay.Iownthehousebyrights.Butafteracenturyoffeudsandfightsoverit,mygranddadlettheplacegotosettlethequarrel.ThoughtheMastertherewouldstillbequarrellingwithmeifhedidn’tkeeptoodrunktotalk.Haven’tseentheoldmanforyears.Hehadadaughter,Ithink.”

“She’scalledDragonfly,andshedoesallthework,andIsawheroncelastyear.She’stall,andasbeautifulasafloweringtree,”saidtheyoungestdaughter,Rose,whowasbusycrowdingalifetimeofkeenobservationintothefourteenyearsthatwereallshewasgoingtohaveforit.Shebrokeoff,coughing.Hermothershotananguished,yearningglanceatthewizard.Surelyhewouldhearthatcough,thistime?HesmiledatyoungRose,andthemother’sheartlifted.Surelyhewouldn’tsmilesoifRose’scoughwasanythingserious?

“Nothingtodowithus,thatlotattheoldplace,”Birchsaid,displeased.ThetactfulIvoryaskednomore.Buthewantedtoseethegirlasbeautifulasafloweringtree.HerodepastOldIriaregularly.Hetriedstoppinginthevillage

atthefootofthehilltoaskquestions,buttherewasnowheretostopandnobodywouldanswerquestions.Awall-eyedwitchtookonelookathimandscuttledintoherhut.Ifhewentuptothehousehewouldhavetofacethepackofhellhoundsandprobablyadrunkoldman.Butitwasworththechance,hethought;hewasboredoutofhiswitswiththedulllifeatWestpool,andwasneverslowtotakearisk.Herodeupthehilltillthedogswereyellingaroundhiminafrenzy,snappingatthemare’slegs.Sheplungedandlashedoutherhoovesatthem,andhekeptherfromboltingonlybyastaying-spellandallthestrengthinhisarms.Thedogswereleapingandsnappingathisownlegsnow,andhewasabouttoletthemarehaveherheadwhensomebodycameamongthedogsshoutingcursesandbeatingthembackwithastrap.Whenhegotthelathered,gaspingmaretostandstill,hesawthegirlasbeautifulasafloweringtree.Shewasverytall,verysweaty,withbighandsandfeetandmouthandnoseandeyes,andaheadofwilddustyhair.Shewasyelling,“Down!Backtothehouse,youcarrion,youvilesonsofbitches!”tothewhining,coweringdogs.

Ivoryclappedhishandtohisrightleg.Adog’stoothhadrippedhisbreechesatthecalf,andatrickleofbloodcamethrough.

“Isshehurt?”thewomansaid.“Oh,thetraitorousvermin!”Shewasstrokingdownthemare’srightforeleg.Herhandscameawaycoveredwithblood-streakedhorsesweat.“There,there,”shesaid.Thebravegirl,thebraveheart.”Themareputherheaddownandshiveredalloverwithrelief.“Whatdidyoukeepherstandingthereinthemiddleofthedogsfor?”thewomandemandedfuriously.Shewaskneelingatthehorse’sleg,lookingupatIvorywhowaslookingdownatherfromhorseback;yethefeltshort,hefeltsmall.

Shedidnotwaitforananswer.“I’llwalkherup,”shesaid,standingup,andputoutherhandforthereins.Ivorysawthathewassupposedtodismount.Hedidso,asking,“Isitverybad?”andpeeringatthehorse’sleg,seeingonlybright,bloodyfoam.

“Comeonthen,mylove,”theyoungwomansaid,nottohim.Themarefollowedhertrustfully.Theysetoffuptheroughpathroundthehillsidetoanoldstoneandbrickstableyard,emptyofhorses,inhabitedonlybynestingswallowsthatswoopedaboutovertheroofscallingtheirquickgossip.

“Keepherquiet,”saidtheyoungwoman,andlefthimholdingthemare’sreinsinthisdesertedplace.Shereturnedaftersometimeluggingaheavybucket,andsettospongingoffthemare’sleg.“Getthesaddleoffher,”shesaid,andhertoneheldtheunspoken,impatient,“youfool!”Ivoryobeyed,half-annoyedbythiscrudegiantessandhalf-intrigued.Shedidnotputhiminmindofafloweringtreeatall,butshewasinfactbeautiful,inalarge,fierceway.Themaresubmittedtoherabsolutely.Whenshesaid,“Moveyourfoot!”

themaremovedherfoot.Thewomanwipedherdownallover,putthesaddleblanketbackonher,andmadesureshewasstandinginthesun.“She’llbeallright,”shesaid.“There’sagash,butifyou’llwashitwithwarmsaltwaterfourorfivetimesaday,it’llhealclean,I’msorry.”Shesaidthelasthonestly,thoughgrudgingly,asifshestillwonderedhowhecouldhavelethismarestandtheretobeassaulted,andshelookedstraightathimforthefirsttime.Hereyeswereclearorange-brown,likedarktopazoramber.Theywerestrangeeyes,rightonalevelwithhisown.

“I’msorrytoo,”hesaid,tryingtospeakcarelessly,lightly.

“She’sIrianofWestpool’smare.You’rethewizard,then?”

Hebowed.“Ivory,ofHavnorGreatPort,atyourservice.MayI-“

Sheinterrupted.“IthoughtyouwerefromRoke.”

“Iam,”hesaid,hiscomposureregained.

Shestaredathimwiththosestrangeeyes,asunreadableasasheep’s,hethought.Thensheburstout:‘Youlivedthere?Youstudiedthere?DoyouknowtheArchmage?”

“Yes,”hesaidwithasmile.Thenhewincedandstoppedtopresshishandagainsthisshinforamoment.

“Areyouhurttoo?”

“It’snothing,”hesaid.Infact,rathertohisannoyance,thecuthadstoppedbleeding.Thewoman’sgazereturnedtohisface.

“Whatisit-whatisitlike-onRoke?”

Ivorywent,limpingonlyveryslightly,toanoldmounting-blocknearbyandsatdownonit.Hestretchedhisleg,nursingthetornplace,andlookedupatthewoman.“ItwouldtakealongtimetotellyouwhatRokeislike,”hesaid.“Butitwouldbemypleasure.”

“Theman’sawizard,ornearly,”saidRosethewitch,“aRokewizard!Youmustnotaskhimquestions!”Shewasmorethanscandalized,shewasfrightened.

“Hedoesn’tmind,”Dragonflyreassuredher.“Onlyhehardlyeverreallyanswers.”

“Ofcoursenot!”

“Whyofcoursenot?”

“Becausehe’sawizard!Becauseyou’reawoman,withnoart,noknowledge,nolearning!”

“Youcouldhavetaughtme!Youneverwould!”

Rosedismissedallshehadtaughtorcouldteachwithaflickofthefingers.

“Well,soIhavetolearnfromhim,”saidDragonfly.

“Wizardsdon’tteachwomen.You’rebesotted.”

“YouandBroomtradespells.”

“Broom’savillagesorcerer.Thismanisawiseman.HelearnedtheHighArtsattheGreatHouseonRoke!”

“Hetoldmewhatit’slike,”Dragonflysaid.“Youwalkupthroughthetown,ThwilTown.There’sadooropeningonthestreet,butit’sshut.Itlookslikeanordinarydoor.”

Thewitchlistened,unabletoresistthelureofsecretsrevealedandthecontagionofpassionatedesire.

“Andamancomeswhenyouknock,anordinary-lookingman.Andhegivesyouatest.Youhavetosayacertainword,apassword,beforehe’llletyouin.Ifyoudon’tknowit,youcannevergoin.Butifheletsyouin,thenfrominsideyouseethatthedoorisentirelydifferent-it’smadeoutofhorn,withatreecarvedonit,andtheframeismadeoutofatooth,onetoothofadragonthatlivedlong,longbeforeErreth-Akbe,beforeMorred,beforetherewerepeopleinEarthsea.Therewereonlydragons,tobeginwith.TheyfoundthetoothonMountOnn,inHavnor,atthecentreoftheworld.Andtheleavesofthetreearecarvedsothinthatthelightshinesthroughthem,butthedoor’ssostrongthatiftheDoorkeepershutsitnospellcouldeveropenit.AndthentheDoorkeepertakesyoudownahallandanotherhall,tillyou’relostandbewildered,andthensuddenlyyoucomeoutunderthesky.IntheCourtoftheFountain,intheverydeepestinsideoftheGreatHouse.Andthat’swheretheArchmagewouldbe,ifhewasthere…”

“Goon,”thewitchmurmured.

That’sallhereallytoldme,yet,”saidDragonfly,comingbacktothemild,overcastspringdayandtheinfinitefamiliarityofthevillagelane,Rose’sfrontyard,herownsevenmilchewesgrazingonIriaHill,thebronzecrownsoftheoaks.“He’sverycarefulhowhetalksabouttheMasters.”

Rosenodded.

“Buthetoldmeaboutsomeofthestudents.”

“Noharminthat,Isuppose.”

“Idon’tknow,”Dragonflysaid.“TohearabouttheGreatHouseiswonderful,butIthoughtthepeopletherewouldbe-Idon’tknow.Ofcoursethey’re

mostlyjustboyswhentheygothere.ButIthoughtthey’dbe…”Shegazedoffatthesheeponthehill,herfacetroubled.“Someofthemarereallybadandstupid,”shesaidinalowvoice.“TheygetintotheSchoolbecausethey’rerich.Andtheystudytherejusttogetricher.Ortogetpower.”

“Well,ofcoursetheydo,”saidRose,“that’swhatthey’retherefor!”

“Butpower-likeyoutoldmeabout-that.isn’tthesameasmakingpeopledowhatyouwant,orpayyou-“

“Isn’tit?”

“No!”

“Ifawordcanheal,awordcanwound,”thewitchsaid.“Ifahandcankill,ahandcancure.It’sapoorcartthatgoesonlyinonedirection,”

“ButonRoke,theylearntousepowerwell,notforharm,notforgain.”

“Everything’sforgainsomeway,I’dsay.Peoplehavetolive.ButwhatdoIknow?ImakemylivingdoingwhatIknowhowtodo.ButIdon’tmeddlewiththegreatarts,theperilouscrafts,likesummoningthedead,”andRosemadethehand-signtoavertthedangerspokenof.

“Everything’sperilous,”Dragonflysaid,gazingnowthroughthesheep,thehill,thetrees,intostilldepths,acolorless,vastemptinessliketheclearskybeforesunrise.

Rosewatchedher.SheknewshedidnotknowwhoManwasorwhatshemightbe.Abig,strong,awkward,ignorant,innocent,angrywoman,yes.ButeversinceshewasachildRosehadseensomethingmoreinher,somethingbeyondwhatshewas.AndwhenIrianlookedawayfromtheworldlikethat,sheseemedtoenterthatplaceortimeorbeingbeyondherself,utterlybeyondRose’sknowledge.ThenRosefearedher,andfearedforher.

“Youtakecare,”thewitchsaid,grim.“Everything’sperilous,rightenough,andmeddlingwithwizardsmostofall.”

Throughlove,respect,andtrust,DragonflywouldneverdisregardawarningfromRose;butshewasunabletoseeIvoryasperilous.Shedidn’tunderstandhim,buttheideaoffearinghim,himpersonally,wasnotoneshecouldkeepinmind.Shetriedtoberespectful,butitwasimpossible.Shethoughthewascleverandquitehandsome,butshedidn’tthinkmuchabouthim,exceptforwhathecouldtellher.Heknewwhatshewantedtoknowandlittlebylittlehetoldittoher,andthenitwasnotreallywhatshehadwantedtoknow,butshewantedtoknowmore.Hewaspatientwithher,andshewasgratefultohimforhispatience,knowinghewasmuchquickerthanshe.Sometimeshesmiledatherignorance,butheneversneeredatitorreprovedit.Likethe

witch,helikedtoansweraquestionwithaquestion;buttheanswerstoRose’squestionswerealwayssomethingshe’dalwaysknown,whiletheanswerstohisquestionswerethingsshehadneverimaginedandfoundstartling,unwelcome,evenpainful,alteringallherbeliefs.

Daybyday,astheytalkedintheoldstableyardofIria,wheretheyhadfallenintothehabitofmeeting,sheaskedhimandhetoldhermore,thoughreluctantly,alwayspartially;heshieldedhisMasters,shethought,tryingtodefendthebrightimageofRoke,untilonedayhegaveintoherinsistenceandspokefreelyatlast.

“Therearegoodmenthere,”hesaid.“GreatandwisetheArchmagecertainlywas.Buthe’sgone.AndtheMasters…Someholdaloof,followingarcaneknowledge,seekingevermorepatterns,evermorenames,butusingtheirknowledgefornothing.Othershidetheirambitionunderthegreycloakofwisdom.RokeisnolongerwherepowerisinEarthsea.That’stheCourtinHavnor,now.Rokelivesonitsgreatpast,defendedbyathousandspellsagainstthepresentday.Andinsidethosespell-walls,whatisthere?Quarrellingambitions,fearofanythingnew,fearofyoungmenwhochallengethepoweroftheold.Andatthecentre,nothing.Anemptycourtyard.TheArchmagewillneverreturn.”

“Howdoyouknow?”shewhispered.

Helookedstern.Thedragonborehimaway.”

“Yousawit?Yousawthat?”Sheclenchedherhands,imaginingthatflight.

Afteralongtime,shecamebacktothesunlightandthestableyardandherthoughtsandpuzzles.“Butevenifhe’sgone,”shesaid,“surelysomeoftheMastersaretrulywise?”

Whenhelookedupandspokeitwaswithahintofamelancholysmile.“AllthemysteryandwisdomoftheMasters,whenit’soutinthedaylight,doesn’tamounttosomuch,youknow.Tricksofthetrade-wonderfulillusions.Butpeopledon’twanttobelievethat.Theywantthemysteries,theillusions.Whocanblamethem?There’ssolittleinmostlivesthat’sbeautifulorworthy.”

Asiftoillustratewhathewassaying,hehadpickedupabitofbrickfromthebrokenpavement,andtosseditupintheair,andashespokeitflutteredabouttheirheadsondelicatebluewings,abutterfly.Heputouthisfingerandthebutterflylightedonit.Heshookhisfingerandthebutterflyfelltotheground,afragmentofbrick.

“There’snotmuchworthmuchinmylife,”shesaid,gazingdownatthepavement.“AllIknowhowtodoisrunthefarm,andtrytostandupandspeaktruth.ButifIthoughtitwasalltricksandliesevenonRoke,I’dhate

thosemenforfoolingme,foolingusall.Itcan’tbelies.Notallofit.TheArchmagedidgointothelabyrinthamongtheHoaryMenandcomebackwiththeRingofPeace.Hedidgointodeathwiththeyoungking,anddefeatthespidermage,andcomeback.Weknowthatonthewordofthekinghimself.Evenhere,theharperscametosingthatsong,andatellercametotellit.”

Ivorynoddedgravely.“ButtheArchmagelostallhispowerinthelandofdeath.Maybeallmagerywasweakenedthen.”

“Rose’sspellsworkaswellasever,”shesaidstoutly.

Ivorysmiled.Hesaidnothing,butsheknewhowpettythedoingsofavillagewitchappearedtohim,whohadseengreatdeedsandpowers.Shesighedandspokefromherheart-“Oh,ifonlyIwasn’tawoman!”

Hesmiledagain.“You’reabeautifulwoman,”hesaid,butplainly,notintheflatteringwayhehadusedwithheratfirst,beforesheshowedhimshehatedit.“Whywouldyoubeaman?”

“SoIcouldgotoRoke!Andsee,andlearn!Why,whyisitonlymencangothere?”

“SoitwasordainedbythefirstArchmage,centuriesago,”saidIvory.“But…Itoohavewondered.”

“Youhave?”

“Often.Seeingonlyboysandmen,dayafterday,intheGreatHouseandalltheprecinctsoftheSchool.Knowingthatthetownswomenarespell-boundfromsomuchassettingfootonthefieldsaboutRokeKnoll.Onceinyears,perhaps,somegreatladyisallowedtocomebrieflyintotheoutercourts...Whyisitso?Areallwomenincapableofunderstanding?OrisitthattheMastersfearthem,feartobecorrupted-no,butfearthattoadmitwomenmightchangetheruletheyclingto-the…purityofthatrule.”

“Womencanlivechasteaswellasmencan,”Dragonflysaidbluntly.Sheknewshewasbluntandcoarsewherehewasdelicateandsubtle,butshedidnotknowanyotherwaytobe.

“Ofcourse,”hesaid,hissmilegrowingbrilliant.“Butwitchesaren’talwayschaste,arethey?Maybethat’swhattheMastersareafraidof.Maybecelibacyisn’tasnecessaryastheRuleofRoketeaches.Maybeit’snotawayofkeepingthepowerpure,butofkeepingthepowertothemselves.Leavingoutwomen,leavingouteverybodywhowon’tagreetoturnhimselfintoaeunuchtogetthatonekindofpower…Whoknows?Ashe-mage!Nowthatwouldchangeeverything,alltherules!”

Shecouldseehisminddanceaheadofhers,takingupandplayingwithideas,transformingthemashehadtransformedbrickintobutterfly.Shecouldnotdancewithhim,shecouldnotplaywithhim,butshewatchedhiminwonder.

“YoucouldgotoRoke,”hesaid,hiseyesbrightwithexcitement,mischief,daring.Meetingheralmostpleading,increduloussilence,heinsisted:‘Youcould.Awomanyouare,buttherearewaystochangeyourseeming.Youhavetheheart,thecourage,thewillofaman.YoucouldentertheGreatHouse.Iknowit.”

“AndwhatwouldIdothere?”

“Whatallthestudentsdo.Livealoneinastonecellandlearntobewise!Itmightnotbewhatyoudreamittobe,butthat,too,you’dlearn.”

“Icouldn’t.They’dknow.Icouldn’tevengetin.There’stheDoorkeeper,yousaid.Idon’tknowthewordtosaytohim.”

Thepassword,yes.ButIcanteachittoyou.”

“Youcan?Isitallowed?”

“Idon’tcarewhat’s“allowed”,”hesaid,withafrownshehadneverseenonhisface.TheArchmagehimselfsaid,Rulesaremadetohebroken.Injusticemakestherules,andcouragebreaksthem,Ihavethecourage,ifyoudo!”

Shelookedathim.Shecouldnotspeak.Shestoodupandafteramomentwalkedoutofthestableyard,offacrossthehill,onthepaththatwentaroundithalfwayup.Oneofthedogs,herfavorite,abig,ugly,heavy-headedhound,followedher.ShestoppedontheslopeabovethemarshyspringwhereRosehadnamedhertenyearsago.Shestoodthere;thedogsatdownbesideherandlookedupatherface.Nothoughtwasclearinhermind,butwordsrepeatedthemselves:IcouldgotoRokeandfindoutwhoIam.

Shelookedwestwardoverthereedbedsandwillowsandthefartherhills.Thewholewesternskywasempty,clear.Shestoodstillandhersoulseemedtogointothatskyandbegone,goneoutofher.

Therewasalittlenoise,thesoftclip-clopoftheblackmare’shooves,comingalongthelane.ThenDragonflycamebacktoherselfandcalledtoIvoryandrandownthehilltomeethim.“Iwillgo,”shesaid.

Hehadnotplannedorintendedanysuchadventure,butcrazyasitwas,itsuitedhimbetterthemorehethoughtaboutit.TheprospectofspendingthelonggreywinteratWestpoolsankhisspiritslikeastone.TherewasnothinghereforhimexceptthegirlDragonfly,whohadcometofillhisthoughts.Hermassive,innocentstrengthhaddefeatedhimabsolutelysofar,buthedidwhatshepleasedinordertohaveherdoatlastwhathepleased,andthegame,he

thought,wasworthplaying.Ifsheranawaywithhim,thegamewasasgoodaswon.Asforthejokeofit,thenotionofactuallygettingherintotheSchoolonRokedisguisedasaman,therewaslittlechanceofpullingitoff,butitpleasedhimasagestureofdisrespecttoallthepietyandpomposityoftheMastersandtheirtoadies.Andifsomehowitsucceeded,ifhecouldactuallygetawomanthroughthatdoor,evenforamoment,whatasweetrevengeitwouldbe!

Moneywasaproblem.Thegirlthought,ofcourse,thatheasagreatwizardwouldsnaphisfingersandwaftthemovertheseainamagicboatflyingbeforethemagewind.Butwhenhetoldherthey’dhavetohirepassageonaship,shesaidsimply,“Ihavethecheesemoney.”

Hetreasuredherrusticsayingsofthatkind.Sometimesshefrightenedhim,andheresentedit.Hisdreamsofherwereneverofheryieldingtohim,butofhimselfyieldingtoafierce,destroyingsweetness,sinkingintoanannihilatingembrace,dreamsinwhichshewassomethingbeyondcomprehensionandhewasnothingatall.Hewokefromthosedreamsshakenandshamed.Indaylight,whenhesawherbig,dirtyhands,whenshetalkedlikeayokel,asimpleton,heregainedhissuperiority.Heonlywishedthereweresomeonetorepeathersayingsto,oneofhisoldfriendsintheGreatPortwhowouldfindthemamusing.“”Ihavethecheesemoney,””herepeatedtohimself,ridingbacktoWestpool,andlaughed.“Idoindeed,”hesaidaloud.Theblackmarenickedherear.

