Chapter One: The Druid Council

The setting sun cast its rays through the trees, the shadows thickening with lights retreat from the sky. The wind whispering in the trees speaking a language all of its own understood by none but itself. The sounds of the nearby encampment preparing for evening meal and days end only dimly penetrated the tent in which the druid council resided. Yet none of nature's beauty was recognized by those within too involved they were with the ongoing discussion. Or argument, depending on how you looked at it.

Lucinda, chestnut hair tightly bound in a braid hanging down to midback, eyes blazing with a sincere desire and passion finished reciting what she had she had seen in her vision. "Emrys is lost. He needs a companion to help him, to save him from himself so he can save others. He is all alone in his mind and spirit and its breaking him!" With this ending she awaited the next comment that would indicate a new beginning.

With skepticism heavily laden in his brown eyes, Faron nevertheless spoke in a level tone to Lucinda's passionate plea. "The prophecies say nothing of a companion, if he is to become who he is destined to be he must face his trials on his own. We should not deviate from what has been foretold."

Straightening in anger at being so easily dismissed Lucinda quickly spat out "Just because it doesn't say so doesn't mean it couldn't be."

Red hair flaming in the candle light and hoping to prevent a heated argument Gavin swiftly inserted his own thought on the matter. "You know if Emrys had a companion he was inclined to protect he might set in motion the necessary events that would be expedient to the returning of magic back to the land. This would be beneficial for all of our people as well as himself."

"Such a companion would be an unnecessary distraction from his true calling." This was the cool reply Faron gave in response to Gavin's comment on the matter.

Incensed by this calloused reply Lucinda exclaimed in a brusque tone "You're a leader! Would you say that your life partner is a distraction to that role? In which case you should just forget your companion shouldn't you?"

Tone rising to this perceived verbal attack Faron tightly responded "THAT has nothing to do with this. Unlike Emrys, the whole of Abilon does not depend on me."

"Exactly! This would change everything for the better!"

"You don't know that."

"I saw it!" Lucinda nearly shouted.

Wanting to prevent an escalation in the now apparent argument the thirty-nine year old amber-eyed broad shoulder Bryant spoke for the first time since Lucinda's reciting of her vision. "Now just a moment. " His voice was deep and calming. "Lucinda you said that you saw two options a pathway to be chosen, correct?"

Effectively calmed the young seer responded with an internal certainty of what she believed. "Yes two options, but ones that need to be made immediately before the opportunity is lost. By doing this now we change the whole of Abilion for the better. Emrys can change the world for the better."

Looking intently into Lucinda's eyes Bryant calmly but firmly asked "How can you be sure?"

"Because... Because I saw everything. He has suffered so much grief, has kept so much inside himself that he is hurting so much from the weight of it all. Emrys needs a companion to save him from himself. He is so alone. More so than any of us. It wouldn't be a mortal wound that will kill him. It will be the loneliness that he suffers that will break his spirit." This was her plea for help for Emrys sake. Eyes wet with compassion voice breaking with heartache for his plight.

Slightly exasperated with such an emotional display Faron gruffly but quietly spoke. "I still don't think this is the way to do it. He will fulfill the prophecies on his own as it has been foretold."

Before Lucinda could reply again Gavin quickly gave his observations of the situation. "Looks to me, either way Emrys fulfills his destiny. He just happens to be happier down one path then the other."

Of course this line of thinking encouraged a whole new argument that may have lasted the night had not the head of the council spoken. Abish's silver hair shone in the dim light of the flickering candles. Her blind eyes glowing with the wisdom of time and experience brings. The eldest druid in any of the encampments spread across the lad and a powerful seer Abish's wisdom was highly sought; and she a much beloved leader of their small druid clan her vote was much considered the only vote and she always had the last word.

"Hush." Once she was certain that none would speak Abish continued. "Now listen to me and to these words of wisdom passed down since the beginning of time. 'It is not good for man to be alone.' This has always been taught. Perhaps this is doubly so for Emrys in his perilous position and his facing of the coming dangers ahead. If there is a possibility of a companion capable of supporting him in his trials then we should take this opportunity to make it so."

Tilting his head Gavin peered at Abish from across the circle with his blue-green eyes and inquired of Abish of how this should be done. "By what means will we bring this to pass?"

Continuing Abish explained her decision and method of achieving this end. "I believe that it would be best for Emrys to have his companion. I believe this from personal experience. As the young lady in question has already fulfilled her previous role and no longer is needed in that capacity it would be beneficial for her to rejoin Emrys. In this way good will be brought to all the land. I have decided to take her place that she may be free to assist Emrys in completing his destiny. I will die to bring her to life."

Shocked and horrified at this startling announcement the rest of the council in unison exclaimed "What?" Faron even rising to his feet in his mortification. Pleadingly, in sorrow Lucinda whispered brokenly in the sudden shocked silence "Abish, no."

