Myrina followed her mother through the dark forest. It was a beautiful night. The stars and moon shone brightly, but their light just barely passed through the leaves of the trees that covered the two. Not that they needed much light to see as her mother seemed to know exactly where she needed to go.
Sticks and bushes scrapped Myrina's arms, as well as her mother's, but the older woman didn't seem to notice. Her sole focus was on getting to their destination. Myrina's seven-year-old body and shorter legs could barely keep up with her mother's frantic pace. It was clear from her mother's urgent tugging that something was going on. Something important. But her child's brain had no idea what. All she knew was that she was scared, mirroring her mother's own emotional state.
"There was supposed to be more time," she heard her mother mutter yet again.
She shot a small glare at her three-year-old sister who was asleep in her mother's arms. Her mother may have carried her part of the way if it weren't for her little sister, Nola.
Myrina stumbled, but her mother caught her, forcing her back to her feet.
"We must keep going, Rina," she commanded, not looking down at her daughter. They'd been running for what felt like hours to the little girl.
"Mum?" Myrina started to complain but her words were silenced when her mother slowed down.
"Reverence," her mother said softly.
Myrina's eyes widened in surprise and her hand slipped out of her mother's grasp. The forest opened up revealing a set of seven trees planted in a circle, with a large stone table in the middle of them. The dark night sky made it impossible to tell exactly who was around, but she could see the outline of various men, some holding torches while others didn't.
She was in a druid's grove.
Her parents told her about them. They were sacred and nearly all of them had been destroyed. The Romans, who had invaded their land, were doing their best to annihilate their culture and beliefs. There were only a handful of groves left, at best. At least, that's what she'd overheard her parents say in hush voices.
Almost everything they said had been in soft hushed voices over the last month. It wasn't normal. They were always open to their children. But for whatever reason, they were being secretive.
Myrina slowly made her way towards the middle of the trees, mouth slightly open in awe. She'd always wanted to visit a grove and see an old ritual. Men chanted or spoke quietly, she wasn't entirely sure. Her focus was on the large stone in the middle. It looked almost as if it were an altar of sorts. Torches surrounded it, brightening the area so that the altar was the focal point and easy to spot.
"Althea!" her father's familiar voice shouted out. "Where are the boys?"
Whatever else was said was blocked out as Myrina's mind focused on what was in front of her. She paused for a moment. Her eyes landed on a couple who stood at the head of the stone slab. They didn't notice her, busy talking to each other and setting out items as they prepared for the ritual. She knew them. They had started to visit more often over the last few months. Merlin and his wife. They visited her family often, teaching Myrina and her siblings the old ways.
Myrina glanced around, but she didn't see or hear Guinevere, the couple's five-year-old daughter. It was the middle of the night and by what Myrina could tell, there were no other children about.
Her wonder was interrupted when she realized that the large stone was in front of her. She was just barely tall enough to see the smooth surface. Symbols were grooved into the stone, making it look beautiful. Tentatively, she reached her hand out and touched it. The rough, warm surface scratched her fingertips. She dipped her finger into one of the grooves dug in. It was smoother, to her surprise. So ordinary and yet there was something else. She felt it reverberate in her bones. A low, powerful, vibration pulsed around her. Magic.
"Rina," her father's voice cut through her mesmerization, making her quickly pull her hand back. He strode over to her then crouched next to her.
"Papa!" she cried out, jumping into his outstretched arms. "I'm scared." She tightened her grip around his neck and hugged him. He cupped his arm under her and stood up, bringing her with him. She hugged his neck tightly, enjoying the feeling of his hand as he gently rubbed her back to reassure her.
"Shh," he said. He pushed her back to look into her face. "My fierce little hawk? Scared? There is no need. This is a safe place for you." His hand brushed her brown hair, pausing to tweak one of the hawk feathers she had braided into it.
She leaned back, her brown eyes meeting his blue ones with concern. "Can we go home, papa?" Her heart pounded in her chest from fear. She sniffled, rubbing her hand under her nose, trying to control her tears.
Why did she feel it? A sensation, an understanding that it was going to be the last time she saw him alive. Something was going to happen. She just didn't know what. She glanced around at everyone: the strange men, the robes, the humming, the chanting, and the instruments on the stone. It made her shudder. She leaned in, placing her hands on her father's face as she tried to memorize his features.
He gave her a soft, sad smile. "My little hawk," he said, kissing her nose, then he let her down. He crouched again so that he was on her level. "Myrina," he said softly again, touching her cheek. "You are still young, but this is important. You must listen to me."
Her heart started to pound harder in her chest, but she nodded. "I will, papa," she said. She didn't want to though. She just wanted them to leave together, and return home.