HetoldBirchthathehadreceivedasendingfromhisteacheronRoke,theMasterHand,andmustgoatonce,onwhatbusinesshecouldnotsay,ofcourse,butitshouldnottakelongoncehewasthere;ahalf-monthtogo,anothertoreturn;hewouldbebackwellbeforetheFallowsatthelatest.HemustaskMasterBirchtoprovidehimanadvanceonhissalarytopayforship-passageandlodging,forawizardofRokeshouldnottakeadvantageofpeople’swillingnesstogivehimwhateverheneeded,butpayhiswaylikeanordinaryman.AsBirchagreedwiththis,hehadtogiveIvoryapurseforhisjourney.Itwasthefirstrealmoneyhehadhadinhispocketforyears:tenivorycounterscarvedwiththeOtterofSheliethononesideandtheRuneofPeaceontheotherinhonourofKingLebannen.“Hello,littlenamesakes,”hetoldthemwhenhewasalonewiththem.“Youandthecheesemoneywillgetalongnicely.”

HetoldDragonflyverylittleofhisplans,largelybecausehemadefew,trustingtochanceandhisownwits,whichseldomlethimdownifhewasgivenafairchancetousethem.Thegirlaskedalmostnoquestions.“WillIgoasamanalltheway?”wasone.

“Yes,”hesaid,“butonlydisguised.Iwon’tputasemblance-spellonyoutill

we’reonRokeIsland.”

“IthoughtitwouldbeaspellofChange,”shesaid.

Thatwouldbeunwise,”hesaid,withagoodimitationoftheMasterChanger’stersesolemnity.“Ifneedbe,I’lldoit,ofcourse.Butyou’llfindwizardsverysparingofthegreatspells.Forgoodreason.”

TheEquilibrium,”shesaid,acceptingallhesaidinitssimplestsense,asalways.

“Andperhapsbecausesuchartshavenotthepowertheyoncehad,”hesaid.Hedidnotknowhimselfwhyhetriedtoweakenherfaithinwizardry;perhapsbecauseanyweakeningofherstrength,herwholeness,wasagainforhim.Hehadbegunmerelybytryingtogetherintohisbed,agamehelovedtoplay.Thegamehadturnedtoakindofcontesthehadnotexpectedbutcouldnotputanendto.Hewasdeterminednownottowinher,buttodefeather.Hecouldnotletherdefeathim.Hemustprovetoherandhimselfthathisdreamsweremeaningless.

Quiteearlyon,impatientwithwooinghermassivephysicalindifference,hehadworkedupacharm,asorcerer’sseduction-spellofwhichhewascontemptuousevenashemadeit,thoughheknewitwaseffective.Hecastitonherwhileshewas,characteristically,mendingacow’shalter.TheresulthadnotbeenthemeltingeagernessithadproducedingirlshehaduseditoninHavnorandThwil.Dragonflyhadgraduallybecomesilentandsullen.SheceasedaskingherendlessquestionsaboutRokeanddidnotanswerwhenhespoke.Whenheverytentativelyapproachedher,takingherhand,shestruckhimawaywithablowtotheheadthatlefthimdizzy.Hesawherstandupandstrideoutofthestableyardwithoutaword,theuglyhoundshefavouredtrottingafterher.Itlookedbackathimwithagrin.

Shetookthepathtotheoldhouse.Whenhisearsstoppedringinghestoleafterher,hopingthecharmwasworkingandthatthiswasonlyherparticularlyuncouthwayofleadinghimatlasttoherbed.Nearingthehouse,heheardcrockerybreaking.Thefather,thedrunkard,camewobblingoutlookingscaredandconfused,followedbyDragonfly’sloud,harshvoice-“Outofthehouse,youdrunken,crawlingtraitor!Youfoul,shamelesslecher!”

“Shetookmycupaway,”theMasterofIriasaidtothestranger,whininglikeapuppy,whilehisdogsyammeredaroundhim.“Shebrokeit.”

Ivorydeparted.Hedidnotreturnfortwodays.OnthethirddayherodeexperimentallypastOldIria,andshecamestridingdowntomeethim.“I’msorry,Ivory,”shesaid,lookingupathimwithhersmokyorangeeyes.“I

don’tknowwhatcameovermetheotherday.Iwasangry.Butnotatyou.Ibegyourpardon.”

Heforgavehergracefully.Hedidnottryalove-charmonheragain.

Soon,hethoughtnow,hewouldnotneedone.Hewouldhaverealpoweroverher.Hehadfinallyseenhowtogetit.Shehadgivenitintohishands.Herstrengthandherwillpowerweretremendous,butfortunatelyshewasstupid,andhewasnot.

BirchwassendingacarterdowntoKembermouthwithsixbarrelsoften-year-oldFanianorderedbythewinemerchantthere.Hewasgladtosendhiswizardalongasbodyguard,forthewinewasvaluable,andthoughtheyoungkingwasputtingthingstorightsasfastashecould,therewerestillgangsofrobbersontheroads.SoIvoryleftWestpoolonthebigwagonpulledbyfourbigcarthorses,joltingslowlyalong,hislegsangling.DownbyJackassHillanuncouthfigureroseupfromthewaysideandaskedthecarterforalift.“Idon’tknowyou,”thecartersaid,liftinghiswhiptowarnthestrangeroff,butIvorycameroundthewagonandsaid,“Lettheladride,mygoodman.He’lldonoharmwhileI’mwithyou.”

“Keepaneyeonhimthen,master,”saidthecarter.

“Iwill,”saidIvory,withawinkatDragonfly.She,welldisguisedindirtandafarmhand’soldsmockandleggingsandaloathsomefelthat,didnotwinkback.Sheplayedherpartevenwhiletheysatsidebysidedanglingtheirlegsoverthetailgate,withsixgreathalftunsofwinejoltingbetweenthemandthedrowsycarter,andthedrowsysummerhillsandfieldsslippingslowly,slowlypast.Ivorytriedtoteaseher,butsheonlyshookherhead.Maybeshewasscaredbythiswildscheme,nowshewasembarkedonit.Therewasnotelling.Shewassolemnly,heavilysilent.Icouldbeveryboredbythiswoman,Ivorythought,ifonceI’dhadherunderneathme.Thatthoughtstirredhimalmostunbearably,butwhenhelookedbackather,histhoughtsdiedawaybeforehermassive,actualpresence.

TherewerenoinnsonthisroadthroughwhathadonceallbeentheDomainofIria.Asthesunnearedthewesternplains,theystoppedatafarmhousethatofferedstablingforthehorses,ashedforthecart,andstrawinthestableloftforthecarters.Theloftwasdarkandstuffyandthestrawmusty.Ivoryfeltnolustatall,thoughDragonflylaynotthreefeetfromhim.Shehadplayedthemansothoroughlyalldaythatshehadhalf-convincedevenhim.Maybeshe’llfooltheoldmenafterall!hethought,andgrinnedatthethought,andslept.

TheyjoltedonallthenextdaythroughasummerthundershowerortwoandcarneatdusktoKembermouth,awalled,prosperousportcity.Theyleftthe

cartertohismaster’sbusinessandwalkeddowntofindaninnnearthedocks.Dragonflylookedaboutatthesightsofthecityinasilencethatmighthavebeenaweordisapprovalormerestolidity.“Thisisanicelittletown,”Ivorysaid,“buttheonlycityintheworldisHavnor.”

Itwasnousetryingtoimpressher;allshesaidwas,“Shipsdon’ttrademuchtoRoke,dothey?Willittakealongtimetofindonetotakeus,doyouthink?”

“NotifIcarryastaff,”hesaid.

Shestoppedlookingaboutandstrodealonginthoughtforawhile.Shewasbeautifulinmovement,boldandgraceful,herheadcarriedhigh.

“Youmeanthey’llobligeawizard?Butyouaren’tawizard.”

“That’saformality.Weseniorsorcerersmaycarryastaffwhenwe’reonRoke’sbusiness.WhichIam.”

Takingmethere?”

“Bringingthemastudent-yes.Astudentofgreatgifts!”

Sheaskednomorequestions.Sheneverargued;itwasoneofhervirtues.

Thatnight,oversupperatthewaterfrontinn,sheaskedwithunusualtimidityinhervoice,“DoIhavegreatgifts?”

“Inmyjudgment,youdo,”hesaid.

Shepondered-conversationwithherwasoftenaslowbusiness-andsaid,“RosealwayssaidIhadpower,butshedidn’tknowwhatkind.AndI…IknowIdo,butIdon’tknowwhatitis.”

“You’regoingtoRoketofindout,”hesaid,raisinghisglasstoher.Afteramomentsheraisedhersandsmiledathim,asmilesotenderandradiantthathesaidspontaneously,“Andmaywhatyoufindbeallyouseek!”

“IfIdo,itwillbethankstoyou,”shesaid.Inthatmomenthelovedherforhertrueheart,andwouldhaveforswornanythoughtofherbutashiscompanioninaboldadventure,agallantjoke.

Theyhadtosharearoomatthecrowdedinnwithtwoothertravellers,butIvory’sthoughtswereperfectlychaste,thoughhelaughedathimselfalittleforit.

Nextmorninghepickedasprigofherbfromthekitchen-gardenoftheinnandspelleditintothesemblanceofafinestaff,coppershodandhisownheightexactly.“Whatisthewood?”Dragonflyasked,fascinated,whenshesawit,andwhenheansweredwithalaugh,“Rosemary,”shelaughedtoo.

Theysetoffalongthewharves,askingforashipboundsouththatmighttakeawizardandhisprenticetotheIsleoftheWise,andsoonenoughtheyfoundaheavytraderboundforWathort,whosemasterwouldcarrythewizardforgoodwillandtheprenticeforhalf-price.Evenhalf-pricewashalfthecheesemoney,buttheywouldhavetheluxuryofacabin,forSeaOtterwasadecked,two-mastedship.

Astheyweretalkingwithhermasterawagondrewuponthedockandbegantounloadsixfamiliarhalftunbarrels.That’sours,”Ivorysaid,andtheship’smastersaid,“BoundforHortTown,”andDragonflysaidsoftly,“FromIria.”

Sheglancedbackatthelandthen.Itwastheonlytimeheeversawherlookback.

Theship’sweatherworkercameaboardjustbeforetheysailed,noRokewizardbutaweatherbeatenfellowinawornsea-cloak.Ivoryflourishedhisstaffalittleingreetinghim.Thesorcererlookedhimupanddownandsaid,“Onemanworksweatheronthisship.Ifit’snotme,I’moff.”

“I’mamerepassenger,MasterBagman.Igladlyleavethewindsinyourhands.”

ThesorcererlookedatDragonfly,whostoodstraightasatreeandsaidnothing.

“Good,”hesaid,andthatwasthelastwordhespoketoIvory.

Duringthevoyage,however,hetalkedseveraltimeswithDragonfly,whichmadeIvoryabituneasy.Herignoranceandtrustfulnesscouldendangerherandthereforehim.Whatdidsheandthebagmantalkabout?heasked,andsheanswered,“Whatistobecomeofus.”

Hestared.

“Ofallofus.OfWay,andFelkway,andHavnor,andWathort,andRoke.Allthepeopleoftheislands.HesaysthatwhenKingLebannenwastobecrowned,lastautumn,hesenttoGontfortheoldArchmagetocomecrownhim,andhewouldn’tcome.AndtherewasnonewArchmage.Sohetookthecrownhimself.Andsomesaythat’swrong,andhedoesn’trightlyholdthethrone.ButotherssaythekinghimselfisthenewArchmage.Butheisn’tawizard,onlyaking.Sootherssaythedarkyearswillcomeagain,whentherewasnoruleofjustice,andwizardrywasusedforevilends.”

AfterapauseIvorysaid,“Thatoldweatherworkersaysallthis?”

“It’scommontalk,Ithink,”saidDragonfly,withhergravesimplicity.

Theweatherworkerknewhistrade,atleast.SeaOtterspedsouth;theymetsummersquallsandchoppyseas,butneverastormoratroublesomewind.

TheyputoffandtookoncargoatportsonthenorthshoreofO,atIlien,Leng,Kamery,andOPort,andthenheadedwesttocarrythepassengerstoRoke.AndfacingthewestIvoryfeltalittlehollowatthepitofhisstomach,forheknewalltoowellhowRokewasguarded.HeknewneitherhenortheweatherworkercoulddoanythingatalltoturntheRoke-windifitblewagainstthem.Andifitdid.Dragonflywouldaskwhy?Whydiditblowagainstthem?

Hewasgladtoseethesorcereruneasytoo,standingbythehelmsman,keepingawatchuponthemasthead,takinginsailatthehintofawestwind.Butthewindheldsteadyfromthenorth.Athunder-squallcamepeltingonthatwind,andIvorywentdowntothecabin,butDragonflystayedupondeck.Shewasafraidofthewater,shehadtoldhim.Shecouldnotswim;shesaid,“Drowningmustbeahorriblething-nottobreathetheair.”Shehadshudderedatthethought.Itwastheonlyfearshehadevershownofanything.Butshedislikedthelow,crampedcabin,andhadstayedondeckeverydayandsleptthereonthewarmnights.Ivoryhadnottriedtocoaxherintothecabin.Heknewnowthatcoaxingwasnogood.Tohaveherhemustmasterher;andthathewoulddo,ifonlytheycouldcometoRoke.

Hecameupondeckagain.Itwasclearing,andasthesunsetthecloudsbrokeallacrossthewest,showingagoldenskybehindthehighdarkcurveofahill.

Ivorylookedatthathillwithakindoflonginghatred.

“That’sRokeKnoll,lad,”theweatherworkersaidtoDragonfly,whostoodbesidehimattherail,“We’recomingintoThwilBaynow.Wherethere’snowindbutthewindtheywant.”

Bythetimetheywerewellintothebayandhadletdowntheanchoritwasdark,andIvorysaidtotheship’smaster,“I’llgoashoreinthemorning.”

DownintheirtinycabinDragonflysatwaitingforhim,solemnaseverbuthereyesblazingwithexcitement.“We’llgoashoreinthemorning,”herepeatedtoher,andshenodded,acceptant.

Shesaid,“DoIlookallright?”

Hesatdownonhisnarrowbunkandlookedathersittingonhernarrowbunk;theycouldnotfaceeachotherdirectly,astherewasnoroomfortheirknees.AtOPortshehadboughtherselfadecentshirtandbreeches,athissuggestion,soastolookamoreprobablecandidatefortheSchool.Herfacewaswindburnedandscrubbedclean.Herhairwasbraidedandthebraidclubbed,likeIvory’s.Shehadgotherhandsclean,too,andtheylayflatonherthighs,longstronghands,likeaman’s.

“Youdon’tlooklikeaman,”hesaid.Herfacefell.“Nottome.You’llnever

looklikeamantome.Butdon’tworry.Youwilltothem.”

Shenodded,withananxiousface.

Thefirsttestisthegreattest,Dragonfly,”hesaid.Everynighthelayaloneinthiscabinhehadplannedthisconversation.“ToentertheGreatHouse:togothroughthatdoor.”

“I’vebeenthinkingaboutit,”shesaid,hurriedandearnest.“Couldn’tIjusttellthemwhoIam?Withyoutheretovouchforme-tosayevenifIamawoman,Ihavesomegift-andI’dpromisetotakethevowandmakethespellofcelibacy,andliveapartiftheywantedmeto-“

Hewasshakinghisheadallthroughherspeech.“No,no,no,no.Hopeless.Useless.Fatal!”

“Evenifyou-“

“EvenifIarguedforyou.Theywon’tlisten.TheRuleofRokeforbidswomentobetaughtanyhighart,anywordoftheLanguageoftheMaking.It’salwaysbeenso.Theywillnotlisten.Sotheymustbeshown!Andwe’llshowthem,youandI.We’llteachthem.Youmusthavecourage,Dragonfly.Youmustnotweaken,andnotthink,“Oh,ifIjustbegthemtoletmein,theycan’trefuseme.”Theycan,andwill.Andifyourevealyourself,theywillpunishyou.Andme.”Heputaponderousemphasisonthelastword,andinwardlymurmured,“Avert.”

Shegazedathimfromherunreadableeyes,andfinallysaid,“WhatmustIdo?”

“Doyoutrustme,Dragonfly?”

“Yes.”

“Willyoutrustmeentirely,wholly-knowingthattheriskItakeforyouisgreatereventhanyourriskinthisventure?”

“Yes.”

“ThenyoumusttellmethewordyouwillspeaktotheDoorkeeper.”

Shestared.“ButIthoughtyou’dtellittome-thepassword.”

“Thepasswordhewillaskyouforisyourtruename.”

Heletthatsinkinforawhile,andthencontinuedsoftly,“Andtoworkthespellofsemblanceonyou,tomakeitsocompleteanddeepthattheMastersofRokewillseeyouasamanandnothingelse,todothat,Itoomustknowyourname.”Hepausedagain.Ashetalkeditseemedtohimthateverythinghesaidwastrue,andhisvoicewasmovedandgentleashesaid,“Icould

haveknownitlongago.ButIchosenottousethosearts.Iwantedyoutotrustmeenoughtotellmeyournameyourself.”

Shewaslookingdownatherhands,claspednowonherknees.Inthefaintreddishglowofthecabinlanternherlashescastverydelicate,longshadowsonhercheeks.Shelookedup,straightathim.“MynameisIrian,”shesaid.

Hesmiled.Shedidnotsmile.

Hesaidnothing.Infacthewasataloss.Ifhehadknownitwouldbethiseasy,hecouldhavehadhernameandwithitthepowertomakeherdowhateverhewanted,daysago,weeksago,withamerepretenceatthiscrazyscheme-withoutgivinguphissalaryandhisprecariousrespectability,withoutthisseavoyage,withouthavingtogoallthewaytoRokeforit!Forhesawthewholeplannowwasfolly.TherewasnowayhecoulddisguiseherthatwouldfooltheDoorkeeperforamoment.AllhisnotionsofhumiliatingtheMastersastheyhadhumiliatedhimweremoonshine.Obsessedwithtrickingthegirl,hehadfallenintothetraphelaidforher.Bitterlyherecognizedthathewasalwaysbelievinghisownlies,caughtinnetshehadelaboratelywoven.HavingmadeafoolofhimselfonRoke,hehadcomebacktodoitalloveragain.Agreat,desolateangerswelledupinhim.Therewasnogood,nogoodinanything.

“What’swrong?”sheasked.Thegentlenessofherdeep,huskyvoiceunmannedhim,andhehidhisfaceinhishands,fightingagainsttheshameoftears.

Sheputherhandonhisknee.Itwasthefirsttimeshehadevertouchedhim.Heenduredit,thewarmthandweightofhertouchthathehadwastedsomuchtimewanting.

Hewantedtohurther,toshockheroutofherterrible,ignorantkindness,butwhathesaidwhenhefinallyspokewas,“Ionlywantedtomakelovetoyou,”

“Youdid?”

“DidyouthinkIwasoneoftheireunuchs?ThatI’dcastratemyselfwithspellssoIcouldbeholy?WhydoyouthinkIdon’thaveastaff?WhydoyouthinkI’mnotattheSchool?DidyoubelieveeverythingIsaid?”

“Yes,”shesaid.“I’msorry.”Herhandwasstillonhisknee.Shesaid,“Wecanmakeloveifyouwant.”

Hesatup,satstill.

“Whatareyou?”hesaidtoheratlast.

“Idon’tknow.It’swhyIwantedtocometoRoke.Tofindout.”

Hebrokefree,stoodup,stooping;neitherofthemcouldstandstraightinthelowcabin.Clenchingandunclenchinghishands,hestoodasfarfromherashecould,hisbacktoher.

“Youwon’tfindout.It’salllies,shams.Oldmenplayinggameswithwords.Iwouldn’tplaytheirgames,soIleft.DoyouknowwhatIdid?”Heturned,showinghisteethinarictusoftriumph.“Igotagirl,atowngirl,tocometomyroom.Mycell.Mylittlestonecelibatecell.Ithadawindowlookingoutonaback-street.Nospells-youcan’tmakespellswithalltheirmagicgoingon.Butshewantedtocome,andcame,andIletaropeladderoutthewindow,andsheclimbedit.Andwewereatitwhentheoldmencamein!Ishowed‘em!AndifIcouldhavegotyouin,I’dhaveshowed‘emagain,I’dhavetaughtthemtheirlesson!”

“Well,I’lltry,”shesaid.

Hestared.

“Notforthesamereasonsasyou,”shesaid,“butIstillwantto.Andwecameallthisway.Andyouknowmyname.”

Itwastrue.Heknewhername:Irian.Itwaslikeacoaloffire,aburningemberinhismind.Histhoughtcouldnotholdit.Hisknowledgecouldnotuseit.Histonguecouldnotsayit.

Shelookedupathim,hersharp,strongfacesoftenedbytheshadowylantern-light.“Ifitwasonlytomakeloveyoubroughtmehere,Ivory,”shesaid,“wecandothat.Ifyoustillwantto.”

Wordlessatfirst,hesimplyshookhishead.Afterawhilehewasabletolaugh.“Ithinkwe’vegoneonpast...thatpossibility…”

Shelookedathimwithoutregret,orreproach,orshame.

“Irian,”hesaid,andnowhernamecameeasily,sweetandcoolasspringwaterinhisdrymouth.“Irian,here’swhatyoumustdotoentertheGreatHouse…”

III.Azver

Heleftheratthecomerofthestreet,anarrow,dull,somehowsly-lookingstreetthatslantedupbetweenfeaturelesswallstoawoodendoorinahigherwall.Hehadputhisspellonher,andshelookedlikeaman,thoughshedidnotfeellikeone.SheandIvorytookeachotherintheirarms,becauseafteralltheyhadbeenfriends,companions,andhehaddoneallthisforher.“Courage!”hesaid,andlethergo.Shewalkedupthestreetandstoodbeforethedoor.Shelookedbackthen,buthewasgone.

