"Yes!" Art roared excitedly, and high fived Lia.
I grinned, wonder and amazement rushing through Cyn and I. I recognized that necklace. It was just like the one I had seen Asrhia use innumerable times. How were our worlds connected? I wondered unable to take my gaze from Art. The Voyage Necklace—as he had called it—was his invention. How did it exist wherever Asrhia came from?
Eisha and Kevan suddenly appeared in the room, and the others gasped again. Cyn and I chuckled exchanging an amazed glance as Eisha threw her arms around Art crying.
“Thank you, a chara. Thank you!”
My gaze went to Lia one last time, and she offered me a small smile. I knew she understood I had decisions to make, and we all needed to move forward.
"Thank you for coming, Kevan," Cyn greeted calling everyone's attention back to us.
"Thank you for inviting me," Kevan answered clearly excited.
I grinned. “Now that we are all here, there are several things we need to discuss." I straightened, addressing the full room. Everyone sat around us in whichever place they could find while Cyn and I stood in the center. Some sat on the bed others at the table, and a couple on the floor. "We really need a dedicated meeting room. This is embarrassing."
Cyn's chuckle reached my mind. "I agree, my Goddess." He took a deep breath. "Every one of you has been asked to join us on this day because we consider you an important part of our clan. All of you have been born to fulfill a destiny, which our Mother Goddess gifted to you, and it is up to Brina and me, as your High Priests, to assure that your mission in this life comes to pass."
“Now that Cyn and I have rightfully taken our place as the High Priests of The Order of The Druids, Clan of the Rose, we have decided the time has come for a Druid Court to be assembled.” Gasps and murmurs filled the room.
“Bearing this knowledge, it is our intent to dub into the Druid Court those of you who decide to join us. We shall extend our hopeful invitation. However, the decision remains yours." Cyn briefly looked at me before his gaze went to his brother. "Arthfael Bressall. Please come forth."
Art swiftly stood and walked towards us. The honor shone in his eyes.
My Spear of Light instantly materialized in my grasp. Its magic connected with mine, the Fairy silver thread on the dress, and the Fairy Crown’s, energy as Art stood before us. The energy hummed within me, amplified. “On this righteous day and with the great sun as our witness, we invite you, Arthfael, to take your place in our Druid Court as our Mother Goddess’ Anam Sealgair—Soul Hunter. Do you accept our humble invitation?”
"I do," Art answered resolutely.
I grinned, feeling the joy and pride travel through both Cyn and me.
"Please kneel," Cyn said, looking straight into his brother's eyes.
Once Art did, I placed the end of my staff slightly over his shoulder. Cyn and I joined hands, and our magic ignited. Tendrils of light rushed from our palms, through my arm and into the sphere. The Minastra Galisacura Arthulis came to life, glowing and dispersing colorful rays of energy that engulfed Art’s body. It resembled the Aurora Borealis moving like energy waves around him.
The image of him mirrored the one projected into our minds. Cyn and I could see it clear as day through the ancient connection with our ancestors that we now shared. The others gasped, and although we felt like we had already performed this rite, I couldn't help but marvel at the physical sight of it.
"Sweet mother of…" I whispered into Cyn's mind, unable to finish. I really had no words.
"I agree, my Goddess."
"It is our great honor to welcome you to the Druid Court,” Cyn added as I moved my staff onto Art's right shoulder then it all together. The light disappeared as though his essence absorbed it.
“Rise, Art Bressall, as Soul Hunter of the Clan of the Rose, in the name of our Mother Goddess." I placed my staff down and looking into his eyes as he stood. They sparkled with emotion, and he leaned down kissing my cheek.
Art stepped close to Cyn, and they held each other’s necks, pressing their foreheads against the other in a sign of utter respect. Art then turned around and took his place at his brother' side.
“Amelia Brown, please come forth.” Cyn chuckled as Lia squealed, jumping out of her chair.
“They picked me! They picked me!” The others laughed. Lia stood in front of us.
I grinned. “On this righteous day and with the great sun as our witness we invite you, Amelia, to take your place in our Druid Court as our Fiosaiche Fàil—Seer of Destinies. Do you accept our this invitation?”
