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

his chest puffed out with pride.
    “Good eve to you, Dimia.” He stroked the back of the infant’s hand. The baby grabbed his finger. Max turned his attention to the new parents. “May you and your clan be blessed with good health and a full hearth.”
    “Thank you, Grand Master.” Fendrel beamed.
    “Fendrel, there is something we need to discuss,” Max said.
    “Yes, what it is?” Fendrel gave Dimia a sly smile.
    Max put his arm protectively around Ellyn. “We are to be married.”
    Fendrel and Dimia looked at each other. Both exploded into wide smiles. “Yes, we know. We’ve been preparing ever since you left. You aren’t the only one gifted with foresight.”
    “Do you also know your son’s destiny?” Ellyn asked. When she peeked at the babe she saw the man he would become, a strong leader and a great druid knight. He would make Dimia and Fendrel proud.
    Speechless, a startled expression set on the new parents’ faces.
    Ellyn looked at the wide-awake baby. “Our families will be forever tied to each other by our children. Our daughter and your son…”
    “Arik. We’ve decided to name him Arik.” Dimia kissed the baby’s head. “My little lion.”
    “Arik will continue our families,” Ellyn said.
    Fendrel stared at Max in disbelief. “Is it true?”
    “If Ellyn says our families will be tied together by our children it must be so. Come, it is time to celebrate our good fortune and our future.”
    Max, with Fendrel and Dimia, set out for the great bonfire.
    Ellyn and Doward followed behind.
    “You knew, didn’t you?” She waited but a heartbeat. “You made certain where I stood and when the portal opened you wished me a safe journey.”
    “I knew once you spent time together and learned to depend on each other you both would make the right decision. Ellyn, I know you and Max are to face challenges in the future. I will be there, always,” Doward voiced with quiet determination.
    “Thank you, Doward.” She placed her hand on his arm. “We appreciate your devotion and friendship.”
    “I cannot change what is fated but I will do what I can—”
    “That is more than anyone could ask.” There was nothing she could do about the future. It would unfold as it was destined. Unless…she shaped it. Gave it direction. Knowing what the future held allowed them to prepare for it. Every moment was precious and she would make every one count.
    She saw Max up ahead and her chest squeezed tighter with pride and love. He was her heart and together they could face anything. She glanced at Doward beside her. With a friend like him maybe the three of them could shape their destiny rather than be at its mercy. It might take a lifetime but something inside her said it was worth a try. They caught up to Max and the others.
    The Grand Master stood before the bonfire and removed his tunic for everyone to see the sacred runes tattooed across his back. He picked up a lit branch. With his other arm he gathered Ellyn to his side. She ran her hand down his back, which made his muscles flinch and his tattoos softly glow.
    He bent to her ear. “The runes warm to your touch.”
    “Perhaps it is a sign we are truly soul mates.” She kept her eyes forward.
    The sign. Of course. He smiled and raised the torch. “Is there anything else you want to tell me?”
    “Her name will be Rebeka.” She stared straight ahead, not meeting his eyes.
    “Who?” he asked, a startled expression spread across his face.
    “Our daughter. Arik’s soul mate.” A satisfied smile played on Ellyn’s lips.
    “She will be a mighty woman,” he teased.
    She looked into his eyes. “She will be the best of both of us. Now, finish the ritual. We have important things to…celebrate.” She stepped aside and planted her staff deep into the ground between them.
    He covered her hand with his. The staff glowed but only for them.
    “Hail, Guardians, we thank you for the power of air, fire, water, and earth.”
    “For all you have given to