The group continued on their way. Soon, they left the woods. The sun
was out. The trees weren’t as tall. They had a beautiful view of the
countryside.
‘Where are we?’ asked Alfred.
‘We’re nearly at Arthuren’s castle. It’s good that we didn’t run into any
dangers.’
Alfred looked at him. ‘Are there really dangers in those woods?’
Lars looked back. ‘Yes. Why do you think we travelled in the day? They
mostly come out at night.’
‘Why didn’t you tell me?’
‘I didn’t think you would come,’ said Lars. He laughed. Then he said,
‘OK, let’s go.’
The group could soon see a town. In it, there was a large castle. The
guards had never been in another kingdom before.
‘Is this it?’ asked Alfred.
‘Yes, this is the kingdom. And that is Arthuren’s castle.
We are taking the
gold there.’
Alfred paused. ‘Lars,’ he began, ‘there’s something I haven’t asked you
…’
‘What’s that?’
‘What’s this gold for? Is it a
tax
?’
‘King Andur lost the battle of the Silent Woods.
So now he must pay his
brother in gold every five years.’
‘Why does he pay? Can’t they make
peace
?’
‘They made peace. But Arthuren has something that King Andur doesn’t.
Andur must buy it.’
Alfred looked at Lars in surprise. ‘What does Arthuren have?’
‘More magic water. Andur purchases it to keep his people happy. They
use it to make strength potions. Like these two potions here.’ Lars took out
the potions he had bought.
‘I have heard about the potions! Do they really work?’
‘They do,’ said Lars. He put the potions away and looked at Alfred. ‘But
they only work if they are made from real magic water. Come now. It’s time
to go.’
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