"Our line is old, our blood special," he stated. The torch lit up his face perfectly so she could see his features. He was so handsome. His face was soft yet firm and stoic. A warrior prince.
She nodded her head. It wasn't the first time her father had said that to her. Although, usually it was to chastise her for not being naughty. But now, the way he said it, she could feel there was an importance to his words.
"The Romans will not stop. We need help." He shifted a little, the corners of his eyes creasing as he let out a small smile. "Oh, my little hawk," he said softly. "Do not give me those eyes."
She sniffed and brought her hand up to her face, wiping the tears from her eyes. That surprised her. She didn't realize she was crying. "I'm sorry," she sniffled.
"I do this for you, for our people," he said, caressing her cheeks. "The old gods are powerful, but to obtain their power sacrifices must be made. The stronger the blood, the stronger the gifts. Gifts that we pray will help us defeat the Romans so that your children will not have to deal with them."
"Papa, I-"
"No, Myrina," he stated, his voice firm, but his hands were gentle as he wiped her tears. "No more crying. You know that in our world sacrifices must always be made. This I do for you, my little hawk. For your mother, for your brothers and sisters, for our people."
"What if-" she started to protest again, but he cut her off, shaking his head.
"There aren't many druid groves left. The Romans have destroyed most of them. I wish there was more time. But, they are near. Far too close for me to delay much longer. Tell your brothers that I love them."
He kissed her forehead and stood up. He walked over to her mother. Bending down, he picked up a small flower and placed it in her baby sister's hair before kissing her forehead.
"My sweet little, Nola," he said. The three-year-old was awake. She reached her arms out and he pulled her out of their mother's arms. He rocked her for a moment, making her laugh as he tickled her belly. Then, he gave her a gentle kiss on her cheek before turning to kiss their mother on the lips.
Goodbye.
Myrina's heart ached. He'd accepted his fate and was saying goodbye. She opened her mouth to scream and protest, but a hand pressed on her shoulder, causing her to look up at Merlin.
"Your father is a brave man," he stated, looking down at her. "And you must be a brave girl."
She clenched her hands into fists but nodded her head. Be brave for father.
Returning Nola back into her mother's arms, her father gave Myrina a look. He opened his mouth, closed it then smiled. "Take your mother home, my fierce hawk." His voice was soft, almost as if he were asking her, but it was a command.
She walked over to her mother, reaching out to grab her free hand. "Come, mum," she said softly and started to pull her mother away.
Her mother hesitated, turning ever so slightly before ultimately following her. Myrina turned one last time, to catch a final glimpse of her father. He walked over to Merlin and then the group of strangers slowly circled in.
Neither spoke as the forest slowly engulfed the light of the torches, leaving them with just the light from the stars and moon to show them the way home. Her mother gave her hand a squeeze and then tightened her grip.
"It is an old ritual, Rina," she said softly then cleared her throat. "It is for our best." Her voice cracked as, much like Myrina, her heart was clearly breaking.
Myrina nodded in agreement, still not quite understanding. Her mother let out a loud sniff but squeezed Myrina's hand instead of letting her go.
"Althea!" a cool baritone voice shouted.
Myrina perked up, letting go of her mother's hand as she rushed toward her uncle who ran towards them. "Uncle Bram!"
He let out a little chuckle and oof as she collided with him hard. She buried her face into his tunic, clutching the fabric tightly. "Myrina," he said softly, pulling her closer to him. As brave as she tried to be there was no stopping her emotions from finally breaking through. Especially now.
"Mum?" Brandon, Myrina's older brother asked from behind their uncle.
"My children," their mother said softly. "Come."
She crouched down, extending her arms out as an invitation. Myrina rushed at her mother as did Brandon and Nola's twin brother Darren. Nola had apparently woken up as she wrapped her arms tightly around their mother's neck. Their mother pulled the four of them in, holding them tightly, while Bram stood over them.
They took their emotional cue from their mother and started to cry softly. They didn't know. Not that Myrina was an expert. But, she realized her brothers weren't aware that they weren't going to see their father again.
"Oh, my boys," Althea said softly as she leaned back.
"Mum? What's-"
"Children, shh!" Bram snapped.
The group tensed, waited, and listened. The loud thudding of hoof-beats drew closer and closer to them. They quietly moved out of the barely noticeable path. Their mother ushered them around some bushes while Bram unslung his bow and nocked an arrow.
A single horse and rider came into view. Bram tensed, preparing to attack.
"Father?" a young man's voice shouted out.
"Reghan!" Bram replied back as he rushed out from hiding.
