The Wart is basically an eight year old boy who lives in a palace with Sir Ector and his "brother" Kay. Wart is somewhat despised, while his brother Kay should one day become a brave and noble knight. As Wart goes through life he meets Merlyn. Merlin is a wizard who transforms Wart into a number of different types of animals. The Wart thinks it's all fun and games, but only Merlyn knows that; which will matter much more. Throughout the transformations, Wart is taught how to maintain peace between people, show compassion, and how to keep his power in check. When we first meet Merlyn, both he and Wart are outside on a hot summer day. Wart then asks if it can be made into a perch. “They are braver than the stupid roach, and not as backbreaking as the pike are” (p.45). Merlin finally gives up and decides to turn it into a perch. At first the Wart has some difficulty swimming; but with some helpful advice from Merlyn, he finally figures out how it works. In a short time. (still in fish form) they come across this huge rough and hard look ...