Sheknocked.

Afterawhilesheheardthelatchrattle.Thedooropened.Anordinary-lookingmiddle-agedmanstoodthere.“WhatcanIdoforyou?”hesaid.Hedidnotsmile,buthisvoicewaspleasant.

“YoucanletmeintotheGreatHouse,sir.”

“Doyouknowthewayin?”Hisalmond-shapedeyeswereattentive,yetseemedtolookatherfrommilesoryearsaway.

“Thisisthewayin,sir.”

“DoyouknowwhosenameyoumusttellmebeforeIletyouin?”

“Myown,sir.ItisIrian.”

“Isit?”hesaid.

Thatgaveherpause.Shestoodsilent.“It’sthenamethewitchRoseofmyvillageonWaygaveme,inthespringunderIriaHill,”shesaidatlast,standingupandspeakingtruth.

TheDoorkeeperlookedatherforwhatseemedalongtime.Thenitisyourname,”hesaid.“Butmaybenotallyourname.Ithinkyouhaveanother.”

“Idon’tknowit,sir.”

Afteranotherlongtimeshesaid,“MaybeIcanlearnithere,sir.”

TheDoorkeeperbowedhisheadalittle.Averyfaintsmilemadecrescentcurvesinhischeeks.Hestoodaside.“Comein,daughter,”hesaid.

ShesteppedacrossthethresholdoftheGreatHouse.

Ivory’sspellofsemblancedroppedawaylikeacobweb.Shewasandlookedherself.

ShefollowedtheDoorkeeperdownastonepassageway.Onlyattheendofitdidshethinktoturnbacktoseethelightshinethroughthethousandleavesofthetreecarvedinthehighdoorinitsbone-whiteframe.

Ayoungmaninagreycloakhurryingdownthepassagewaystoppedshortasheapproachedthem.HestaredatIrian;thenwithabriefnodhewenton.Shelookedbackathim.Hewaslookingbackather.

Aglobeofmisty,greenishfiredriftedswiftlydownthecorridorateyelevel,apparentlypursuingtheyoungman.TheDoorkeeperwavedhishandatit,anditavoidedhim.Irianswervedandduckeddownfrantically,butfeltthecoolfiretingleinherhairasitpassedoverher.TheDoorkeeperlookedround,andnowhissmilewaswider.Thoughhesaidnothing,shefelthewas

awareofher,concernedforher.Shestoodupandfollowedhim.

Hestoppedbeforeanoakdoor.Insteadofknockinghesketchedalittlesignorruneonitwiththetopofhisstaff,alightstaffofsomegreyishwood.Thedooropenedasaresonantvoicebehinditsaid,“Comein!”

“Waitherealittle,ifyouplease,Irian,”theDoorkeepersaid,andwentintotheroom,leavingthedoorwideopenbehindhim.Shecouldseebookshelvesandbooks,atablepiledwithmorebooksandinkpotsandwritings,twoorthreeboysseatedatthetable,andthegrey-haired,stockymantheDoorkeeperspoketo.Shesawtheman’sfacechange,sawhiseyesshifttoherinabrief,startledgaze,sawhimquestiontheDoorkeeper,low-voiced,intense.

Theybothcametoher.“TheMasterChangerofRoke:IrianofWay,”saidtheDoorkeeper.

TheChangerstaredopenlyather.Hewasnotastallasshewas.HestaredattheDoorkeeper,andthenatheragain.

“Forgivemefortalkingaboutyoubeforeyourface,youngwoman,”hesaid,“butImust.MasterDoorkeeper,youknowI’dneverquestionyourjudgment,buttheRuleisclear.Ihavetoaskwhatmovedyoutobreakitandlethercomein.”

“Sheaskedto,”saidtheDoorkeeper.

“But…”TheChangerpaused.

“WhendidawomanlastasktoentertheSchool?”

“TheyknowtheRuledoesn’tallowthem.”

“Didyouknowthat,Irian?”theDoorkeeperaskedher.

“Yes,sir.”

“Sowhatbroughtyouhere?”theChangerasked,stern,butnothidinghiscuriosity.

“MasterIvorysaidIcouldpassforaman.ThoughIthoughtIshouldsaywhoIwas.Iwillbeascelibateasanyone,sir.”

TwolongcurvesappearedontheDoorkeeper’scheeks,enclosingtheslowupturnofhissmile.TheChanger’sfaceremainedstern,butheblinked,andafteralittlethoughtsaid,“I’msure-yes-itwasdefinitelythebetterplantobehonest.WhatMasterdidyouspeakof?”

“Ivory,”saidtheDoorkeeper.“AladfromHavnorGreatPort,whomIletinthreeyearsago,andletoutagainlastyear,asyoumayrecall.”

“Ivory!ThatfellowthatstudiedwiththeHand?Ishehere?”theChanger

demandedofIrian,wrathily.Shestoodstraightandsaidnothing.

“NotintheSchool,”theDoorkeepersaid,smiling.

“Hefooledyou,youngwoman.Madeafoolofyoubytryingtomakefoolsofus.”

“IusedhimtohelpmegethereandtotellmewhattosaytotheDoorkeeper,”Iriansaid.“I’mnotheretofoolanybody,buttolearnwhatIneedtoknow.”

“I’veoftenwonderedwhyIlettheboyin,”saidtheDoorkeeper.“NowIbegintounderstand,”

AtthattheChangerlookedathim,andafterponderingsaidsoberly,“Doorkeeper,whathaveyouinmind?”

“IthinkIrianofWaymayhavecometousseekingnotonlywhatsheneedstoknow,butalsowhatweneedtoknow.”TheDoorkeeper’stonewasequallysober,andhissmilewasgone.“Ithinkthismaybeamatterfortalkamongthenineofus.”

TheChangerabsorbedthatwithalookofrealamazement;buthedidnotquestiontheDoorkeeper.Hesaidonly,“Butnotamongthestudents.”

TheDoorkeepershookhishead,agreeing.

“Shecanlodgeinthetown,”theChangersaid,withsomerelief.

“Whilewetalkbehindherback?”

“Youwon’tbringherintotheCouncilRoom?”theChangersaidindisbelief.

“TheArchmagebroughttheboyArrenthere.”

“But-butArrenwasKingLebannen-“

“AndwhoisIrian?”

TheChangerstoodsilent,andthenhesaidquietly,withrespect,“Myfriend,whatisityouthinktodo,tolearn?Whatisshe,thatyouaskthisforher?”

“Whoarewe,”saidtheDoorkeeper,“thatwerefuseherwithoutknowingwhatsheis?”

“Awoman,”saidtheMasterSummoner.

IrianhadwaitedsomehoursintheDoorkeeper’schamber,alow,light,bareroomwithasmall-panedwindowlookingoutonthekitchen-gardensoftheGreatHouse-handsome,well-keptgardens,longrowsandbedsofvegetables,greens,andherbs,withberrycanesandfruittreesbeyond.Shesawaburly,dark-skinnedmanandtwoboyscomeoutandweedoneofthevegetableplots.Iteasedhermindtowatchtheircarefulwork.Shewishedshe

couldhelpthematit.Thewaitingandthestrangenesswereverydifficult.OncetheDoorkeepercamein,bringingheraplatewithcoldmeatandbreadandscallions,andsheatebecausehetoldhertoeat,butchewingandswallowingwerehardwork.Thegardenerswentawayandtherewasnothingtowatchoutthewindowbutthecabbagesgrowingandthesparrowshopping,andnowandthenahawkfarupinthesky,andthewindmovingsoftlyinthetopsoftalltrees,onbeyondthegardens.

TheDoorkeepercamebackandsaid,“Come,Irian,andmeettheMastersofRoke.”Herheartbegantogoatacarthorsegallop.Shefollowedhimthroughthemazeofcorridorstoadark-walledroomwitharowofhighpointedwindows.Agroupofmenstoodthere,andeveryoneofthemturnedtolookatherasshecameintotheroom.

“IrianofWay,mylords,”saidtheDoorkeeper.Theywereallsilent.Hemotionedhertocomefartherintotheroom.“TheMasterChangeryouhavemet,”hesaid.Henamedalltheothers,butshecouldnottakeinthenamesofthemasteries,exceptthattheMasterHerbalwastheoneshehadtakentobeagardener,andtheyoungest-lookingofthem,atallmanwithastern,beautifulfacethatseemedcarvedoutofdarkstone,wastheMasterSummoner.Itwashewhospoke,whentheDoorkeeperwasdone.“Awoman,”hesaid.

TheDoorkeepernoddedonce,mildasever.

“ThisiswhatyoubroughttheNinetogetherfor?Thisandnomore?”

“Thisandnomore,”saidtheDoorkeeper.

“DragonshavebeenseenflyingabovetheInmostSea.RokehasnoArchmage,andtheislandsnotrue-crownedking.Thereisrealworktodo,”theSummonersaid,andhisvoicetoowaslikestone,coldandheavy.“Whenwillwedoit?”

Therewasanuncomfortablesilence,astheDoorkeeperdidnotspeak.Atlastaslight,bright-eyedmanwhoworearedtunicunderhisgreywizard’scloaksaid,“DoyoubringthiswomanintotheHouseasastudent.MasterDoorkeeper?”

“IfIdid,itwouldbeuptoyoualltoapproveordisapprove,”saidhe.

“Doyou?”askedthemanintheredtunic,smilingalittle.

“MasterHand,”saidtheDoorkeeper,“sheaskedtoenterasastudent,andIsawnoreasontodenyher.”

“Everyreason,”saidtheSummoner.

Amanwithadeep,clearvoicespoke:‘It’snotourjudgmentthatprevails,buttheRuleofRoke,whichwearesworntofollow.”

“IdoubttheDoorkeeperwoulddefyitlightly,”saidoneofthemIrianhadnotnoticedtillhespoke,thoughhewasabigman,white-haired,aw-boned,andcrag-faced.Unliketheothers,helookedatherashespoke.“IamKurremkarmerruk,”hesaidtoher.“AstheMasterNamerhere,Imakefreewithnames,myownincluded.Whonamedyou,Irian?”

“ThewitchRoseofourvillage,lord,”sheanswered,standingstraight,thoughhervoicecameouthigh-pitchedandrough.

“Isshemisnamed?”theDoorkeeperaskedtheNamer.

Kurremkarmerrukshookhishead.“No.But….”

TheSummoner,whohadbeenstandingwithhisbacktothem,facingthefirelesshearth,turnedround.“Thenameswitchesgiveeachotherarenotourconcernhere,”hesaid.“Ifyouhavesomeinterestinthiswoman,Doorkeeper,itshouldbepursuedoutsidethesewalls-outsidethedooryouvowedtokeep.Shehasnoplaceherenoreverwill.Shecanbringonlyconfusion,dissension,andfurtherweaknessamongus.Iwillspeaknolongerandsaynothingelseinherpresence.Theonlyanswertoconsciouserrorissilence.”

“Silenceisnotenough,mylord,”saidonewhohadnotspokenbefore.ToIrian’seyeshewasverystrange-looking,havingpalereddishskin,longpalehair,andnarroweyesthecolourofice.Hisspeechwasalsostrange,stiffandsomehowdeformed.“Silenceistheanswertoeverything,andtonothing,”hesaid.

TheSummonerliftedhisnoble,darkfaceandlookedacrosstheroomatthepaleman,butdidnotspeak.Withoutawordorgestureheturnedawayagainandlefttheroom.AshewalkedslowlypastIrian,sheshrankbackfromhim.Itwasasifagravehadopened,awintergrave,cold,wet,dark.Herbreathstuckinherthroat.Shegaspedalittleforair.WhensherecoveredherselfshesawtheChangerandthepalemanbothwatchingherintently.

Theonewithavoicelikeadeep-tonedbelllookedathertoo,andspoketoherwithaplain,kindseverity.“AsIseeit,themanwhobroughtyouheremeanttodoharm,butyoudonot.Yetbeinghere,Irian,youdousandyourselfharm.Everythingnotinitsownplacedoesharm.Anotesung,howeverwellsung,wrecksthetuneitisn’tpartof.Womenteachwomen.Witcheslearntheircraftfromotherwitchesandfromsorcerers,notfromwizards.Whatweteachhereisinalanguagenotforwomen’stongues.Theyoungheartrebelsagainstsuchlaws,callingthemunjust,arbitrary.Buttheyaretruelaws,foundednotonwhatwewant,butonwhatis.Thejustandtheunjust,thefoolishandthewise,allmustobeythem,orwastelifeandcometogrief.”

TheChangerandathin,keen-facedoldmanstandingbesidehimnoddedin

agreement.TheMasterHandsaid,“Irian,Iamsorry.Ivorywasmypupil.IfItaughthimbadly,Ididworseinsendinghimaway.Ithoughthiminsignificant,andsoharmless.Butheliedtoyouandbeguiledyou.Youmustnotfeelshame.Thefaultwashis,andmine.”

“Iamnotashamed,”Iriansaid.Shelookedatthemall.Shefeltthatsheshouldthankthemfortheircourtesybutthewordswouldnotcome.Shenoddedstifflytothem,turnedround,andstrodeoutoftheroom.

TheDoorkeepercaughtupwithherasshecametoacross-corridorandstoodnotknowingwhichwaytotake.“Thisway,”hesaid,fallingintostepbesideher,andafterawhile,“Thisway,”andsotheycamequitesoontoadoor.Itwasnotmadeofhornandivory.Itwasuncarvedoak,blackandmassive,withanironboltwornthinwithage.“Thisisthebackdoor,”themagesaid,unboltingit.“Media’sGate,theyusedtocallit.Ikeepbothdoors.”Heopenedit.ThebrightnessofthedaydazzledIrian’seyes.Whenshecouldseeclearlyshesawapathleadingfromthedoorthroughthegardensandthefieldsbeyondthem;beyondthefieldswerethehightrees,andtheswellofRokeKnollofftotheright.Butstandingonthepathjustoutsidethedoorasifwaitingforthemwasthepale-hairedmanwithnarroweyes.

“Patterner,”saidtheDoorkeeper,notatallsurprised.

“Wheredoyousendthislady?”saidthePatternerinhisstrangespeech.

“Nowhere,”saidtheDoorkeeper.“IletheroutasIletherin,atherdesire.”

“Willyoucomewithme?”thePatternersaidtoIrian.

ShelookedathimandattheDoorkeeperandsaidnothing.

“Idon’tliveinthisHouse.Inanyhouse,”thePatternersaid.“Ilivethere.TheGrove-ah,”hesaid,turningsuddenly.Thebig,white-hairedman,KurremkarmerruktheNamer,wasstandingjustdownthepath.Hehadnotbeenstandingthereuntiltheothermagesaid‘Ah.”Irianstaredfromonetotheotherinblankbewilderment.

Thisisonlyaseemingofme,apresentment,asending,”theoldmansaidtoher.“Idon’tlivehereeither.Milesoff.”Hegesturednorthward.“Youmightcometherewhenyou’redonewiththePatternerhere.I’dliketolearnmoreaboutyourname.”Henoddedtotheothertwomagesandwasnotthere.Abumblebeebuzzedheavilythroughtheairwherehehadbeen.

Irianlookeddownattheground.Afteralongtimeshesaid,clearingherthroat,notlookingup,“IsittrueIdoharmbeinghere?”

“Idon’tknow,”saidtheDoorkeeper.

“IntheGroveisnoharm,”saidthePatterner.“Comeon.Thereisanold

house,ahut.Old,dirty.Youdon’tcare,eh?Stayawhile.Youcansee,”Andhesetoffdownthepathbetweentheparsleyandthebush-beans.ShelookedattheDoorkeeper;hesmiledalittle.Shefollowedthepale-hairedman.

Theywalkedahalf-mileorso.TheKnollroseupfullinthewesternsunontheirright.BehindthemtheSchoolsprawledgreyandmany-roofedonitslowerhill.Thegroveoftreestoweredbeforethemnow.Shesawoakandwillow,chestnutandash,andtallevergreens.Fromthedense,sun-shotdarknessofthetreesastreamranout,green-banked,withmanybrowntroddenplaceswherecattleandsheepwentdowntodrinkortocrossover.Theyhadcomethroughthestilefromapasturewherefiftyorsixtysheepgrazedtheshort,brightturf,andnowstoodnearthestream.Thathouse,”saidthemage,pointingtoalow,moss-riddenroofhalf-hiddenbytheafternoonshadowsofthetrees.“Staytonight.Youwill?”

Heaskedhertostay,hedidnottellherto.Allshecoulddowasnod.

“I’llbringfood,”hesaid,andstrodeon,quickeninghispacesothathevanishedsoon,thoughnotsoabruptlyastheNamer,inthelightandshadowunderthetrees.Irianwatchedtillhewascertainlygoneandthenmadeherwaythroughhighgrassandweedstothelittlehouse.

Itlookedveryold.Ithadbeenrebuiltandrebuiltagain,butnotforalongtime.Norhadanyonelivedinitforalongtime,fromthefeelofit.Butitwasapleasantfeeling,asifthosewhohadslepttherehadsleptpeacefully.Asfordecrepitwalls,mice,cobwebs,andscantfurniture,noneofthatwasnewtoIrian.Shefoundabaldbroomandsweptoutabit.Sheunrolledherblanketontheplankbed.Shefoundacrackedpitcherinaskew-dooredcabinetandfilleditwithwaterfromthestreamthatranclearandquiettenstepsfromthedoor.Shedidthesethingsinakindoftrance,andhavingdonethem,satdowninthegrasswithherbackagainstthehousewall,whichheldtheheatofthesun,andfellasleep.

Whenshewoke,theMasterPatternerwassittingnearby,andabasketwasonthegrassbetweenthem.

“Hungry?Eat,”hesaid.

“I’lleatlater,sir.Thankyou,”saidIrian.

“Iamhungrynow,”saidthemage.Hetookahardboiledeggfromthebasket,cracked,shelled,andateit.

TheycallthistheOtter’sHouse,”hesaid.“Veryold.AsoldastheGreatHouse.Everythingisold,here.Weareold-theMasters.”

“You’renot,”Iriansaid.Shethoughthimbetweenthirtyandforty,thoughit

washardtotell;shekeptthinkinghishairwaswhite,becauseitwasnotblack.

“ButIcamefar.Milescanbeyears.IamKargish,fromKarego.Youknow?”

“TheHoaryMen!”saidIrian,staringopenlyathim.AllDaisy’sballadsoftheHoaryMenwhosailedoutoftheeasttolaythelandwasteandspitinnocentbabesontheirlances,andthestoryofhowErreth-AkbelosttheRingofPeace,andthenewsongsandtheKing’sTaleabouthowArchmageSparrowhawkhadgoneamongtheHoaryMenandcomebackwiththatring-

“Hoary?”saidthePatterner.

“Frosty.White,”shesaid,lookingaway,embarrassed.

“Ah.”Presentlyhesaid,“TheMasterSummonerisnotold.”Andshegotasidelonglookfromthosenarrow,ice-colouredeyes.

Shesaidnothing.

“Ithinkyoufearedhim.”

Shenodded.

Whenshesaidnothing,andsometimehadpassed,hesaid,“Intheshadowofthesetreesisnoharm.Onlytruth.”

“Whenhepassedme,”shesaidinalowvoice,“Isawagrave.”

“Ah,”saidthePatterner.

Hehadmadealittleheapofbitsofeggshellonthegroundbyhisknee.Hearrangedthewhitefragmentsintoacurve,thencloseditintoacircle.“Yes,”hesaid,studyinghiseggshells,then,scratchinguptheearthabit,heneatlyanddelicatelyburiedthem.Hedustedoffhishands.AgainhisglanceflickedtoIrianandaway.

“Youhavebeenawitch,Irian?”

“No.”

“Butyouhavesomeknowledge.”

“No.Idon’t.Rosewouldn’tteachme.Shesaidshedidn’tdare.BecauseIhadpowerbutshedidn’tknowwhatitwas.”

“YourRoseisawiseflower,”saidthemage,unsmiling.

“ButIknowIhave-Ihavesomethingtodo,tobe.That’swhyIwantedtocomehere.Tofindout.OntheIsleoftheWise.”

Shewasgettingusedtohisstrangefacenowandwasabletoreadit.She

thoughtthathelookedsad.Hiswayofspeakingwasharsh,quick,dry,peaceable.ThemenoftheIslearenotalwayswise,eh?”hesaid.“MaybetheDoorkeeper.”Helookedathernow,notglancingbutsquarely,hiseyescatchingandholdinghers.“Butthere.Inthewood.Underthetrees.Thereistheoldwisdom.Neverold.Ican’tteachyou.IcantakeyouintotheGrove.”Afteraminutehestoodup.“Yes?”

“Yes,”shesaiduncertainly.

“Thehouseisallright?”

“Yes-“

“Tomorrow,”hesaid,andstrodeoff.

