Emery stood alone within the veil of darkness, waiting for his fate, hoping that the two words were enough for them.

It felt like an eternity, or was it a moment? It was hard to tell, but he began to see a pinprick of light far away in the darkness and, as he walked closer to the light, energy started to fill his body.

The light soothed his dark core and gave him his vigor back.

When he was finally able to wake up, he saw morning sunlight come through the window of a straw-like wall and ceiling. He could feel the lush green of the forest through the window, flowing with fresh air.

Emery believes he has already returned back to the forbidden forest village.

He tried to move his body little by little to get the blood flowing, while his eyes glanced at his surroundings.

"He's awake! He's awake!"

The jubilant shouting of a woman he recognized made Emery turn around, to see Glita the youngest of the fey sisters running outside of the hut.

Alerted by her voice, a moment later the other sister also came to check on his condition.

"How are you feeling Emery? Asked Tyra the eldest before giving him some kind of a soup to eat "You have been passed out for quite a while, this is good for you"

"Tyra, how long have I been out for?"

Three days she said, before Chief Brennus and what appeared to be the village healer came to check his condition.

Chief Brennus told him that three days ago, the Quintins brought him back to the forest in a dying state. His condition was almost fatal.

"fortunately the high priestess is all knowing, she was already prepared for your condition"

It took the high priestess half a day to heal him and he has been sleeping ever since.

Hearing this made Emery more curious about the powder that the granny used on him. It was able to make his strong body fall into such a state.

The chief then left the place leaving him with the fey sisters.

Emery decided to sit in the lotus position and start to check on his condition.

Even though he was now able to move, he still felt a little numb and his head was throbbing so hard his vision was slightly blurry as a result. Fortunately, now that his spirit core has been restored, he's able to cast his [Nature Blessing] again. He took half an hour to let his body heal.

He enjoyed the warm green light coursing through his body. Within half an hour, he could breathe properly and the slight numbness weighing his body down had disappeared.

When he opened his eyes, the fey sister was still patiently waiting for him.

"Brother Emery, are you feeling better already?" Glita smiled.

Emery nodded in response. His tongue felt like it weighed as much as a giant rock, while his mouth felt like it was stuffed with clay.

"Outside this forest must have been very dangerous, if it's able to make you so badly hurt!"

Emery could only smile at her, as a sign of reassurance. He was unsure of how to explain what had happened outside of the forest to her. He only felt a bit better moments ago and he would rather not think too much right now.

But, her next question made his headache flare up again.

"Brother, I wonder if sister Morgana is alright out there? She's been away for too long Did you manage to find her out there, brother?" Glinda stared at him, her eyes full of concern.

"Yes, I found her, and she's fine. dont worry" Emery tried to give her his best, most reassuring smile, but deep down he once again felt panic. Yet again, he left her there by herself.

He had promised to return in hours, and now he's been gone for days.

Emery felt a small shudder going down his spine when he thought about her throwing a few more fireballs at him, now angrier than ever.

Another big concern was Gwen. Though he was dying, he knew the princess had found him and, unfortunately, when he returned from his wolf form, his fey wolf innate ability [Shapeshifting] was also dispelled. Now, not only did she know he was Lanzo, but now that she also knew about the Quintin's, there was a huge chance she now knew his identity as Merlin as well.

His list of complicated issues had grown thanks to facing that witch, and he didn't even manage to kill her.

He decided to wake up and stand, despite the fey sister warning him not to.

Indeed, he could still feel his body ache and the siren call of the soft bed felt more tempting than ever, but there was no time to waste. There were too many issues at hand and not enough means to solve them.

When he was preparing himself he realized, he didn't have his black dagger on him.

"Hell! Where was it?"

The sister didn't see it when he was brought back to the forest which means, it was either the Quintin's or the princess that had it. There is also a possibility it's still laying there in the woods.

He was in such critical condition that he can't really remember. Emery was hoping he would find it. It was a very useful weapon against monsters like Meave.

Emery gives his gratitude to the sister for taking care of him.

But, before leaving the village, First, he had to see the Lady of The Lake. He had a few questions that needed to be answered.

He needed to ask more about Meave and he also would like to know the exact story of what happened between the fey and the 7 kingdoms. Specifically the knights of divine order in relation to that strange sword he cannot pull.

Written by Avans, Published exclusively by W.e.b.n.o.v.e.l,