Arethin was quite surprised that the storyteller recognized him. For the most part he kept out of sight--mainly to avoid the critical eyes of people like Jack, who unerringly made sport of his fascination with the old man's tales. His heart leapt a little when the teller insisted that the story was true, and though he tried to suppress his burst of hope he couldn't help being a little optimistic. More than a little, actually. This could be the answer to all--or at least most of his problems. If this could cure his mother, then perhaps he could even move on from his mother's house, find a wife, settle down. Have his own life.
But he was getting ahead of himself. He didn't know enough about this book. But he could certainly learn...
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"Oh, my god! I care so little, I almost passed out!" --Dr. Cox, "Scrubs"
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