Mother was cooking rabbit stew in the big black pot over the
chimney fire. She didn't even look up when the door fell in.
The wizard stood there for a minute, and I sneaked a little
closer so I could see better. He was frowning, and I got the
impression he wasn't used to being ignored. Mother kept stirring
Mother finally turned around. I took one look at her face and
backed up a couple of steps. She looked at the wizard for a minute
and started to smile. Nothing, Antorell? Are you sure?
I was out by the remains of our door, trying to fix it. I didn't
think my chances were very good. I picked up the hammer, and as I
looked around for nails I saw Mother walk out of the Enchanted Forest.
I was so surprised I dropped the hammer and nearly smashed my foot.
Mother never went into the Enchanted Forest. Never. Then I saw
the sword she was carrying, and if I'd still been holding the hammer,
Even from a distance, I could tell it wasn't an ordinary sword.
It was about the same size and shape as the one I practiced with,
but it shone too brightly and looked too sharp to be ordinary.
Mother brought it over to me and set it down on top of the boards
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