Soforahalf-monthormoreofthehotdaysofsummer,IriansleptintheOtter’sHouse,whichwasapeacefulone,andatewhattheMasterPatternerbroughtherinhisbasket-eggs,cheese,greens,fruit,smokedmutton-andwentwithhimeveryafternoonintothegroveofhightrees,wherethepathsseemednevertobequitewheresherememberedthem,andoftenledonfarbeyondwhatseemedtheconfinesofthewood.Theywalkedthereinsilence,andspokeseldomwhentheyrested.Themagewasaquietman.Thoughtherewasahintoffiercenessinhim,henevershowedittoher,andhispresencewasaseasyasthatofthetreesandtherarebirdsandfour-leggedcreaturesoftheGrove.Ashehadsaid,hedidnottrytoteachher.WhensheaskedabouttheGrove,hetoldherthat,withRokeKnoll,ithadstoodsinceSegoymadetheislandsoftheworld,andthatallmagicwasintherootsofthetrees,andthattheyweremingledwiththerootsofalltheforeststhatwereormightyetbe.“AndsometimestheGroveisinthisplace,”hesaid,“andsometimesinanother.Butitisalways.”

Shehadneverseenwherehelived.Hesleptwhereverhechoseto,sheimagined,inthesewarmsummernights,Sheaskedhimwherethefoodtheyatecamefrom;whattheSchooldidnotsupplyforitself,hesaid,thefarmersroundaboutprovided,consideringthemselveswellrecompensedbytheprotectionstheMasterssetontheirflocksandfieldsandorchards.Thatmadesensetoher.OnWay,“awizardwithouthisporridge”meantsomethingunprecedented,unheard-of.Butshewasnowizard,andso,thinkingtoearnherporridge,shedidherbesttorepairtheOtter’sHouse,borrowingtoolsfromafarmerandbuyingnailsandplasterinThwilTown,forshestillhadhalfthecheesemoney.

ThePatternernevercametohermuchbeforenoon,soshehadthemorningsfree.Shewasusedtosolitude,butstillshemissedRoseandDaisyandConey,andthechickensandthecowsandewes,andtherowdy,foolishdogs,andalltheworkshedidathometryingtokeepOldIriatogetherandputfoodonthe

table.Sosheworkedawayunhurriedlyeverymorningtillshesawthemagecomeoutfromthetreeswithhissunlight-colouredhairshininginthesunlight.

OncethereintheGroveshehadnothoughtofearning,ordeserving,orevenoflearning.Tobetherewasenough,wasall.

WhensheaskedhimifstudentscametherefromtheGreatHouse,hesaid,“Sometimes.”Anothertimehesaid,“Mywordsarenothing.Heartheleaves.”Thatwasallhesaidthatcouldbecalledteaching.Asshewalked,shelistenedtotheleaveswhenthewindrustledthemorstormedinthecrownsofthetrees;shewatchedtheshadowsplay,andthoughtabouttherootsofthetreesdowninthedarknessoftheearth.Shewasutterlycontenttobethere.Yetalways,withoutdiscontentorurgency,shefeltthatshewaswaiting.Andthatsilentexpectancywasdeepestandclearestwhenshecameoutoftheshelterofthewoodsandsawtheopensky.

Once,whentheyhadgonealongwayandthetrees,darkevergreensshedidnotknow,stoodveryhighaboutthem,sheheardacall-ahornblowing,acry?-remote,ontheveryedgeofhearing.Shestoodstill,listeningtowardsthewest.Themagewalkedon,turningonlywhenherealizedshehadstopped.

“Iheard-“shesaid,andcouldnotsaywhatshehadheard.

Helistened.Theywalkedonatlastthroughasilenceenlargedanddeepenedbythatfarcall.

SheneverwentintotheGrovewithouthim,anditwasmanydaysbeforeheleftheralonewithinit.Butonehotafternoonwhentheycametoagladeamongastandofoaks,hesaid,“Iwillcomebackhere,eh?”andwalkedoffwithhisquick,silentstep,lostalmostatonceinthedappled,shiftingdepthsoftheforest.

Shehadnowishtoexploreforherself.Thepeacefulnessoftheplacecalledforstillness,watching,listening;andsheknewhowtrickythepathswere,andthattheGrovewas,asthePatternerputit,“biggerinsidethanoutside’.Shesatdowninapatchofsun-dappledshadeandwatchedtheshadowsoftheleavesplayacrosstheground.Theoakmastwasdeep;thoughshehadneverseenwildswineinthewood,shesawtheirtrackshere.Foramomentshecaughtthescentofafox.Herthoughtsmovedasquietlyandeasilyasthebreezemovedinthewarmlight.

Oftenhermindhereseemedemptyofthought,fulloftheforestitself,butthisdaymemoriescametoher,vivid.ShethoughtaboutIvory,thinkingshewouldneverseehimagain,wonderingifhehadfoundashiptotakehimback

toHavnor.Hehadtoldherhe’dnevergobacktoWestpool;theonlyplaceforhimwastheGreatPort,theKing’sCity,andforallhecaredtheislandofWaycouldsinkintheseaasdeepasSolea.ButshethoughtwithloveoftheroadsandfieldsofWay.ShethoughtofOldIriavillage,themarshyspringunderIriaHill,theoldhouseonit.ShethoughtaboutDaisysingingballadsinthekitchen,winterevenings,beatingoutthetimewithherwoodenclogs;andoldConeyinthevineyardswithhisrazor-edgeknife,showingherhowtoprunethevine“rightdowntothelifeinit”;andRose,herEtaudis,whisperingcharmstoeasethepaininachild’sbrokenarm.Ihaveknownwisepeople,shethought.Hermindflinchedawayfromrememberingherfather,butthemotionoftheleavesandshadowsdrewiton.Shesawhimdrunk,shouting.Shefelthisprying,tremuloushandsonher.Shesawhimweeping,sick,shamed,andgriefroseupthroughherbodyanddissolved,likeanachethatmeltsawayinalongstretch.Hewaslesstoherthanthemothershehadnotknown.

Shestretched,feelingtheeaseofherbodyinthewarmth,andherminddriftedbacktoIvory.Shehadhadnooneinherlifetodesire.Whentheyoungwizardfirstcameridingbysoslimandarrogant,shewishedshecouldwanthim;butshedidn’tandcouldn’t,andsoshehadthoughthimspell-protected.Rosehadexplainedtoherhowwizards’spellsworked‘sothatitneverentersyourheadnortheirs,see,becauseitwouldtakefromtheirpower,theysay’.ButIvory,poorIvory,hadbeenalltoounprotected.Ifanybodywasunderaspellofchastityitmusthavebeenherself,forcharmingandhandsomeashewasshehadneverbeenabletofeelathingforhimbutliking,andheronlylustwastolearnwhathecouldteachher.

Sheconsideredherself,sittinginthedeepsilenceoftheGrove.Nobirdsang;thebreezewasdown;theleaveshungstill.AmIensorcelled?AmIasterilething,notwhole,notawoman?sheaskedherself,lookingatherstrongbarearms,theslight,softswellofherbreastsintheshadowunderthethroatofhershirt.

ShelookedupandsawtheHoaryMancomeoutofadarkaisleofgreatoaksandcometowardsheracrosstheglade.

Hestoppedinfrontofher.Shefeltherselfblush,herfaceandthroatburning,dizzy,herearsringing.Shesoughtwords,anythingtosay,toturnhisattentionawayfromher,andcouldfindnothingatall.Hesatdownnearher.Shelookeddown,asifstudyingtheskeletonofalast-year’sleafbyherhand.

WhatdoIwant?sheaskedherself,andtheanswercamenotinwordsbutthroughoutherwholebodyandsoul:thefire,agreaterfirethanthat,theflight,theflightburning-

Shecamebackintoherself,intothestillairunderthetrees.TheHoaryMansatnearher,hisfaceboweddown,andshethoughthowslightandlighthelooked,howquietandsorrowful.Therewasnothingtofear.Therewasnoharm.

Helookedoverather.

“Irian,”hesaid,“doyouheartheleaves?”

Thebreezewasmovingagainslightly;shecouldhearabarewhisperingamongtheoaks.“Alittle,”shesaid.

“Doyouhearthewords?”

“No.”

Sheaskednothingandhesaidnomore.Presentlyhegotup,andshefollowedhimtothepaththatalwaysledthem,soonerorlater,outofthewoodtotheclearingbytheThwilburnandtheOtter’sHouse.Whentheycamethere,itwaslateafternoon.Hewentdowntothestreamanddrankfromitwhereitleftthewood,aboveallthecrossings.Shedidthesame.Thensittinginthecool,longgrassofthebank,hebegantospeak.

“Mypeople,theKargs,theyworshipgods.Twingods,brothers.Andthekingthereisalsoagod.Butbeforethatandafterarethestreams.Caves,stones,hills.Trees.Theearth.Thedarknessoftheearth.”

TheOldPowers,”Iriansaid.

Henodded.There,womenknowtheOldPowers.Heretoo,witches.Andtheknowledgeisbad-eh?”

Whenheaddedthatlittlequestioning“eh?”or“neh?”totheendofwhathadseemedastatementitalwaystookherbysurprise.Shesaidnothing.

“Darkisbad,”saidthePatterner.“Eh?”

Iriandrewadeepbreathandlookedathimeyetoeyeastheysatthere.“”Onlyindarkthelight,””shesaid.

“Ah,”hesaid.Helookedawaysothatshecouldnotseehisexpression.

“Ishouldgo,”shesaid.“IcanwalkintheGrove,butnotlivethere.Itisn’tmy-myplace.AndtheMasterChantersaidIdidharmbybeinghere.”

“Wealldoharmbybeing,”saidthePatterner.

Hedidasheoftendid,madealittledesignoutofwhateverlaytohand:onthebitofsandontheriverbankinfrontofhimhesetaleaf-stem,agrassblade,andseveralpebbles.Hestudiedthemandrearrangedthem.“NowImustspeakofharm,”hesaid.

Afteralongpausehewenton.“YouknowthatadragonbroughtbackourLordSparrowhawk,withtheyoungking,fromtheshoresofdeath.ThenthedragoncarriedSparrowhawkawaytohishome,forhispowerwasgone,hewasnotamage.SopresentlytheMastersofRokemettochooseanewArchmage,here,intheGrove,asalways.Butnotasalways.

“Beforethedragoncame,theSummonertoohadreturnedfromdeath,wherehecango,wherehisartcantakehim.Hehadseenourlordandtheyoungkingthere,inthatcountryacrossthewallofstones.Hesaidtheywouldnotcomeback.HesaidLordSparrowhawkhadtoldhimtocomebacktous,tolife,tobearthatword.Sowegrievedforourlord.

“Butthencamethedragon,Kalessin,bearinghimliving.

“TheSummonerwasamonguswhenwestoodonRokeKnollandsawtheArchmagekneeltoKingLebannen.Then,asthedragonboreourfriendaway,theSummonerfelldown.

“Helayasifdead,cold,hisheartnotbeating,yethebreathed.TheHerbalusedallhisart,butcouldnotrousehim.“Heisdead,”hesaid.“Thebreathwillnotleavehim,butheisdead.”Sowemournedhim.Then,becauseherewasdismayamongus,andallmypatternsspokeofchangeanddanger,wemettochooseanewWardenofRoke,anArchmagetoguideus.AndinourcouncilwesettheyoungkingintheSummoner’splace.Tousitseemedrightthatheshouldsitamongus.OnlytheChangerspokeagainstitatfirst,andthenagreed.

“Butwemet,wesat,andwecouldnotchoose.Wesaidthisandsaidthat,butnonamewasspoken.AndthenI…”Hepausedawhile.Therecameonmewhatmypeoplecalltheeduevanu,theotherbreath.WordscametomeandIspokethem.Isaid,HamaGondun!AndKurremkarmerruktoldthemthisinHardic:“AwomanonGont.”ButwhenIcamebacktomyownwits,Icouldnottellthemwhatthatmeant.AndsowepartedwithnoArchmagechosen.

Thekingleftsoonafter,andtheMasterWindkeywentwithhim.Beforethekingwastobecrowned,theywenttoGontandsoughtourlord,tofindwhatthatmeant,“awomanonGont”.Eh?Buttheydidnotseehim,onlymycountrywomanTenaroftheRing.Shesaidshewasnotthewomantheysought.Andtheyfoundnoone,nothing.SoLebannenjudgedittobeaprophecyyettobefulfilled.AndinHavnorhesethiscrownonhisownhead.

TheHerbal,andItoo,judgedtheSummonerdead.Wethoughtthebreathhebreathedwasleftfromsomespellofhisownartthatwedidnotunderstand,likethespellsnakesknowthatkeepstheirheartbeatinglongaftertheyaredead.Thoughitseemedterribletoburyabreathingbody,yethewascold,andhisblooddidnotrun,andnosoulwasinhim.Thatwasmoreterrible.Sowe

madereadytoburyhim.Andthen,byhisgrave,hiseyesopened.Hemoved,andspoke.Hesaid,“Ihavesummonedmyselfagainintolife,todowhatmustbedone.”’

ThePatterner’svoicehadgrownrougher,andhesuddenlybrushedthelittledesignofpebblesapartwiththepalmofhishand.

“SowhentheWindkeyreturned,wewerenineagain.Butdivided.FortheSummonersaidwemustmeetagainandchooseanArchmage.Thekinghadhadnoplaceamongus,hesaid.And“awomanonGont”,whoevershemaybe,hasnoplaceamongthemenonRoke.Eh?TheWindkey,theChanter,theChanger,theHand,sayheisright.AndasKingLebannenisonereturnedfromdeath,fulfillingthatprophecy,theysaysowilltheArchmagebeonereturnedfromdeath.”

“But-“Iriansaid,andstopped.

AfterawhilethePatternersaid,“Thatart,summoning,youknow,isvery…terrible.Itis…alwaysdanger.Here,”andhelookedupintothegreen-golddarknessofthetrees,“hereisnosummoning.Nobringingbackacrossthewall.Nowall.”

Hisfacewasawarrior’sface,butwhenhelookedintothetreesitwassoftened,yearning.

“So,”hesaid,“nowhemakesyouhisreasonforourmeeting.ButIwillnotgototheGreatHouse.Iwillnotbesummoned.”

“Hewon’tcomehere?”

“IthinkhewillnotwalkintheGrove.NoronRokeKnoll.OntheKnoll,whatis,isso,”

Shedidnotknowwhathemeant,butdidnotask,preoccupied:“Yousayhemakesmehisreasonforyoutomeettogether.”

“Yes.Tosendawayonewoman,ittakesninemages.”Heveryseldomsmiled,andwhenhediditwasquickandfierce.“WearetomeettoupholdtheRuleofRoke.AndsotochooseanArchmage.”

“IfIwentaway-“Shesawhimshakehishead.“IcouldgototheNamer-“

“Youaresaferhere.”

Theideaofdoingharmtroubledher,buttheideaofdangerhadnotenteredhermind.Shefounditinconceivable.“I’llbeallright,”shesaid.“SotheNamer,andyou-andtheDoorkeeper?”

“-donotwishThoriontobeArchmage.AlsotheMasterHerbal,thoughhedigsandsayslittle.”

HesawIrianstaringathiminamazement.ThoriontheSummonerspeakshistruename,”hesaid.“Hedied,eh?”

SheknewthatKingLebannenusedhistruenameopenly.Hetoohadreturnedfromdeath.YetthattheSummonershoulddosocontinuedtoshockanddisturbherasshethoughtaboutit.

“Andthe…thestudents?”

“Dividedalso.”

ShethoughtabouttheSchool,whereshehadbeensobriefly.Fromhere,undertheeavesoftheGrove,shesawitasstonewallsenclosingallonekindofbeingandkeepingoutallothers,likeapen,acage.Howcouldanyofthemkeeptheirbalanceinaplacelikethat?

ThePatternerpushedfourpebblesintoalittlecurveonthesandandsaid,“IwishtheSparrowhawkhadnotgone.IwishIcouldreadwhattheshadowswrite.ButallIcanheartheleavessayischange,change…Everythingwillchangebutthem.”Helookedupintothetreesagainwiththatyearninglook.Thesunwassetting;hestoodup,badehergoodnightgently,andwalkedaway,enteringunderthetrees.

ShesatonawhilebytheThwilburn.ShewastroubledbywhathehadtoldherandbyherthoughtsandfeelingsintheGrove,andtroubledthatanythoughtorfeelingcouldhavetroubledherthere.Shewenttothehouse,setouthersupperofsmokedmeatandbreadandsummerlettuce,andateitwithouttastingit.Sheroamedrestlesslybackdownhestreambanktothewater.Itwasverystillandwarminthelatedusk,onlythelargeststarsburningthroughamilkyovercast.Sheslippedoffhersandalsandputherfeetinthewater.Itwascool,butveinsofsunwarmthranthroughit.Sheslidoutofherclothes,theman’sbreechesandshirtthatwereallshehad,andslippednakedintothewater,feelingthepushandstirofthecurrentallalongherbody.ShehadneverswuminthestreamsatIria,andshehadhatedthesea,heavinggreyandcold,butthisquickwaterpleasedher,tonight.Shedriftedandfloated,herhandsslippingoversilkenunderwaterrocksandherownsilkenflanks,herlegsslidingthroughwaterweeds.Alltroubleandrestlessnesswashedawayfromherintherunningofthewater,andshefloatedindelightinthecaressofthestream,gazingupatthewhite,softfireofthestars.

Achillranthroughher.Thewaterrancold.Gatheringherselftogether,herlimbsstillsoftandloose,shelookedupandsawonthebankabovehertheblackfigureofaman.

Shestoodstraightupinthewater.

“Getout!”sheshouted.“Getaway,youtraitor,youfoullecher,orI’llcuttheliveroutofyou!”Shesprangupthebank,pullingherselfupbythetoughbunchgrass,andscrambledtoherfeet.Noonewasthere.Shestoodafire,shakingwithrage.Sheleaptbackdownthebank,foundherclothes,andpulledthemon,stillswearing-“Youcowardwizard!Youtraitoroussonofabitch!”

“Irian?”

“Hewashere!”shecried.“Thatfoulheart,thatThorion!”ShestrodetomeetthePatternerashecameintothestarlightbythehouse.“Iwasbathinginthestream,andhestoodtherewatchingme!”

“Asending-onlyaseemingofhim.Itcouldnothurtyou,Irian.”

“Asendingwitheyes,aseemingwithseeing!Mayhebe-“Shestopped,atalosssuddenlyfortheword.Shefeltsick.Sheshuddered,andswallowedthecoldspittlethatwelledinhermouth.

ThePatternercameforwardandtookherhandsinhis.Hishandswerewarm,andshefeltsomortallycoldthatshecamecloseupagainsthimforthewarmthofhisbody.Theystoodsoforawhile,herfaceturnedfromhimbuttheirhandsjoinedandtheirbodiespressedclose.Atlastshebrokefree,straighteningherself,pushingbackherlankwethair.Thankyou,”shesaid.“Iwascold.”

“Iknow.”

“I’mnevercold,”shesaid.“Itwashim.”

“Itellyou,Irian,hecannotcomehere,hecannotharmyouhere.”

“Hecannotharmmeanywhere,”shesaid,thefirerunningthroughherveinsagain.“Ifhetriesto,I’lldestroyhim.”

“Ah,”saidthePatterner.

Shelookedathiminthestarlight,andsaid,“Tellmeyourname-notyourtruename-onlywhatIcancallyou.WhenIthinkofyou.”

Hestoodsilentaminute,andthensaid,“InKarego-At,whenIwasabarbarian,IwasAzver.InHardic,thatisabannerofwar.”

“Azver,”shesaid.“Thankyou.”

Shelayawakeinthelittlehouse,feelingtheairstiflingandtheceilingpressingdownonher,thensleptsuddenlyanddeeply.Shewokeassuddenlywhentheeastwasjustgettinglight.Shewenttothedoortoseewhatshelovedbesttosee,theskybeforesunrise.LookingdownfromitshesawAzverthePatternerrolledupinhisgreycloak,soundasleeponthegroundbefore

herdoorstep.Shewithdrewnoiselesslyintothehouse.Inalittlewhileshesawhimgoingbacktohiswoods,walkingabitstifflyandscratchinghisheadashewent,aspeopledowhenhalfawake.

Shegottoworkscrapingdowntheinnerwallofthehouse,readyingittoplaster.Butbeforethesunwasinthewindows,therewasaknockatheropendoor.Outsidewasthemanshehadthoughtwasagardener,theMasterHerbal,lookingsolidandstolid,likeabrownox,besidethegaunt,grim-facedoldNamer.

Shecametothedoorandmutteredsomekindofgreeting.Theydauntedher,theseMastersofRoke,andalsotheirpresencemeantthatthepeacefultimewasover,thedaysofwalkinginthesilentsummerforestwiththePatterner.Thathadcometoanendlastnight.Sheknewit,butshedidnotwanttoknowit.

“ThePatternersentforus,”saidtheMasterHerbal.Helookeduncomfortable.Noticingaclumpofweedsunderthewindow,hesaid,“That’svelvet.SomebodyfromHavnorplantedithere.Didn’tknowtherewasanyontheisland.”Heexamineditattentively,andputsomeseedpodsintohispouch.

IrianwasstudyingtheNamercovertlybutequallyattentively,tryingtoseeifshecouldtellifhewaswhathehadcalledasendingorwasthereinfleshandblood.Nothingabouthimappearedinsubstantial,butshethoughthewasnotthere,andwhenhesteppedintotheslantingsunlightandcastnoshadow,sheknewit.

“Isitalongwayfromwhereyoulive,sir?”sheasked.

Henodded.“Leftmyselfhalfway,”hesaid.Helookedup;thePatternerwascomingtowardsthem,wideawakenow.

