AN – The entire Samhain ritual is posted as Through the World Gate: Samhain if you are interested in seeing it. And now, on with the story!

All conversations in this chapter are in Elvish.

PHOENIX and DRAGON: Through the World Gate

Chapter 6

A tall elf with long honey blond hair led the procession down the path to the sacred circle, playing a soft melody on a silver flute, accompanied by soft taps on a bodhran held by a slender elf maid with blond hair so light it was almost silver. The villagers fell in line, and started singing softly as they walked; beginning again each time the short tune was completed.

"We are one, in our grove,

upon the earth, within the sea, beneath the sky.

We are joined, to send our call,

to the honored dead, to the spirit folk, to the blessed gods.

We praise thee, in one voice, in our sacred grove.

We are one."

Eventually, everyone reached the sacred circle and spread out around it, taking each other's hands to form a large circle around the stone altar, continuing to sing until everyone had taken their places. The altar was a single circular stone about fifteen feet in diameter, and four in height, with runes carved into every part of its surface, although most were so worn and eroded they were nearly unreadable. The altar had a large hole in the center where an ancient oak grew; the tree, knarled and twisted by age, would have taken four elves with their hands joined to encircle it and it soared high into the air. Four elves took their places in a smaller circle close to the stone, one to each compass direction, their loose cream colored linen robes glowing in the moonlight. As soon as the four priests took their places, the singing and music stopped.

"We are here to honor the gods and the old ways, to receive the blessings of the Lady Donn and the Lord Herne, and to remember our ancestors," the High Priest intoned from the north.

Another, a young looking elf maid, reached out and lit a fire in a flat brazier set at the southern most side of the altar, then dropped dried sage and mint onto the low fire. Fragrant smoke rose, drifting outwards to tease the noses of those gathered for the ceremony. "I kindle the sacred fire in wisdom, love, and power. Sacred fire, burn within us."

The gathering chanted softly in reply, "Sacred fire, burn with us."

A priest stepped forward and poured water from a silver pitcher into a second dish set on the western most side of the altar, and then spoke quietly. "In the depths flow the waters of wisdom. Sacred waters flow within us." He dropped several silver coins into the water and slowly walked around the gathered circle, whisking water from a small silver bowl onto each with a whisk made of broom and thistle as the gathering chanted the reply.

"Sacred waters, flow within us."

The priest to the east, an elderly elf with many beads braded into his long silver hair, lit a roll of sage and mint set within a censer, and walked around the circle, wafting the scented smoke on each person as he passed. "From the depths to the heights spans the world tree. Sacred tree, grow within us."

Again, the gathering chanted the reply. "Sacred tree, grow within us."

The priest at the north, a stern looking elf of middle age and the only one with an embroidered silver edge on his robe, spoke next. "The fire, the well, the sacred tree," he paused as the gathering spoke the next line.

"Flame and flow and grow in me!"

Once again he spoke alone, "In land, sea and sky."

The next line was spoken by the gathering, "Below and on high!"

Again, the priest spoke, "Thus is the sacred grove claimed and hallowed."

The gathering spoke once again, louder, as if ordering obedience. "Let it be done!"

Finally the high priest spoke the final words, consecrating the sacred circle for the ceremony. "By the cleansing of water and fire, let all ill turn away from me and mine."

The gathering answered with a joyous voice, "Let it be done!"

The next step to the ceremony was taken up by the priestess in the south most position. "You who come from the outer dark, You who stand against the gods and man, You who are cold of heart and cruel of mind, Take this offering and trouble not our working." She threw a handful of incense onto the brazier and stepped back into her place as the gathering responded.

"Let the circle be unbroken!"

The high priest stepped forward once more and began speaking in a strong voice, his words audible to all. "As the Earth falls into sleep the Ancient Mother is wielding her scythe and cutting the green corn down, to sow it again in the late winter's night. She is the wise and cunning old woman, grandmother to peoples and races of the Earth. Hear us now, Great Ancient Grandmother, Bright Lady, Lady of the Waning Moon. We your children pray that you be with us, that you look kindly upon our holy rite, and that you come into our Grove and give us your blessing." He paused slightly and the remaining three priests stepped forward.

"We give due offering to you. We give you...," the high priest had just intoned when a wave of magical power hit the gathering and priests, bringing most to their knees in shock as the force passed through them.

