Faith of the Heart (Fan Chapter)
Part 1 Chapter 4
The Wizard of Arthur

Written by: Shadow20X6
(Continued from The Original Chapter )

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"That's not a problem at all Merlin, We can work as a great team, just as long as I'm in charge. " Marina said.

"Hey!" Donald interjected, "Nobody said you were leading, you are the least experienced in our whole group. I will lead."

"Donald, you can't lead, you lose your temper too often, You'll get us in trouble!" Marina retorted.

"Uh hold on a second, I think...." Goofy said, before he was cut off by Donald.

"Goofy keep out of this."

"Yeah, This is between me and Donald."

"Now hold on a moment" Merlin started, he was cut off by some angry quacking....

"I don't lose my temper I just get frustrated when no one does what I want... wuaaaa-wuack!"

"Oh Merlin, you see these three?" Archimedes piped in, "They will never be able to work together, they can't even settle their disputes to come to an agreement on who should lead. Already they do not understand, any true leader would rely on the counsel of their peers, and their agreements should be a mutual consensus for such a small group. Failing to understand that simple truth will spell disaster for this quest."

"Guys... Cut it OUT!" Mickey yelled. Silence immediately fell between the three quarreling friends. "Many times in the past, I've helped you put your differences behind you, I won't be there to break you up this time. You three need to learn to balance each other, support each other, and work as a team. Merlin... I think we can arrange a Codice Entarum Test to sort out their troubles working together."

Marina wrinkled her brow in thought. "Codice Entarum" but isn't that a spell for entering a book? How will that help us?"

Mickey turned to face Marina, "Since the three of you don't work too well together, we'll use a spell to send you into the pages of a book. Time passes slower in the book, and we will be able to see what you do. Plus, you guys will only have each other to rely on. No outside help. I think it's an excellent way to help you prepare for this quest.... What do you think Merlin?"

Merlin smiled, "I quite agree with you, your Majesty.  Now, let me see."  He walked over to a book shelf that held a few old books.  After skimming across them for a little bit, he paused as he studied the titles,  "Hmmm, The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh? No that's not it." Continuing on, he scanned the next title, "Ah here it is, "The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood. This is the perfect story to test your teamwork."

"Sir?" Marina asked with curiosity.  "Why is that book so special?"  

"I take it you haven't read this one. Excellent excellent, We wouldn't want you to already know the ending. Spoilers, after all."Merlin pulled the book from it's place. The book was a very old indeed, with large hand printed font on the cover.  The pages were old and wrinkled, clearly they were made from an ancient time. As Merlin flipped through the worn pages, he continued, "This is a very important story to see how well you work. Not only will your mission require you to work as a team, but you will also be required to make decisions that could affect the denizens of the worlds you encounter." Merlin lifted his eyes from the book to see Marina's confused face.  

"How so?" Marina asked.  

"Things are not always clear cut black and white." he answered.  "You may be faced with situations where everything is not what it seems. It will be up to the three of you, to enter this world, and decide for yourselves the best course of action."

An excited smile spread upon Goofy's face, "Ah hyuck that's totally a cinch, we can save a damsel in distress, right some wrongs, and uphold the law "

"Wait just a moment Goofy, this story is no 'Rapunzel' rescuing a damsel from a tower... there is much more at stake here. Perhaps I should start at the beginning." Merlin closed the book and took a seat in his lounge chair. He set the book down on the end table. Marina couldn't help but giggle a bit; this setup looked like story time when she was a child. After clearing his throat, Merlin began,
              "The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood is a tale of the city of Nottingham. and the troubles they encountered. Nottingham is in danger, and it is up to the 3 of you to save it. The rules are very simple. You will be transported into Sherwood Forest, under the guise that you are mercenaries. The Characters in the story will not question you about your looks or your magic, so don't worry about either one. From there, it is up to you to decide what to do. You will have seventy-two "Book hours" from the start to resolve the situation as best as you can. If for any reason you are separated, or simply cannot continue, any of you may return to the portal in the woods, and all three of you will be brought out of the book."

Marina waited for Merlin to continue, but he didn't. She looked quizzically at the sage in front of her, "Merlin, I get the process of traveling into a book. I've heard about it. But you don't seem to want to tell us too much about the story before we go in. Wouldn't it be better to be prepared?"

"Certainly," "Merlin said, "It is always best to be prepared. But out in the real galaxy, you may not have that luxury. Part of this test will be to see what choices you make based on your observations."

Archimedes flapped a wing to get attention, "The three of them in the Adventures of Robin Hood? I'm certain this will end in calamity for Nottingham."

"Now Now Archimedes," Mickey chided, "That's why it's a test." He turned to the group. "I won't spoil the story, but the three of you take care. And remember, even though this is a practice test, do your best. Even if you fail here, learn something from this. We all make mistakes, it's better for the three of you to make your mistakes here in the privacy and safety of a book, rather than on a world with indigenous people. Good luck!"

"Thank you Mickey."Marina said, "I'm ready to go, what about you guys?"
"Right behind you!" Donald quacked.
"Let's Go!" Goofy exclaimed.

Merlin raised his hand over the book and wiggled his fingers saying, "Librar-ius be-various liv-a-rious!!  Librar-us be-var-ous lif-ous!!"

The book glowed dimly in a golden light under Merlin's fingertips and slowly hovered off the table.  As the light became brighter, the cover opened up a few pages, revealing an illustration of a rooster with a lute. As the light grew brighter, Marina swore she could have seen the rooster start to move.....