“Yes, I do. I know a little about her. I know where she is. The Ragpicker’s shadow came last night and fetched away the Princess’s shadow, because the Ragpicker needed the Princess’s shadow to protect her against the people. Everybody is afraid of shadows,—I suppose you know that. And then the One-Armed Sorcerer took away the Princess, and what he’s going to do with her I don’t know. But you’d better find out. Are you ready to go?”
“Yes, yes! I’m ready! I’ll go anywhere! Tell me where!”
“You talk brave enough. The question is, do you act as brave as you talk? Do you mind getting half-drowned?”
“No, no! I mind nothing! Tell me what I must do!”
“Sounds very brave, indeed. Are you afraid of shadows?”
“Of course not!”
“Then you’re the only person in these parts who isn’t. Where you’re going, they’re all afraid of shadows, and that’s how the Ragpicker protects herself against the people; with shadows. And so you’re not afraid of them. Well, well!”
“I’m not afraid of anything! Tell me what to do!”
“So! Pretty brave! All right, I’ll take you there myself. Take off your coat and shoes.”
I took off my shoes, stockings, and coat.