Chapter 18, The Free Commots, Summary

Taran and Gurgi arrive in the first of the Free Commots, their intended destination when Taran was searching for the Mirror of Llunet, and Taran immediately convinces a blacksmith to make him an apprentice. The work is very difficult, but Taran toils at it faithfully, attempting to make himself a new sword as his first assignment as apprentice. The first sword Taran makes is very beautiful, but it shatters the first time he attempts to use it. After many tries, Taran makes a suitable sword that is not beautiful but functional. However, by this time Taran has decided that being a blacksmith is not something he can do happily.

Taran and Gurgi continue their journey and come across the home of a weaver. Again, Taran asks to become an apprentice. The woman agrees, forcing Taran to begin...