Houses for new wizards have been prepared. [No pop-ups. The neem house was isolated on a hill. It is surrounded by green barley fields. To the west there is a Pandico forest to block the westerly wind. At this time, the branches of the tree are full of red flowers. Standing at the door of the house, you can see the roofs of the other huts on the island. and woods and gardens. You can also see the rooftops, farmland, and hills of other islands. Sandwiched between these are many bright and winding straits. The wizard's quarters are idle and dilapidated houses. There are no windows. Only dirt soil. But it's still better than the house where Gerde was born. The islanders of Lower Tonin stood respectfully before the Rouk wizard. Ask him to forgive him for the simplicity of the house. One of them said, "We don't have any stones to build a house." Another said, "None of us are rich." But no one went hungry. The third said, "This house is at least clean to live in." Mr. Because I built the thatched roof with my own hands. "In the eyes of Gede. The house is as good as a palace. After he frankly thanked the representatives of the islanders. The eighteen left. They each rowed back to their island in small boats. Tell your neighbor about her husband and wife. Said that the new wizard was a strange serious young man. Not a lot of words. But the words are right. There is no arrogance.

Maybe it's the first time Gede has been a wizard this time. And there's not much reason to be proud. Wizards trained by the Rook Academy usually lived in cities or castles. to serve the lord who is in a privileged position. And those lords naturally settled the wizard in the mansion. As usual. These fishermen only need to hire ordinary witches or alms. It is enough to recite mantras to protect the fishing nets, to chant the Dharma for the new ship, and to heal the sick animals and people. But in recent years. The old dragon of Pando Island gave birth to an offspring. It is said that even the old dragon added up. A total of nine dragons lurked in the dilapidated tower of Pando Haiye. From time to time, the scaly belly dragged the master between the marble staircase and the ruined corridor. That dead island lacks food. The small dragons are big. When he felt hungry, he flew away from the island and tried to get there. Four small dragons were allegedly seen flying over the southwestern coast of Housk Island. They didn't come to rest. Instead, spy on the sheep barn, the barn, and the village. Dragon's hunger is slow to wake up. But it's hard to be satisfied. So. The islanders of Lower Tonin sent someone to the Rouk Academy. Begging a sorcerer to come to the island to protect the inhabitants. Protect yourself from the behemoths that are writhing in the Western Regions. **The division judged at that time. The islanders' fears are not unfounded.

"There's no comfort over there." On the day Ged was promoted to a wizard. He said to him, "No fame, no wealth." Probably not dangerous. Would you like to go. ”

"I'm willing to go." Gerd's answer was not entirely obedient. Since the night of the mound. He changed a lot. It is no longer supported by the fame and reputation of the past. Now. He was always doubting his strength. Also afraid to test their strength. Again. The rumors of the dragon also made him curious. There have been no dragons on the island of Bow for hundreds of years. Nor can any dragon fly within range of Rouk's scent, appearance, or spells. So in Jok Island. Dragons are just something out of stories and ballads. It's for singing. It's not a thing to see for yourself. Gede had studied everything about dragons as much as he could in the academy. But. It's one thing to read all sorts of dragons. Facing dragons is a different story. Right now. The opportunity is in front of us. He replied with great interest, "I would like to go." ”

Master Geng Se** nodded. The eyes are very melancholy. "Tell me." After a while, he said, "Are you afraid to leave Jok Island?" Or maybe you're itching to leave. ”

"Both."

Genser nodded again. "I don't know if it's right to send you away safely." He said slowly. "I don't see your future. It was pitch black. And there is a force in the north. It could destroy you. But what and where is that. It's on your way past or future. I can't tell. for I saw only shadows covering it. When the people of Lower Toning came. I immediately thought of you. Because it seems to be a safe place outside the road. Maybe you can recharge your batteries there. But I really don't know where it's safe for you. I don't know where your future holds. I don't want to send you into the dark ......"

Gede initially thought. Under a flowering tree. This house seems to be a bright place. He stopped. I often look at the western sky. Stretch the wizard's ears at any time. Keep an eye out for the sound of the wings flapping. But no dragon came. Gede fishes at his own seawall. Grow flowers and grass in your own garden. It's summer. He sat outside the house under the Pandico tree. Flip through the folklore books you brought with you from the Jock Academy. Ponder a page, a line, or a word throughout the day. If it weren't for the fact that Otak hadn't slept beside him. It is to hunt rats in the woods full of grass and daisies. He was always there for the islanders. He is the all-round physician and weather master of the islanders. He hadn't thought about it. It's up to the wizard to trick up this carving trick. Shame on you. Because he himself was a witch boy when he was a child. The villagers served are poorer than the Lower Toning Islanders. But. The islanders of Lower Tonin seldom asked Gede to do anything. They were in awe. Partly because he was a wizard from the Island of the Wise. The other part is also because of his silence and his scarred eyelid hole. The job is the reason. Even though he is as young as Gable. It always makes people uncomfortable with him.

However. Gerde still made a friend. He's a shipbuilder. He lives on a neighboring island to the east. His name is Pevieri. They met at the seawall. Then. Ged stopped to see him trample on the mast of a small boat. He had already raised his eyes to look at the wizard. Grinning, "A month's work is almost complete." If only you were to do it. I guess you'll only need a minute. Just say a mantra. Right. Mr. ”

"Maybe." "But," said Ged. Unless I keep the mantra. Otherwise, you may sink to the bottom of the sea in the next minute. But. If you want to ......," he didn't finish.

