Five years had since passed that day and Gawain now travelled alone through the craggy valleys of the province of Penglai atop his horse. His cloak whipped in the wind as he stirred his steeed towards the east, his eyes covered in goggles as the dust battered against them.

A small cry reached his ears. Alarmed, he cast a look at his satchel where the small head of Gringolet peaked out. The tiny drake whipped its tongue to the wind before spitting and coughing out dust and retreating back into its leather home.

'You should not do that little one,' said Gawain, closing the satchel and fixing his cloak to cover his mouth. 'We will reach my friend soon.'

The horse continued to travel amidst the dust filled gusts that ran through the valley before starting its ascent out of it. Its iron shoes sparking against the bone dry rocks as it climbed up the slope towards a lush green mountainside.

Stopping the horse, Gawain removed his goggles and looked at the giant tea plantation growing upon the mountainside. He could make out the individual harvesters, picking from the many bushes and tossing them into straw buckets strapped to their backs.

As he looked around, he took in the sight of the land of Penglai. Ever since he had started his journey all those years ago, he knew that no matter what province he would set into, the scenery would always be different. Horai with its islands and crystal clear seas and mountains, Alfheim with its massive trees and hanging houses, and now he walked through the fourth province on his journey: the valley filled lands of Penglai.

The estate he was currently trotting thorough belonged to his friend Corwyn, having cast aside his knightly roots decided to dabble in business and came out successful. His initial betrothal had fallen through and instead he had married the daughter of a prominent Penglaian businessman and taken up reside upon the eastern side of the province.

Waving to some of the tea pickers, he spurred his horse towards the massive house sitting proudly on the mountainside. It was built in the style of the Penglaians, with green tiled roofs which had their ends turning slightly upwards. The house was painted in a dull red color, which was made up by the golden designs that stretched across the walls.

As he passed through the bamboo gates, he noted the stone statues that guarded it.. Penglaian style guardian lions, which held a stone ball beneath one of their forepaws respectively. He could hear Gringolet hiss at them, his small head poking out from the satchel.

'They are just stone,' comforted Gawain, noting the dark brown gem stuck in the chest of each of the statues. Were they?

Coming to a stop before the stairs that lead to the mansion, Gawain placed his fingers to his mouth and whistled shrilly. 'OI CORWYN GUESS WHO!' he yelled, gripping the reins as the horse bucked, unsettled by the loud sudden noise.

'Gawain!' cried Corwyn, bursting out of the door and waddling down the steps. Wearing a red and gold silk tunic that stretched to his knees, he had a bejeweled sword at his hip as he hurried down the stairs to greet his friend. 'Come over here and give me a hug!'

Getting off his horse, Gawain patted it before walking towards Corwyn and hugging him. 'Wow, you really let yourself go.'

'I knew you would say something, but did you have to?' sighed Corwyn, rubbing his stomach. 'Have not had the time to do any exercise, having to stay in the study for hours on end dealing with paperwork.'

'Exactly what I was running from,' laughed Gawain, patting his friend on the back, 'Corwyn you would not believe what I have seen since I left New Camelot.'

'Oh I think I will, ' replied Corwyn, 'Reaper of the Undead. Who would have thought you were the one who fought a hundred dead amongst the mountains of Horai! I was so shocked when I heard.'

'Oh, it was nothing,' waved off Gawain, 'the giant monster beneath the channel, they call it an Umibozu...now that was terrifying.'

'Well we have enough time to catch up, come inside and make yourself at home. We can discuss your journeys over a cup of tea.'

'Corwyn brand tea, this will be enjoyable.'

'Not the same like Alis used to make,' laughed Corwyn before seeing the black look he got from Gawain, 'still upset about that.'

'Let us just go inside,' insisted Gawain.

Sitting down on a luscious couch, Gawain picked up the green tea served to him in both hands and took a deep sip. The bitter taste filled his mouth before being over powered by a refreshing sensation that was much needed after travelling for so long.

'So, how up to date are you with current affairs?' asked Corwyn, taking a pastry from the tray in front of him. Standing at attention next to him was a manservant, eyes closed and awaiting his next order.

'No much really,' replied Gawain, eyeing the tarts before taking one and eating it in one go, 'why has something happened.'

'Well Morris just had his first child.'

