No young man-no matter how great can know his destiny.
Astrid Ashryver Morgan, the Queen of the once-great kingdom of Ambience, lost everything centuries ago, and her once loving heart lies broken and in darkness.
And so Astrid's life is about to...
Gwaine says as we pause before a forest with the sun setting over the horizon, setting the sky on fire, "This is it. On the other side of the forest lie The Perilous Lands."
I ask, gazing at the valley below, "How do you know? You've never been there."
"I've traveled to many places, Astrid," Gwaine replies seriously. So have I.
"Not The Perilous Lands, I know that."
"Why?"
"It doesn't have any taverns," I say, making the three of us chuckle.
"I told you, it was wretched," Gwaine says.
After we tie up the horses, Gwaine, Merlin and I sneak to the entrance, which is a small wooden bridge that has a small fire burning before it, and sacks of food around the place.
Gwaine tugs my arm and makes the gesture for us to cut off the enemy. I nod as he sneaks around the other side, while Merlin and I walk cautiously forward. My hand drifts to my dagger and I pull it out, gripping it at my side.
Merlin and I make to cross the bridge, only to see a man, no higher than my hip, turn toward us as he leans his arm on the railing. "So," He says, causing us to whip our heads up at him, "The Faery Queen and Magic have arrived."
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I ask, tilting my head as we approach, "What? I'm pretty sure my name is Astrid..."
The short man says as he holds up his hands in peace and steps toward Merlin and I, "Yes, Prince Arthur said the same thing not too long ago. There is nothing to be afraid of! Your presences are essential if Arthur is to succeed on his quest."
Merlin demands, "How do you know of Arthur?"
I ask, "Who are you?"
"The Keeper of the Bridge!" He states. "I only wish to see the Fisher King's lands restored and prosperity reign again. Until your mission is complete, this cannot happen."
Merlin says, shaking his head, "It's not our mission; it's Arthur's." I nod my head in agreement
"If that's what you choose to believe. It's no accident that Arthur chose this path, or you chose to follow him," The short man says. Gwaine comes up beside me, hand resting on his sword hilt. "Ah! Finally! Strength has arrived! The quartet is complete!"
Gwaine whips out his sword and aims it at the bridge keeper. I quickly place my hand on his arm to prevent Gwaine from attacking the short man. "Who is he?!" He demands, right before the keeper's eyes flash gold. We look to see Gwaine's sword has turned to a bunch of lillies. Gwaine asks me, seeing my dagger in my hand, "How come he didn't turn your dagger into a bunch of pretty flowers?"
