Meeting the Archmage

Ged is led to an open court where he meets the Archmage Nemmerle, an ancient, white-clad figure. As their eyes meet, Ged briefly understands the language of the bird, the water, and the wind, feeling himself to be a word spoken by sunlight. He gives Nemmerle Ogion's letter, which says Ged will be the greatest wizard of Gont. Nemmerle speaks in a strange tongue and a raven of Osskil pecks at his staff. The encounter is mysterious and profound, hinting at the great destiny and the great dangers that await Ged. Nemmerle's raven speaks a phrase in Osskilian, which Ged does not understand.