Waltorious: No bug, the faerie realm is just really annoying. There's a spot in the faerie realm that is like a 3x3 ring, with a pillar in the center. If I recall correctly, it's slightly northwest of the center of the map, and you enter it facing north. This is the section that the "roses down, twice around" refers to. Basically, go to the northern end of this ring, where you will see what looks to be a dead end leading off of it. Put the primrose down here, then walk around the ring twice. I think you walk counter-clockwise, but I'm not sure, so if it doesn't work try going the other direction. If you do this correctly, a passage should open to the north. If it doesn't work, go back and try placing the primrose in a slightly different place. I forget exactly which square it needs to be dropped on.
As for the silver duck, I believe it's just an easter egg thing. I never figured it out myself, but apparently at some point you can find a "duck rune" and if you cast it on that duck you can find a special treasure or something. In fact, the "duck rune" might well be murph's rune, so if you have that, go ahead and give it a try. It's not necessary to complete the game though.
I believe the game won't allow me past the spear gate to the northwest. its the part where the faerie makes the portrait. I've finished the rest of the faerie realm. but I don't have access to this 3*3 area. I don't understand why the spear gate won't open to this area. could it be a bug? I had no luck with the murph rune. possibly because I shrunk it testing other rune prior to your reply. I remember this part being less difficult.
