The Druid 3

Now that Crimson Fire was gone Fire Eagle needed to gain experience. For over ten years he travelled the lands helping people, learning from many other druids. One day he knew he would be called up on to take the role of high priest as yet he felt unready. Faithfully he followed the druid ways of peace and nature. Living his life in mainly solitude he was very close and in tune with the land and creatures. He took part in many solstices and Equinox's abet in a lowly position. Always he was learning and growing stronger, facing many perils and banishing them all. Daily his powers became stronger and people visited him to learn from him. Eventually he took on his first apprentice a lad named Tom. He taught Tom about the plants that healed and those used wrongly that could harm. In time he also set him tasks to prove his worth and heart. Shortly after Tom left a group of priests came to his cave. They told Fire Eagle to prepare for circle as one would be held the following night. This a private circle only for priests Fire Eagle did his cleansing rite and drank the Enchanter's potion, now he was ready to don his ritual robes. Taking hold of his staff he left his cave and followed the other druids to the Sacred Grove. They sat and cleared their minds of daily thoughts letting the Grove's magic fill them. They sat as still as statues as they medicated on life itself. Finally the high priest Golden Stag rose and started to chant. He blessed the other priests and gave them tasks to do which must be completed by the Summer Solstice, to Fire Eagle he said it is now time for you to come with me. Golden Stag taught Fire Dragon all his secrets and set him tasks which Fire Dragon strove to complete well. Finally the high priest was happy and said you are now ready. As you know I am old and it is my time soon to go to rest. You have been chosen to take my place and I will conduct the ceremony to make you our high Priest at Summer Solstice. For the next two days you must wander the lands helping all you find in need and healing those who come to you. It is important to stay in balance with Nature and you must treat all as equals. Evil will try to corrupt you and lead you astray. Keep this talisman by you and you will be able to see the truth. As he wandered many called on him for help or healing and giving them all his full attention he did his best. Mid day before the Solstice a lovely girl came to him and sat at his feet drinking in his very essence, draining him. Fire Eagle struggled to clear his mind of her wiles and remembering his talisman held it aloft, in blue smoke she changed to an evil demon and burst into flames. He had now completed his tasks and returned to Golden Stag. Together they discussed what he had learnt while away. You are now ready, said Golden Stag go and prepare yourself. Well aware of this monumental moment he took great care to follow the cleansing exactly. Finally ready they set off to circle. Meeting up with other robed druids they reached Stonehenge and entered its sacred circle. They did the rites of purification and showed their respect to Mother Nature then all bowed to the North, East and South and finally to West. Golden Stag stepped into the centre and told all it was near his time to rest. The Druids moaned in sorrow yet knew it was the way of things. Fire Dragon will take my place he said. We will conduct his passage to high priest at this sacred time in the knowledge he will receive the circles wisdom just like all before him. He spread out the herbs and choosing several mixed them together, then he anointed Fire Dragon with them whilst he chanted. At the end he asked to be taken back to his cave by Fire Dragon, he gave him his staff and robes and laid down. Just like Crimson Fire he let out a soft sigh and left this world. Now it was up to Fire Dragon to lead the Druids. His first task was to lay Golden Stag to rest and he accomplished it well. Many came and sat at his feet to learn the Druid ways. A shy girl approached and in time Fire Dragon and her fell in love and were wed. Sadly five years later she died in childbirth. To be continued