'Well he got ahead of us both in that area did he not,' chuckled Gawain, 'what did he name the boy.'

'How did you know it was a boy?' asked Corwyn.

'With how Morris is, the gods would be hard pressed not to grant him a troublemaker of his own.'

'Aye, that I can agree on. He named the child Bors, looks like the splitting image of his father.'

'Hope he is having fun.'

The two looked at each other and broke out into laughter.

'Knowing him, he is probably running every time a nappy needed changing.'

'For sure Gawain! For sure!'

It was a while before the two had enough breath to continue a decent conversation. Each time one of them would stop, they would look at each other and the cycle would start all over again..

'Alright Corwyn,' wheezed Gawain, 'anything else of note?'

'Well,' started Corwyn, taking a sip of his tea and coughing, 'they said they found piles of bones outside New Camelot hidden in the forests nearby. All animal bones, but it makes you wonder how they ended up there. They found similar piles in Mistfallow and in New Rome.'

'Curious, quite curious,' said Gawain, dismissing the bit of news as just gossip. 'you must have something for me Corwyn.'

'I heard that the Academy will be having the first of what they call a 'Training Camp."'

'Oh?'

'Seems like the headmaster wants the students to learn how to travel across the kingdom as well real world experience on how to fight the many beasts that roam our nation.'

'Sir Bertilak wanted that?' asked Gawain, 'where are they headed to first?'

'Well, the last letter I received told me that were headed for Lirsgate and from there they will enter the capital of Penglai. In fact, they are headed for this very region. I offered for them to stay here on my estate for a while.'

'What years are coming?'

'Anyone over the age of ten were allowed to come.'

Grinning, Gawain lay back and placed one leg over the other. 'Send a message to whoever is in charge of this "Training Camp", they just got a brand new professor on the many magical beasts and where to find them.'

◊◊◊◊

Gawain lay about Corwyn's estate for another week, waiting for the Academy to arrive. A good amount of that time was spent traversing the giant estate with Gringolet sitting on his shoulders.

The drake had hatched not long after he had left New Camelot, and despite his huge egg, had come out smaller than Gawain's palm. In the last five years it had grown slowly but steadily. This was the time Gawain had to be extra careful, for it was said that in their fifth to sixth years they would grow explosively.

'I need to keep an eye on you,' said Gawain, gently stroking his only companion.

Making a cute, 'sqwaaah' sound, Gringolet licked its lips before humming softly as Gawain walked through the mist filled mountains. Using bamboo as a staff, he prodded the ground and batted aside bushes and trees as he walked forth, looking for anything to stave off his boredom.

On one of his many walks, he had decided to journey to a part of the mountain he had not before. As he tramped upon the dead and decomposing leaves that made up the ground, the sound of his wet squelches was soon echoed by the sounds of water flowing.

Smiling to himself, he began to walk towards the source of the sound. The sound of rushing water up at this height meant only one thing.

Bursting though the bushes, he was struck by the majestic rushing of a waterfall, the sunlight casting a rainbow on the spray as storks waded in the shallower regions. Butterflies flitted in and out of view, darting in between the bamboo that surrounded the pool created by the waterfall.

'Gringolet, wake up,' said Gawain, patting the drake on back.

Raising his head, Gringolet viewed a butterfly that had gotten to close and tensed. In one swift movement, he had leapt off of Gawain's shoulder and at the butterfly.

'Gringolet!' cried Gawain, trying to catch his pet before it fell into the water. The small lizard slipped out of his hands and fell into the drink with a splash. 'Damn it!'

Scrambling forward, he looked at the water for any sign of his companion. The water rushed over the smooth rocks and careened down ledges, with no sign of the drake in sight.

'Gringolet!' yelled Gawain, running by the waterside, the sense of loss gaining with each step he took. Slipping on the wet humus, his feet squelched as he kept on running,.

'Is this your pet?'

Stopping suddenly, Gawain slipped on the ground and fell down. Landing on his palms, his legs slipped a few more times before he could get back up. Dusting his hands on his pants, he clapped them as he searched for the owner of the voice.

Walking towards him, with no sound to her steps, a woman with bright orange hair dressed in a basic white robe that seemed drenched from spray of the waterfall. Her eyes were covered by her bangs, but as she walked towards him, Gawain could make out the yellow irises that shone like firelight. In her hands she held the wet and shivering Gringolet and offered it to Gawain.

