Second Time Around
Chapter 2
It took Atreyu and Artax 2 days top get to the Swamps Of Sadness. While galloping over a hill, Artax stopped. Both horse and rider looked out over the black swamp.
Before going one step further, Atreyu took off Auryn and put it around Artax's neck…for protection. "No way am I going to loose you again," said Atreyu. He patted his horse and slowly made their way into the marsh.
Artax didn't sink in above his ankles. Within one hour, both made it to Morla. Atreyu dismounted Artax. "I'll be right back," he said.
Walking in the mud, Atreyu climbed Morla's back and called out her name. Unlike last time, Atreyu was waiting on the ground so he wouldn't slide down her back and get all full of mud again.
Atreyu and Artax waited until her muddy head came out to breathe. "What do you want?" she asked. Artax reared in fright. "Easy boy," said Atreyu, calming down his horse.
Morla saw that he had the Auryn. "Well, it looks like someone else is wearing the Auryn," she said. "Why aren't you wearing it?" she said. "Long story," said Atreyu, wanting to get back on the subject he was sent for.
"We know you're dying," said Atreyu. "Huh. We all die in the end. It's natural," said Morla. "Just go away and leave me in peace," she said.
"Morla," said Atreyu, walking forward, but then she sneezed and sent Atreyu flying backwards into the mud. "Some things never change," he said as he got up. He brushed some of the mud off.
He was about to retaliate, but Morla's head was already back down in the swamp. Atreyu sighed. He bowed in courtesy. "Farewell Morla," he said.
He looked at Artax. "Come on boy. Let's get home," he said as he led the horse out of the swamp. He didn't get on the horse because no one wants mud on their saddles.
Once out, they found a stream and cleaned up. Atreyu had made sure all the mud was off of his skin and brown skinned pants. Afterwards, he took Auryn off Artax and clasped it around his neck.
Night fell and Atreyu was all dried and cleaned up. "We'll spend the night here and then in the morning, we'll ride," said Atreyu to Artax. Artax nodded his head.
In the middle of the night, Artax, who had been grazing nearby, pricked his ears up. He had heard something. He looked this way and that. "Run away," said an evil voice.
Artax did as he was told and galloped away. Atreyu woke with a start hearing Artax run off. "ARTAX!" shouted Atreyu, who couldn't see a thing in the pitch black.
Gmork watched the scene. Slowly, he walked up behind Atreyu and then pounced with all his might. Atreyu didn't know what had pounced him. He tried kicking, but it was no use.
Whatever had jumped him had him pinned good. Atreyu felt blood run down his shoulder. He knew he had been wounded.
"Hello, Atreyu remember me?" asked Gmork. "Gmork?" asked Atreyu in terrible fear.