Hegreetedthemandasked,“TheDoorkeeperwillcome?”

“Saidhethoughthe’dbetterkeepthedoors,”saidtheHerbal.Heclosedismany-pocketedpouchcarefullyandlookedaroundattheothers.“ButIdon’tknowifhecankeepalidontheant-hill.”

“What’sup?”saidKurremkarmerruk.“I’vebeenreadingaboutdragons.Notpayingattention.ButalltheboysIhadstudyingattheTowerleft.”

“Summoned,”saidtheHerbal,drily.

“So?”saidtheNamer,moredrily.

“Icantellyouonlyhowitseemstome,”theHerbalsaid,reluctant,uncomfortable.

“Dothat,”theoldmagesaid.

TheHerbalstillhesitated.“Thisladyisnotofourcouncil,”hesaidatlast.

“Sheisofmine,”saidAzver.

“Shecametothisplaceatthistime,”theNamersaid.“Andtothisplace,atthistime,noonecomesbychance.Allanyofusknowsishowitseemstous.Therearenamesbehindnames,myLordHealer.”

Thedark-eyedmagebowedhisheadatthat,andsaid,“Verywell,”evidentlywithreliefatacceptingtheirjudgmentoverhisown.“ThorionhasbeenmuchwiththeotherMasters,andwiththeyoungmen.Secretmeetings,innercircles.Rumors,whispers.Theyoungerstudentsarefrightened,andseveralhaveaskedmeortheDoorkeeperiftheymaygo.Andwe’dletthemgo.Butthere’snoshipinport,andnonehascomeintoThwilBaysincetheonethatbroughtyou,lady,andsailedagainnextdayforWathort.TheWindkeykeepstheRoke-windagainstall.Ifthekinghimselfshouldcome,hecouldnotlandonRoke,”

“Untilthewindchanges,eh?”saidthePatterner.

“ThorionsaysLebannenisnottrulyking,sincenoArchmagecrownedhim,”

“Nonsense!Nothistory!”saidtheoldNamer.“ThefirstArchmagecamecenturiesafterthelastking.Rokeruledinthekings’stead.”

“Ah,”saidthePatterner.“Hardforthehousekeepertogiveupthekeyswhentheownercomeshome.”

“TheRingofPeaceishealed,”saidtheHerbal,inhispatient,troubledvoice,“theprophecyisfulfilled,thesonofMorrediscrowned,andyetwehavenopeace.Wherehavewegonewrong?Whycanwenotfindthebalance?”

“WhatdoesThorionintend?”askedtheNamer.

“TobringLebannenhere,”saidtheHerbal.“Theyoungmentalkof“thetruecrown”.Asecondcoronation,here.BytheArchmageThorion.”

“Avert!”Irianblurtedout,makingthesigntopreventwordfrombecomingdeed.Noneofthemensmiled,andtheHerbalbelatedlymadethesamegesture.

“Howdoesheholdthemall?”theNamersaid.“Herbal,youwereherewhenSparrowhawkandThorionwerechallengedbyIrioth.HisgiftwasasgreatasThorion’s,Ithink.Heusedittousemen,tocontrolthemwholly.IsthatwhatThoriondoes?”

“Idon’tknow,”theHerbalsaid.“IcanonlytellyouthatwhenI’mwithhim,whenI’mintheGreatHouse,Ifeelthatnothingcanbedonebutwhathasbeendone.Thatnothingwillchange.Nothingwillgrow.Thatnomatterwhat

curesIuse,thesicknesswillendindeath.”Helookedaroundatthemalllikeahurtox.“AndIthinkitistrue.ThereisnowaytoregaintheEquilibriumbutbyholdingstill.Wehavegonetoofar.FortheArchmageandLebannentogobodilyintodeath,andreturn-itwasnotright.Theybrokealawthatmustnotbebroken.ItwastorestorethelawthatThorionreturned.”

“What,tosendthembackintodeath?”theNamersaid,andthePatterner,“Whoistosaywhatisthelaw?”

“Thereisawall,”theHerbalsaid.

“Thatwallisnotasdeep-rootedasmytrees,”saidthePatterner.

“Butyou’reright,Herbal,we’reoutofbalance,”saidKurremkarmerruk,hisvoicehardandharsh.“Whenandwheredidwebegintogotoofar?Whathaveweforgotten,turnedourbackon,overlooked?”

Irianlookedfromonetotheother.

“Whenthebalanceiswrong,holdingstillisnotgood.Itmustgetmorewrong,”saidthePatterner.“Until-“Hemadeaquickgestureofreversalwithhisopenhands,downgoingupandupdown.

“What’smorewrongthantosummononeselfbackfromdeath?”saidtheNamer.

“Thorionwasthebestofusall-abraveheart,anoblemind.”TheHerbalspokealmostinanger.“Sparrowhawklovedhim.Sodidweall.”

“Consciencecaughthim,”saidtheNamer.“Consciencetoldhimhealonecouldsetthingsright.Todoit,hedeniedhisdeath.Sohedenieslife.”

“Andwhoshallstandagainsthim?”saidthePatterner.“Icanonlyhideinmywoods.”

“AndIinmytower,”saidtheNamer.“Andyou,Herbal,andtheDoorkeeper,areinthetrap,intheGreatHouse.Thewallswebuilttokeepallevilout.Orin,asthecasemaybe.”

“Wearefouragainsthim,”saidthePatterner.

Theyarefiveagainstus,”saidtheHerbal.

“Hasitcometothis,”theNamersaid,“thatwestandattheedgeoftheforestSegoyplantedandtalkofhowtodestroyoneanother?”

“Yes,”saidthePatterner.“Whatgoestoolongunchangeddestroysitself.Theforestisforeverbecauseitdiesanddiesandsolives.Iwillnotletthisdeadhandtouchme.Ortouchthekingwhobroughtushope.Apromisewasmade,madethroughme,Ispokeit-“AwomanonGont”-Iwillnotseethatword

forgotten.”

“ThenshouldwegotoGont?”saidtheHerbal,caughtinAzver’spassion.“Sparrowhawkisthere.”

TenaroftheRingisthere,”saidAzver.

“Maybeourhopeisthere,”saidtheNamer.

Theystoodsilent,uncertain,tryingtocherishhope.

Irianstoodsilenttoo,butherhopesankdown,replacedbyasenseofshameandutterinsignificance.Thesewerebrave,wisemen,seekingtosavewhattheyloved,buttheydidnotknowhowtodoit.Andshehadnoshareintheirwisdom,nopartintheirdecisions.Shedrewawayfromthem,andtheydidnotnotice.Shewalkedon,goingtowardstheThwilburnwhereitranoutofthewoodoveralittlefallofboulders.Thewaterwasbrightinthemorningsunlightandmadeahappynoise.Shewantedtocrybutshehadneverbeengoodatcrying.Shestoodandwatchedthewater,andhershameturnedslowlyintoanger.

Shecamebacktowardsthethreemen,andsaid,“Azver.”

Heturnedtoher,startled,andcameforwardalittle.

“WhydidyoubreakyourRuleforme?Wasitfairtome,whocanneverbewhatyouare?”

Azverfrowned.“TheDoorkeeperadmittedyoubecauseyouasked,”hesaid.“IbroughtyoutotheGrovebecausetheleavesofthetreesspokeyournametomebeforeyouevercamehere.Irian,theysaid,Irian.WhyyoucameIdon’tknow,butnotbychance.TheSummonertooknowsthat.”

“MaybeIcametodestroyhim.”

Helookedatherandsaidnothing.

“MaybeIcametodestroyRoke.”

Hispaleeyesblazedthen.Try!”

Alongshudderwentthroughherasshestoodfacinghim.Shefeltherselflargerthanhewas,largerthanshewas,enormouslylarger.Shecouldreachoutonefingeranddestroyhim.Hestoodthereinhissmall,brave,briefhumanity,hismortality,defenseless.Shedrewalong,longbreath.Shesteppedbackfromhim.

Thesenseofhugestrengthwasdrainingoutofher.Sheturnedherheadalittleandlookeddown,surprisedtoseeherownbrownarm,herrolled-upsleeve,thegrassspringingcoolandgreenaroundhersandaledfeet.She

lookedbackatthePatternerandhestillseemedafragilebeing.Shepitiedandhonouredhim.Shewantedtowarnhimoftheperilhewasin.Butnowordscametoheratall.Sheturnedroundandwentbacktothestreambankbythelittlefalls.Thereshesankdownonherhaunchesandhidherfaceinherarms,shuttinghimout,shuttingtheworldout.

Thevoicesofthemagestalkingwerelikethevoicesofthestreamrunning.Thestreamsaiditswordsandtheysaidtheirs,butnoneofthemweretherightwords.

IV.Irian

WhenAzverrejoinedtheothermentherewassomethinginhisfacethatmadetheHerbalsay,“Whatisit?”

“Idon’tknow,”hesaid.“MaybeweshouldnotleaveRoke.”

“Probablywecan’t,”saidtheHerbal.“IftheWindkeylocksthewindsagainstus…”

“I’mgoingbacktowhereIam,”Kurremkarmerruksaidabruptly.“Idon’tlikeleavingmyselfaboutlikeanoldshoe.I’lljoinyouthisevening.”Andhewasgone.

“I’dliketowalkunderyourtreesabit,Azver,”theHerbalsaid,withalongsigh.

“Goon,Deyala.I’llstayhere.”TheHerbalwentoff.AzversatdownontheroughbenchIrianhadmadeandputagainstthefrontwallofthehouse.Helookedupstreamather,crouchingmotionlessonthebank.SheepinthefieldbetweenthemandtheGreatHouseblattedsoftly.Themorningsunwasgettinghot.

HisfatherhadnamedhimBannerofWar.Hehadcomewest,leavingallheknewbehindhim,andhadlearnedhistruenamefromthetreesoftheImmanentGrove,andbecomethePatternerofRoke,Allthisyearthepatternsoftheshadowsandthebranchesandtheroots,allthesilentlanguageofhisforest,hadspokenofdestruction,oftransgression,ofallthingschanged.Nowitwasuponthem,heknew.Ithadcomewithher.

Shewasinhischarge,inhiscare,hehadknownthatwhenhesawher.ThoughshecametodestroyRoke,asshehadsaid,hemustserveher.Hedidsowillingly.Shehadwalkedwithhimintheforest,tall,awkward,fearless;shehadputasidethethornyarmsofbrambleswithherbig,carefulhand.Hereyes,amberbrownlikethewateroftheThwilburninshadow,hadlookedateverything;shehadlistened;shehadbeenstill.Hewantedtoprotectherand

knewhecouldnot.Hehadgivenheralittlewarmthwhenshewascold.Hehadnothingelsetogiveher.Whereshemustgoshewouldgo.Shedidnotunderstanddanger.Shehadnowisdombutherinnocence,noamourbutheranger.Whoareyou,Irian?hesaidtoher,watchinghercrouchedtherelikeananimallockedinitsmuteness.

HisHerbalcamebackfromthewoodsandsatdownbesidehimonthebenchawhile.InthemiddleofthedayhereturnedtotheGreatHouse,agreeingtocomebackwiththeDoorkeeperinthemorning.TheywouldaskalltheotherMasterstomeetwiththemintheGrove.“Buthewon’tcome,”Deyalasaid,andAzvernodded.

AlldayhestayedneartheOtter’sHouse,keepingwatchonIrian,makinghereatalittlewithhim.Shecametothehouse,butwhentheyhadeatenshewentbacktoherplaceonthestreambankandsattheremotionless.Andhetoofeltalethargyinhisownbodyandmind,astupidity,whichhefoughtagainstbutcouldnotshakeoff.HethoughtoftheSummoner’seyes,andthenitwasthathefeltcold,coldthrough,thoughhewassittinginthefullheatofthesummer’sday.Weareruledbythedead,hethought.Thethoughtwouldnotleavehim.

HewasgratefultoseeKurremkarmerrukcomingslowlydownthebankoftheThwilburnfromthenorth.Theoldmanwadedthroughthestreambarefoot,holdinghisshoesinonehandandhistallstaffintheother,snarlingwhenhemissedhisfootingontherocks.Hesatdownonthenearbanktodryhisfeetandputhisshoesbackon.“WhenIgobacktotheTower,”hesaid,“I’llride.Hireacarter,buyamule.I’mold,Azver.”

“Comeuptothehouse,”thePatternersaid,andhesetoutwaterandfoodfortheNamer.

“Where’sthegirl?”

“Asleep.”Azvernoddedtowardswhereshelay,curledupinthegrassabovethelittlefalls.

TheheatofthedaywasbeginningtolessenandtheshadowsoftheGrovelayacrossthegrass,thoughtheOtter’sHousewasstillinsunlight.Kurremkarmerruksatonthebenchwithhisbackagainstthehousewall,andAzveronthedoorstep.

“We’vecometotheendofit,”theoldmansaidoutofsilence.

Azvernodded,insilence.

“Whatbroughtyouhere,Azver?”theNamerasked.“I’veoftenthoughtofaskingyou.Along,longwaytocome.Andyouhavenowizardsinthe

Kargishlands,Ithink.”

“No.Butwehavethethingswizardryismadeof.Water,stones,trees,words…”

“ButnotthewordsoftheMaking.”

“No.Nordragons,”

“Never?”

“Onlyinsomevery,veryoldtales.Beforethegodswere.Beforemenwere.Beforemenweremen,theyweredragons.”

“Nowthatisinteresting,”saidtheoldscholar,sittingupstraighter.“ItoldyouIwasreadingaboutdragons.Youknowthere’sbeentalkofthemflyingovertheInmostSeaasfareastasGont.ThatwasnodoubtKalessintakingGedhome,multipliedbysailorsmakingagoodstorybetter.Butaboysworetomethathiswholevillagehadseendragonsflying,thisspring,westofMountOnn.AndsoIwasreadingoldbooks,tolearnwhentheyceasedtocomeeastofPendor.AndinoneIcameonyourstory,orsomethinglikeit.Thatmenanddragonswereallonekind,buttheyquarrelled.Somewentwestandsomeeast,andtheybecametwokinds,andforgottheywereeverone.”

“Wewentfarthesteast,”Azversaid.“Butdoyouknowwhattheleaderofanarmyis,inmytongue?”

“Edran,”saidtheNamerpromptly,andlaughed.“Drake.Dragon…”

Afterawhilehesaid,“Icouldchaseanetymologyonthebrinkofdoom…ButIthink,Azver,thatthat’swhereweare.Wewon’tdefeathim.”

“Hehastheadvantage,”Azversaid,verydry.

“Hedoes.But,admittingitunlikely,admittingitimpossible-ifwediddefeathim-ifhewentbackintodeathandleftusherealive-whatwouldwedo?Whatcomesnext?”

Afteralongtime,Azversaid,“Ihavenoidea.”

“Yourleavesandshadowstellyounothing?”

“Change,change,”saidthePatterner.Transformation.”

Helookedupsuddenly.Thesheep,whohadbeengroupednearthestile,werescurryingoff,andsomeonewascomingalongthepathfromtheGreatHouse.

“Agroupofyoungmen,”saidtheHerbal,breathless,ashecametothem.“Thorion’sarmy.Cominghere.Totakethegirl.Tosendheraway.”Hestoodanddrewbreath.“TheDoorkeeperwasspeakingwiththemwhenIleft.Ithink-“

“Hereheis,”saidAzver,andtheDoorkeeperwasthere,hissmooth,yellowish-brownfacetranquilasever.

“Itoldthem,”hesaid,“thatiftheywentoutMedra’sGatethisday,they’dnevergobackthroughitintoaHousetheyknew.Someofthemwereforturningback,then.ButtheWindkeyandtheChanterurgedthemon.They’llbealongsoon.”

Theycouldhearmen’svoicesinthefieldseastoftheGrove.

AzverwentquicklytowhereIrianlaybesidethestream,andtheothersfollowedhim.Sherousedupandgottoherfeet,lookingdullanddazed.Theywerestandingaroundher,akindofguard,whenthegroupofthirtyormoremencamepastthelittlehouseandapproachedthem.Theyweremostlyolderstudents;therewerefiveorsixwizard’sstaffsamongthecrowd,andtheMasterWindkeyledthem.Histhin,keenoldfacelookedstrainedandweary,buthegreetedthefourmagescourteouslybytheirtitles.

Theygreetedhim,andAzvertooktheword-“ComeintotheGrove,MasterWindkey,”hesaid,“andwewillwaittherefortheothersoftheNine.”

“Firstwemustsettlethematterthatdividesus,”saidtheWindkey.

Thatisastonymatter,”saidtheNamer.

“ThewomanwithyoudefiestheRuleofRoke,”theWindkeysaid.“Shemustleave.Aboatiswaitingatthedocktotakeher,andthewind,Icantellyou,willstandfairforWay.”

“Ihavenodoubtofthat,mylord,”saidAzver,“butIdoubtshewillgo-“

“MyLordPatterner,willyoudefyourRuleandourcommunity,thathasbeenonesolong,upholdingorderagainsttheforcesofruin?Willitbeyou,ofallmen,whobreaksthepattern?”

“Itisnotglass,tobreak,”Azversaid.“Itisbreath,itisfire.”

Itcosthimagreatefforttospeak.

“Itdoesnotknowdeath,”hesaid,buthespokeinhisownlanguage,andtheydidnotunderstandhim.HedrewclosertoIrian.Hefeltthewarmthofherbody.Shestoodstaring,inthatanimalsilence,asifshedidnotunderstandanyofthem.

“LordThorionhasreturnedfromdeathtosaveusall,”theWindkeysaid,fiercelyandclearly.“HewillbeArchmage.UnderhisruleRokewillbeasitwas.Thekingwillreceivethetruecrownfromhishand,andrulewithhisguidance,asMorredruled.Nowitcheswilldefilesacredground.NodragonswillthreatentheInmostSea.Therewillbeorder,safety,andpeace.”

Noneofthemagesansweredhim.Inthesilence,themenwithhimmurmured,andavoiceamongthemsaid,“Letushavethewitch.”

“No,”Azversaid,butcouldsaynothingelse.Heheldhisstaffofwillow,butitwasonlywoodinhishand.

Ofthefourofthem,onlytheDoorkeepermovedandspoke.Hetookastepforward,lookingfromoneyoungmantothenextandthenext.Hesaid,“Youtrustedme,givingmeyournames.Willyoutrustmenow?”

“Mylord,”saidoneofthemwithafine,darkfaceandawizard’soakenstaff,“wedotrustyou,andthereforeaskyoutoletthewitchgo,andpeacereturn.”

IriansteppedforwardbeforetheDoorkeepercouldanswer.

“Iamnotawitch,”shesaid.Hervoicesoundedhigh,metallic,afterthemen’sdeepvoices.“Ihavenoart.Noknowledge.Icametolearn.”

“Wedonotteachwomenhere,”saidtheWindkey.“Youknowthat.”

“Iknownothing,”Iriansaid.Shesteppedforwardagain,facingthemagedirectly.TellmewhoIam.”

“Learnyourplace,woman,”themagesaidwithcoldpassion.

“Myplace,”shesaid,slowly,thewordsdragging,“myplaceisonthehill.Wherethingsarewhattheyare.TellthedeadmanIwillmeethimthere.”

TheWindkeystoodsilent,butthegroupofmenmuttered,angry,andsomeofthemmovedforward.Azvercamebetweenherandthem,herwordsreleasinghimfromtheparalysisofmindandbodythathadheldhim.“TellThorionwewillmeethimonRokeKnoll,”hesaid.“Whenhecomes,wewillbethere.Nowcomewithme,”hesaidtoIrian.

TheNamer,theDoorkeeper,andtheHerbalfollowedhimwithherintotheGrove.Therewasapathforthem.Butwhensomeoftheyoungmenstartedafterthem,therewasnopath.

“Comeback,”theWindkeysaidtothemen.

Theyturnedback,uncertain.ThelowsunwasstillbrightonthefieldsandtheroofsoftheGreatHouse,butinsidethewooditwasallshadows.

“Witchery,”theysaid,“sacrilege,defilement.”

“Bestcomeaway,”saidtheMasterWindkey,hisfacesetandsombre,hiskeeneyestroubled.HesetoffbacktotheSchool,andtheystraggledafterhim,arguinganddebatinginfrustrationandanger.

TheywerenotfarinsidetheGrove,andstillbesidethestream,whenIrianstopped,turnedaside,andcroucheddownbytheenormous,hunchingrootsof

awillowthatleanedoutoverthewater.Thefourmagesstoodonthepath.

“Shespokewiththeotherbreath,”Azversaid.

TheNamernodded.

“Sowemustfollowher?”theHerbalasked.

ThistimetheDoorkeepernodded.Hesmiledfaintlyandsaid,“Soitwouldseem.”

“Verywell,”saidtheHerbal,withhispatient,troubledlook;andhewentasidealittle,andknelttolookatsomesmallplantorfungusontheforestfloor.

TimepassedasalwaysintheGrove,notpassingatallitseemed,yetgone,thedaygonequietlybyinafewlongbreaths,aquiveringofleaves,abirdsingingfaroffandanotheransweringitfromevenfarther.Irianstoodupslowly.Shedidnotspeak,butlookeddownthepath,andthenwalkeddownit.Thefourmenfollowedher.

Theycameoutintothecalm,openeveningair.TheweststillheldsomebrightnessastheycrossedtheThwilburnandwalkedacrossthefieldstoRokeKnoll,whichstoodupbeforetheminahighdarkcurveagainstthesky.

