Winter Festival at Roke

Ged returns to the Great House for the Sunreturn festival. He is happy to see Vetch again. The Lady of O, a beautiful woman, is a guest. Jasper performs an elaborate illusion for her, creating a Year-Tree with golden apples. The Lady praises him, and Ged is consumed with bitter envy. He tells himself he could have done better. This moment of jealousy reignites his rivalry with Jasper and sets the stage for the disastrous challenge that will follow. The festival is a time of joy for others, but for Ged it is a dark turning point.