'What were you thinking?' scolded Gawain, holding the drake close to his face. Sternly looking at the drake he watched as it reeled back and let out a cute sneeze, before jumping onto his shoulder and diving into his collar, wrapping himself around Gawain's neck.

'He seems very happy,' said the mysterious woman. She walked with a teeter to her step, her knee length hair swaying behind her.

'Thank you for saving him,' said Gawain, taking note of the nine braids that she had tied her hair into, 'but how did you manage to find him? I was constantly at the water's edge and did not see you once.'

'Never ask a lady her secrets,' replied the woman, placing a finger to her lips.

'Then I ask,' said Gawain, drawing his sword and pointing it at the woman, 'not a lady, but a nine tailed fox.'

'Met some of my kind have you?' she replied, smiling with her fangs.

'One, and a grouchy old hag in the mountains of Horai. You are not like her are you, you and your Horaian cousin are similar yes but different.'

'...'

'I will find out eventually,' continued Gawain, sheathing his sword. Then giving her a mischievous grin, 'I always do.'

'The one liked by nature,' muttered the nine-tailed fox, 'the trees speak of you.'

'And what do they say?' asked Gawain, casually casting a glance to the forest of bamboo.

'They say to beware the Earthen Giant which slumbers. Do not anger him nor his kin.'

'Earthen Giant?' asked Gawain, 'I have never heard of such a thing.'

'I speak as only the trees speak. I know not their wisdom.'

'Fat lot of good that does me,' sighed Gawain, picking up a flat stone and chucking it into the river. 'Do you know where he "slumbers"?'

'No.'

'Gods, is there anything you can tell me?'

'Yes, but not related to the Earthen Giant. The bamboo forest speaks of its cousin, it speaks about the Voice of the Forest, The Stag Horned Knight, He who walks of leaves and bark.'

'Who?' asked Gawain, the sound of such a creature sending shivers of excitement down his spine. This sounded truly interesting.

'I know not his name, but beware him for the trees speak that he will come. The Hags of Fate, they speak the future and the tree's listen.'

'The Norns?' asked Gawain, to which the woman nodded.

'Be careful Sir Gawain Orkney, the one who despises his duty will be shown no mercy.'

Blinking, Gawain took a moment to realize that woman who had stood before him no longer existed. Instead, in her place was a small orange fox, one with yellow eyes and nine large bushy tails. With a nod to him, it dove into the forest and out of sight, leaving a very confused Gawain and a sleeping Gringolet to walk back home. 'Huh, no illusions this time.'

In the following days leading up to the arrival of the trainee knights of the Academy, Gawain saw himself spending less time taking walks and instead burying himself into the many books Corwyn had stocked up in his study in search of anything that could help him.

'Found anything Sir Gawain?'

Putting down the book he was reading, Gawain looked up to see Corwyn's wife holding a tray with a cup of tea on it. Placing it on the desk he was using, he noticed she was looking at the book he was reading.

'You are exactly as my husband says you are, always finding something to occupy yourself with.' She was a fairly attractive lady, with dark black hair that was tied in a bun around which a jade colored ribbon was tied. Upon her slender wrists she wore two bracelets, both gold and having a jade embedded in each.

'Mhmm,' replied Gawain, picking up the tea in one hand and continuing to read his book. He needed answers and he needed them now.

'He told me about what you had asked. If there was a legend of a Earthen Giant around these mountains.'

Stopping reading, he looked at the lady with the miniscule amount of interest he could grant. 'And?'

'I remember a tale my father told me,' she continued, 'there used to be a golem factory around here from the Province Wars.'

Gawain placed his cup back on the tray and turned to the now very interesting lady and looked at her, 'continue, please.'

'No one knows where it is sadly, and that is all I have to tell you Sir Gawain,' she said, before picking up the tray and leaving the room.

As soon as she was out of earshot, Gawain's head hit the table in exasperation. 'Why would you show me a carrot and not give me the damn thing.' Banging his fist on the table.

'Rawr,' spat Gringolet, padding across the table and licking Gawain.

'You are probably right Gringolet,' said Gawain, getting back up and stretching his hands. 'Time to do what I do best. Wander aimlessly while holding a big stick.'