His sixteen-year-old son pulled on the reins of his horse, forcing it to stop. "Romans," he cried out, jumping to the ground. "They're here. Scouts spotted them not too far. They'll be here soon. I came as quickly as I could to warn everyone."
"Bram," Althea said in a panic, grabbing her brother's arm.
He nodded. "Take Althea and the children home," Bram commanded as he grabbed the reins and easily mounted the beast. Just as he went to kick the horse into a gallop, her mother grabbed the reins.
"I'm going with you," she stated.
"Althea-" Bram started to protest but stopped.
"Reghan," Althea commanded. "Do as your father says. Take the children home."
Fear filled the air.
"Mum?" Brandon asked, his voice quivering.
She quickly hugged each of her children. "I must go and protect your father. What he is doing is very important and if the ritual is not allowed to be completed then his sacrifice will be for naught. I love you." She cupped each of their cheeks for a quick moment. "Follow your cousin. Be quick, be quiet, be safe. The Romans have no trouble killing children."
She didn't say it, Myrina realized. Her mother didn't say the words that she should have said. She didn't say goodbye. Before Myrina could protest, her mother jumped onto the back of the horse and the two took off.
"Let's go, quickly," Reghan hissed, picking up little Nola, not wasting a second. "Brandon, help Darren."
Myrina stared in the direction her mother went, her body felt cold. Just like that, her parents were gone.
"Rina. Rina!" Reghan snapped, bringing Myrina out of her thoughts. "We must go. Now!"
She nodded her head. Her feet and body ached, but her cousin was right. They needed to escape. She dug in deep, finding the last bit of energy that she hadn't used while she was running with her mother not too long ago. It wasn't much, but it was all she had left. She'd be able to make it back home.
They moved as quickly as they could for a group of children. Reghan, being the oldest at sixteen years, had less trouble than the other three, despite carrying Nola.
Stumbling onto a broader path, they let out a sigh of relief. It would be easier to travel than through the rough terrain of the forest. And the light of the moon was no longer dulled by the trees.
"Reghan, can we-"
"Not now, Rina," her cousin hissed at her as they rounded a corner.
A click of a tongue and a whistle set them on the defensive. Reghan immediately set Nola down, pushing the children behind him as he raised his sword to fight whoever had whistled.
"You would already be dead if I wanted to kill you," a man said as he stepped out of the forest. He had a bow in his hand, an arrow nocked and ready.
Myrina grabbed her cousin's leg.
Roman.
The Roman lowered his bow, casually strolling in front of them, putting himself between them and the path they needed to take.
"Reghan!" Myrina called out as her cousin rushed the man. Brandon quickly placed himself in front of his siblings. Myrina grabbed his tunic, watching with wide eyes and terror as her cousin fought a man older than him. It was immediately evident that her cousin was outmatched.
She placed her hand on her mouth to keep from screaming. She was about to watch her cousin die.
"You can not win," the Roman said, easily deflecting Reghan's attacks. The light of the moon dulled as the clouds covered it.
"Go!" Reghan shouted, flashing a panicked look at his cousins.
Brandon grabbed the twins' hands and started to drag them around the fighting duo. Myrina caught the Roman's eye for a brief moment. He almost looked panicked. He was quick. Reghan let out a cry of surprise as he found himself falling backward, hitting the ground with a loud thud.
The Roman rolled, skidded across the dirt, and placed himself in front of them, holding his sword out, pointing it at Brandon.
"You face death that way," he stated. "Perhaps you'd rather die by my blade then. It'll be quicker."
Myrina grabbed her brother's arm and stared at the Roman. Death? The clouds parted allowing the light of the moon to bathe them. Her eyes widened. She hadn't seen many Romans, but, she was of the understanding that they didn't mark their bodies.
The man in front of them had two markings on each side of his cheeks. The power of her stare seemed to catch the Roman's attention as he fixed his gaze on her. His face was impossible to read.
Reghan quickly rushed over to them, once again putting his body between them and the Roman.
The Roman sheathed his sword. "There's a river in that direction," he said, nodding his head in the opposite way they were going. "Just a short walk up you'll find an easy way to cross. You'll be safe on the other side. Wait a few days if you intend to return." He walked over to the forest and grabbed the reins of his horse, bringing the beast out of hiding.
Myrina watched him as he easily mounted his horse and turned the beast in the direction they were headed.
"That way is certain death. I can end your lives now if you wish," he stated. He turned his body to look at the children, resting his arms on the horn of his saddle.
"How can we trust you," Reghan asked.
"You can't," replied the man. "But, I didn't kill you and I easily could have." He didn't move, keeping his horse and his body between them and the danger they would have stepped into.
