Chapter 18

Carl weaves his way through the woods thinking that the young man he had just met seemed kind of familiar though he couldn’t recall where he had seen him before. He pushed aside a tree branch wondering why his mother chose to live here of all places. He had not seen her for years. They had fallen out when his son had left him and she had supported him. She did not like his ways. She had also not approved of the way his father had lived. She left a few days after his son and he had not seen both of them since then.

He thought that no matter what she felt about him, it was worth a try to go and ask her for what he wants. After all, whatever he thinks her flaws are, she is a very learned witch.

He marches on for a few more minutes and then sees a small hut in the clearing. He walks to the door, waits for a few seconds, and then knocks. There is no answer.

“I was waiting for you.” a silky voice comes from behind.

Carl turns around and sees his mother standing a few feet away. She looked v