The Narrow Road Between Desires

Early in the morning, Bast attempts to sneak out of the Waystone Inn without drawing any attention. As a member of the Fae, his superhuman grace allows him to move soundlessly when he wishes. However, the clever Bast thinks of himself as an artist, and he knows that complete silence would be suspicious, so he deliberately makes a few boards creak. When he thinks that he has succeeded in escaping detection, he grins mischievously like “a naughty child who ha[s] stolen the moon” (3). However, his master, a redheaded innkeeper called Kote, hears the apprentice and calls him back inside. Kote gives Bast a leatherbound book and asks him to pick up some carrots and eggs while he’s out. He also mentions that a young boy came looking for Bast yesterday but didn’t leave a message. The boy’s name is Rike Williams, and Bast tries to conceal his reaction to this news. The apprentice says, “I haven’t the slightest idea what he wants” (5). He hurries outside.

Bast climbs a hill to a dead tree that was struck by lightning years ago. Resting his hand on the bone-white trunk, he walks around the tree three times counterclockwise.