The Well in the Mires

The Infected Swamp

After being fed some rather bland mushroom soup, the witch took Fenna outside the hut into the swamp. Though still a bit gloomy, this part of the swamp seems a bit more quaint and peaceful. The fog seemed more like a light enchanted mist, offering nutrients to the unusual gardens surrounding the old woman's home. She smiled at the cute little brown frogs singing to each other on a mushroom covered log.

The ground raised with each step through the bubbling water, preventing their feet from getting wet. The witch hummed, peeking at her little gardens with a busy smile.

"Ah, so nice to see they're doing well." Fenna watched patiently. "So, tell me, how exactly do you know the prince?"

Shyly, she put her head down and clasped her hands. "I came to this world through a magic well. The fireflies brought me." The witch looked at her curiously, not sure what to make of it. "Udich came to me, somehow knowing I was going to be there. Apparently, he and I are part of a prophecy. He brought me to the castle, where he told me that the seer had told him of the prophecy. I've been staying there since."

"Ah!" The old witch said, understanding the situation. "My sister and I knew something was coming. But she can see into it more than I."

Fenna's eyes widened. She took a step forward in her excitement. "You're the seer's sister? Have you seen her? Do you know where she is? We need to find her to get the rest of the prophecy!"

"My sister is missing?" She asked worriedly with panick in her eyes, despite otherwise having a calm demeanor.

"Yes! Udich and Esher had to leave immediately to get me. They only have part of the prophecy. They've been searching for her, and with the queen's disappearance, it's even more pertinent that we find her."

Her face turned grim. "If both she and the queen are missing, things are worse than I thought." Wringing her hands, she turned away in thought. "It is very important we find her. I am uncertain of where my sister or the queen is. I can try to help. But unfortunately, right now we can not leave."

"What? Why not?" Fenna breathed heavily, upset. She was sick of being told she couldn't leave.

"We are both trapped. However you got into this part of the swamp, I am uncertain." She looked over shoulder apologetically. "This swamp is ill with an ancient magic, and this area that I have fortified is protected. We are also caught in the midst of a curse, preventing us from leaving this region of the swamp. I found you near the edge of that curse."

Fenna was silent for a bit. She slowed her breathing, calming herself as she processed the situation. She nodded in acknowledgment.

"You obviously have an innate way to effect the curse. If you agree to help, I'll bring you to the castle." The witch promised.

"Alright." Fenna agreed, exhaling loudly. "What exactly is this curse and illness?"

"Come, I'll show you." The witch waved, coaxing her into the swamp.

It was obvious when they left the witch's circle. The lighting in their surroundings changed. The air felt thick and heavy. There was almost a sound of light static. The feeling of discomfort was almost instinctive. The thick fog almost seemed to build a wall around them rather than standing directly in it. She definitely didn't want to get separated.

"What's this?" Fenna questioned. A strand of whispy fog swirled around near the ground as if creating a line. Above it seemed to be an invisible wall, warping reality the way high heat warps the way the eyes perceive. She could see beyond that wall, but simultaneously, what seemed to be a reflection of the side they were on. The only thing missing in that reflection was them.

"That is as far as we can go. It's the edge of the curse."

She pursed her lips in irritation. Without asking any more questions, she walked forward with purpose toward the wall.

"Wait!"

The witch tried to stop her, but it was too late. She stepped through the wall and tried to walk forward. The world shifted around her like a dizzying mirage. She pushed forward just to step back out into the same area a short distance away. She stumbled, getting her bearings.

"What just happened?" She asked.

"That barrier prevents us from leaving. You're lucky it just spit you back out. It could have taken you into a different dimension. That would have been dangerous." Fenna looked up at her incredulously. "As I was saying, we have to break the curse and cure the swamp if we want to leave. It won't be as simple as forcing ourselves out." The witch sighed and shook her head in annoyance.

"Very well." Fenna said flatly. She scowled down at her feet. She just desperately wanted to return to the castle.