"Yeah, girl, you know I do!"
Everyone laughed. I loved Lia. "Please kneel," Cyn asked, and as soon as she did, I rested my staff on her left shoulder. The colorful glow instantly enveloped her. "It is our great honor to welcome you to the Druid Court.” I moved the staff to her other shoulder.
“Rise, Lia Brown, as Seer of Destinies of the Clan of the Rose, in the name of our Mother Goddess." I threw my arms around her as the tears escaped me. She wasn't able to hold hers in either. We stepped back wiping our cheeks, and she took her place by my side.
“Eisha Cinnia. Please come forth.”
She took a calming breath as she stepped in front of us. Her head held high as she straightened her back.
“On this righteous day and with the great sun as our witness we ask you, Eisha, to renounce your place as Laochra ceannaire—Warrior leader, and invite you to take your place in our Druid Court as our Ovate—Seer of Prophecies, and Traveler of Time and Space. Do you accept our humble invitation?” She grinned at my words and slightly bowed her head.
“I do. It will be my honor,” she answered, filled with pride.
“Please kneel.”
"It is our great honor to welcome you to the Druid Court.”
“Rise, Eisha Cinnia, as Seer of Prophecies, and Traveler of Time and Space of the Clan of the Rose, in the name of our Mother Goddess.” Eisha and I hugged, then she and Cyn held each other necks, pressing their foreheads together. Stepping back she took her place at my right, beside Lia.
“Kevan Duel. Please come forth.”
Kevan looked at both of us stunned. I offered him a kind smile and nodded reassuringly. His gaze tentatively swept over Art, then Lia as he stood and walked towards us, stopping before Cyn and me.
“On this righteous day and with the great sun as our witness we invite you, Kevan, to take your place in our Druid Court as our Maighstir-leigheis—Master Healer. Do you accept our humble invitation?”
"Are you guys sure? I know I still have a lot to atone for, you don't have to do this. I'll help regardl…”
“Are you questioning the High Priests of the Order?” Cyn asked as amusement rushed through us, yet his face remained dead serious. He was terrible. He arched his eyebrow for extra emphasis, and I almost rolled my eyes.
Kevan's eyes widened. "No, of course not. I just meant…"
“Please say you accept our invitation,” I repeated, and he looked at both of us as raw emotion filtered through his eyes.
Kevan stood straighter and smiled. “I do. It will be the highest honor.”
“Please kneel.”
The colors of my Minastra GalIsacura Arthulis, glowed all around him as my staff touched his shoulders.
"It is our great honor to welcome you to the Druid Court.”
“Rise, Kevan Duel, as Master Healer of the Clan of the Rose, in the name of our Mother Goddess.”
Kevan took his place next to Art, and the two exchanged a quick glance. “Well, at least they didn’t kill each other.” Cyn chuckled in my mind as we stood forward.
“Let it be known in this righteous day and with the great sun as our witness, that Brina and I take our places in the Court as both High Priests and the first Peace Bearer, and Master of Magic to ever exist in the Druid Order. The Druid Court is now complete.”
Applause and cheers soon surrounded us. Cyn and I turned towards Cathair and Seima.
“Cathair Ahearn and Seima Uli
a. Please come forth.” They looked at us confused but stood and came closer.
“Cathair, I would like to name you the new Laochra ceannaire—Warrior leader of the Clan of the Rose. I also wish for you, Seima, to act as his second in command from this day forward.” Cyn said with a smile. “Do you accept the titles I today place upon you?”
Seima and Cathair squared their shoulders. The Warriors in them instantly took over. They bowed their heads, placing their hands over their hearts—as I had seen them do several times. “It will be a true honor, High Priests.” They answered in unison, one knee touching the ground then stood.
“Seima,” I said, reaching for her hand. “I was also wondering, would you be willing to make outfits for the members of the Court too, please? They don't have to look like ours. I assume you must not have any more silver thread from the Fae, after the detailed work you did, but I know whatever you make will be amazing.”
Her eyes filled with pride as she looked at Lia and the others. “I will gladly do so.” A brilliant smile sealed her words.
“Thank you.” They turned around and sat again while Cyn and I gazed at Ronan and Eghan.
