The Crystal Cave Book Two, Chapter 7 Summary

  • So stubborn Merlin takes his horse and heads out into the crummy weather with Cadal. Sounds like the perfect time to go into a dark forest, right?
  • On top of it all, Merlin wants to leave the path and ride into the untracked forest. Cadal hates all of his ideas.
  • Merlin's really after a little alone time, so Cadal hangs back while Merlin gallops off into the forest.
  • This is all very fun, but it's getting dark. Cadal catches up and tells Merlin it's time to go back for dinner. Merlin isn't ready, and it raises an important question: is he really free?
  • Merlin asks Cadal if Ambrosius ordered him to watch him, as if he were a prisoner. Cadal doesn't admit it, but it's pretty clear that he has orders to guard Merlin.
  • On the way back, a wild boar tears through the forest and frightens the horses. Merlin hits the ground, spraining his ankle. His pony winds up lame and can't be ridden.
  • Merlin has to ride on Cadal's horse while Cadal leads the lame pony. Merlin suggests a short-cut through the forest. That's always a good idea, right?
  • Cadal definitely doesn't think it's a great idea, but he goes along with it since it's getting so late.