Born of Oak and Silver (The Caradoc Chronicles) by Marie McKean Read Free Book Online Page B

benefit. You just did not know what it was you were doing. It is second nature to you.”
    “ Bram, I don’t even know what a Druid is, so how can I know what you have seen me do that supposedly makes me one of them?” I didn’t believe him.
    “ A Druid is a keeper and protector of the Earth. A wielder of her elements. As for seeing you, I have seen you demonstrate many talents. But the one that you will most easily recognize is using the wind to run faster than any other boy of your size is capable of doing.”
    I looked down sheepishly. There were times when I felt that I wanted to run faster, and so I did. The wind would blow steadily at my back, seeming to press me forward. My feet would hardly touch the ground. There was never a time that I felt so free.
    Then Bram leaned forward, placing hands on table. His countenance was genuinely intent as he said in a low voice, “And most astoundingly, I have seen you bear the presence and full glamour of the Sidhe and walk away entirely unfazed. What’s more, you did so when you were scarcely outside of your infancy. Now that is something that should be impossible. Had I not witnessed it with my own eyes, I would have never believed it myself.” He then pushed himself away from the table and stood resolutely while waiting for my response.
    The air grew heavy around me. It pushed at me, emphasizing the validity of Bram’s words. My mind and heart raced. I stood steady but entirely speechless, and could concentrate on nothing more than breathing in and out through my panic. Gradually the atmosphere returned to its normal condition, and it became easier to work through my thoughts of astonishment and disbelief. Just when I was about to open my mouth to speak, Bram turned away from me and walked toward the fire. He grabbed the iron poker and adjusted the logs so that the fire would burn hotter. He then turned his face in my direction.
    “Daine, I ha ve taught you all that you need to know in order to succeed at whatever endeavor you should choose to pursue in your lifetime. You can read and comprehend the old masters, as well as being able to use mathematical skill and science in contemplation of the world around you. I have taught you everything I originally promised to, and heretofore I will no longer serve as your teacher in these matters.”
    He began to pace before the fire, his hand thoughtlessly caressing his beard as he added, “If it is your desire to continue your education at higher institutions of learning, I will provide for everything that you should need financially in order to do so. You may attain whatever degree or degrees you desire—it will have no effect upon my support of you or your decision.”
    Abruptly he stopped pacing and walked to stand close to me; his eyes refused to hide the ancient awareness inside. He smiled, familiarly and warmly, and placed his hands on my shoulders while he stooped a little to be able to look me in the eyes.
    “However, if you woul d like to be instructed on how to become who you really are, a Druid, I will agreeably consent to your request and from that moment forward, consider you my apprentice.” He patted my shoulder lovingly and added as he stood up straight, “You have quite the decision before you. Think on it well. If I do not see you for studies tomorrow morning, I will not regard you any differently for your decision.”
    I nodded unseeingly. I walked past him without looking at him—I just couldn’t. It was with great sadness that I left his drawing room, crossed the foyer, opened the heavy old door and stepped through, hearing it close solidly behind me. I closed my eyes and breathed in deeply, opening them again as I exhaled. Slowly, I began the walk home.
    Bram must be going mad. That was the only reason for it all. I kicked a fist-sized rock down the trail in my frustration and anger. The birds happily sang in the warming spring sun. A light breeze blew through the greening, tall grass and the new