First for the trouble I do know. "Fola," I say, "now that you have your dragon-in-a-rock, could you please take it off the Ntatsu Plain? No slight meant, but I know more of the Yellow Rock than a hundred of my wisest ancestors."

"Um . . . yes, I will," she says as she gnaws her lip, still intent on the pulsing rock. "Uh . . . Jojo--look, I hurt for the loss of your herd, just as I grieve for my townsfolk lost to this dragon. I want to make this up to you, but I lack the means." Looking down, she catches sight of a neckpiece made of shiny waterstones. "Or maybe I do have the means. Jojo, I know your herd meant a lot to you, because your family passes its duty from each generation on."

"Yes, that is our way," I say.

"Well, this is something my family passes from each generation on," she says, pulling the neckpiece over her head and placing it on my neck. "My grandmother Fadira gave this to me, and I have no children yet to carry it on for me. So I give it to you and your family. I know you have no use for jewels, but please take it."

Hmmm, I think. She seems sincere, even for a sorceress and a city-dweller. Ah well, at least the stones are hard and can be used to shear a rootsnake.

"Many gratitudes from my family to yours," I say. She smiles, pats Four of Four on the head, and walks toward Kenlo as my goat bleats in return. He smiles to see her leave as well, I expect.

And for the trouble I do not know, at least not personally. I survey the new visitor to the Ntatsu Plain, and puzzle at the situation in which we find ourselves.

"So you caused me all this grief," I say. "Funny, that. You do not look like you mean me harm. I guess you do not have to mean harm to cause it, as I told that sorceress."

The arrival stares at me in silence, perhaps as confused as I am. I must remember that from sunup till sundown, he occupied a goat.

"Ah well, enjoy the rest of your night, strange visitor," I say, leashing up my goats and drawing Chouri to my side for the trek to the next waterhole. "You know, four goats does make a herd, if a small one. And I have a herd of stories as well, which someday I may find enjoyable. Some day far into the future, I expect."

And with that, we march off into the night.

I have a hunting stick. I have a water gourd. I still have four goats. What could possibly go wrong?