Taking her young apprentices hands in her own Abish turned to her left facing the young woman. Using her magic to guide her Abish met Lucinda's eyes with her own, a talent she had developed into scaring young children into thinking she had seen their misbehavior and goading them into confession. Using this same skill she effectively silenced any further pleas from Lucinda. With the wisdom of years in her unseeing eyes Abish both managed to comfort and reassure Lucinda of this apparent sudden decision. "I am old and very weary of these years of persecution. Truthfully I'm lonely, without my dear departed husband. My children are grown and I am ready to move on. Emrys and I both know the pain of losing the one that light up one's life; losing the one you love the most. It is a most terrible grief. I will move on and return his companion to him by doing so. Emrys will have his helpmeet. We will bring the two together, for the good of Abilion. Some of you may not agree with my decision, but I will continue regardless of your opinion. Do not hinder my choice, regardless of your feelings of this situation. Understand?"

Though reluctantly they all spoke their understanding, because of their respect for Abish.

"Then Emrys and his Lady of the Lake shall be reunited. Send word to the other settlements, we have a union to prepare for and celebrate."

An air of solemnity hovered over the otherwise peaceful camp. The druid council had dispersed to either their own tents or to take care of their other duties. With only a few fires lighting the dusky grey continually darkening sky Lucinda and Abish walked through the camp threading their way through the people going about their evening tasks. Arms linked Lucinda rested her head on Abish's shoulder, a single tear dripping down her face and landing on Abish's hand. Patting Lucinda's hand and pressing a kiss on the top of her head Abish sighed softly knowing that the words about to be spoken would be hard ones to say and even harder to take.

Reaching the edge of the camp the two seated themselves on a fallen log placed there especially for that purpose. "Isn't there another way?"

"Oh, Lucinda. You know that a life for a life is the rule of the Old Religion. Only God can provide life freely without this price."

"I didn't mean for..." Lucinda trailed off knowing the selfishness of what she was implying. Shamed at wanting something she wasn't prepared to sacrifice for left a bitter taste in her mouth and shadows over her heart.

"Lucinda, I've been preparing for this since my husband's death." Lifting her head from Abish's shoulder with a startled "what?" escaping her lips Lucinda's expression was one of shock and disbelief.

Sighing Abish grasped Lucinda's hand in her own and stared sightless into the woods. Then she carried on with the words that needed to be spoken.

"After my husband's death three years ago I had a vision. My husband came to me in a dream; a dream very much like yours. He told me of you and your gifts and told me of Emrys and the pain he would go thru. I too saw the tree and the choices that could be made. When I agreed to take you on as my apprentice I knew you would one day have this vision of the tree. I've not only been training you to control your powers but also to take my place on the council as head seer. Now I know you are ready and I can take my final rest." These words wiped any doubt and sorrow in Lucinda's mind about her vision and consequent choice. These words made her angry.

"You knew!" Angry, harsh almost violent in connotation there was a heavy accusation lying in those two words. "You say you've been preparing me, but how could I be prepared for you dying!" As she said these words Lucinda had moved away from Abish onto her feet. Continuing on her words lashed out, flaying, seeking out a target in which to strike. "You've been preparing yourself! You're not doing this for Emrys you're doing this because you're scared to live! You are going to leave me when I need you." With her voice cracking on those last three words she whispered them again dropping to her knees in front of Abish. "I need you."

Wrapping her arms around Lucinda Abish pulled her close and held her as she cried. Shaking with sobs, muffling the sounds coming from her mouth in Abish's woolen cloak, Lucinda let out her sorrow until she was spent and the sky thick with the darkness of night.

"All will be done for the good of Abilion in mind. It will be done for the happiness of the rising generation that they might not have to fight the battles we have fought. Emrys will help bring peace to the land, but battling darkness with no relief or support will break even the mightiest of men. Emrys is still young with much to learn; you and I both know he needs the help in the trying times to come. This is why I have chosen to do this. That I can be with my husband again is only a perk."

Chuckling thru the last of her tears Lucinda dried her face and looked at Abish and though unseeing Abish's eyes met her own. Though still sad Lucinda was at peace with Abish's decision as she knew it was the way prepared deep within her. Still she had one thing more to say. Sensing this Abish inquired "What is it child?"

Grinning impishly in a wry tone Lucinda answered Abish's question. "After what you're doing for them they better name a daughter after you."

Abish burst out laughing and Lucinda joined in, their laughter carrying across the clearing and washing away the last of the sorrow that had been hovering in the air; bringing a greater sense of peace then the previous moments had held. They both knew that everything would be alright.

I'm exhausted. I hope you enjoyed this installment and join us next time in Bringing Freya to Life. Please review so I know where to improve.