The next morning Arthur and Merlin ate in silence. A few local patrons sat in the tavern with them, Merlin felt it wise to not discuss matters in mixed company. Arthur and Merlin left the inn after their meal. Merlin thanks Anavik for her discretion of not mentioning his companion to anyone. Later as they road to the marsh Arthur took the time to question Merlin. At first the wizard avoided being specific about his doings but soon gave into a revelation of sorts.
“Your brother of sorts, Kay fairs well. He is serving a local Lord that has brought him under his banner. He has been able keep his father’s land. Despite his father’s passing.”
“So the old man has died.”
“Try not to be harsh, all men regret their mistakes at the end. Do not be the one to carry the burden of other’s harsh hearts.”
“Well said wizard”
“When we arrive at the marsh do as I say. There are things far older than even I.”
“Is that possible?”
“Sure as your death if you fail to head my advice.”
“What is the purpose of this quest?”
“If you are to rule...you must have those who will help you. But first we must find ways to make them wish to follow you.”
“How will we do that?”
“Great deeds of course. For what is a hero without deeds?”
“Dead I would think.”
“The words of peasant...not a king.”
"We have arrived." Merlin proclaimed.
Arthur looked out upon the fog covered bog. He noted a stench permeating from it.
"Indeed we have...that is quite the stench."
"Oh...its far worse inside...Your horse cannot go within."
"You expect me to leave it here or worse set it free?"
"Neither." Merlin replied. He then reached into one of his many pouches and produced a chunk of wood. Then raised it to his lips and blew upon it whispering strange words. The wood transformed to a small statute of a nondescript horse. He then hand the statue to Arthur.
"Hold the statue close to your lips then whisper the horse's name to it. I would suggest dismounting first."
Arthur did as he was bid. After he had spoken the horses name to the statue. His mount faded from existence.
"Where did it go?"
"Annwyn...perfectly safe. Yet protect that statue, should it break you cannot summon your mount back."
Arthur did not question the wizard. He placed the statue in a pouch upon his waist.
"Shall we...best be at our destination by night fall. Terrible are bogs after dark, mind your step and follow my path."
"Lead on then...Wizard." Arthur replied.
Merlin nodded and then stepped into the fog, Arthur quickly followed.
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