Druid Knights 1.5: The Druid Knight Tales by Ruth A. Casie Read Free Book Online Page A

fingers to his lips.
    He searched her face. Yes, her eyes were brighter and the dark hollows surrounding them were almost gone. He brushed her cheek with his fingertips. She was warm and in the fading light he thought her ashen pallor was fading. Max glanced at the mistletoe.
    “I know, Max.” She peered deeply into his eyes. “I know what is to come.”
    He held her tight. “I almost lost you,” he whispered.
    “I love you. You are my greatest gift,” she declared.
    He broke away for a moment. “And you, mine. I love you, Ellyn.” He bent down to kiss her again but she held him off. She turned her face to the moon.
    “The sun is gone and moonrise is almost complete. We’re too late,” she spoke in a weak, trembling whisper.
    He grabbed the mistletoe and gave it to her. “Hold this.” He scooped her up and hurried back to the inner circle.
    “Max, don’t do this. It is forbidden.”
    “I’ve been a fool. I would give anything for you to be well. Anything for us to be together.” He came into the inner circle.
    “You are fortunate, Grand Master,” the Ancestor said.
    Max halted and gave the Ancestor a questioning stare. He stood with Ellyn next to him.
    “You must return to the great oak before the full moonrise,” the Ancestor said, motioning to the moon.
    Max turned and watched the great shadow cover the orb. “Thank you. I am humbled.” He bowed his head.
    “You have the sacred mistletoe.” The Ancestor pointed to the sprig Ellyn held. “Guard it well. But know that the mistletoe did not heal you. Only the love of your soul mate could do that.”
    “Yes, I know.” Ellyn stood at Max’s side. She planted her great staff solidly in the ground between them. Max’s hand covered hers—it glowed.
    “Your mighty staff knows the truth. Its light will always lead you to each other, amongst other things, but—” the Ancestor said.
    She and Max looked first at her staff then at the Ancestors.
    “I have foreseen the future and I go willingly,” Ellyn said. “We will set the mistletoe at the door of our house and decorate the boughs—not only to keep us from harm as you have prescribed but, at this season in particular, to remind us of our love for each other.”
    The Ancestors nodded. “Well done. You are a worthy partner for the Grand Master, especially this Grand Master.”
    Max put his arm around her. “I will guard her well and love her more.”
    “It’s time you returned.” The Ancestors stepped back to the stones and spoke in one voice,
    “As above, so below,
    As within, so without.
    Guidance and love they did obtain,
    And bring a good year to their clan again.”
    ***
    Max and Ellyn firmly held on to the glowing staff. The wind swirled and blew around them. The storm ended as quickly as it began. When it cleared they stood at the great oak in Avebury. All the clans were close by staring as the great shadow moved and once again revealed the moon.
    “Welcome.” Doward came up and greeted them.
    “The Grand Master is back.” The people gathered around them. Max raised the staff for their attention.
    “We have come back from the Ancestors. They bless us for another year. Their guidance is of love and understanding.” Doward handed Max the golden scythe to cut fresh mistletoe off the great oak. Ellyn and the other women caught the delicate sprigs in a cloth they held under the oak’s branches. The families took the mistletoe and went off to prepare for the evening’s celebration.
    “They set off rather quickly,” Max said with Ellyn at his side.
    “They have been planning the celebration for some time.” Doward followed Max’s darting gaze. “For whom are you looking?” Doward asked.
    Max creased his brow. “Fendrel. I have some news for him he may find distressing. Ah, there he is.” He walked over to where Fendrel and his clan stood.
    “Grand Master, it is good to have you back.” He drew his wife in front of him. “This is my wife, Dimia, and our new son,” he said,