I didn't have to wait long. She came back almost immediately, carrying a sword belt and a sheath that I'd never seen before. They were old-so old that the leather had turned nearly gray-and very, very plain. I was disappointed; the sword deserved something more impressive.

Mother went straight to the sword and put it in the sheath. She relaxed a little then, as if she'd been worried about something.

Mother almost never worried. I started wondering just what that weapon did. I didn't have much time to think about it, though. As soon as she had sheathed the sword, Mother turned and gave me her You're-not-much-but-you'll-have-to-do look.

I started to worry.

Mother picked up the sword belt. "This is for you, Daystar." I reached for it, but she shook her head. "No, I'll do it this first time. Hold still."

She bent down and buckled the belt around my waist, then hung the sheathed sword on the belt. I felt a little strange letting her do all that, and my elbows kept getting in the way.

Finally she straightened up. "Now, Daystar, I have a few things to tell you before you leave."

"Leave?" I was shocked. Mother had never mentioned leaving before.

It occurred to me that she'd said "you," not "we." I swallowed hard.

"By myself?"

"Of course. You're sixteen; it's time you left, and I'm certainly not coming with you. Now pay attention." She gave me one of her sharp looks.

I paid attention.

"You have a sword, and you know as much as I can safely teach you. I don't want to see you back here again until you can explain to me why you had to leave. Do you understand?"