“It will be dark soon, Efficacious,” said the Squire.
“I sense danger to the north. We should camp here for the night,” the fox replied.
“Another night in the wild? I swear you to love the outdoors life,” said Acacious, who flew up to perch on a low limb.
“Hush, I need to concentrate on this spell. Summoning an Elemental spirit isn’t as easy as it used to be,” said the wizard.
“I’ll go fetch dinner. Would you mind acting as a spotter for me?” asked Efficacious.
“Why not? It’s better than sitting here and watching him burn his finger half a dozen times,” replied the owl.
The two familiars tracked through the darkened woods, hoping to catch a wild hare or pheasant. Meanwhile, their master opened his spell book and began to chant.
“Damn you, sulfur, must you always burn my figures,” muttered the old man.
After several attempts, the wizard commanded the sprite to surround the camp in warmth.
“We could only find these partridges,” said the fox.
After cleaning the birds, the wizard cast a fire spell and cooked the fowl. “Come Efficacious, you eat this bird. Acacious and I will share the other,” said the man.
“Master, you need to eat, or you’ll lose your strength,” remarked the fox.
Silently, the owl sat, not wanting to take sides.
“Tomorrow, we will reach the lake. Master Boramor will transport us to the cavern. We all deserve a long rest,” said the wizard.
“I did warn you that traveling north now could end in our deaths,” said Acacious.
“I should have listened to your council, old friend, but the need was great. Efficacious, and I will heal in time,” remarked the man.
“I, for one, am glad we went and destroyed that dragon. Even if my fur remains ruined,” said the fox, hoping to change the mood.
“True, you speak your heart as always,” said the owl.
“Time for sleep. We rise at dawn,” said the wizard, putting out the fire with a wave.
The morning was still, and heavy fog hung in the air, muffling the usual forest sounds. “Let’s be off. Baramor will be waiting,” said the wizard.
The companions waited at the lake’s edge as the ferryman maneuvered his craft to the shore’s edge.
“Good to see you safe, Squire. They’re expecting you on the island,” said Baramor.
Once the party was on shore, the ferryman bid them goodbye and faded into the lake’s mist.
“Welcome home, Squire. Arthur awaits you in the dining hall,” said the woman.
The wizard dropped his pack on the sideboard and headed to the dining hall.
“Merlin! So good to see your cheery face,” said Arthur.
“I’m happy to see your wounds are finally healing. Many thought you would die, but I knew the sisterhood would make things right,” said the wizard.
Merlin sat before the king, poured a glass of wine, and drank.
“Merlin, tell me everything. How is my kingdom faring after 500 years? ” the king questioned.
“Well, my lord, well. It will be ready for your guiding hand in a thousand years,” said Merlin.
“Yes, you are correct. Pass the wine, and let us drink a toast to Avalon and the return of the king,” said Arthur.
“To Avalon,” cried the friends.
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