"Ronan Shanahan and Eghan Ardrey, please come forth," Cyn called, and the two exchanged a bewildered glance and walked towards us. "Ronan, I would like to ask you to renounce your position as Warrior, and reclaim your rightful place as our village’s Counselor. You have demonstrated once again what your true calling entails, as you helped two of our own through a time of despair. I beg of you to reconsider. As your High Priests, we would do you a disservice if we allowed you to walk away from your life's mission." We smiled at Ronan as he contemplated Cyn's words. “Do you accept the title I today place upon you?”
Eghan held Ronan's hand and whispered something into his ear. Ronan smiled in response. His kind eyes softened as he looked at us. When his gaze filled with longing, I knew what his answer would be.
"It will be my pleasure. Thank you for asking this of me. It is a passion which has never quieted in my heart." I hugged him tightly. Ronan had such a tender soul.
Leaning back, I looked at his husband. "Eghan, now that Eisha has taken her place in the Druid Court we would like for you to resume her teachings of the history of the Celts and the basis of magic—as you once learned them from her—to the young ones and to any other who would like to learn." My gaze briefly connected with Kevan, hoping he'd gotten the message. Eghan's lips stretched wide illuminating his features as my eyes returned to him. “Do you accept the title of Teacher I today place upon you, aside from your place as Warrior in the Clan of the Rose?”
“I shall try my best to honor you.”
"Very well, then," Cyn said, as we both moved so we could face everyone at once. "It is time to announce the Druid Court to our people." He walked towards the farthest wall and throwing the stones in the air he created a portal into the old training grounds.
"Eghan, Ronan, Seima, and Cathair," I called, walking with my Spear of Light to the portal Cyn created. "Please gather everyone in the village, and take them to ceremonial place. Tell them their High Priests have important news."
"Yes, High Priestess," they said with a half bow, and I rolled my eyes. "Bri. Now go!" They rushed out the door as I turned around to face the Court. "Come with us." Cyn, Art and the others began to walk through the portal as my arm reached for Kevan before he could leave. "I hope you understand that before our people can accept you as we have, they must also forgive you. This is your chance to talk to them, and let them see the same change we see in you."
He took a deep breath. I could physically see the weight of my words falling onto his shoulders.
I cupped his cheek, allowing a slight amount of my peace to travel into him. Not the same I would use for a blessing, but just enough to reassure him. Kevan's eyes widened, and he looked at me in awe, the tension easing out of him.
I smiled.
“It will be okay. I believe in you.”
KEVAN
* * *
We stood in the same spot where the wedding had apparently taken place. I hadn’t been here, but it was evident by the unique flowers all around us, and the rows of seats in front of us. A large archway, clearly used as the altar, sat above us. It was easily ten feet tall and made of rich wood, vines and blooms were all around it as though it was here for years. Yet the glow and sparks of magic running through it told me otherwise.
My gaze followed the villagers as they trickled into the space. The joy on their faces while they looked towards Cynwrig and Briana was unmistakable. Mothers pointed them out to their children, and some even clapped excitedly. The looks in their eyes were of awe, hope, and utter devotion.
The High Priests, of The Order of The Druids.
It was so strange for me, yet so meant to be for everyone here. I understood in a way. It signified the beginning of a new time for them, a better life… as well as it did for me. My fingers lifted to my cheek. The skin still tingled from the stream of energy Briana, I mean, Brina, had poured into me back at Eisha’s hut. It had been soothing and reassuring, yet I was sure it was only a glimpse of what she could do. Unfortunately, it wasn’t nearly enough to calm the anxiety surfacing now. There was no escaping what I had to do, not that I wanted to. This was my new beginning and I wanted to do things right.
I wondered if Brina gave free refills and silently chuckled at my stupidity. A labored sigh left my lips. I needed to get my fucking head on straight, if I was going to convince these people to accept me as one of their own. But could I persuade them? I knew the moment they learned I was once Roman, and a freaking Brotherhood Founder—as they called my family—I was as good as gone. We were direct descendants of the Roman General who had started the fucking vicious cycle, the hatred and hunt of the Druids, and The Brotherhood itself. In the eyes of all who knew about our history, we were basically royalty. Standing here now, in front of so many innocent people, it made me sick to even think I once supported those crimes.
