Meeting the girl Serret

While gathering herbs in a meadow near Re Albi, Ged meets a tall, sallow girl, the daughter of the Lord of Re Albi. She questions him about sorcery, mocking his abilities and goading him into boasting. She asks if he can summon spirits of the dead or perform Changing spells. Ged, stung by her mockery, claims he can do these things. She challenges him to prove it, and he resolves to do so. This encounter plants the seed of pride and recklessness that will lead to disaster. The girl is later revealed to be Serret, a half-witch who serves dark powers.