The Wolf and the Druidess by Cornelia Amiri Read Free Book Online Page A

beneath it.
    “Yes, this I know, but I did not fathom you so powerful you could summon him to appear in human form,” Hywell said.
    “I will come any time she calls, I assure you, in wolf or human form.” Gwydion flashed a predatory smile.
    “It is the trees, not I, we must think of now.” Seren pointed to an ash looking a bit scraggly without its bright green leaves. “There is one.”
    “Here are three others.” Gwydion gestured toward tall, thin trees with long branches reaching for the sky.
    “This will be enough wood for our chariots,” Meilyr said.
    “Sturdy Ash, as you give to us we give to you,” Gwydion chanted, inclining his head toward the warriors. “Hand me a skin of water.” Taking one from Hywell, the god poured the clear well water onto the roots. “The tribe needs your strong wood for its chariots. We honor the sacrifice you make to give us this great gift. The charioteers will drive them bravely and only the finest ponies will pull them in battle to honor your memory.”
    After Meilyr handed him a small pouch, Gwydion picked a fallen leaf off the ground and shook the herbal blend from the pouch onto it. As he held the leaf, Meilyr struck his flint and lit the spark to the blend of incense. The heady scents of mugwort, betony, woodruff, wormwood and wild dagga clung to the air, like the scent at the bottom of a log embedded in a forest floor for ages.
    Gwydion held his hand out to the tree, focusing his mind on its essence. “In wisdom and love, we accept your sacrifice. We are honored by your bravery and dedication in befriending us.” Having the tree’s permission, he rose and watched reverently as Gwydderig swung his axe into the trunk.
    Seren bowed her cowl-covered head. “Farewell, sacred ash.”
    Gwydion moved to the next tree and performed the same ritual. Gwydderig was still chopping the first tree when Hywell swung his axe into the second. With Gwydion at her side, Seren moved to the third tree and performed the rite for it. Meilyr flung the blade of his axe into its trunk. Though the happiest moment of any life is when they give themselves in sacrifice, a heavy sadness came over Seren as she watched the first ash tree fall.
    She whispered in Gwydion’s ear. “Let’s go.”
    Taking her hand in his, he led her away.
    Gwydderig called out, “Where are you two headed?”
    “To check on the sows,” Seren said.
    They passed the thick growth of trees and shrubs until they were back on the narrow path to the hillfort.
    Feeling a sense of loss, her voice broke as she said, “Trees are silent guards, they are the listeners and they hold knowledge mankind has long forgotten.”
    Gwydion came to a stop and still grasping her hand, he pulled her to him and wrapped his arm around her shoulders to comfort her. “As a druidess, you must always protect the trees, but you do not have the right to rob them of sacrifice. The chariots made from the ash will be strong for the trees are strong, it will be resilient for the ash is resilient, and they will enhance the skills of the Ordovices warriors, for the tree is wise.”
    “It is true.” Seren felt like a light, warm breeze flow into her at his soothing words.
    “Were you saddened by the slaughter of the pigs yesterday? “ Gwydion asked in a soft, comforting voice.
    “No. Mayhap because it is food and it seems more necessary than wands and chariots.”
    “But it is not, all make up the cycle, all are important and everyone and everything’s sacrifice for the tribe is necessary.” Gwydion’s deep blue eyes mellowed and his mouth eased into a smile.
    With his arm wrapped around her shoulder, she walked at his side past round huts and entered the center of the village. They stepped up to the pigpen of hazel wands and withies woven between stakes. Gwydion pulled the small gate of the pen open and leaned down to the large sow, making sure she was well. Her belly was large and she would give birth soon. Seren could not take her eyes off