Chapter Thirteen

I shook my head at his jokes as I slid my hand down to the hilt of my blade making sure it's still there and secure, it was.

Getting to my feet and stretching the kinks out of my back, I yawned loudly my arms up into the summery breeze. We were almost out of the mountains, it might take three or four more hours before we finally get into the clearing.

　　"So if you know where we are going, Where to next?" I asked with my hands on my hips.

　　Merlin took out a large tooth, the one from the orc and held it out towards us. I took it as he reached into the pocket of his robe, and brought out the parchment he was writing on before.

　　"Powdered Orc tooth was on the list, so now we must go to the elven kingdom to get one leaf from the tree of life," Merlin explained.

　　"The tree of life? I thought it was just a myth," Ariel said in awe.

　　"So you heard of it then, so I don't have to explain it?" Merlin questioned.

　　"Actually, I don't know what it is..." I muttered.

　　"The tree of life is a symbol of a fresh start on life, positive energy, good health and a bright future. And a symbol of immortality. The tree grows old, yet it bears seeds that contain its very essence and in this way, the tree becomes immortal. As a symbol of growth and strength. Now, if you take it's seed, and bury it on sacred land the tree will grow and wish you an immortal life," Ariel explained.

　　"Immortal life?" I repeated.

　　"Yes, if by sacred ground it will grant immortal life." Merlin nodded.

　　"I wish I could get my memory back, I keep having weird dreams or memories. I feel as though I can't tell between reality and a dream-like state anymore." I sighed.

　　"what do you mean?" Ariel asked.

　　"It's like having two minds in one body and the memories are all mixed together. Or they feel like dreams because it the things that are happening are too impossible to be real," I said softly.

　　"Well in your defence, you have been through a lot this past week," Merlin defended.

　　"It feels like this body isn't, even mine anymore, its something darker and more sinister," I spoke darkly. 

　　Why am I telling them this? I should be keeping it to myself.

　　I shook my head getting out of thought. "Anyway, we should get on our way, Merlin we are right behind you." I nodded down the path.

　　"Alright, let's go." Merlin agreed.

　　We began walking down the large path where I came when those treants attacked me, but they were all gone. Nothing but holes where they dislodged themselves, and over those holes was another body of water. 

　　I sighed, I don't feel like another close death, this one might actually kill me. Getting closer I notice a bridge going over the lake, maybe I shouldn't worry after all. 

　　Finally getting to the bridge I noticed an ugly looking creature, it had one eye, a large nose, tusks elevating from its face, it was stubby and yet large and has an axe in his lap. 

　　The worst part is he was asleep in the middle of the bridge. I looked over at Merlin as he calculated a way to get across without waking him up. The bridge looked shakey as if it would blow away in the wind, but if the creature is fine then it should be safe enough for us to cross. 

　　I took a step and the bridge wobbled waking up the creature. "Who the hell is waking me up?" He grunted as he got to his feet.

　　I cautiously reached for my dagger.

　　"Merlin, is that you?" The ugly creature spoke.

　　" Aemeon, its been centuries. How are you?" Merlin asked with a smile.

　　"Oh, you know, things have been good, and what about you?" Aemeon asked.

　　"We had our up's and down's, but we are doing pretty well," Merlin said as he glanced towards us.

　　"Where ya off to?" Aemeon questioned.

　　"We are on our way to the elven kingdom," Merlin said.

　　"That's pretty far out there if you'd like I could show you the way," Aemeon suggested.

　　"I wouldn't want to disturb you," Merlin spoke with a smile.

　　"Are you kidding me? I'm bored, let's go to the Ecrora!" Aemeon boomed.

　　 We headed across the bridge, Ariel and I stayed quiet as we let Merlin and Aemeon catch up. Ariel gently grabbed the edge of my sleeve, so I took her hand protectively.

　　"So, why are you all going to the Ecrora?” Aemeon asked.

　　"We are saving their village, it has come down with some kind of madness, or so they say," Merlin explained.

　　"How are you saving their village, what is it you need from the Ecrora?" Aemeon asked curiously, and hopeful?

　　"We need a leaf from the tree of life, so we are going to speak to king Rathol," Merlin explained.

　　"How do you know that King Rathol will let you take the leaf?" Aemeon examined.

　　"We don't, but I am very hopeful that he will allow us to take one leaf from the tree, I did him a large favor." Merlin spoke earnestly.

　　"I'm not sure, he has been quite strict about it these past few years, but hasn't told us why." Aemeon accused.

　　"Hm, that does sound strange. Could there be something wrong with it?" Merlin asked curiously.

　　"As I've said, the King won't tell us anything." Aemeon continued.

　　"Well, I guess we shall find out when we get there." Merlin sighed.

　　Merlin and Aemeon were walking in front and we were walking behind, holding Ariel's hand as we walked I noticed we were further out of the mountains.

　　I hope we don't run into anymore treant's because they have been getting on my nerves. Although I guess it would be an excuse to use magic again.  I would like to learn more about these 'powers of  Avalon'.

　　Also if the king might not let us take the leaf, are we just going to take it anyway?