Meribabell writes:
I can sense the time is at hand. The very air around me seems charged with excitement. I look out upon the scenes in front of me and everything is crystal clear. So clear it hurts your eyes, like it was freshly washed and scrubbed.
My comrades are ready also. Especially Rumble at the prospect of returning to Nonin-gal-dith. He was expounding about showing Dunfallon around our fair town.
The next minute I found myself reminding him that we have a more serious reason for returning. Merlin entered before he could reply, so we both turned to him expectantly. His tone was sober but not without a smile about his eyes.
He invited us down to the great hall for a farewell gathering. There Dunfallon was already waiting for us.
After we were seated the old owl led the other birds present in a sweet symphony of sound.
Then Merlin spoke. He announced our departure for tomorrow, then encouraged all assembled to fellowship together.
It was a sweet time.
At the close, Merlin took me aside and presented me with a talisman. By it I can summon him in the time of dire need. But he cautioned me to be prudent in its use, and only when all other measures have been exhausted.
