Chapters 13-14, The Plan, and The Price Summary

The companions go to the shed to discuss what they can do next. Gurgi goes off to find some straw to help keep them warm, but comes back agitated and excited. He takes them to the stable and shows them what he found. The Black Cauldron is sitting in the straw in the middle of the stable, in full view. They decide to return to the shed until night, and then come back for the cauldron when they are less likely to be seen.

When night comes, Taran goes over to the cottage and looks in to see if the witches are asleep. Instead of hags, however, there are three beautiful women inside. Eventually, the women go to sleep, and turn back into hags once more. Taran and the others hurry...