"No," said the first person the boy encountered on the road, a knight from a neighboring land, "But I searched for it for seven years in my youth. Indeed, once I had it in my hand, but it flew away again before I could recover my senses. I am older now, but I have not sought out that bird since those days."

She, for the knight was a woman, looked over the little boy, and suddenly it seemed to her that there could be nothing better than to join him on his way, for his eagerness and determination awakened some of her own again.

"Listen," she offered, "I will come with you, but when we find the Bird of Truth, I must be able to hold it in my hand again just long enough to ask one question. If you agree, I will be your faithful companion."