Alas despite his effort to scour the mountainside, the nearby valley and stand at the top of giant plant covered pillars that stood at the valley base he saw nothing of value. He even travelled back to the waterfall in search of the nine tailed fox, but to no avail. The day of the "Training Camp" arrived, and his mind was now pre-occupied with his new students.

◊◊◊◊

It was a dew ridden morning when the wagons filled with boisterous and energetic students rolled through Corwyns gates and up to his home. Leading the caravan was a cart more luxurious than the others, pulled by a black steed with a gold studded harness which came to a stop before the stairs to the mansion.

Stepping out the carriage was none other than the King of Avalon, the Spellsword, King Hadryn Adresus Pendragon.

Pushing his glasses up his nose, he viewed his surroundings before smiling softly. 'It has been a while you brat!' he yelled to Gawain, grinning.

'Gawain,' warned Corwyn, holding his wife's hand as she too was unnerved by this display.

'How are you doing fake Pendragon!' replied Gawain, stepping down the stairs, keeping one hand on his sword. 'Still have not kicked the bucket!'

'It will take much more than state affairs to kill me,' replied Hadryn, walking towards Gawain with equal speed. The climate of the chilly mountain raised a few Celsius as the two men stared at each other. Both of them refused to back down, with everyone around holding their breath.

'I missed you,' smiled Hadryn opening his arms wide.

'Same here,' replied Gawain, embracing the king openly.

Breathing a sigh of relief, Corwyn let go of his wife's hand and walked to the two men. 'That took a few years off my life, no thanks to you Gawain.'

'Still will live longer than me,' joked Gawain, patting his friend on the back. 'Did Godwin come as well?'

'No, his mother did not want him anywhere but New Camelot. A shame really. However I did bring enough trouble.' As if on cue, the was a small 'pop' sound and the smell of burning wood and smoke soon filled the air. It billowed out of one of the carts churning with the mist that hung in the air. The sounds of two children laughing accompanied by the yelling of another reached Hadryn who was clearly used to such antics.

'Speak of the devil...' sighed Hadryn, removing his glasses and massaging the bridge of his nose. 'They are all yours, Professor Gawain.' '

'Thank you for the gift,' said Gawain sarcastically as he walked to the cart in question.

'Can you two not cause trouble for more than ten minutes?'

'No.'

'Nope.'

'If Big Brother was here, he would...'

'I would what?' asked Gawain as he poked his head into the covered cart. 'See you all have not changed one bit.'

'Gawain!'

'Gawain!'

The twins shoved Agravaine back as they bounded for the edge of the cart, leaping out and tackling Gawain to the ground.

'Hiss!' Gringolet jumped from Gawain's shoulder and onto the ground, eyeing Gareth's ankle with annoyance.

'Heel Gringolet,' commanded Gawain as he sat up with the two kids on him. They looked identical, both with brown hair and eyes with a mischievous grin on their faces. They all wore the Academy uniform, of a white tunic and brown long trousers and boots. They had short-swords hanging from their waists which had begun to dig into Gawain's thighs.

'You two,' muttered the exasperated Agravaine as he slowly got down from the carriage. He was smaller than his brothers, with black hair and grey eyes unlike Gawain. 'Hello Big Brother.'

'Come over here!' chuckled Gawain as he grabbed Agravaine and hoisted him onto his shoulders. 'You do not need to be so reserved.'

'But that is how a son of a knight must act...'protested Agravaine as he sat shakily on Gawain.

'Stuck up!'

'Rule book!'

'Gareth, Gaheris!' yelled Agravaine, shaking his fist at his brothers.

Walking to the cart, Gawain looked in to see what had caused the smoke. His shoulders slumped as he saw what it was and he turned to the twins. 'You burnt the horse feed...really Gareth? Gaheris?'

'It was a ...'

'...an experiment!' the two said, before slowly backing away and dashing for one of the other carts where their friends were laughing.

'What am I going to do with them?' wondered Gawain as he walked after them, casting an apologizing gaze to the cart driver.

'You could reprimand them,' suggested Agravaine.

'And what good would that do?' asked Gawain, still walking after the twins. 'If father did it, and it did not work. What makes you say me yelling would work?'

'Well, I would listen to you.'

'Of course you would. Is father giving you a hard time?'

'No. I find his instructions very insightful.'

'Now that is a big word for a ten year old. Seems he is pulling no stops in making you the perfect knight.'

