Uysses’ eyes must’ve been playing tricks on him. Two men were approaching him, tiptoeing toward the field. The one on the left wore a purple wrap around his head, with only his eyes peeking out. The other had dark skin and an even darker beard, hiding the shape of his jaw.
Uysses continued to chew the length of grass, swallowing hard. He cocked his head to the side, curious.
He heard the man on the right whisper, “That’s Uysses. He sees everything.”
The other one scoffed. “Where? I don’t see anyone.” He followed Zaros’ gaze to the gray horse with a white mane. “A horse?”
Zaros cleared his throat with a sharp noise, warning the other man to watch what he said.
Uysses met the two men at the edge of the clearing to prevent them from trampling on the lush grass. “Hey, Zaros,” he said with a sigh. “What do you need?”
Zaros and Uysses had met on more than one occasion. Uysses had two reputations in the woods surrounding the Marsh. To others of his species, he was considered not unique – lackluster. There was nothing special about him – except his heightened ability to see and hear. But compared to the gifts of other horses in the pack, this was nothing.
To further separate himself from his kind, Uysses didn’t mind humans, especially wizards. One, they brought exciting conversation. Two, they found him helpful. The irony was not lost on him.
Ignoring Uysses’ direct question, Zaros introduced Jahid.
Jahid shyly waved a hand. His eyes darted between his friend and the horse.
Uysses stifled a laugh at the man’s discomfort.
Zaros and Jahid explained the situation with the Master and the Marsh: how he’d been sick for weeks, and nothing had been found to cure him. Uysses listened carefully, munching on a carrot Zaros had brought him as a bribe. When the men were finished speaking, he snapped the carrot in half, swallowing them both.
Uysses continued thinking for a while. “It’s an interesting story, for sure.” An itch started on his shoulder. He tried to rub it with his nose to relieve it, but couldn’t reach it.
He made an annoyed noise. “Do me a favor. Scratch my shoulder. It itches.” Uysses backed his flank toward Jahid, who lightly scratched the shoulder area.
He pulled away. “Thanks, man.” He paused. “Right… your Master. I’d heard he’s been ill. But I’m not sure what you want from me?”
Zaros scowled. “Come on, Uysses. Can you tell us if you’ve heard anything about the source or a possible cure?”
Uysses smiled and let out a neighing laugh. “Gotta amuse myself somehow. But, yeah. I’ve heard some stuff about a possible cause.” He lowered his voice and grew somber. “There’s a Lich in the forest. The animals whisper of his presence. Not good, dude.” He shivered.
Jahid bit his lip and looked to Zaros. “Is he joking? I can’t tell.”
Zaros met Uysses’ eyes. “Are you telling the truth? This is serious.”
“I swear. The Master protects the Marsh from many evils. He keeps us safe. I wouldn’t lie about this.”
Uysses told the truth, but he hoped the two men wouldn’t chase after the Lich. Based on what he'd been hearing, he was too powerful for them.
The three parted ways. Uysses went back to chewing on the beautiful grass in the clearing. In the distance, he could hear the slowing of the Master’s breathing.
Story Arc Index:
Part 1: Wizard #4856
Part 2: Wizard #399
Part 3: Wizard #8004
Part 4: Pony #308
Part 5: Wizard #8441
Part 6: Pony #312
Entered by: 0x24D7…e52b and preserved on chain (see transaction)
