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 fell from him. He drank a third goblet and, lo! he was free.

Then in dismay at what she had done, the woman cried:

“Ah me, what will Vitazko say when he comes home!”

“I have thought out a plan,” Sharkan said. “Listen: when he comes home pretend you’re sick and refuse to eat. When he begs you to eat something, tell him that nothing can tempt you but a suckling from the Earth Sow. He will at once go out and hunt the Earth Sow and when he touches one of her sucklings, the Sow will tear him to pieces.”

Sharkan remained in hiding in the tenth chamber and presently Vitazko returned from the hunt with a young buck across his shoulders. He found his mother on the bed, moaning and groaning as if in great pain.

“What is it, dear mother?” he asked. “Are you sick?”

“Aye, my son, I’m sick. Leave me and I’ll die alone!”

Vitazko in alarm rubbed her hands and begged her to eat of the venison he had brought home.

“Nay, my son,” she said, “venison tempts me not.