Half way they met a blind beggar-woman.
They gave her four copper coins, one per son, for she made the lads think of their old ma left at home.
“Blessings on your snowy head,” the youngest greeted her. “My brothers and I have entered the road to Adventure.”
”Then let me give you each a charm, in exchange for your kindness,” she replied.
To the amusement of the boys, the beggar-woman gave them small stones, randomly chosen, for as I told you the woman was blind.