Summary

The narrator tells the story of the birth and early days of a young boy named Duny. Duny’s mother dies soon after he is born, leaving him to be raised by his father, a loveless bronze-smith, and his aunt, the village witch. When he is just seven years old, Duny hears his aunt say something in a strange language to a goat to prompt the goat to move. Later Duny tries saying the same funny language to a herd of goats. He does not know what he is saying but the goats listen to him and follow him. At first he thinks it is funny but soon he is frightened by the goats. His aunt sees the goats under Duny’s spell and realizes he has the power. She tells Duny she can help him learn more spells and he is intrigued.

Soon...