Reghan took a step back, ushering the children to move in the direction the Roman told them to go. Still, they didn't take their eyes off the man.
"Why are you helping us?" Reghan demanded.
Myrina caught a brief smile cross the Roman's face for a moment before it disappeared.
The Roman clicked his tongue and pulled the reins, moving his horse to face away from them. "Because," he said almost a little too soft. He bowed his head for a moment then glanced behind him at them. "I do not kill children."
With that, he kicked his horse into a gallop.
Reghan wasted no time, ushering the children in the direction that the Roman told them to go.
"It could be a trap, Reghan!" Brandon said, his voice spiked with fear.
Reghan nodded his head. "It could be. But, I see no reason why the Roman would have let us go just to throw us at his comrades."
Myrina glanced behind her, just to get another glimpse of the soldier, but he was gone. She pulled up his moonlit face and committed it to her memory. If she ever came across him again she'd have to repay the favor. That is, if he didn't lead them astray and if she survived to see him again.
Much to her surprise, he didn't. Despite being a Roman, they found the river he was talking about and followed it till they found the spot he'd been talking about. It was easy enough to cross for them, although the water was cold. Reghan had to take two trips, carrying first one twin then the other.
Once they were on the other side, up the bank, and further into the forest Reghan stopped.
"We'll rest here for a little bit," Reghan said.
Myrina immediately plopped down onto the ground, her body was exhausted. How she had found the strength to travel so much and so long was beyond her. Her body shook as the cool night air wrapped around her wet clothing.
"Get ready to leave soon, Rina," Reghan said.
She nodded her head. Bunching her muscles she tried to stand back up. But her body refused to move.
Soon, he said, she thought to herself, trying to push down her panic. The Roman said they would be safe on the other side of the river. And maybe he was correct. But, they needed to get going, find a safe, warm place to finally rest.
Breathing in deeply, she stared back in the direction that her parents were. Perhaps she was wrong. Perhaps they were still alive and she'd see them again. The lie and hope she tried to tell herself easily slipped from her mind. She wiped her face with her hands, trying to banish her frustrations, her fear, her sadness. She wanted to scream. She wanted to throw a tantrum and curse at the gods for abandoning them.
My little hawk.
She gasped and looked up. The wind rustled the leaves and the forest darkened as clouds covered the moon. A stabbing pain spiked through her heart. They were gone.
She stared out into the sky. She wasn't sure how she knew. But, she could feel it, deep within her soul, that her parents were gone. She was alone. She glanced behind her at her siblings as Reghan prepared them to travel again. No, not alone. She still had her siblings and her cousin.
Reghan looked up and over at her. "By the gods," he stated as his eyes widened.
She turned her attention to what he was looking at and gasped. The bright white color from the moon had changed into an orange almost red tint as the clouds revealed it again. Blood moons happened a couple of times a year, but they always started that way. This was different.
She stood up and stared up at the sky. The air around her grew thick and heavy, making her frown.
"Reghan?" she started to ask, but her cousin quickly shushed her as he stared at the phenomenon.
Her fingers tingled, making her look down at her hands. Her veins pulsed, brightening and fading under her skin. There it was. The low, powerful vibration that had come out of the stone altar hummed around her, through her, in her, filling up her body, enveloping her bones. It hurt. But, it was a kind of pain that she could handle.
My blessing to you, her father's stoic voice stated in her mind.
The vibration intensified, making her double over and clench her stomach. Somewhere, off in the distance, Nola let out a little cry. Myrina clenched her jaws to keep from screaming. She could if she wanted to. she knew that. But she didn't want to. For some reason, she felt it necessary to prove she could handle the pain.
She dropped to her knees, grinding her teeth with determination. Her veins felt as if they were on fire and her skin prickled, moving in an unnatural way. Her bones felt as if they were going to shake out of her. And then, as quickly as it started, it stopped.
She dropped to her hands, gasping loudly as her body settled down.
"Rina?" Reghan's concerned voice echoed in the background. She felt him grab her physical body but felt as if she were above herself, floating.
Somewhere off in the distance, she heard whispers and movement. Friends? Enemies? The wind picked up, bringing their scent to her. Woads. Her people.
Reghan jumped as she clasped her hand onto his shoulder.
"Friends," she whispered, pointing in the direction she had smelled them. That was all she had in her. All the energy she had left. Her little body gave out and she went limp in his arms. Somewhere, in the darkness, she felt him set her down onto the leaves.
"My blessing to you. My fierce little hawk," her father's voice echoed in her mind again. And then, there was nothing.
A/N: Hello. I hope you have enjoyed the first chapter to my final rewrite of my story of long ago. I have a lot planned and I'm excited for all of you to see how the story unfolds.