In the morning the man drove Beryloam to the town in his carriage. They wound up a cobbled lane past many houses, that became progressively larger and finer as they went, until they stopped at a green gabled mansion.

 I would like you stay here with me, Beryloam-to be my guest, while we look into the matter of the witch woman, and others like her. She may after all think to seek retribution, but she will neither find you nor come near you here. And while you're here I might introduce you to some of my associates, who are interested to learn more about you. You are a very interesting lad. The deacon will tell you, we are well respected here, and you will be safe, and you will be free to go any time you choose, though as I said, I think it would be safer for you to remain here for a time, until the ... hub bub of the witch hunting dies away...'

He turned and looked out of the window.

Beryloam pondered a moment and said, 'I will stay a time, I think, and learn aught of the city; but know, sir, I am ... anxious to be searching for my lost friends, and will want to leave soon I think.

The man nodded, still looking out of the window, then glanced at him. 'You may go at anytime, of course; but I think you may find you like it here. We know how to .... respect a special boy like yourself, you will be well fed, clothed and introduced to others of your age. I can't imagine how you fare out there all on your own and without a purse...."

'The world takes care of who asks nothing of it."

"A saying of your master's?"

Beryloam nodded, taking his turn to look out of the window now. A great willow was bowing in the wind. "I will stay for now," he said, "and I thank you, sir. The witch woman....was of the worst kind. My master warned about people, and he told me they are mostly no good, but some he said are so bad that your cannot believe it." The boy paused, watching the tree whip in the wind, thinking a storm was coming. "He also said that for every one of them, there is one who is so good you cannot believe it...."

The man came and patted him on the shoulder and said, "I make no pretense to be one of those, but I am respected and respect the laws and customs that uphold that respect, and too ... I will be perfectly honest, we, myself and my associates are very interested to learn of the goings on in the North, and with your permission I should like to introduce you to some of out own acknowledged masters of the art, as you say. They may have aught to teach you, or to learn from you."

Beryloam said, 'That is well, but I am sure they will tell you, such matters are not readily exchanged, and my own powers are of the poorest humblest sort."

"But you know when to employ them and how, and ... your story has made a great impression I assure you."

"The boy bowed and said, excuse me, sir, but--"

"Of course. Forgive me. I will show you to the guest room."