They’recoming,”theDoorkeepersaid.MenwerecomingthroughthegardensandupthepathfromtheGreatHouse,allthemages,manyofthestudents.LeadingthemwasThoriontheSummoner,tallinhisgreycloak,carryinghistallstaffofbone-whitewood,aboutwhichafaintgleamofwerelighthovered.

WherethetwopathsmetandjoinedtowinduptotheheightsoftheKnoll,Thorionstoppedandstoodwaitingforthem.Irianstrodeforwardtofacehim.

“IrianofWay,”theSummonersaidinhisdeep,clearvoice,“thattheremaybepeaceandorder,andforthesakeofthebalanceofallthings,Ibidyounowleavethisisland.Wecannotgiveyouwhatyouask,andforthatweaskyourforgiveness.Butifyouseektostayhereyouforfeitforgiveness,andmustlearnwhatfollowsontransgression.”

Shestoodup,almostastallashe,andasstraight.Shesaidnothingforaminuteandthenspokeoutinahigh,harshvoice.“Comeupontothehill,Thorion,”shesaid.

Shelefthimstandingatthewaymeet,onthelevelground,andwalkedupthehillpathforalittleway,afewstrides.Sheturnedandlookedbackdownathim.“Whatkeepsyoufromthehill?”shesaid.

Theairwasdarkeningaroundthem.Thewestwasonlyadullredline,the

easternskywasshadowyabovethesea.

TheSummonerlookedupatIrian.Slowlyheraisedhisarmsandthewhitestaffintheinvocationofaspell,speakinginthetonguethatallthewizardsandmagesofRokehadlearned,thelanguageoftheirart,theLanguageoftheMaking:‘Irian,byyournameIsummonyouandbindyoutoobeyme!”

Shehesitated,seemingforamomenttoyield,tocometohim,andthencriedout,“IamnotonlyIrian!”

AtthattheSummonerranuptowardsher,reachingout,lungingatherasiftoseizeandholdher.Theywerebothonthehillnow.Shetoweredabovehimimpossibly,firebreakingforthbetweenthem,aflareofredflameintheduskair,agleamofred-goldscales,ofvastwings-thenthatwasgone,andtherewasnothingtherebutthewomanstandingonthehillpathandthetallmanbowingdownbeforeher,bowingslowlydowntoearth,andlyingonit.

OfthemallitwastheHerbal,thehealer,whowasthefirsttomove.HewentupthepathandkneltdownbyThorion.“Mylord,”hesaid,“myfriend.”

Underthehuddleofthegreycloakhishandsfoundonlyahuddleofclothesanddrybonesandabrokenstaff.

“Thisisbetter,Thorion,”hesaid,buthewasweeping.

TheoldNamercameforwardandsaidtothewomanonthehill,“Whoareyou?”

“Idonotknowmyothername,”shesaid.Shespokeashehadspoken,asshehadspokentotheSummoner,intheLanguageoftheMaking,thetonguethedragonsspeak.

Sheturnedawayandbegantowalkonupthehill.

“Irian,”saidAzverthePatterner,“willyoucomebacktous?”

Shehaltedandlethimcomeuptoher.“Iwill,ifyoucallme,”shesaid.

Shereachedoutandtouchedhishand.Hedrewhisbreathsharply.

“Wherewillyougo?”hesaid.

“Tothosewhowillgivememyname.Infirenotwater.Mypeople.”

“Inthewest,”hesaid.

Shesaid,“Beyondthewest.”

Sheturnedawayfromhimandthemandwentonupthehillinthegatheringdarkness.Asshewentfartherfromthemtheysawherthen,allofthem,thegreatgold-mailedflanks,thespiked,coilingtail,thetalons,andthebreath

thatwasbrightfire.OnthecrestoftheKnollshepausedawhile,herlongheadturningtolookslowlyroundtheIsleofRoke,gazinglongestattheGrove,onlyablurofdarknessindarknessnow.Thenwitharattleliketheshakingofsheetsofbrassthewide,vanedwingsopenedandthedragonsprangupintotheair,circledRokeKnollonce,andflew.

Acurloffire,awispofsmokedrifteddownthroughthedarkair.

AzverthePatternerstoodwithhislefthandholdinghisrighthand,whichhertouchhadburnt.Helookeddownatthemenwhostoodsilentatthefootofthehill,staringafterthedragon.“Well,myfriends,”hesaid,“whatnow?”

OnlytheDoorkeeperanswered.Hesaid,“IthinkweshouldgotoourHouse,andopenitsdoors.”

ADescriptionofEarthsea

PEOPLESANDLANGUAGES

PEOPLE

THEHARDICLANDS

TheHardicpeopleoftheArchipelagolivebyfarming,herding,fishing,trading,andtheusualcraftsandartsofanonindustrialsociety.Theirpopulationisstableandhasneverovercrowdedthelimitedhabitablelandavailabletothem.Famineisunknownandpovertyseldomacute.

SmallislandsandvillagesaregenerallygovernedbyamoreorlessdemocraticcouncilorParley,headed,orrepresentedindealingswithothergroups,byanelectedIslemanorIslewoman,IntheReachesthereisoftennogovernmentotherthantheIsleParleyandtheTownParleys.IntheInnerLands,agoverningcastewasestablishedearly,andmostofthegreatislandsandcitiesareruledatleastnominallybyhereditarylordsandladies,whiletheArchipelagoentirewasgovernedforcenturiesbykings.Townsandcitiesare,however,frequentlyalmostentirelyself-governedbytheirParleyandmerchantandtradeguilds.

Thegreatguilds,sincetheirnetworkcoversalltheInnerLands,answertonooverlordorauthorityexcepttheKinginHavnor.

Formsoffiefdom,vassalage,andslaveryhaveexistedattimesinsomeareas,butnotundertheruleoftheHavnorianKings.

Theexistenceofmagicasarecognized,effectivepowerwieldedbycertainindividuals,butnotbyall,shapesandinfluencesalltheinstitutionsofthe

Hardicpeoples,sothat,muchasordinarylifeintheArchipelagoseemstoresemblethatofnonindustrialpeopleselsewhere,therearealmostimmeasurabledifferences.Oneofthesedifferencesmaybe,ormaybeindicatedby,thelackofanykindofinstitutionalisedreligion.Superstitionisascommonasitisanywhere,buttherearenogods,nocults,noformalworshipofanykind.RitualoccursonlyintraditionalofferingsatthesitesoftheOldPowers,inthegreat,universallycelebratedannualfestivalssuchasSunreturnandtheLongDance,inthespeakingandsingingofthetraditionalsongsandepicsatthesefestivals,and,perhaps,intheperformanceofspellsofmagic.

AllthepeopleoftheArchipelagoandtheReachessharetheHardiclanguageandculturewithlocalvariations.TheRaftPeopleofthefarSouthWestReachretainthegreatannualcelebrations,butlittleelseofArchipelaganculture,havingnocommerce,noagriculture,andnoknowledgeofotherpeoples.

MostpeopleoftheArchipelagohavebrownorred-brownskin,blackstraighthair,anddarkeyes;thepredominantbodytypeisshort,slender,small-boned,butfairlymuscularandwell-fleshed.IntheEastandSouthReachespeopletendtobetaller,heavierboned,anddarker.ManySouthernershaveverydarkbrownskin.MostArchipelaganmenhavelittleornofacialhair.

ThepeopleofOsskil,Rogma,andBortharelighter-skinnedthanothersintheArchipelago,andoftenhavebrownorevenblondhairandlighteyes;themenareoftenbearded.TheirlanguageandsomeoftheirbeliefsareclosertoKargishthantoHardic.ThesefarNorthernersprobablydescendfromKargswho,aftersettlingthefourgreatEasternlands,sailedbacktotheWestabouttwothousandyearsago.

THEKARGADLANDS

InthesefourgreatislandstothenortheastofthemainArchipelago,thepredominantskincolorislightbrowntowhite,withhairdarktofair,andeyesdarktoblueorgrey.

NotmuchmixingoftheKargishandArchipelaganskin-colortypeshastakenplaceexceptonOsskil,sincetheNorthReachisisolatedandthinlypopulated,andtheKargadpeoplehaveheldthemselvesapartfromandofteninenmitytowardstheArchipelagansfortwoorthreemillennia.

ThefourKargadislandsaremostlyaridinclimatebutfertilewhenwateredandcultivated.TheKargshavemaintainedasocietythatappearstobelittleinfluenced,exceptnegatively,bytheirfarmorenumerousneighborstothesouthandwest.

AmongtheKargsthepowerofmagicappearstobeveryrareasanativegift,

perhapsbecauseitwasneglectedoractivelysuppressedbytheirsocietyandgovernment.Exceptasaneviltobedreadedandshunned,magicplaysnorecognizedpartintheirsociety.ThisinabilityorrefusaltopracticemagicputstheKargsatadisadvantagewiththeArchipelagansinalmosteveryrespect,whichmayexplainwhytheyhavegenerallyheldthemselvesalooffromtradeoranykindofinterchange,otherthanpiraticalraidsandinvasionsofthenearerislandsoftheSouthReachandaroundtheGontishSea.

DRAGONS

Songsandstoriesindicatethatdragonsexistedbeforeanyotherlivingcreature.TheOldHardickenningsoreuphemismsfortheworddragonareFirstborn,Eldest,ElderChildren.(ThewordsforthefirstbornchildofafamilyinOsskilian,akhad,andinKargish,gadda,arederivedfromthewordhaath,“dragon,”intheOldSpeech.)

ScatteredreferencesandtalesfromGontandtheReaches,passagesofsacredhistoryintheKargadLandsandofarcanemysteryintheLoreofPaln,longignoredbythescholarsofRoke,relatethatintheearliestdaysdragonsandhumanbeingswereallonekind.Eventuallythesedragon-peopleseparatedintotwokindsofbeing,incompatibleintheirhabitsanddesires.Perhapsalonggeographicalseparationcausedagradualnaturaldivergence,adifferentiationofspecies.ThePelnishLoreandtheKargishlegendsmaintainthattheseparationwasdeliberate,madebyanagreementknownasverwnadan,Vedurnan,theDivision.

TheselegendsarebestpreservedinHur-at-Hur,theeasternmostoftheKargadLands,wheredragonshavedegeneratedintoanimalswithouthighintelligence.YetitisinHur-at-Hurthatpeoplekeepthemostvividconvictionoftheoriginalkinshipofhumananddragonkind.Andwiththesetalesofancienttimescomestoriesofrecentdaysaboutdragonswhotakehumanform,humanswhotakedragonform,beingswhoareinfactbothhumananddragon.

HowevertheDivisioncameabout,fromthebeginningofhistoricaltimehumanbeingshavelivedinthemainArchipelagoandtheKargadLandseastofit,whilethedragonskepttothewesternmostisles-andbeyond.Peoplehavepuzzledattheirchoosingtheemptyseafortheirdomain,sincedragonsare“creaturesofwindandfire,”whodrownifplungedunderthesea.Buttheyhavenoneedtotouchdowneitheronwateroronearth;theyliveonthewing,aloftinair,sunlight,starlight.Theonlyuseadragonhasforthegroundissomekindofrockyplacewhereitcanlayitseggsandrearthedrakelets.Thesmall,barrenisletsofthefarthestWestReachsufficeforthis.

TheCreationofEacontainsnoclearreferencestoanoriginalunityand

eventualseparationofdragonsandhumans,butthismaybebecausethepoeminitspresumedoriginalform,intheLanguageoftheMaking,datedbacktoatimebeforetheseparation.ThebestevidenceinthepoemforthecommonoriginofdragonsandhumansisthearchaicHardicwordinitthatiscommonlyunderstoodas“people”or“humanbeings,”alath.Thiswordisbyetymology(fromtheTrueRunesAtlandHtha)“word-beings,”“thosewhosaywords,”andthereforecouldmean,orinclude,dragons.Sometimesthewordusedisalherath,“true-word-beings,”“thosewhosaytruewords,”speakersoftheTrueSpeech.Thiscouldmeanhumanwizards,ordragons,orboth.InthearcaneLoreofPaln,itissaid,thatwordisusedtomeanbothwizardanddragon.

DragonsarebornknowingtheTrueSpeech,or,asGedputit,“thedragonandthespeechofthedragonareone.”Ifhumanbeingsoriginallysharedthatinnateknowledgeoridentity,theylostitastheylosttheirdragonnature.

LANGUAGES

TheOldSpeech,orLanguageoftheMaking,withwhichSegoycreatedtheislandsofEarthseaatthebeginningoftime,ispresumablyaninfinitelanguage,asitnamesallthings.

Thislanguageisinnatetodragons,nottohumans,assaidabove.Thereareexceptions.Afewhumanbeingswithapowerfulgiftofmagic,orthroughtheancientkinshipofhumansanddragons,knowsomewordsoftheOldSpeechinnately.ButtheverygreatmajorityofpeoplemustlearntheOldSpeech.Hardicpractitionersoftheartmagiclearnitfromtheirteachers.Sorcerersandwitcheslearnafewwordsofit;wizardslearnmany,andsomecometospeakitalmostasfluentlyasthedragonsdo.

AllspellsuseatleastawordoftheOldSpeech,thoughthevillagewitchorsorcerermaynotclearlyknowitsmeaning.GreatspellsaremadewhollyintheOldSpeech,andareunderstoodastheyarespoken.

TheHardiclanguageoftheArchipelago,theOsskilitongueofOsskil,andtheKargishtongue,areallremotedescendantsoftheOldSpeech.Noneoftheselanguagesservesforthemakingofspellsofmagic.

ThepeopleoftheArchipelagospeakHardic.Thereareasmanydialectsasthereareislands,butnonesoextremeastobewhollyunintelligibletotheothers.

Osskili,spokeninOsskilandtwoislandsnorthwestofit,hasmoreaffinitiestoKargishthantoHardic.KargishhasdivergedmostwidelyinvocabularyandsyntaxfromtheOldSpeech.Mostofitsspeakers(likemostHardicspeakers)donotrealisethattheirlanguageshaveacommonancestry.

Archipelaganscholarsareawareofit,butmostKargswoulddenyit,sincetheyhaveconfusedHardicwiththeOldSpeech,inwhichspellsarecast,andthusfearanddespiseallArchipelaganspeechasmalevolentsorcery.

WRITING

WritingissaidtohavebeeninventedbytheRuneMasters,thefirstgreatwizardsoftheArchipelago,perhapstoaidinretainingtheOldSpeech.Thedragonshavenowriting.

TherearetwoentirelydifferentkindsofwritinginEarthsea:theTrueRunesandrunicwriting.

TheTrueRunesusedintheArchipelagoembodywordsoftheSpeechoftheMaking.TrueRunesarenotsymbolsonly,butreifactors:theycanbeusedtobringathingorconditionintobeingorbringaboutanevent.Towritesucharuneistoact.Thepoweroftheactionvarieswiththecircumstances.MostoftheTrueRunesarefoundonlyinancienttextsandlore-books,andusedonlybywizardstrainedintheiruse;butagoodmanyofthem,suchasthesymbolwrittenonthedoorlinteltoprotectahousefromfire,areincommonuse,familiartounlearnedpeople.

LongaftertheinventionoftheTrueRunes,arelatedbutnonmagicalrunicwritingwasdevelopedfortheHardiclanguage.Thiswritingdoesnotaffectrealityanymorethananywritingdoes;thatistosay,indirectly,butconsiderably.

ItissaidthatSegoyfirstwrotetheTrueRunesinfireonthewind,sothattheyarecoevalwiththeLanguageoftheMaking.Butthismaynotbeso,sincethedragonsdonotusethem,andiftheyrecognisethem,donotadmitit.

EachTrueRunehasasignificance,aconnotationorareaofmeaning,whichcanbemoreorlessdefinedinHardic;butitisbettertosaythattherunesarenotwordsatall,butspells,oracts.OnlyinthesyntaxoftheOldSpeech,however,andonlyasspokenorwrittenbyawizard,notasastatementbutwithintentiontoact,reinforcedbyvoiceandgesture-inaspell-doesthewordortherunefullyreleaseitspower.

Ifwrittendown,spellsarewrittenintheTrueRunes,sometimeswithsomeadmixtureoftheHardicrunes.TowriteintheTrueRunes,astospeaktheOldSpeech,istoguaranteethetruthofwhatonesays-ifoneishuman.Humanbeingscannotlieinthatlanguage.Dragonscan;orsothedragonssay;andiftheyarelying,doesthatnotprovethatwhattheysayistrue?

ThespokennameofaTrueRunemaybetheworditsignifiesintheOldSpeech,oritmaybeoneoftheconnotationsoftherunetranslatedintoHardic.ThenamesofcommonlyusedrunessuchasPirr(usedtoprotectfrom

fire,wind,andmadness),Sifl(“speedwell”),Simn(“workwell”)areusedwithoutceremonybyordinarypeoplespeakingHardic;butpractitionersofmagicspeakevensuchwell-known,oftenusednameswithcaution,sincetheyareinfactwordsintheOldSpeech,andmayinfluenceeventsinunintendedorunexpectedways.

Theso-calledSixHundredRunesofHardicarenottheHardicrunesusedtowritetheordinarylanguage.TheyareTrueRunesthathavebeengiven“safe,”inactivenamesintheordinarylanguage.TheirtruenamesintheOldSpeechmustbememorisedinsilence.Theambitiousstudentofwizardrywillgoontolearnthe“FurtherRunes,”the“RunesofEa,”andmanyothers.IftheOldSpeechisendless,soaretherunes.

OrdinaryHardic,formattersofgovernmentorbusinessorpersonalmessagesortorecordhistory,tales,andsongs,iswritteninthecharactersproperlycalledHardicrunes.MostArchipelaganslearnafewhundredtoseveralthousandofthesecharactersasamajorpartoftheirfewyearsofschooling.Spokenorwritten,Hardicisuselessforcastingspells.

LITERATUREANDTHE

SOURCESOFHISTORY

Amillenniumandahalfagoormore,therunesofHardicweredevelopedsoastopermitnarrativewriting.Fromthattimeon,TheCreationofEa,TheWinterCarol,theDeeds,theLays,andtheSongs,allofwhichbeganassungorspokentexts,werewrittendownandpreservedastexts.Theycontinuetoexistinbothforms.Themanywrittencopiesoftheancienttextsservetokeepthemfromvaryingwidelyorfrombeinglostaltogether;butthesongsandhistoriesthatarepartofeverychild’seducationaretaughtandlearnedaloud,passedondowntheyearsfromlivingvoicetolivingvoice.

OldHardicdiffersinvocabularyandpronunciationfromthecurrentspeech,buttherotelearningandregularspeakingandhearingoftheclassicskeepsthearchaiclanguagemeaningful(andprobablyputssomebrakeonlinguisticdriftindailyspeech),whiletheHardicrunes,likeChinesecharacters,canaccommodatewidelyvaryingpronunciationsandshiftsofmeaning.

Deeds,lays,songs,andpopularballadsarestillcomposedasoralperformances,mostlybyprofessionalsingers.Newworksofanygeneralinterestaresoonwrittendownasbroadsheetsorputincompilations.

Whetherperformedorreadsilently,allsuchpoemsandsongsareconsciouslyvaluedfortheircontent,notfortheirliteraryqualities,whichrangefromhightonil.Looseregularmeter,alliteration,stylisedphrasing,andstructuringbyrepetitionaretheprincipalpoeticdevices.Contentincludesmythic,epic,and

historicalnarrative,geographicaldescriptions,practicalobservationsconcerningnature,agriculture,sealore,andcrafts,cautionarytalesandparables,philosophical,visionary,andspiritualpoetry,andlovesongs.Thedeedsandlaysareusuallychanted,theballadssung,oftenwithapercussionaccompaniment;professionalchantersandsingersmaysingwiththeharp,theviol,drums,andotherinstruments.Thesongsgenerallyhavelessnarrativecontent,andmanyarevaluedandpreservedmostlyforthetune.

Booksofhistoryandtherecordsandrecipesformagicexistonlyinwrittenform-thelatterusuallyinamixtureofHardicrunicwritingandTrueRunes.Ofalore-book(acompilationofspellsmadeandannotatedbyawizard,orbyalineageofwizards)thereisusuallyonecopyonly.

Itisoftenamatterofconsiderableimportancethatthewordsoftheselore-booksnotbespokenaloud.

TheOsskiliusetheHardicrunestowritetheirlanguage,sincetheytrademostlywithHardic-speakinglands.

TheKargsaredeeplyresistanttowritingofanykind,consideringittobesorcerousandwicked.Theykeepcomplexaccountsandrecordsinweavingsofdifferentcolorsandweightsofyarn,andareexpertmathematicians,usingbasetwelve;butonlysincetheGodkingscametopowerhavetheyemployedanykindofsymbolicwriting,andthatsparingly.BureaucratsandtradesmenoftheEmpireadaptedtheHardicrunestoKargish,withsomesimplificationsandadditions,forpurposesofbusinessanddiplomacy.ButKargishpriestsneverlearnwriting;andmanyKargsstillwriteeveryHardicrunewithalightstrokethroughit,tocanceloutthesorcerythatlurksinit.

History

Noteondates:Manyislandshavetheirownlocalcountofyears.ThemostwidelyuseddatingsystemintheArchipelago,whichstemsfromtheHavnorianTale,makestheyearMorredtookthethronethefirstyearofhistory.Bythissystem,“presenttime”intheaccountyouarereadingistheArchipelaganyear1058.