Gavin sat up slowly, his head spinning, and looked dazedly around. He realized he was no longer in the sacred grove; this was obvious because the trees were gone and the mossy ground had changed into a floor of smooth stone tiles, but all he could see in all directions was fog. A short distance away Harry was laying on his back, still and pale, although he appeared to be in the form he normally took in their dreams instead of the spindly wraith he was in reality. He was relieved when he saw Harry start to stir and crawled over to sit beside him.

"What hit me," Harry moaned, opening his eyes briefly before laying his arm across his aching head. "Was it supposed to hurt so much Gavin?"

"I don't know, but we have a bigger problem," Gavin answered, shaking Harry's shoulder to get his attention. "Where are we? Is this a dream?"

Harry reluctantly dropped his arm and struggled to sit up, making his head spin and his stomach lurch. He looked around as Gavin had, and eventually spotted an area where the otherwise featureless fog seemed thinner and brighter than the rest. "Let's go that way? It looks like something might be there."

They managed to get to their feet and slowly moved towards the lighter area, supporting each other for the first few steps until they grew steadier. Several minutes later, if their sense of time was accurate, they reached an area where the fog thinned and finally disappeared. In front of them was a series of platforms rising up into the distance, as if they had reached the bottom of a set of wide steps. They saw no other direction to go, so they slowly started climbing.

Eventually they reached the top and saw two large chairs, or thrones possibly. On one was a pale skinned lady with bright blue eyes, dressed in white and grey robes. An ornate silver circlet on her head confined dark silver hair that cascaded down past her shoulders and brushed the floor on both sides of her, nearly covering the delicately beaded slippers on her feet. She held a tall staff made of a pale wood carved with all the phases of the moon loosely in her hands, turning it back and forth as she watched the light sparkle off the large blue gem on its top.

The other chair held a man, if man he was, with tall branching antlers rising from his long black hair; the directionless light glinted off the polished tines, making them almost glow as he moved. His eyes were such a dark brown they were nearly black, his skin tanned and weathered, and a thick black beard covered his face and curled down his chest with bits of horn and bone braided into it. His clothes were all shades of green and brown, his feet clad in sturdy boots. A simple circlet of weathered copper graced his brow, and a long sword lay across his lap.

They both looked up as the boys stepped onto the top platform, and watched intently as they approached.

"Do you know who they are," Harry whispered to Gavin, wary of approaching such intimidating strangers.

"Yes…I think I do," Gavin replied hesitantly as they continued closer. Both boys could feel the power radiating off the man and woman, so strong it felt warm, like the heat of a mid-summer sun on their faces and bare chests. "Lord Herne, Lady Donn, it is an honor to be here," he greeted them softly and knelt awkwardly on one knee, overwhelmed to be in their presence.

"Well met, child," the Bright Lady replied, nodding regally to Gavin. "Are you both well? I understand you are confused, but in time, all will be made clear to you."

Harry dropped to one knee as Gavin had, even though he was totally at a loss as to what was happening and frightened to be in the presence of such power. Gavin reached for his hand and held it, both trembling as they waited for an explanation.

"You have asked us to help you, and in return you both have taken an oath, a pledge, to serve us," Lord Herne said suddenly, his voice low and smooth, making both boys think of dark forests and hidden places. "We don't usually interfere with the lives of mortals, but both of you have destiny's you must fulfill or all will be lost. The fate of two worlds depends on you." He looked at them for a long moment, seeing the confusion and rising fear in their eyes. "Do not fear us, we have called you here to speak of your future and to give you aid so you might achieve what you must if your worlds are to survive."

"We have decided to grant you your wish, and when you leave here you will indeed be brothers. In addition, we have gifts for you that will aid you along the path you must walk." The Lady rose from her throne and approached the boys, stopping when she stood several feet in front of Harry. "You need to choose, however, which of us you will serve."

Harry's eyes widened as Lord Herne also rose from his seat and stepped forward to stand at a like distance in front of Gavin. "Choose child, whose path you will walk."

Gavin looked for a moment into the Dark Lords eyes, and then bowed slightly, turned to the Lady and met her eyes with a smile. "I choose your path Bright Lady. I have seen myself wearing your sign, using your powers to heal." He rose and moved to stand in front of the Goddess. "I am yours Lady."

