The Druid and the Igniad Pt. 06

Gern mustered his faith and uttered a prayer, gesticulating with his hands in an upward, sweeping motion. Vines of tangled vetch sprang out of the ground and snagged around the nearest assassin's boots, tripping him. The warriors who had been telling erotic stories around the campfire nearby looked up.

"Take him!" Gern commanded as he and Lu leapt over the tripped man, who was further entangled with flowering herbaceous vines. The man tried to get up, then saw that the warriors were unsheathing their weapons.

Gern and Lu were gaining on the last remaining man, now, who was nearing the edge of the army camp. Cradling the child in one arm, he flitted a hand to his belt and yanked on a string attached to a firm leather satchel. Stinging alchemical smoke vented out of perforations in the satchel, and both Lu and Gern struggled to keep sight of him.

"Look out!" Gern exclaimed, and he jumped to one side, but Lu couldn't see what he was avoiding. Stabbing pain shot up from her foot, and she missed her next step. She crashed into the ground, and tumbled haphazardly to a sliding stop. Gern tore the grass with his feet as he halted his pursuit, looking back to Lu.

"Don't stop!" Lu protested desperately. She looked behind her, and saw sharp iron caltrops littering the ground in a trail behind her. Lu started pulling the barbed saboteurs from her skin, and Gern resumed the chase. He made it another league, the kidnapper just within his sight, when, breathless, he stumbled to a stop. The kidnapper disappeared into the night behind advancing formations of black-tattooed warriors. He would surely die if he tried to fight his way through them, and Lu was in no condition to fight so many. Gern hesitated, choked down a sob as he realized his failure, then turned around and ran back the way he had come. He found Lu running towards him on a bloody foot.

"Where's Awenn?!" She demanded, tears in her eyes.

"Vorris is about to attack," Gern explained, his voice betraying his grief. "They are too many."

"Where's Awenn?!" Lu repeated, continuing that direction. Gern stopped her, holding her from running headlong into the advancing army.

"We'll get her back," Gern affirmed, a new weight to his tone, "but we must prepare our warriors for battle. Quickly!"

"Awenn!" Lu cried, reluctantly letting Gern throw her over his shoulder. "Gaia help me! Please!" She felt cold, and then noticed a sting in her blood. She knew then that the caltrops had been poisoned.

**********

Arkis caught up to them, and Gern informed him of the impending attack. They raised the alarm as they made their way back through the army camp outside the village, and together they carried Lu to the Great Hall, where Opal had also been brought to heal. Nualla and Ongus from the council of elders stood watch over her, and Lu, getting weaker by the minute, was laid out on an oaken table.

The moonlight shone down on them all, for the Great Hall was without a roof. Thousands of spears had been used to make the rafters, and it had all been disassembled and distributed to arm their coalition.

"Bloodthorn poison," Arkis stated, examining Lu's wounded foot. "It will not kill her, but it will destroy her mind. She will be rendered as helpless as her own child."

"Is there a cure?" Gern asked.

Arkis cast his eyes down and did not answer.

"There must be!" Gern blurted.

"Yes," Opal said, her voice soft and quiet. "She must drink my blood."

"Your blood?"

"The life-water of a naiad will cure any poison."

"Opal," Nualla, the blue-robed council woman addressed, "you have lost much of your blood already."

"If we hurry she will only need a little. Too much, and she may die from it, but it's her only chance. Please, help me."

Nualla and Arkis helped Opal to her feet, and steadied her on her way to Lu.

"Thank you," Gern said, and presented his knife.

Opal sliced her finger with the blade, and pressed the fresh wound to Lu's lips. Delirious, Lu admitted Opal's finger into her mouth, and drank the shining liquid that flowed across her tongue. It was like drinking the purest water after being dehydrated for days. A relief washed over her like a cool gust of wind after she had bathed in lava for too long. She moaned at the multi-hued taste of it, a bright snap of willow sap followed by notes of pickled brine, finished with the sparkling freshness of rock-seeped waterfalls. She felt the slow creep of death recede, and warmth returned to her flesh.

Opal let out a sigh, then began to fall unconscious. Gern caught her, and Arkis helped lay her on the table next to Lu. Nualla bandaged Opal's cut, then gently elevated her head and gave her medicinal tea from a small wooden bowl.

"How do we know if she's had enough?" Nualla asked.

Lu jolted upright, suddenly fully awake, her heart pounding with energy from the life-water. Nualla jumped in surprise, then regained her sagely composure.

"Lu, are you alright?" Gern asked, placing his hand on her shoulder. Lu nodded, breathing like she had when she was chasing after her daughter's captors.

"We could use some of that to cure Ongus' alcohol poisoning," Nualla commented quietly.

"Now is not the time to be making jokes, woman!" Ongus grumbled, and uncorked a clay flask under the cover of his pale grey cloak.

"Now is not the time to be drinking, you stale old cheese!"

"We are besieged by a bewitched army. Now is exactly the time to be drinking." He took a spiteful swig.

"Ongus," Gern turned to the white-haired elder. "Are our warriors ready?"

