Entering the cottage, Marwynn stole past Cala and silently walked towards the bed. Farrell was lying there as still as a statue with bandages wrapped across his chest and stomach. The light from the fireplace threw shadows that danced across the walls. Marwynn, sat on the edge of the bed and exhaled quickly, he had not realized he had been holding his breath. He saw the steady movement of Farrell’s chest rising and falling. He calmly called out, “Farrell?”

  Farrell stirred and clenched his eyes as though it was too bright for him “Marwynn, is that you?”

  Marwynn answered him with his own question, “how are you faring?”

  “I.. I’m ok. It was an arrow escape…” a small tell-tale smile escaped Farrell’s mouth and he started laughing.

  “Pfft… you are unbelievable.” Marwynn couldn’t help but smile. Farrell on the other hand laughed louder and harder. In between his guffaws he would cry out in pain, it was quite the spectacle.

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  “Serves you right” Marwynn rolled his eyes at Farrell.

  “Cala, thank you. I’ll stop by in the morning to check on him” Marwynn turned towards the door.

  Outside, Declan stood waiting “Is everything alright?”

  Marwynn trudged off, “He’s fine. You must be hungry. Follow me your majesty.”

  Declan scurried behind him, “Marwynn is it?”

  “It is” said Marwynn.

  With a narrowed thoughtful eye Declan said “perhaps you should call me Declan as to not arouse suspicion?”

  “Fair point. Alright Declan.” Marwynn replied. It was hard keeping up with the long stride of Marwynn who was at least a head taller than Declan. After a short walk through the trees, an even smaller cottage came into focus. It was shabby and unkempt, probably a few leaks in the roof by the looks of it. Declan did not complain or say anything at all, he just followed Marwynn into the structure and sat down in the chair by the fire. Marwynn was shuffling around the room putting different items into the pot. He gave the pot a stir and sat down.

  Marwynn spoke aloud what he had been thinking, “we will set out at first light to the smithy, you will need a sword. After I check in on Farrell, we will head to the Gorge. It will take about three days on foot.”

  Surprised, Declan said “you will be joining me?”

  “Yes but you will need a change of clothing. You stick out like a sore thumb in these parts.” Marwynn stated bluntly.