The Wood Boy by Raymond E Feist

Author:Raymond E Feist [Feist, Raymond E]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Science Fiction
ISBN: 9780976401117
Google: gytTAAAACAAJ
Amazon: 0976401118
Publisher: Dabel Brothers Publishing
Published: 2005-09-14T12:00:00+00:00

had turned an entirely new colour, and told me, 'This place has too many doors, girl. You open one, then another, and you find yourself back where you began. I cannot find my way.' If that was an answer, I could make no sense of it.

I offered the witch death and she gave me a prophecy in return.

The sentries on the wall of the Inner Bailey were calling the midnight watch when I arose. I had been in my bed for hours, but sleep had never once come near. 1 wrapped myself in my heaviest cloak and slipped into the hallway. I could hear my stepfather through his door talking as though to a visitor. It hurt to hear his voice, because I knew he was alone.

At this hour, the only guard in the cells was a crippled old soldier who did not even stir in his sleep when I walked past him. The torch in the wall-sconce had burned very low, and at first I could not see the witch's shape in the shadows. I wanted to call to her, but I did not know what to say. The bulk of the great, sleeping castle seemed to press down on me.

At last the heavy chains clinked. 'Is that you, little daughter?' Her voice was weary. After a while she stood and shuffled forward. Even in the faint light, she had a terrible, dying look. My hand stole to the purse that hung around my neck. I touched my golden Tree as I said a silent prayer, then felt the curve of that other thing, which I had carried with me since the night of my mother's death. In a moment that seemed to have its own light, quite separate from the flickering glow of the torch, I pulled out the dragon's claw and extended it to her through the bars.

The witch raised an eyebrow as she took it from me. She carefully turned it over in her palm, then smiled sadly, 'A poisoned owl's claw. Very appropriate. Is this for me to use on my captors? Or on myself?'

I shrugged helplessly. 'You want to be free,' was all I could say.

'Not with this, little daughter/ she said. 'At least, not this time. As it happens, I have already surrendered - or, rather, I have bargained. I have agreed to give your stepfather what he thinks he wants in exchange for my freedom. I must see and feel the sky again.' Gently, she handed me back the claw.

I stared at her, almost sick with the need to know things. 'Why won't you tell me your name?'

Another sad smile. 'Because my true name I give to no one. Because any other name would be a lie.'

'Tell me a Ue, then.'

'A strange household, indeed! Very well. The people of the north call me Valada.'

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