Ged's Recovery and Service in Low Torning

Ged's first wizardry post in the Ninety Isles, his friendship with Pechvarry, and the healing attempt that led to a near-death encounter with the shadow.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

Arrival in Low Torning

The New Wizard A Humble Beginning Ged was sent to Low Torning, a poor township in the Ninety Isles, to protect them from the dragons of Pendor. He was given a small house on a hill. The islanders were in awe of him, but he kept to himself. First Impressions Ged healed the sick and worked simple weather magic, but he was still haunted by his past. His scarred face and silence made the villagers uneasy, though they respected him.

Meeting Pechvarry

The Boatmaker A Friendship Grows Ged met Pechvarry, a boatmaker, and they became friends. Ged placed binding-spells on Pechvarry's boats, and in return learned the art of sailing without magic. Pechvarry's little son Ioeth often accompanied them. The Simple Life This friendship was a healing balm for Ged. He enjoyed the honest work and the companionship. For a time, he almost forgot the shadow that pursued him.

Ioeth's Illness

The Red Fever The Desperate Plea Pechvarry's son fell ill with red fever. The local witch could not help, and Pechvarry begged Ged to save the child. Ged, moved by his friend's trust, attempted a healing spell, but the child was dying. The Crossing Over Ged sent his spirit after Ioeth's into the dark land of the dead. He followed the boy down a dark slope under strange stars, then turned back, only to find the shadow waiting for him at the boundary wall. He raised his staff, it blazed with white light, and he fell unconscious.

The Shadow's Nearness

Dreams of the Shadow The Bear-Shape Ged began to dream of the shadow as a headless bear fumbling at his door. The scars on his face ached, and he felt cold dread. He set up spell-walls around his house, but they drained him. The Decision to Act Realizing he could not remain passive, Ged decided to confront the dragons of Pendor first, to finish his duty to Low Torning, and then to face the shadow. He told the Isle-Men he would go to Pendor to destroy the dragons.

spring, after leaving Roke

summer of the same year

late autumn of the same year

after the healing attempt, autumn and winter