That morning Archer awoke to Marma swatting at his nose to wake him up. In the badger's mouth rested a small note. As Archer arose from his slumber, the boy took the note from the creature's mouth and began to read.
'Archer, yesterday you got a lot done! I thought I'd give you a less physical task today. When you are ready, come downstairs.- Love Grandma Ally.'
Archer crinkled his nose at that last comment. Archer was well aware he had no grandmother, and for this character, who was clearly keeping secrets from him to say such a thing felt wrong. Still, Archer, was determined to find out the truth. As he got up, Marma followed. Clearly the palismin was not solely for company, but to make sure he did not go where he was not supposed to.
Peering into the closet in his room, Archer was pleasantly surprised to find an outfit, violet and white, with a simple brown cloak. Looking further in the room, he saw a small chest. Marma growled softly at the sight, but Archer could not help but peer inside. It was full of toys and games!
This excited Archer. He never had a toy before. The Emperor's Coven did not allow it. Still, despite feeling ridiculous as a 14 year old, Archer pulled out a plush abomination toy and placed it on his bed. It felt oddly comforting having a toy of his own. Giving a gentle smile, he patted the top of the toy's head before returning to his plans.
Now with a change of clothes, Archer was grateful Marma did not follow him into the bathroom. Getting dressed in the outfit, he turned to the mirror and smiled. Now time to figure things out.
Whispering, Archer said to himself in the mirror, "Things are not always as they seem, show me what's reality and what is dream."
There was a swirl of magic and the lights in the room flickered, but nothing happened. Blinking, Archer turned to the ceiling and whispered, "Come on. You want a sacrifice for this itty bitty spell?" There was a soft breeze that flowed through the room.
"Very well. . . Archer rummaged in his old pockets, pulling out a brass snail, a plastic wrapped biscuit from yesterday, and a handful of healing nettles.
"Would any of these do?" slowly the biscuit began to fade away, and the air began to swirl with magic in the form of a light blue mist. Slowly, the magic seemed to seep into Archer's eyes, until all of the mist had entered, and Archer was left alone in the room.
A faint whisper filled Archer's mind "Two hours. . ."