THEBEGINNINGS

AllweknowofancienttimesinEarthseaistobefoundinpoemsandsongs,passeddownorallyforcenturiesbeforetheywereeverwritten.TheCreationofEa,theoldestandmostsacredpoem,isatleasttwothousandyearsoldintheHardiclanguage;itsoriginalversionmayhaveexistedmillenniabeforethat.Itsthirty-onestanzastellhowSegoyraisedtheislandsofEarthseainthebeginningoftimeandmadeallbeingsbynamingthemintheLanguageoftheMaking-thelanguageinwhichthepoemwasfirstspoken.

Theocean,however,isolderthantheislands;sosaythesongs.

BeforebrightEawas,beforeSegoy

badetheislandsbe,

thewindofdawnblewonthesea…

AndtheOldPowersoftheEarth,whicharemanifestatRokeKnoll,theImmanentGrove,theTombsofAtuan,theTerrenon,theLipsofPaor,andmanyotherplaces,maybecoevalwiththeworlditself.

ItmaybethatSegoyisorwasoneoftheOldPowersoftheEarth.ItmaybethatSegoyisanamefortheEarthitself.Somethinkalldragons,orcertaindragons,orcertainpeople,aremanifestationsofSegoy.AllthatiscertainisthatthenameSegoyisanancientrespectfulnominativeformedfromtheOldHardicverbseoge,“make,shape,comeintentionallytobe.”Fromthesamerootcomesthenounesege,“creativeforce,breath,poetry.”

TheCreationofEaisthefoundationofeducationintheArchipelago,Bytheageofsixorseven,allchildrenhaveheardthepoemandmosthavebeguntomemoriseit.Anadultwhodoesn’tknowitbyheart,soastobeabletospeakorsingitwithothersandteachittochildren,isconsideredgrosslyignorant.Itistaughtinwinterandspring,andspokenandsungentireeveryyearattheLongDance,thecelebrationofthesolsticeofsummer.

AquotationfromitstandsattheheadofAWizardofEarthsea:

Onlyinsilencetheword,

onlyindarkthelight,

onlyindyinglife:

brightthehawk’sflight

ontheemptysky.

ThebeginningofthefirststanzaisquotedinTehanu:

Themakingfromtheunmaking,

theendingfromthebeginning,

whoshallknowsurely?

Whatweknowisthedoorwaybetweenthem

thatweenterdeparting.

Amongallbeingseverreturning,

theeldest,theDoorkeeper,Segoy…

andthelastlineofthefirststanza:

ThenfromthefoambrightEabroke.

HISTORYOFTHEARCHIPELAGO

THEKINGSOFENLAD

ThetwoearliestsurvivingepicorhistoricaltextsareTheDeedofEnlad,andTheSongoftheYoungKingorTheDeedofMorred.

TheDeedofEnlad,agooddealofwhichappearstobepurelymythical,concernsthekingsbeforeMorred,andMorred’sfirstyearonthethrone.ThecapitalcityoftheserulerswasBerila,ontheislandofEnlad.

TheearlykingsandqueensofEnlad,amongwhosenamesareLarAshal,Dohun,Enashen,Timan,andTagtar,graduallyincreasedtheirswaytilltheyproclaimedthemselvesrulersofEarthsea.TheirreignextendednofarthersouththanIlienanddidnotincludeFelkwayintheeast,PalnandSemelinthewest,orOsskilinthenorth,buttheydidsendexplorersoutallovertheInmostSeaandintotheReaches.ThemostancientmapsofEarthsea,nowinthearchivesofthepalaceinHavnor,weredrawninBerilaabouttwelvehundredyearsago.

ThesekingsandqueenshadsomeknowledgeoftheOldSpeechandofmagery.Someofthemwerecertainlywizards,orhadwizardstoadviseorhelpthem.ButmagicinTheDeedofEnladisanerraticforce,nottobereliedon.Morredwasthefirstman,andthefirstking,tobecalledMage.

MORRED

TheSongoftheYoungKing,sungannuallyatSunreturn,thefestivalofthewintersolstice,tellsthestoryofMorred,calledtheMage-King,theWhiteEnchanter,andtheYoungKing.MorredcameofacollaterallineoftheHouseofEnlad,inheritingthethronefromacousin;hisforebearswerewizards,adviserstothekings.

ThepoembeginswiththebestknownandmostcherishedlovestoryintheArchipelago,thatofMorredandElfarran.Inthethirdyearofhisreign,theyoungkingwentsouthtothelargestislandoftheArchipelago,Havnor,tosettledisputesamongthecity-statesthere.Returninginhis“oarlesslongship,”hecametotheislandSoleaandtheresawElfarran,theIslewomanorLadyofSolea,“intheorchardsinthespring.”Hedidnotcontinueonto

Enlad,butstayedwithElfarran.Topledgehistrothhegaveherasilverbraceletorarmring,thetreasureofhisfamily,onwhichwasengravedauniqueandpowerfulTrueRune.

MorredandElfarranmarried,andthepoemdescribestheirreignasabriefgoldenage,thefoundationandtouchstoneofethicandgovernancethereafter.

Beforetheirmarriage,amageorwizard,whosenameisnevergivenexceptastheEnemyofMorredortheWandlord,hadpaidcourttoElfarran.Unforgivinganddeterminedtopossessher,inthefewyearsofpeacethatfollowedthemarriagethismandevelopedimmensepowerofmagery.Afterfiveyearshecameforthandannounced,inthewordsofthepoem,

IfElfarranbenotmyown,IwillunsaySegoy’sword,

Iwillunmaketheislands,thewhitewaveswillwhelmall.

Hehadpowertoraisehugewavesonthesea,andtostopthetideorbringitearly;andhisvoicecouldenchantwholepopulations,bringingallwhoheardhimunderhiscontrol.SoheturnedMorred’speopleagainsthim.Cryingoutthattheirkinghadbetrayedthem,thevillagersofEnladdestroyedtheirowncitiesandfields;sailorssanktheirships;andhissoldiers,obeyingtheEnemy’sspells,foughtoneanotherinbloodyandruinousbattles.

WhileMorredsoughttofreehispeoplefromthesespellsandtoconfronthisenemy,Elfarranreturnedwiththeiryear-oldchildtohernativeisland,Solea,whereherownpowerswouldhestrongest.ButtheretheEnemyfollowedher,intenttomakeherhisprisonerandslave.ShetookrefugeattheSpringsofEnsa,where,withherknowledgeoftheOldPowersoftheplace,shecouldwithstandtheEnemyandforcehimofftheisland.“Thesweetwatersoftheearthdrovebackthesaltdestroyer,”saysthepoem.Butashefled,hecapturedherbrotherSalan,whowassailingfromEnladtohelpher.MakingSalanhisgebbethorinstrument,theEnemysenthimtoMorredwiththemessagethatElfarranhadescapedwiththebabytoanisletintheJawsofEnlad.

Trustingthemessenger,Morredenteredthetrap.Hebarelyescapedwithhislife.TheEnemypursuedhimfromtheeasttothewestofEnladinatrailofruin.OnthePlainsofEnlad,meetingthecompanionswhohadstayedloyaltohim,mostofthemsailorswhohadbroughttheirshipstoEnladtoaidhim,Morredturnedandgavebattle.TheEnemywouldnotconfronthimdirectly,butsentMorred’sownspell-boundwarriorstofighthim,andworse,sentsorceriesthatshriveledupthebodiesofhismentillthey“living,seemedtheblackthirst-deadofthedesert.”Tosparehispeople,Morredwithdrew.

Asheleftthebattlefielditbegantorain,andhesawhisenemy’struenamewritteninraindropsinthedust.

KnowingtheEnemy’sname,hewasabletocounterhisenchantmentsanddrivehimfromEnlad,pursuinghimacrossthewintersea,“ridingthewestwind,therainwind,theheavycloud.”Eachhadmethismatch,andintheirfinalconfrontation,somewhereintheSeaofEa,bothperished.

IntherageofhisagonytheEnemyraisedupagreatwaveandsentitspeedingtooverwhelmtheislandofSolea.Elfarranknewthis,assheknewthemomentofMorred’sdeath.Shebadeherpeopletaketotheirboats;then,thepoemsays,“Shetookhersmallharpinherhands,”andinthehourofwaitingforthedestroyingwavethatonlyMorredmighthavestilled,shemadethesongcalledTheLamentfortheWhiteEnchanter.Theislandwasdrownedbeneaththesea,andElfarranwithit.Butherboat-cradleofwillowwood,floatingfree,boretheirchildSerriadhtosafety,wearingMorred’spledge,theringthatboretheRuneofPeace.

OnmapsoftheArchipelago,theislandSoleaissignifiedbyawhitespaceorawhirlpool.

AfterMorred,sevenmorekingsandqueensruledfromEnlad,andtherealmincreasedsteadilyinsizeandprosperity.

THEKINGSOFHAVNOR

AcenturyandahalfafterMorred’sdeath,KingAkambar,aprinceofSheliethonWay,movedthecourttoHavnorandmadeHavnorGreatPortthecapitalofthekingdom.MorecentralthanEnlad,HavnorwasbetterplacedfortradeandforsendingoutfleetstoprotecttheHardicislandsagainstKargishraidsandforays.

ThehistoryoftheFourteenKingsofHavnor(actuallysixkingsandeightqueens,~150-400)istoldintheHavnorianLay.Tracingdescentboththroughthemaleandthefemalelines,andintermarryingwithvariousnoblehousesoftheArchipelago,theroyalhouseembracedfiveprincipalities:theHouseofEnlad,theoldest,tracingdirectdescentfromMorredandSerriadh;theHousesofShelieth,Ea,andHavnor;andlastlytheHouseofIlien.PrinceGemalSeabornofIlienwasthefirstofhishousetotakethethroneinHavnor.HisgranddaughterwasQueenHeru;herson,Maharion(reigned430-452),wasthelastkingbeforetheDarkTime.

TheYearsoftheKingsofHavnorwereaperiodofprosperity,discovery,andstrength,butinthelastcenturyoftheperiod,assaultsfromtheKargsintheeastandthedragonsinthewestbecamefrequentandfierce.

Kings,lords,andIslemenchargedwithdefendingtheislandsofthe

ArchipelagocametorelyincreasinglyonwizardstofendoffdragonsandKargishfleets.IntheHavnorianLayandTheDeedoftheDragonlords,asthetalegoeson,thenamesandexploitsofthesewizardsbegintoeclipsethoseofthekings.

Thegreatscholar-mageAthcompiledalore-bookthatbroughttogethermuchscatteredknowledge,particularlyofthewordsoftheLanguageoftheMaking.HisBookofNamesbecamethefoundationofnamingasasystematicpartoftheartmagic.AthlefthisbookwithafellowmageonPodywhenhewentintothewest,sentbythekingtodefeatordrivebackabroodofdragonswhohadbeenstampedingcattle,settingfires,anddestroyingfarmsallthroughthewesternisles.SomewherewestofEnsmer,AthconfrontedthegreatdragonOrm.Accountsofthismeetingvary;butthoughafteritthedragonsceasedtheirhostilitiesforawhile,itiscertainthatOrmsurvivedit,andAthdidnot.Hisbook,lostforcenturies,isnowintheIsolateToweronRoke.

Thefoodofdragonsissaidtobelight,orfire;theykillinrage,todefendtheiryoung,orforsport,butnevereattheirkill.Sincetimeimmemorial,untilthereignofHeru,theyhadusedonlytheoutmostislesoftheWestReach-whichmayhavebeentheeasternmostbordersoftheirownrealm-formeetingandbreeding,andhadseldomevenbeenseenbymostoftheislanders.Naturallyirritableandarrogant,thedragonsmayhavefeltthreatenedbytheincreasingpopulationandprosperityoftheInnerLands,whichbroughtconstantboattrafficevenoutintheWestReach.Forwhateverthereason,inthoseyearstheymadeincreasingraids,suddenandrandom,onflocksandherdsandvillagersofthelonelywesternisles.

AtaleoftheVedurnanorDivision,knowninHur-at-Hur,says:

Menchosetheyoke,

dragonsthewing.

Mentoown,

dragonsnothing.

Thatis,humanbeingschosetohavepossessionsanddragonschosenotto.But,asthereareasceticsamonghumans,somedragonsaregreedyforshiningthings,gold,jewels;onewasYevaud,whosometimescameamongpeopleinhumanform,andwhomadetherichIsleofPendorintoadragonnursery,untildrivenbackintothewestbyGed.ButthemaraudingdragonsoftheLayandthesongsseemtohavebeenmovednotsomuchbygreedasbyanger,asenseofhavingbeencheated,betrayed.

Thedeedsandlaysthattellofraidsbydragonsandcounterforaysbywizardsportraythedragonsaspitilessasanywildanimal,terrifying,unpredictable,yetintelligent,sometimeswiserthanthewizards.ThoughtheyspeaktheTrueSpeech,theyareendlesslydevious.Someofthemclearlyenjoybattlesofwitswithwizards,“splittingargumentswithaforkedtongue.”Likehumanbeings,allbutthegreatestofthemconcealtheirtruenames.InthelayHasa’sVoyage,thedragonsappearasformidablebutfeelingbeings,whoseangerattheinvadinghumanfleetisjustifiedbytheirloveoftheirowndesolatedomain.Theyaddressthehero:

Sailhometothehousesofthesunrise,Hasa.

Leavetoourwingsthelongwindsofthewest,

leaveustheair-sea,theunknown,theutmost…

MAHARIONANDERRETH-AKBE

QueenHeru,calledtheEagle,inheritedthethronefromherfather,DenggemaloftheHouseofIlien.HerconsortAimanwasoftheHouseofMorred.WhenshehadruledthirtyyearsshegavethecrowntotheirsonMaharion.

Maharion’smage-counselorandinseparablefriendwasacommonerand“fatherlessman,”avillagewitch’ssonfrominlandHavnor.ThemostbelovedherooftheArchipelago,hisstoryistoldinTheDeedofErreth-Akbe,whichbardssingattheLongDanceofmidsummer.

Erreth-Akbe’sgiftsinmagicbecameapparentwhenhewasstillaboy.Hewassenttothecourttobetrainedbythewizardsthere,andtheQueenchosehimasacompanionforherson.

MaharionandErreth-Akbebecame“heartsbrothers.”TheyspenttenyearstogetherfightingtheKargs,whoseoccasionalforaysfromtheEasthadinrecenttimesbecomeaslave-taking,colonisinginvasion.Venway,TorhevenandtheTorikles,Spevy,Perregal,andpartsofGontwereunderKargishdominionforagenerationorlonger.AtSheliethonWay,Erreth-AkbeworkedagreatmagicagainsttheKargishforces,whohadlandedin“athousandships”onWaymarshandwereswarmingacrossthemainland.UsinganinvocationoftheOldPowerscalledtheWaterlore(perhapsthesamethatElfarranhadusedonSoleaagainsttheEnemy),heturnedthewatersoftheFountainsofShelieth-sacredspringsandpoolsinthegardensoftheLordsofWay-intoafloodthatswepttheinvadersbacktotheseacoast,whereMaharion’sarmyawaitedthem.NoshipofthefleetreturnedtoKarego-At.

Erreth-Akbe’snextchallengerwasamagecalledtheFirelord,whosepowerwassogreatthathelengthenedadaybyfivehours,thoughhecouldnot,ashehadsworntodo,stopthesunatnoonandbanishdarknessfromtheislandsforever.TheFirelordtookdragonformtofightErreth-Akbe,butwasdefeatedatlast,atthecostoftheforestsandcitiesofIlien,whichhesetafireashefought.

ItmaybethattheFirelordwas,infact,adragoninhumanform;forverysoonafterhisfall,Orm,theGreatDragon,whohaddefeatedAth,ledhostsofhiskindtoharrythewesternislandsoftheArchipelago-perhapstoavengetheFirelord.Thesefieryflightscausedgreatterror,andhundredsofboatscarriedpeoplefleeingfromPalnandSemeltotheInnerIslands;butthedragonswerenotdoingasmuchdamageastheKargs,andMaharionjudgedtheurgentdangerlayintheeast.Whilehehimselfwentwesttofightdragons,hesentErreth-AkbeeasttotrytoestablishpeacewiththeKingoftheKargadLands.

Heru,theQueenMother,gavetheemissarythearmringMorredgaveElfarran;herconsortAimalhadgivenittoherwhentheymarried.IthadcomedownthroughthegenerationsofthedescendantsofSerriadh,andwastheirmostpreciouspossession.Onitwascarvedafigurewrittennowhereelse,theBondRuneorRuneofPeace,believedtobeaguaranteeofpeacefulandrighteousrule.“LettheKargishkingwearMorred’sring,”theQueenMothersaid.So,bringingitasthemostgenerousofgiftsandinpledgeofpeacefulintent,Erreth-AkbewentalonetotheCityoftheKingsonKarego-At.

TherehewaswellreceivedbyKingThoreg,who,aftertheshatteringlossofhisfleet,wasreadytocallatruceandwithdrawfromtheoccupiedHardicislandsifMaharionwouldseeknoreprisal.

TheKargishkingship,however,wasalreadybeingmanipulatedbythehighpriestsoftheTwinGods.Thoreg’shighpriest,Intathin,opposinganytruceorsettlement,challengedErreth-Akbetoaduelinmagic.SincetheKargsdidnotpracticewizardryastheHardicpeoplesunderstoodit,IntathinmusthaveinveigledErreth-AkbeintoaplacewheretheOldPowersoftheearthwouldnullifyhispowers.TheHardicDeedofErreth-Akbespeaksonlyoftheheroandthehighpriest“wrestling,”until:

theweaknessoftheolddarknesscameintoErreth-Akbe’slimbs,

thesilenceofthemotherdarknessintohismind.

Longhelay,forgetfulofbrightfameandbrotherhood,

long,andonhisbreastlaytherune-ringbroken.

Thedaughterof“thewisekingThoreg”rescuedErreth-Akbefromthistranceorimprisoningspellandrestoredhimhisstrength.HegaveherthehalfoftheRingofPeacethatremainedtohim.(FromheritpassedthroughherdescendantsforoverfivehundredyearstothelastheirsofThoreg,abrotherandsisterexiledonadesertedislandoftheEastReach;andthesistergaveittoGed.)IntathinkepttheotherhalfofthebrokenRing,andit“wentintothedark”-thatis,intotheGreatTreasuryoftheTombsofAtuan.(ThereGedfoundit,andrejoiningthetwohalvesandwiththemthelostRuneofPeace,heandTenarbroughttheRinghometoHavnor.)

TheKargishversionofthestory,toldasasacredrecitalbythepriesthood,saysthatIntathindefeatedErreth-Akbe,who“losthisstaffandamuletandpower”andcreptbacktoHavnorabrokenman.Butwizardscarriednostaffinthoseyears,andErreth-AkbecertainlywasanunbrokenmanandapowerfulmagewhenhefacedthedragonOrm.

KingMaharionsoughtpeaceandneverfoundit.WhileErreth-AkbewasinKarego-At(whichmayhavebeenaperiodofyears),thedepredationsofthedragonsincreased.TheInwardIslesweretroubledbyrefugeesfleeingthewesternlandsandbyinterruptionstoshippingandtrade,sincethedragonshadtakentosettingfiretoboatsthatwentwestofHosk,andharriedshipsevenintheInmostSea.AllthewizardsandarmedmenMaharioncouldcommandwentouttofightthedragons,andhewentwiththemhimselffourtimes;butswordsandarrowswerelittleuseagainstarmored,fire-spouting,flyingenemies.Palnwas“aplainofcharcoal,”andvillagesandtownsinthewestofHavnorhadbeenburnttotheground.Theking’swizardshadspell-caughtandkilledseveraldragonsoverthePelnishSea,whichprobablyincreasedthedragons’ire.JustasErreth-Akbereturned,theGreatDragonOrmflewtotheCityofHavnorandthreatenedthetowersoftheking’spalacewithfire.

Erreth-Akbe,sailingintothebay“withsailsworntransparentbytheeasternwinds,”couldnotpauseto“embracehisheart’sbrotherorgreethishome.”Takingdragonformhimself,heflewtobattlewithOrmoverMountOnn.“Flameandfireinthemidnightair”couldbeseenfromthepalaceinHavnor.Theyflewnorth,Erreth-Akbeinpursuit.OvertheseanearTaon,Ormturnedagainandthistimewoundedthemagesothathehadtocomedowntoearthandtakehisownform.Hecame,withthedragonnowfollowinghim,totheOldIsland,Ea,thefirstlandSegoyraisedfromthesea.Onthatsacredandpowerfulsoil,heandOrmmet.Ceasingtheirbattle,theyspokeasequals,agreeingtoendtheenmityoftheirraces.

Unfortunatelytheking’swizards,enragedattheattackontheheartofthekingdomandheartenedbytheirvictoryinthePelnishSea,hadtakenthefleet

onintothefarWestReachandattackedtheisletsandrockswherethedragonsraisedtheiryoung,killingmanybroods,“crushingmonstrouseggswithironmauls.”Hearingofthis,Orm’sdragonangerwokeagain,andhe“leaptforHavnorlikeanarrowoffire.”(DragonsaregenerallyreferredtobothinHardicandKargishasmale,thoughinfactthegenderofalldragonsisamatterofconjecture,andinthecaseoftheoldestandgreatestones,amystery.)

