I said, “but the king is not sleeping, the king rides.”

Here was trouble again — a conflict of authority.

Nobody knew which of us to believe; I still had some reputation left. The magician’s scorn was stirred, and he said:

“Lo, I have seen many wonderful soothsayers and prophets and magicians in my life days, but none before that could sit idle and see to the heart of things with never an incantation to help.”

“You have lived in the woods, and lost much by it. I use incantations myself, as this good brotherhood are aware — but only on occasions of moment.”

When it comes to sarcasming, I reckon I know how to keep my end up.