"They are taking up defensive positions, now, Archdruid, but we won't last long if Vorris decides to wait us out. Our food stores cannot feed our numbers for more than a few days without resupply."

"We waited too long to attack," Gern muttered, "and we can't wait any longer. She has us penned, here. We must lift the siege and take the fight to Vorris."

"You want to meet her army with a full frontal assault?" Nualla asked, aghast.

"I advise that we evacuate and win this war as we have won wars in the past," Ongus said, "with patience and tactics!"

The three of them argued, and Lu crossed her legs on the table, looking down at her naked body. She did not even have her crystal protector to cover her sex. Then, a thought kindled in her racing mind, driven by the raw power of Opal's life-water.

"Arkis?" Lu asked.

Arkis turned to her, sorrowful anticipation in his eyes.

"Is it true what your brother said?" She questioned. "Did you take crystals from my mountain?

"It is true," Arkis admitted, lowering his gaze in shame. "When you found me, I hoped to atone for my offense. I-"

"Do you still have them? The crystals?"

"Not all, but I kept the best ones. After my wife died, I could not bring myself to sell them."

"Bring them to me. We're going to fight fire with fire!"

***************

The attacking army took up positions near the fortified settlement that had been Gern's home since his birth. They began cutting down trees, sawing and shaving the wood into hundreds of ladders for an escalade. Skirmishes broke out on the mountain trails as defenses on the ridges were probed for weaknesses. Chief Gartham led his warriors on the rocky crags as if he were defending their own mountainhomes.

Meanwhile, Arkis retrieved a large satchel from his belongings, and laid out nine purple crystals on the table. They were the size of unopened pinecones, and retained their natural shape and scaly fractal surface. Gern gave orders to the chieftains, and Arkis fetched Lu's pelvic crystal from the hot springs, and several herbs and flowers at Lu's request. Lu, warming herself with a skirt of flame, used chalk to draw lines and symbols on the flagstones of the Great Hall. Gern approached as she worked.

"Um, Lu," Gern said, "you seem quite knowledgeable in magical ritual. Where did you learn to do this?"

Lu finished drawing the symbol for "essence", giving herself a few moments to think about what she wanted to say. She stood up, and took a breath.

"I haven't been...completely honest with you Gern. I was afraid you would be angry with me."

"Why would I be angry about you knowing arcane lore? I'm a bit of an alchemist myself."

"Because...I learned it from Labolas."

"You...wait, what?"

"I know he's working for Vorris, but-"

"You trusted that demon? What did they do to you when they took you captive?"

"Nothing! Just listen!" Lu's skirt briefly flared at her exclamation, betraying her frustration. Gern crossed his arms and waited for Lu to continue. "Thank you. He wants to betray Vorris. He's being forced to serve her. I've been taking lessons from him for months."

"You...kept this secret from me all this time?"

"I'm sorry," Lu cast her eyes down in shame. "I wanted to tell you...I really did. I just knew you wouldn't trust him."

"Of course not! We looked up everything we could about this demon when you told us about him. Labolas is a name that comes up in some very old scrolls. He's known as 'the betrayer' and is associated with bloodshed. This whole war was probably his idea! Maybe it was he who brought Vorris back from the dead, did you think of that?"

"Maybe he did! But he helped me escape! I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for him! And why would he teach me magic if he didn't want me to defeat Vorris?"

"I-well, I don't know, but I can't believe you trusted a demon and not me!"

Lu and Gern glared at one another, separated by lines of chalk on the floor.

"I may just be a befuddled old man," Ongus spoke up, taking a pause to throw back a swig from his flask, "but I have recited the lore of our people all my life, as it was told unto me. There is a reason the wisdom of the ancients was passed down to us in three-fold sayings. There is a reason we are tattooed with the triple-spiral. Every problem in life, as every thing itself, consists of two things opposed to each other, and a third that connects them together. You have both identified a conflict between you...and normally I would not interfere. But much is at stake, and discord amongst us now could ensure our destruction. The world is out of balance, and we must serve Gaia by finding balance amongst, and within, ourselves. Is this also your wish?"

Gern sighed, said: "Yes."

"Yes," Lu concurred softly.

"Then make your peace," Ongus said.

"Gern," Lu began, "I'm sorry I didn't trust you, and I know that it is unfair of me to ask that you trust me now, but I love you, and I need you."

"I love you too, Lu. I'm sorry I became angry. The demon may not be on Vorris' side, but I don't think he's on your side, either. I cannot trust him."

"I understand, and you may be right, but I can use what he taught me to help us get our daughter back. I need you to help me in the ritual."

"Very well. Tell me what to do."

"You will stand in the north and represent earth. I will stand in the south, representing fire. Opal, will you stand in the west and represent water?"

"Of course!" Opal said cheerfully, and she got up from her nest of blankets. She winced at the pain of her scorched neck, holding a damp cloth over it.

"You mustn't strain yourself, Opal," Nualla cautioned, bringing a poultice of herbs and honey.

"Nualla," Lu addressed, "I need someone to stand in the east, representing air."