"How. Mr. ”

"Ugh. The boat is quite well built. There really isn't much to add to it. But. If you like. I can do a binding. Help her stay smooth and safe. Or do a search. When she returns from the sea. You can go home safely. ”

Ged didn't want to hurt the shipbuilder's feelings. So it's a bit of a stretch. But Pevire's face was bright.

"Sir. This boat was built for my son. If only you would make a spell for him. It can really be said that it is the great Delongen. ”

Talking. He climbed the embankment. Take Ged's hand. Thank you very much.

Since then. They often work together. When building a ship or repairing a ship. And Verry is in charge of the handiwork; In addition to providing spell skills. Learn how to build a ship and how to steer a ship without relying on spells. Because it is purely the skill of sailing. It is almost extinct on the island of Jooke. Ged was often with Pelveri and his youngest son, Ios. Drive different boats between the strait and the lagoon. to the future. Not only did Gede become a good boatman. His friendship with Pelvieri was also unwavering.

Autumn is not there. The boatwright's son fell ill. The child's mother hired a witch from the island of Thesk who was good at medicine. Things seem to be getting better for a day or two. But later. In the middle of the night on a stormy day. Pervery ran and banged on Gerde's door. begged him to save his son. Ged ran with him to the boat. Paddle to the boatman's house in the dark night and rainstorm. Geth saw the child lying on a grass bed. The mother crouched on the edge of the bed. The witch burns the grass roots. While singing the Song of Negi. That's the best remedy for her. But she whispered to Gede, "Master Wizard." In my opinion. The boy was red-hot. I can't make it tonight. ”

Gede knelt down. Place your hands on your child. The same conclusion was reached. The body couldn't help but step back. The last months of his own serious illness. The herb master taught him many folk remedies. Regardless of the depth of the treatment. The principles are all the same. That is: the wound can be treated. Diseases can be treated. The dying soul can only go by it.

Motherhood has to step back. Got the meaning. Immediately crying out in despair. Pelviri bent down beside her. Said: "Madam." Mistress Sparrowhawk will save him. No need to cry. Now that he's here. There is a way. ”

Hear the mother's wail. Witness the trust that this father placed in him. Gede couldn't bear to let them down. He overturned his judgment. I thought if I could bring the heat down. Maybe the child will be saved. He said, "Pevieri. I'll do my best. ”

The couple fetched fresh rainwater from outside the house. Gede uses it to give a cool bath to the child. At the same time, do not recite a mantra to stop heat. But. The spell didn't work at all. Suddenly. The boy was going to die in his arms.

Gede can't take care of himself. Concentrate your efforts right away. Run your own soul. Go after the child's soul. It's going to take it back to the mound. He called the child's name, "Ios." He heard a faint response from his inner hearing. So it was called again. While continuing to catch up. He saw the boy running briskly ahead of him. I was about to run down a dark steep slope from the side of a hill. There was silence all around. The stars above the hills. He had never seen it with his naked eyes. But he knew the names of the constellations, the Binding Stars, the Gate Stars, the Turner Stars, and the Tree Stars. They're the kind that don't sink. Nor will the stars fade by the arrival of a certain day. He chased after the dying boy. It's too far to chase.

Gede noticed this. I found myself standing alone at the foot of the dark mountain. I want to turn around and go back. It's already hard. It's very hard.

He turned slowly. Start by slowly stepping out and climbing up the hill. Step out on another foot. Climb the mountain step by step with willpower. Each step is harder than the last.

The stars didn't move. There was not a hint of wind on the barren slopes. In this vast kingdom of darkness. Only he was walking slowly and climbing. He climbed to the top of the hill. There I saw a low wall. The other side of the wall. A dark shadow confronts him.

The shadow did not take human or animal form. It doesn't have a shape, though. It's barely clear either. But the black shadow sighed in a low voice. and pressed on him. The dark shadow is on the side of the living. Gede sided with the dead.

Either he will go down the mountain. Enter the realm of the desert and the city of the dead in ignorance. Or cross that wall and regain your life. But there's an invisible evil waiting for him over there. His "spiritual staff" is in his hand. Gotta lift it up. This movement regained his strength. He looked at the shadow. When you are ready to jump over that low stone wall. The rod emits a white light in the blink of an eye. In the darkness, it became a dazzling light. He leaped forward. Feel like you're falling. After that, nothing was visible.

What Pelviri and his wife and the witch saw was that the young mage stopped in the middle of the spell. Hold the child. Neither moves. Stand still for a moment. Then gently put little Ios back into the grass bed. Hold your cane in your hand. Stand quietly. Suddenly. He held up his staff. The staff glows white. It's like holding a lightning wand. Electrifying stone fire. Everything in the room was beating strangely. Wait until your eyes can see clearly. They saw the young mage curled up. Lie down on the mud floor. Dead children lay on the grass bed next to it.

Perveri thought the mage was dead too. His wife was crying. He himself was completely at a loss. Luckily, the witch had hearsay. A little knowledge of witchcraft and the way true wizards die. She looked like she was lying down. Although the body is cold, there is no sign of life. But she knew he wasn't dead. Instead, it should be dealt with as an illness or a trance. So. They sent him home. Ask an old woman to look after you. Pay attention to whether Gede is asleep, awake, or unable to sleep.

...