Ged travels to Low Torning, a tiny rural island, to become their town wizard. Ordinarily, Roke-trained wizards usually took on more prestigious positions in cities, but Low Torning is being threatened by an ancient dragon and several new hatchlings to the west. Ged agrees to take this post because he is still doubtful of his skills and does not want to be tested by fame. He’s also excited about the possibility of seeing a dragon for the first time. The Archmage is hesitant at first to send Ged away from Roke because Ged’s future is dark and hidden from the old master, but he feels Low Torning will be safer than any other post. While at Low Torning, Ged befriends Pechvarry, a boat maker. When Pechvarry’s son becomes ill, Ged tries to help. However, the boy is suffering from a grave illness and his spirit is ready to leave. Though Ged does try to heal the boy, he is unable to save the child and his spirit slips away. Ged sends his own spirit after the boy’s to try to bring it back home but realizes he has chased him too far into the land of the dead.