Fourteen
The Great Swamp
Summer 961 MC
Four days after leaving the magic circle, they finally emerged into the sunshine. From the edge of the forest, the land opened into a massive plain that stretched as far as the eye could see.
"To the south lies the Great Swamp," declared Hayley.
"How much longer do we have to travel?" asked Anna.
"Three or four days I would think," the ranger declared. "It's not like we have accurate maps."
"What lies between us and the swamp? Are there any towns?" asked Gerald.
"No," Anna quickly added, "just flat ground, though I'm sure there will be small groups of trees and whatnot."
"You know Merceria well," said Hayley.
"Of course she does," said Gerald, "she's been poring over maps for years."
"Master Bloom," said Anna, "once we make the swamp, how d
