Thunder provides Sir Garrett with an extra set of eyes and senses which are better than a human's. It would be foolish to go without his longtime companion Thunder. Thunder grew more alert as they entered the dense canopy of the swamp and Sir Garrett matched the war horse's roving senses with his own to spot any danger a few seconds earlier which in combat could be the difference between bumps and bruises and mortal wounds.
A small camp fire came into view after an hour of riding. The light of it was easy to spot from a long way off and for a second Sir Garrett considered trying to sneak up to it but whoever was there wasn't afraid of the dangers of the swamp, and hopefully he had an ally to provide further light against the darkness. As he drew closer he saw a figure in the light stirring a pot of something that smelled wonderful to the travel weary paladin.
"Welcome traveler", an old woman looked up from her cooking. "Care to take part of my stew. I always make too much because it is so hard to judge cooking for one even after all these years."
"Perhaps in a minute, I have to see to my horse first," Sir Garrett responded. "What are doing living in the middle of this dark swamp?"
"I came here long ago to study ancient civilizations, and the years have gotten away from me," the old woman explained. "I have grown powerful in knowledge, but poor in society. I am not sure it was worth the trade off."
"Do you have any idea what dangers threaten the kingdom?" Sir Garrett continued to rub down Thunder as he munched away on his feed bag.
"The Dark Queen used to rule this area with her necromancy until the Grand Druid Leaf Walker sacrificed herself to call the land to swallow the dark capital, but legend claims the Dark Queen wrapped herself in life draining magic until she could break free of the Grand Druid's spell. If the Queen is breaking free it is best to strike before she can consolidate her power. Now, please have some stew and rest before taking on such a grand task."
"Thanks for the information. I think . . ."