Donn reached a slender hand out and stroked Gavin's hair back behind his ear, then cupped his cheeks as she looked deeply into his emerald eyes. "You will be powerful and wise, and you'll do many wonderful things before you return to the Wheel. Yes, you are indeed worthy of my attention." She knelt and pulled Gavin closer, bending to kiss his temples gently.

Harry understood now as he remembered what Awel had said about Choosing their Way, and he lifted his eyes to meet the Lady's as she knelt with Gavin. They matched gazes for several long moments before Harry turned his eyes up to meet the Lords. He looked deep into the dark eyes for a long while before he rose, and walked shakily to stand in front of the Horned God. "I don't understand why you would want me, but I see myself with a sword and shield, protecting those who cannot fight for themselves. I wish to serve you Lord."

Herne knelt and pulled Harry gently against him, holding him within his strong arms in a comforting way until the boy stopped shaking, then he bent and gently kissed him on both of his temples. "I am proud of you child, you have already overcome so much, and your life is just beginning. Believe in yourself, your heart is strong and you will bring great honor to my name." He looked at Harry for a long moment, his gaze lingering on the scar on the boy's forehead. "I think that this abomination needs to be removed. I can feel the evil in it, and it will cause you nothing but pain if it remains." He reached out and touched Harry's forehead gently, brushing his fingers across the scar. Harry's forehead was unmarked when he removed his hand. "Ah yes, much better."

Lord Herne stood, and Harry stepped back, waiting to see what would happen now. The Horned God took his seat and placed the sword tip down on the floor in front of him, leaning forward slightly with his hands on the pommel as he watched the two children.

Gavin reached out and took Harry's hand as the Lady stood, and watched as she returned to her throne as well, leaning her staff against the side of her chair. He noticed with wonder that there was a black rune on each of Harry's temples, the mark of the Hunter on his right, and on his left a rune formed of three connected spirals.

Harry looked at Gavin and noticed with wonder that he had the Lady's rune on his right temple, like the one Awel had, although Gavin's was black, and the three black spirals on his left.

"We will visit your dreams at times, to teach you things you will need to know for the tasks ahead. Be well young ones," the Bright Lady smiled warmly at both boys. "Harry, you may not be mine, but I will still watch over you," she added gently.

"We will return you to your world now, but we will not be far." Herne gazed at Harry for a long moment, and then smiled slightly, his eyes glinting mischievously. "You may call upon us if you have need." Sudden darkness swept over the boys and all went black.

"What has happened Myrddin!" Naf Ianwdd called anxiously, catching the mage's arm as he attempted to move past the councilor towards the pathway back to the village.

"I don't know, but the power surge came from the other side of the grove," Myrddin answered. "I'll go check it out." He looked around, suddenly realizing he hadn't seen Gavin or Harry since before the solstice ceremony had started. He reached out and grabbed Awel by the shoulder as the healer moved past him with the intent of returning to the Healing Hall ahead of any injured. "Have you seen the boys? I haven't seen them since we left the village!"

Awel shook his head, concern clear on his face. "They aren't here? I thought they were with you! I saw them start down the path, but I was distracted and I don't remember ever seeing them here in the circle. I'm not sure they came, now that I think about it. Maybe they stayed in the village?"

"Guards! Some of you go check the World Gate and make sure nothing is amiss with it," Myrddin called out loudly, raising his voice to be heard over the noise of the uneasy villagers surrounding the altar. The priests were attempting to calm everyone, but many were still feeling the effects of the power surge and their relatives were distraught and they only contributed to the confusion. "The rest of you help the injured back to the village!"

Myrddin moved quickly along the pathway towards the village, but hesitated when he came to where the path branched. One path led to the village, the other deeper into the Sacred Grove, towards the Serpent stone. A sinking feeling entered his stomach as he remembered the story he'd read to the boys the day before, the story about blood pledges and miraculous transformations, the story in the book Gavin had been reading the previous afternoon. "Awel, I have a bad feeling I know where the boys are…"

"You don't think they would try…" Awel said and they exchanged worried glances before turning to run down the pathway leading to the Serpent stone.

The Serpent stone was still glowing blue slightly, the oak trees around the outside of the clearing casting shadows onto the path, when Myrddin and Awel reached it. Gavin was lying on his side beside the stone, his hands tucked under his cheek, a slight smile on his face, as if he were merely asleep. Myrddin pulled out his wand and cast several diagnostic spells, relieved when they showed that other than his magical levels being low, nothing was wrong with his grandson. They didn't see Harry immediately because he was on the far side of the stone, but when they did find him he was laying on his back, his arms spread out from his sides, a peaceful expression on his face.