Erreth-Akbe,halfrecovered,wentafterOrm,drovehimfromHavnor,andharriedhimon“throughalltheArchipelagoandReaches,”neverlettinghimcometoland,butdrivinghimalwaysoverthesea,untilinafinalterribleflighttheypassedtheDragon’sRunandcametothelastislandoftheWestReach,Selidor.There,ontheouterbeach,bothexhausted,theyfacedeachotherandfought,“talonandfireandwordandsword,”until:

theirbloodranmingled,makingthesandred.

Theirbreathceased.Theirbodiesbytheloudsea

layentangled.Theyentereddeath’slandtogether.

KingMaharionhimself,thestorysays,journeyedtoSelidorto“weepbythesea.”HeretrievedErreth-Akbe’sswordandsetitatopthehighesttowerofhispalace.

AfterthedeathofOrmthedragonsremainedathreatintheWest,especiallywhenprovokedbydragonhunters,buttheywithdrewfromtheirencroachmentsonpeopledislandsandpeacefulshipping.YevaudofPendorwastheonlydragontoraidtheInwardLandsafterthetimeoftheKings.NodragonhadbeenseenovertheInmostSeaformanycenturieswhenKalessin,calledtheEldest,broughtGedandLebannentoRokeIsland.

MahariondiedafewyearsafterErreth-Akbe,havingseennopeaceestablished,andmuchunrestanddissentwithinhiskingdom.ItwaswidelysaidthatsincetheRingofPeacewaslosttherecouldbenotruekingofEarthsea.MortallywoundedinbattleagainsttherebellordGehisoftheHavens,Maharionspokeaprophecy:“Heshallinheritmythronewhohascrossedthedarklandlivingandcometothefarshoresoftheday.”

THEDARKTIME,THEHAND,ANDROKESCHOOL

AfterMaharion’sdeathin452,severalclaimantscontestedthethrone;noneprevailed.Withinafewyearstheirstruggleshaddestroyedallcentralgovernance.TheArchipelagobecameabattlegroundofhereditaryfeudalprinces,governmentsofsmallislandsandcity-states,andpiraticwarlords,all

tryingtoincreasetheirwealthandextendordefendtheirborders.Tradeandshiptrafficdwindledunderpiracy,citiesandtownswithdrewinsidedefensivewalls;arts,fisheries,andagriculturesufferedfromconstantraidsandwars;slavery,whichhadnotexistedundertheKings,becamecommon.Magicwastheprimaryweaponinforaysandbattles.Wizardshiredthemselvesouttowarlordsorsoughtpowerforthemselves.Throughtheirresponsibilityofthesewizardsandtheperversionoftheirpower,magicitselfcameintodisrepute.

Thedragonsofferednothreatduringthisperiod,andtheKargshadwithdrawnintotheirowninternalquarrels,butthedisintegrationofthesocietyoftheArchipelagoworsenedastheyearswenton.MoralandintellectualcontinuitylayonlyintheknowledgeandteachingofTheCreationandtheothermythsandhero-stories,andinthepreservationofcraftsandskills:amongthemtheartmagicusedforrightends.

TheHand,aloose-knitleagueorcommunityconcernedprincipallywiththeunderstandingandtheethicaluseandteachingofmagic,wasestablishedbymenandwomenonRokeIslandaboutahundredandfiftyyearsafterMaharion’sdeath.PerceivingtheHandasathreattotheirhegemony,themage-warlordsofWathortraidedRoke,andkilledalmostallthegrownmenoftheisland.ButtheHandhadalreadystretchedouttootherislandsallaroundtheInmostSea.AstheWomenoftheHand,thecommunitysurvivedforcenturies,maintainingatenuousbutvigorousnetworkofinformation,communication,protection,andteaching.

Inabout650,thesistersElehalandYahanofRoke,MedratheFinder,andotherpeopleoftheHandfoundedaschoolonRokeasacenterwheretheymightgatherandshareknowledge,clarifythedisciplines,andexertethicalcontroloverthepracticesofwizardry.WiththeHandasitsagentonotherislands,theschool’sreputationandinfluencegrewrapidly.ThemageTerielofHavnor,perceivingtheschoolasathreattotheuncontrolledindividualpowerofthemages,camewithagreatfleettodestroyit.Hewasdestroyed,andhisfleetscattered.

ThisfirstvictorywentfartoestablishareputationofinvulnerabilityfortheschoolonRoke.

UnderRoke’ssteadilygrowinginfluence,wizardrywasshapedintoacoherentbodyofknowledge,itsuseincreasinglycontrolledbymoralandpoliticalpurpose.WizardstrainedattheschoolwenttootherislandsoftheArchipelagotoworkagainstwarlords,pirates,andfeudingnobles,preventingraidsandforays,imposingpenaltiesandsettlements,enforcingboundaries,andprotectingindividuals,farms,towns,cities,andshipping,untilsocialorderwasre-established.Intheearlyyearstheyweresenttoenforcepeace;

increasinglytheywerecalledontomaintainit.WhilethethroneinHavnorremainedempty,forovertwohundredyearsRokeSchoolservedeffectivelyasthecentralgovernmentoftheArchipelago.

ThepoweroftheArchmageofRokewasinmanyrespectsthatofaking.Ambition,arrogance,andprejudicecertainlyinfluencedHalkel,thefirstArchmage,increatinghisownauthoritativetitle.Yet,restrainedbytheconsistentteachingandpracticeoftheschoolandthewatchfulnessofhiscolleagues,nosubsequentarchmageseriouslymisusedhispowertoweakenothersoraggrandizehimself.

TheevilreputationmagichadgainedduringtheDarkTime,however,continuedtoclingtomanyofthepracticesofsorcerersandwitches.Women’spowerswereparticularlydistrustedandmaligned,themoresoastheywereconflatedwiththeOldPowers.

ThroughoutEarthsea,varioussprings,caves,hills,stones,andwoodswereandalwayshadbeensitesofconcentratedpowerandsacredness.Allwerelocallyfearedorvenerated;somewereknownfarandwide.

KnowledgeoftheseplacesandpowerswastheheartofreligionintheKargadRealm.IntheArchipelago,theloreoftheOldPowerswasstillpartoftheprofound,commonbasisofthoughtandreverence.Onalltheislands,theartsmostlypracticedbywitches,suchasmidwifery,healing,animalhusbandry,dousing,miningandmetallurgy,plantingandgrowingspells,lovespells,andsoon,ofteninvokedordrewupontheOldPowers.ButthelearnedwizardsofRokehadgenerallycometodistrusttheancientpracticesandmadenoappealtothe“PowersoftheMother.”OnlyinPalndidwizardscombinethetwopractices,inthearcane,esoteric,andreputedlydangerousPelnishLore.

Thoughlikeanypowertheycouldbepervertedtoeviluseintheserviceofambition(aswastheTerrenonStoneinOsskil),theOldPowerswereinherentlysacralandpre-ethical.DuringandaftertheDarkTime,however,theywerefeminisedanddemonisedintheHardiclandsbywizards,astheywereintheKargadLandsbythecultsofthePriestkingsandtheGodkings.Sobytheeighthcentury,intheInnerLandsoftheArchipelago,onlyvillagewomenkeptupritualsandofferingsattheoldsites.Theyweredespisedorabusedfordoingso.Wizardskeptclearofsuchplaces.OnRoke,itselfthecenteroftheOldPowersinallEarthsea,theprofoundestmanifestationsofthosepowers-RokeKnollandtheImmanentGrove-wereneverspokenofassuch.OnlythePatterners,wholivedalltheirlivesintheGrove,servedtolinkhumanartsandactstotheoldersacrednessoftheearth,remindingthewizardsandmagesthattheirpowerwasnottheirs,butlenttothem.

HISTORYOFTHEKARGADLANDS

ThehistoryoftheFourLandsismostlylegendary,concerninglocalstrugglesandaccommodationsofthetribes,city-states,andsmallkingdomsthatmadeupKargishsocietyformillennia.

Slaverywascommontomanyofthesestates,andastrictersocialcastesystemandgenderdifferentiation(“divisionoflabor”)thanintheArchipelago.

Religionwasaunifyingelementevenamongthemostwarliketribes.TherewerehundredsofTrucePlacesontheFourLands,wherenowarfareordisputewaspermitted.KargishreligionwasadomesticandcommunityworshipoftheOldPowers,thechthonicorgaeanforcesmanifestasspiritsofplace.Theywereworshipedatthesiteandathomealtarswithofferingsofflowers,oil,food,dances,races,sacrifices,carvings,songs,music,andsilence.Worshipwasbothcasualandritual,privateandcommunal.Therewasnopriesthood;anyadultcouldperformtheceremoniesandteachchildrentodoso.Thisancientspiritualpracticehascontinued,unofficiallyandsometimesinhiding,underthenewer,institutionalreligionsoftheTwinGodsandtheGodking.

Ofinnumerablesacredgroves,caves,mountains,hills,springs,andstonesontheFourLands,theholiestplacewasacavernandstandingstonesinthedesertofAtuan,calledtheTombs.Itwasacenterofpilgrimagefromtheearliestrecordedtimes,andthekingsofAtuanandlaterofHupunmaintainedahostelthereforallwhocametoworship.

Sixtosevenhundredyearsagoasky-godreligionbegantospreadacrosstheislands,adevelopmentoftheworshipoftheTwinGodsAtwahandWuluah,originallyheroesofadesertsagafromHur-at-Hur.ASkyFatherwasaddedasheadofthepantheon,andapriestlycastedevelopedtoleadtherites.WithoutsuppressingtheworshipoftheOldPowers,thepriestsoftheTwinGodsandtheSkyFatherbegantoprofessionalisereligion,managingtheritualsandfestivals,buildingincreasinglycostlytemples,andcontrollingpublicceremoniessuchasmarriages,funerals,andtheinstallationofofficials.

ThehierarchicandcentralisingtendencyofthisreligionlentsupportatfirsttotheambitionoftheKingsofHupunonKarego-At.Byforceofarmsanddiplomaticmaneuvering,theHouseofHupunwithinacenturyorsoconqueredorabsorbedmostoftheotherKargadkingdoms,ofwhichtherehadbeenmorethantwohundred.

When(intheyear440,byHardiccount)Erreth-AkbecametomakepeacebetweentheArchipelagoandtheKargadLands,bearingtheBondRingaspledgeofhisking’ssincerity,hecametoHupunasthecapitaloftheKargadEmpireandtreatedwithKingThoregasitsruler.

ButforsomedecadesthekingsofHupunhadbeeninconflictwiththehighpriestandhisfollowersinAwabath,theHolyCity,fiftymilesfromHupun.ThepriestsoftheTwinGodswereintheprocessofwrestingpowerfromthekingsandmakingAwabathnotonlythereligiousbutthepoliticalcenterofthecountry.Erreth-Akbe’svisitseemstohavecoincidedwiththefinalshiftofpowerfromthekingstothepriests.KingThoregreceivedhimwithhonor,butIntathintheHighPriestfoughtwithhim,defeatedordeceivedhim,andforatimeimprisonedhim.TheRingthatwastobondthetwokingdomswasbroken.

Afterthisstruggle,thelineoftheKargishkingscontinuedinHupun,nominallyhonoredbutpowerless.TheFourLandsweregovernedfromAwabath.ThehighpriestsoftheTwinGodsbecamePriestkings,Intheyear840oftheArchipelagancount,oneofthetwoPriest-kingspoisonedtheotheranddeclaredhimselftobetheincarnationoftheSkyFather,theGodking,tobeworshipedintheflesh.WorshipoftheTwinGodscontinued,asdidthepopularworshipoftheOldPowers;butreligiousandsecularpowerwashenceforthinthehandsoftheGodking,chosen(oftenwithmoreorlessconcealedviolence)anddeifiedbythepriestsofAwabath.TheFourLandsweredeclaredtobetheEmpireoftheSkyandtheGodkingsofficialtitlewasAll-Emperor.

ThelastheirsoftheHouseofHupunwereaboyandgirl,EnsarandAnthil.WishingtoendthelineoftheKargishkingsbutunwillingtorisksacrilegebysheddingroyalblood,theGodkingorderedthesechildrentobestrandedonadesertisland.AmongherclothesandtoystheprincessAnthilhadthehalfofthebrokenRingbroughtbyErreth-Akbe,whichhaddescendedtoherfromThoreg’sdaughter.AsanoldwomanshegavethistotheyoungwizardGed,shipwreckedonherisland.Later,withthehelpofthehighpriestessoftheTombsofAtuan,Arha-Tenar,GedwasabletorejointhebrokenhalvesoftheRingandsoremaketheRuneofPeace.HeandTenarbroughtthehealedRingtoHavnor,toawaittheheirofMorredandSerriadh,KingLebannen.

Magic

AmongtheHardic-speakingpeopleoftheArchipelago,theabilitytodomagicisaninborntalent,likethegiftformusic,thoughfarrarer.Mostpeoplelackitentirely.Inafewpeople,perhapsoneinahundred,itisalatent,cultivabletalent.Inaveryfewpeopleitismanifestwithouttraining.

ThegiftformagicisempoweredmainlybytheuseoftheTrueSpeech,theLanguageoftheMaking,inwhichthenameofathingisthething.

Thisspeech,innatetodragons,canbelearnedbyhumanbeings.Somefewpeoplearebornwithanuntaughtknowledgeofatleastsomewordsofthe

LanguageoftheMaking.Theteachingofitistheheartoftheteachingofmagic.

ThetruenameofapersonisawordintheTrueSpeech.Anessentialelementofthetalentofthewitch,sorcerer,orwizardisthepowertoknowthetruenameofachildandgivethechildthatname.Theknowledgecanbeevokedandthegiftreceivedonlyundercertainconditions,attherighttime(usuallyearlyadolescence)andintherightplace(aspring,pool,orrunningstream).

Sincethenameofthepersonistheperson,inthemostliteralandabsolutesense,anyonewhoknowsithasrealpower,poweroflifeanddeath,overtheperson.Oftenatruenameisneverknowntoanybodybutthegiverandtotheowner,whobothkeepitsecretalltheirlife.Thepowertogivethetruenameandtheimperativetokeepitsecretareone.Truenameshavebeenbetrayed,butneverbythenamegiver.

Somepeopleofgreatinnateandtrainedpowerareabletofindoutthetruenameofanother,oreventohaveitcometothemunsought.Sincesuchknowledgecanbebetrayedormisused,itisimmenselydangerous.Ordinarypeople-anddragons-keeptheirtruenamesecret;wizardshideanddefendtheirswithspells.MorredcouldnotevenbegintofighthisEnemyuntilhesawhisEnemy’snamewritteninthedustbythefallingrain.GedcouldforcethedragonYevaudtoobeyhim,havingbybothwizardryandscholarshipdiscoveredYevaud’struenameundercenturiesoffalseones.

MagicwasawildtalentbeforethetimeofMorred,whoasbothkingandmageestablishedintellectualandmoraldisciplinefortheartmagic,gatheringwizardstoworktogetheratthecourtforthegeneralgoodandtostudytheethicalbasesandconstraintsoftheirpractice.

ThisharmonygenerallyprevailedthroughthereignofMaharion.IntheDarkTime,withnocontroloverwizardlypowersandwidespreadmisuseofthem,magiccameintogeneraldisrepute.

THESCHOOLONROKE

Theschoolwasfoundedinabout650,asdescribedabove.TheNineMastersormaster-teachersofRokewereoriginally:

Windkey,masterofthespellscontrollingweather

Hand,masterofallillusions

Herbal,masteroftheartsofhealing

Changer,masterofthespellsthattransformmatterandbodies

Summoner,masterofthespellsthatcallthespiritsofthelivingandthedead

Namer,masteroftheknowledgeoftheTrueSpeech

Patterner,dwellerintheImmanentGrove,masterofmeaningandintent

Finder,masterofthespellsoffinding,binding,andreturning

Doorkeeper,masteroftheenteringandleavingoftheGreatHouse

ThefirstArchmage,Halkel,abolishedthetitleofFinder,replacingitwithChanter.TheChanter’staskisthepreservationandteachingofalltheoraldeeds,lays,songs,etc.,andthesungspells.

Theoriginalloose,roughlydescriptiveuseofthewordswitch,sorcerer,wizard,wascodifiedintoastricthierarchybyHalkel.Underhisrules:

Witcherywasrestrictedtowomen.Allmagicpracticedbywomenwascalled“basecraft,”evenwhenitincludedpracticesotherwisecalled“higharts,”suchashealing,chanting,changing,etc.Witchesweretolearnonlyfromoneanotherorfromsorcerers.TheywereforbiddentoenterRokeSchool,andHalkeldiscouragedwizardsfromteachingwomenanythingatall.HespecificallyforbadetheteachingofanywordoftheTrueSpeechtowomen,andthoughthisproscriptionwaswidelyignored,itledinthelongruntoaprofound,long-lastinglossofknowledgeandpoweramongthewomenwhopracticedmagic.

Sorcerywaspracticedbymen-itsonlyrealdistinctionfromwitchery.Sorcererstrainedoneanother,andhadsomeknowledgeoftheTrueSpeech.SorceryincludedbothbasecraftsasdefinedbyHalkel(finding,mending,dowsing,animalhealing,etc.)andsomehigharts(humanhealing,chanting,weatherworking).AstudentwhoshowedagiftforsorceryandwassenttoRokefortrainingwouldfirststudythehighartsofsorcery,andifsuccessfulinthemmightpursuehistrainingintheartmagic,especiallyinnaming,summoning,andpatterning,andsobecomeawizard.

Awizard,asHalkeldefinedtheterm,wasamanwhoreceivedhisstafffromateacher,himselfawizard,whohadtakenspecialresponsibilityforhistraining.ItwasusuallytheArchmagewhogaveastudenthisstaffandmadehimwizard.ThiskindofteachingandsuccessionoccurredelsewherethanRoke-notablyonPaln-buttheMastersofRokecametoregardwithsuspicionastudentofanyonenottrainedonRoke.

Mageremainedanessentiallyundefinedterm:awizardofgreatpower.

ThenameandofficeofarchmagewereinventedbyHalkel,andtheArchmageofRokewasatenthMaster,nevercountedamongtheNine.Avitalethicalandintellectualforce,thearchmagealsoexertedconsiderablepoliticalpower.

Onthewholethispowerwasusedbenevolently.MaintainingRokeasastrongcentralising,normalising,pacificelementinArchipelagansociety,thearchmagessentoutsorcerersandwizardstrainedtounderstandtheethicalpracticeofmagicandtoprotectcommunitiesfromdrought,plague,invaders,dragons,andtheunscrupuloususeoftheirart.

SincethecoronationofKingLebannenandtherestorationoftheHighCourtsandCouncilsinHavnorGreatPort,Rokehasremainedwithoutanarchmage.Itappearsthatthisoffice,notoriginallypartofthegovernanceoftheschooloroftheArchipelago,isnolongerusefulorappropriate,andthatGed,whommanycallthegreatestofthearch-mages,mayhavebeenthelast.

CELIBACYANDWIZARDRY

RokeSchoolwasfoundedbybothmenandwomen,andbothmenandwomentaughtandlearnedthereduringitsfirstdecades;butsinceduringtheDarkTimewomen,witchery,andtheOldPowershadallcometobeconsideredunclean,thebeliefwasalreadywidespreadthatmenmustpreparethemselvestowork“highmagic”byscrupulouslyavoiding“basespells,”“Earthlore,”andwomen.Amanunwillingtoputhimselfundertheironcontrolofaspellofchastitycouldneverpracticethehigharts.Hecouldbenomorethanacommonsorcerer.Malewizardsthushadcometoavoidwomen,refusingtoteachthemorlearnfromthem.Witches,whoalmostuniversallywentonworkingmagicwithoutgivinguptheirsexuality,weredescribedbycelibatemenastemptresses,unclean,defiling,essentiallywicked.

Whenin730thefirstArchmageofRoke,HalkelofWay,excludedwomenfromtheschool,amonghisNineMastersonlythePatternerandtheDoorkeeperprotested;theywereoverruled.Formorethanthreecenturies,nowomantaughtorstudiedattheschoolonRoke.Duringthosecenturies,wizardrywasanhonoredart,conferringstatusandpower,whilewitcherywasanuncleanandignorantsuperstition,practicedbywomen,paidforbypeasants.

Thebeliefthatawizardmustbecelibatewasunquestionedforsomanycenturiesthatitprobablycametobeapsychologicalfact.Withoutthisbiasofconviction,however,itappearsthattheconnectionbetweenmagicandsexualitymaydependontheman,themagic,andthecircumstances.ThereisnodoubtthatsogreatamageasMorredwasahusbandandfather.

Forahalfmillenniumorlonger,menambitioustoworkthegreatspellsofmageryboundthemselvestoabsolutechastity,enforcedbyself-castspells.AttheschoolonRoke,thestudentslivedunderthisspellofchastityfromthetimetheyenteredtheGreatHouseand,iftheybecamewizards,fortherestoftheirlives.

Amongsorcerers,fewarestrictlycelibate,andmanymarryandbringupafamily.

Womenwhoworkmagicmaypracticeperiodsofcelibacyaswellasfastingandotherdisciplinesbelievedtopurifyandconcentratepower;butmostwitchesleadactivesexuallives,havingmorefreedomthanmostvillagewomenandlessneedtofearabuse.Manypledge“witch-troth”withanotherwitchoranordinarywoman.Theydonotoftenmarrymen,andiftheydo,theyarelikelytochooseasorcerer.

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