Krabat by Otfried Preussler

Author:Otfried Preussler [Preussler, Otfried]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
ISBN: 9780007395125
Publisher: HarperCollins UK
Published: 2010-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Krabat was working hard in the Black School, and soon he knew as much of the Secret Arts as most of his fellow journeymen. Only Hanzo, Merten, and Michal were still ahead of him, especially Michal, who had been a star pupil ever since the New Year, and had far outstripped all the others.

The miller was obviously pleased with Krabat’s industry; he often praised him, and encouraged him to keep it up. ‘I can tell that you’ll go far,’ he said one Friday evening in May, after the lesson. ‘In my opinion, you have more aptitude for the Secret Arts than most, or I’d never have taken you to the Elector’s court with me!’

Krabat was proud of the Master’s praise; he was only sorry he didn’t have more chance to make use of the knowledge of magic he had gained.

‘Well, we can put that right!’ said the Master, as if he could hear Krabat’s thoughts. ‘Tomorrow you will go to Wittichenau market with Juro and sell him as a black stallion for fifty guilders. But mind that fool Juro doesn’t give you any trouble!’

Next day Krabat and Juro set off for Wittichenau. Krabat was thinking of Master Blaschke from Kamenz, and whistling to himself. Horse dealing promised to be good fun. He thought it strange when he realized Juro was getting steadily unhappier as they went along.

‘What’s the matter?’ he asked.

‘What do you mean?’

‘You look as if you were going to the gallows!’

‘What’s to become of me?’ asked Juro, blowing his nose. ‘I’ll never do it, Krabat – I never turned myself into a horse before.’

‘It can’t be all that difficult, Juro,’ said Krabat. ‘I’ll help you.’

‘But what good will that do?’ Juro had stopped and was looking at him sadly. ‘All right, so we turn me into a horse, you sell me for fifty guilders, and that’s that – for you, Krabat, but not for me! And why not? Simple! How do I change back from being a horse without your help? It’s almost as if the Master puts me into this fix to get rid of me!’

‘Good gracious, what nonsense you do talk!’ said Krabat.

‘No, I don’t!’ said Juro. ‘I’ll never do it, I’m far too stupid!’

He looked the picture of misery, standing there hanging his head.

‘Well, suppose we change places?’ suggested Krabat. ‘So long as the Master gets his money, that’s the main thing; he can’t mind which of us sells which!’

Juro was delighted.

‘Would you really do a thing like that for me, Krabat?’

‘Never mind that!’ said Krabat. ‘Just promise not to tell anyone, and the rest of it should be easy.’

They went on their way, whistling, until they saw the roofs of Wittichenau ahead. Then they turned off the road, and went behind a barn. ‘This is a good spot,’ said Krabat. ‘No one will see us here when I turn myself into a black horse. Now, you know that you mustn’t sell me for less than fifty guilders, not on any account. And before you

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