The Other Wind (Earthsea Cycle, #6)

by Ursula K. Le Guin

“You come to the bourne in dream, not by your own will, that is so?” “So I believe.” “Wisely said.” Seppel’s keen glance approved him. “Who knows his own will clearly? But if it is in dream you go there, I can keep you from that dream—for a while. And at a cost, as I said.” Alder looked his question. “Your power.” Alder did not understand him at first. Then he said, “My gift, you mean? My art?” Seppel nodded. “I’m only a mender,” Alder said after a little time. “It’s not a great power to give up.” Onyx made as if to protest, but looked at Alder’s face and said nothing. “It is your living,” Seppel said. “It was my life, once. But that’s gone.” “Maybe your gift will come back to you, when what must happen has happened. I cannot promise that. I will try to restore what I can of what I take from you. But we’re all walking in the night, now, on ground we don’t know. When the day comes we may know where we are, or we may not. Now, if I spare you your dream, at that price, will you thank me?”