'I strive to be as great as a knight as you,' beamed Agravaine as the two walked towards where Corwyn was talking to Hadryn.

'I doubt that,' smiled Gawain, 'I am not the model of a knight. Better to follow Father's instructions if that is your goal.'

'But he always mentions your name, saying "Gawain did this better" or "Gawain got it in one try". So I want to be like you.'

Appalled, Gawain looked up at Agravaine and frowned. 'I am going to have to talk to Father about his teaching methods.'

'I only want to be as great as you.'

Gawain heard these words but did not see the black shadow growing behind them. A shadow he had wished he would have seen much later on in life.

It took a while for the children to pitch their tents on a prepared plateau, the edge of which looked out down towards the dust ridden valley. In start contrast to a few meters up the mountainside, the bottom was caked in brown dust which swirled like a thick soup.

Sitting by the central firepit on a log, Gawain watched the children work with efficiency. As he watched them, he was reminded of his first night alone all those years ago. In a caravan with people he did not know, they mocked him when his tent fell on top of him on his first try. While he could not prove it, he swore the horses were mocking him as well.

Chuckling, he prodded the fire and watched it dance and swirl. Fire was something he was uncomfortable with, something that he could not understand. It was not natural, it was caused by something else and lived by devouring others. Lightning, earth, water, wind, all of these were natural occurrences but not fire. Even the creatures who live within fire were unnatural.

'Gawain!' Looking up, Gawain saw it was Gareth who had spoken to him. The twin walked over and sat next to him, joining him in his silent mediation before piping up. 'You have been staring at that fire for so long. Have you met a creature of fire?'

'Other than Daedalus the Salamander?'

'Oh,' said Gareth as he looked down. 'They have not told you.'

'Why? What happened to Daedalus?'

'He ... passed on. He died peacefully in his sleep, and the Underforge went dead. The halls of the castle felt cold for the first time in ages. Now his son has taken up his mantle.'

'His son? What is his name?' Gawain made a mental note to pay his respects to the elderly salamander. When a salamander died, its body would turn to pumice and could easily be carried. They would bury him with honor.

'Prince Godwin named him,' smiled Gareth, swinging his feet as he sat on the log.

'Helios.' 'That is a good name,' sighed Gawain as he looked to the tents. 'But that is not what you have come here for.'

'How did you know?' exclaimed Gareth, before instinctively covering his mouth.

'I have a knack for knowing what is behind's people smiles,' he said bitterly, reminded of that night. Shaking his head, he asked, 'so what did you want Gareth?'

'I want you to talk to Gaheris.'

'Oh? Why?' asked Gawain, turning to where Gaheris was arguing with Agravaine over how to place a peg. The two were quite loud that it was hard not to give them attention.

'He says he wants to quit being a knight. He wants to learn magic and become a mage, says it is far more interesting than swinging a sword.'

'And you do not feel the same?'

'No. I like my sword, and I like training,' pouted Gareth as he stared at his twin. 'But I really like being a part of something and being here with the knights is where I feel comfortable.'

'And you are scared that if Gaheris leaves, you would lose that feeling?'

'Yes...' Looking at his brother, Gawain realized that Gareth was less like him than he had thought. He was the more silent of the duo, and mature enough such that he had his own thoughts in order. More than Gawain did that was for sure.

'I will talk to him, if you wish,' promised Gawain, patting his brother on the head. 'But you must let Gaheris chose his own path.'

'I know. The fire today was not us burning the horse feed. Gaheris was experimenting on if a salamander scale taken before death had any magic energy remaining.'

'So he is already experimenting,' laughed Gawain, 'a true mage at heart I see. Gareth, do not worry. Even if he becomes a mage, you two will always be brothers, remember this. Now go sort out your brothers will you.'

'Sure Gawain,' replied Gareth unenthusiastically, dragging his heels to his arguing brothers.

As the boy walked away, Gawain looked and saw the silhouette of a tall man in shining white armor and a mane of silver tassels. At his side was white longsword and a shield, both covered in black blood. Blinking, Gawain looked back and saw the small back of his brother as he walked.

Snapping his head around, he looked for the nine-tailed fox. Relaxing a bit, he swore, 'and so come the illusions huh. You are a few days too late.'

The silence of the mountain answered back.