I nodded.

Mother went on, "Start with the Enchanted Forest. One way or another, things will happen more quickly there. Don't lose your sword, and don't draw it unless you need to use it. Oh, and watch out for Antorell. It'll take him a couple of days to get himself back together and find out where I put his staff, but once he does he'll try to make trouble again. All right?"

"But you haven't explained anything!" I blurted. "Why did that wizard come here yesterday, anyway? Why should he want to make trouble for me? And if he's so dangerous, why are you sending me-" "Daystar!"

I stopped in mid-sentence.

Mother glared at me. "what happened to the manners I've tried to teach you?"

"I-I'm sorry, Mother," I said. "I was upset."

"Being upset is no excuse," Mother said sternly. "If you're going to be rude, do it for a reason and get something from it."

I nodded.

Mother smiled. "I know it's hard, and it's rather short notice, but this will probably be the best chance we get. I can't waste it just to give you time to get used to the idea of leaving home. Besides, if I tell you too much now, it could ruin everything. You'll just have to work things out for yourself."

I was more confused than ever, but I could see Mother wasn't going to tell me anything else. She looked at me for another moment, then bit her lip as if she wanted to say something and couldn't. Abruptly, she turned and walked away. At the door of the cottage, she stopped and looked back.

"Good luck, Daystar. And stop wasting time. You don't have much of it."

Before I could say anything, she disappeared inside.

I started off toward the Enchanted Forest. Mother's advice was always good. Besides, I was afraid she'd melt me or something if I hung around very long.

I didn't bother to follow the road. It isn't particularly useful, anyway-it disappears as soon as you cross into the forest. Or at least, it usually does.