I did not deserve to be here, but I was, and I strongly believed that I belonged here. My Mother had made sure of that by giving me a more significant gift than bringing me to life. She gave me Druid blood. She gave me an ability, and a future where I could be who I was always meant to be. I was going to do everything in my power to prove to everyone, and to myself, that I was worthy of them. I owed that to her.
Mom, if you can hear me, wherever you are, I swear to you I'll be worthy of being your son. I will spend the rest of my life helping these people, healing them and protecting them. I'll risk everything for them, and be the man you wanted me to be.
I cleared my throat, pushing back the emotion that invaded my chest. The last thing I needed was to fucking cry like a little girl. Soft lips brushed against mine, and I blinked, startled. Eisha chuckled, and I frowned.
“You need not worry. It will all be as it shall.”
I smiled, I loved the fuck out of this woman, but she needed a modem language thesaurus STAT. It wouldn't hurt her to learn some slang either. "Baby, repeat after me: you’ve got this, Bitch." Her eyes widened, and I laughed. Leaning down, I kissed her briefly, making sure no one saw and stood straighter when Cynwrig and Brina turned to face the village.
The space instantly became silent as everyone looked at them. Cynwrig held Brina’s hand, and a light ignited between them. My eyes widened as the sphere at the end of Brina's Staff illuminated, and the next second the brilliant white light shot from it, spreading through the grounds like a wave, and covering everyone, including us. An almost overwhelming feeling of peace rushed through me as the light hit me. It was similar to what I had felt when she cradled my cheek at the hut, but a thousand times stronger, so much so that it brought me to my knees. I looked around, seeing the same reaction in others. Those who had not been sitting kneeled and some even had tears in their eyes.
Eisha’s hand landed on my shoulder just as the light disappeared, and I stood slowly, looking all around me. The feeling lingered, making me feel content. I was
n’t sure I remembered the last time I ever felt happy before arriving here. I couldn't help my Catholic beliefs from coming to me as I made the sign of the cross on my chest, and thanked God for letting me be here. I wasn’t sure about religion anymore. They had a Goddess, I had a God, but I was still part of them. Perhaps the all-knowing, omnipotent power we all called by different names, was one in the same—A glorious spirit, a higher being, looking over all of us and bringing us together.
“Thank you, family, for being here with us today,” Cynwrig spoke, and some of my anxiety returned, but it was dull, not as strong as before.
“We have called you here because we want to share joyful news with you, but first, we wish to introduce you to someone special.” I tensed as Brina’s words caused everyone to look in my direction. I was the only one they didn’t know, so it was only logical. Turning towards me, Brina smiled, extending her hand. I took it, appreciating the gesture, and walked forward.
As I stepped to the front Brina and Cynwrig moved, giving me space and leaving me as the center of attention. I took a settling breath. Here goes nothing, Mom.
“My name is Kevan Duel, yet it hasn’t always been. But before I clarify that, I’d like to tell you a bit about myself, if you’ll allow me.” Everyone remained quiet as their gazes focused on me. “My Mother died when I was born, my Father raised me afterwards, but in his pain at losing her, he closed himself off to life. To me. He loved me and protected me the best he could, but he never talked about my Mother. Until recently, I didn’t know anything about her, not even her name."
Gasps and sounds of sympathy came from the crowd, but I pushed myself not to waver.
"I grew up in a very different place than what you call home. Not because it was modern, and filled with luxury but because it was cold and void of love. Instead, I was surrounded by a hatred that didn't belong to me. By a history I didn't want as my own, yet I had no choice but to accept—no knowledge of anything else. My Father loved me, but he was also surrounded by this hatred, and unfortunately, infected by it. Deep inside he was not a bad man, but he made bad choices. Choices I followed blindly, because he was my Dad, and because I was unaware that there was a different path I could take. I regret the things I have done because of my ignorance, and the evil influence my family had on me. But most of all, I feel guilty for the despicable acts I allowed others to do. I’m sure I will regret those terrible mistakes for the rest of my life… but you see, in spite of everything I was part of, I was given a gift. I learned about my Mother. Her name was Ailidh Duel.”
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