Awel dropped to his knees beside Harry, running his hand down the boy's body as he cast a diagnostic spell. "Goddess," Awel murmured. "Do you see it?" He shook his head with wonder as he ran more tests on the unconscious boy. "He's healed! All the damage to his body is gone, not just the newest injuries but all the damage, even the scars. It's as if he'd never been abused…the effects of the malnutrition are gone as well. He must have grown four or five inches and he's gained weight too!"

Myrddin was silent as he joined Awel, Gavin cradled in his arms. His eyes were on Harry's face, or more specifically, the marks on his temples. "Awel…look," he said softly, reaching out to brush the hair back and reveal the runes. "Have you seen this before?" He pointed at the spirals on Harry left temple. "Gavin is marked as well."

"How is this possible," the healer lightly rubbed the Hunter's rune on Harry's temple to see if it would come off. "It's real. I don't understand…but we need to have the high priest look at this, just as soon as the solstice ritual is completed." He carefully slid his hands under Harry's shoulders and knees and gently picked him up, wrapping his cloak around the boy as he settled him in his arms. "Let's get them to the Healing Hall. It's too cold for them out here."

"Naf Dylluan, thank you for coming." Myrddin stood to greet the High Priest, and beckoned him over to where Gavin and Hari were sleeping. "Did Awel explain why we called for you?"

"Yes, he told me about the strange runes on the boys, but I need to see them myself before I come to any conclusions." The High Priest sat down in a chair next to the bed Harry was laid on and bent forward to look at the boy. "So, these children were the cause of the magical explosion we all felt?"

Myrddin nodded agreement. "It seems so, we haven't found any other possible cause, and the Serpent stone was still glowing when we reached them." He handed the priest a scrap of parchment. "I found this in Gavin's pocket and I think this is what they pledged."

Dylluan read the parchment and sat silent for several minutes, then reached out and gently brushed the dark hair off Harry's forehead, revealing the spirals. "Ah…it is as I thought. There hasn't been one with these marks for over 1000 years," the priest said quietly.

"So, you know what it means? Do you know why two children would be marked with the runes of priesthood?" Awel asked quietly. "I didn't even think it was possible, I mean who marked them?"

"The spiral rune…it is a mark of favor." The priest gently turned Harry's head so he could examine the Hunter's marking on the other temple. "As to who put it there…that would be the Lord and Lady." Myrddin and Awel gave him a confused look, leading him to explain further.

"A person marked with this symbol can call on the Lord or Lady for assistance, and be assured of an answer. The last one so marked was Anynnawg, over 1000 years ago. He saved our people from the Darkness of his time, and lost his life doing so." Dylluan sat back in his chair with a sigh. "The spirals represent our connection with the eternal cycle of life, the Goddess in all her forms, as Maiden, Mother and Crone, and the Horned God as the bringer of life, and lord of death and resurrection. It is the olwyno, the sacred Wheel."

Awel and Myrddin sat down on the side of the empty bed beside Gavin's, their eyes wide in shock. "Exactly what will this mean for the boys," Myrddin asked finally, still trying to grasp the implications.

"Well, it certainly means that young Harry will be staying here," Dylluan said with a smile. "Irregardless of the fact that they were likely granted their initial request, to be made brothers, they are now Avatars of the Lord and Lady, so they will need special training to face the trials they will likely meet."

Myrddin sighed and rubbed his hands over his face wearily. "I guess this answers the question about the prophesy."

Dylluan nodded in agreement. "Yes, I believe Harry is the Dragon, and so does the Seer's Circle. They met this afternoon and confirmed it."

"So…there was no need for the boys to perform such a dangerous ritual…," Awel murmured sadly.

"On the contrary! It was entirely necessary, since the prophecy says they needed to be joined in this way, even if it has left us a few problems to deal with." The High Priest smiled and let out a pleased chuckle. "After all, how often am I called upon to train four year old priests who are also the Lord and Lady's Avatars?"

Dylluan stood and straightened his robe. "I'm going back to the celebration. There are a lot of people wanting an explanation for what happened tonight, and I am going to take great pleasure in telling a few of them!" He winked at Myrddin, letting him know that one of those people was a certain Councilor who had objected to Hari so stridently.