But how are we going to carry that great beastie back?” “Leave that to me.” Tristan got on his knees and scooped Cavall up. With a grunt of exertion, he stood, holding the deerhound in his arms. Cavall licked his face to show his gratitude. Tristan snorted and turned his head away, but in the way people did when they pretended to not want a lick to the face.

Evil?” Merlin shook his head. “No. They are like humans and dogs and any other creature that lives. Some are good. Some are bad. And some…” he tilted the brim of his hat up. “Want only to live peaceful lives. They have been here for some time, after all, before people, before dogs and horses, before the trees and stones. Some can be quite dangerous when stirred to action, but they are not, all of them, evil.

Arched pillars held up a very high ceiling that echoed with the sounds of footsteps as everyone bustled about their business. They all seemed to know exactly what to do and where to go...

Holding the horse’s reins was a man with dark hair on his head and chin. He wore a large sword at his side and smelled like the movement of water and wind.