"I am honored that you would ask me, Lu, but as an Ovate my affinity is with the element of water, and Opal is a far better choice for that station."

Ongus cleared his throat, said: "It has been said of me that I am a windbag, and as the eldest bard in the land, I humbly offer my service to you, igniad." He bowed his snowy-haired head with a smile.

"So be it," Lu said with a smile of her own. "Two men and two women. Two mortals and two immortal. Let the magic connect us."

Lu explained the structure of the ritual, and outlined what was expected. Arkis kept a watchful vigil at the roofless building's entrance, ready to prevent anyone from disrupting what occurred within. When they were ready, Lu reached through the flames of her fire-skirt and took off her crystal cup, blushing a little as she felt her own flames harmlessly lick the outer lips of her sex. She placed her pelvic crystal in the center of the circle, then the shards of the crystal trees in a tight spiral around it. Offerings of salt, herbs, and symbolic items were placed around the magic circle, including a sword, a bowl of consecrated water, a smoldering stick of incense, and a tallow candle, which Lu lit with a flick of her finger. She swept her finger up from the candle and traced a pentagram in the air, trailing flame from her fingertip.

She softened her sight and visualized color in her breath, a bright, clear yellow like morning sunlight. She felt a power clarifying and strengthening her mind.

"Gaia," Lu began, "Divine Goddess, Mother, you who generates all things and brings forth ever anew the sun which you have given us, guardian of the sky and of all creatures and powers...we pray to you, the source of strength of all beings, for without you nothing can be born or brought to perfection. Now I make intercession to all your powers and herbs and to your majesty, and offer you the worship and reverence that is your due. Bless this magic, so that we might serve you."

Lu's eyes regained their focus, and she looked to Gern across the circle. He felt her gaze, and took a steadying breath.

"Powers of the North," Gern addressed as earnestly as he could, "quadrant guardian of the earth, I consecrate these jewels of living crystal, and charge it with your energies. I purify them this night, and make them sacred."

Lu gave a little nod. Short, concise, and to the point. Fitting for the element of earth, she thought. She looked to Ongus, who stood at the east of the circle.

"Powers of the East," Ongus addressed in his aged voice, "quadrant guardian of Air, element of the Muse and sacred power of the bards, we pray you, aid us in our connection to inspiration. Be the wing and prayer on which our magic flies. Be our voice, and breathe sacred life into this rite, for the sake of the life and love of an innocent child."

Lu's vision blurred for a moment from oily tears welling in her eyes, but she blinked them away and centered herself, said: "Powers of the South, I evoke the elemental force of Fire, the flames of transformation and passion...dancing source of heat, light, and life. I seek the glowing forge within, to shape enchantments upon these crystals for strength and protection, and I pray to the quadrant guardian of Fire that I am worthy. May your light burn away the darkness that besets me."

Lu felt a tender warmth flush throughout her body, exciting her sacral chakra at her loins as well as her mind, and her heart beat with confidence. She looked to Opal, who stood at the west of the circle, skyclad except for the cloth dressings over her neck and the enchanted waterlily over her sex. The firelight from the circle's ceremonial candle mingled with the starlight against her glimmering skin.

"Powers of the West," Opal said, looking to the center of the circle, "lead us to the springs of eternal life within. May we drink and be satisfied, and become channels of your grace. May those who thirst find the water without price. I ask you, help us to grant this magic the grace of fluidity of the never-failing fountain of life. May the energies flow like the pure water of the spirit."

Lu's pelvic crystal in the center of the circle began to glow with a golden-purple light, and subtle ripples of opalescent color shimmered on its smooth, elegant surface. The light spread to the crystal shards that spiraled around it as they seemed to attune to the magic that they had forgotten.

Lu slowly stepped into the circle and approached the center, said: "I charge these crystals in the name of Gaia and the Ancients, the Sun and the Moon and the Stars. By the powers of the Earth, of Air, of Fire and of Water, receive now your blessings."

She crouched down next to the crystal spiral, and as she did so her skirt of flame grew in its reach across her skin, flickering over her sensitive, milk-swollen breasts. She touched the crystal nearest her.

"Inward light to guide my way," Lu said, then touched the next one, and touched each one in turn with a caress of her fingertips as she continued. "Radiance of moon to bring me peace, splendor of fire to quench the darkness, speed of lightning to strike true, swiftness of wind to dance me free, depth of molten sea to preserve my mysteries, firmness of stone to bring me stability amidst changing histories." She hovered her hand over the second to last jewel, thinking about what two final enchantments she wished. Perhaps for a sword and shield, she thought, but then she dismissed the idea. She knew how to fight against swords and shields, but she had never used them herself. She knew she could not rely on her flames, however. She made her choice, and placed her hands on both crystals. "Power of oaken limb, uphold me against the full force of storm's brim."

All the crystals glowed brighter for a moment, then their light subdued until there were only faint but ever-present shimmers of fractal lights within them. Lu stood up and faced each cardinal direction, thanking the powers and closing the gates in her mind, then closed the ritual with a silent prayer to Gaia and the triple-ahwen affirmation. She beamed a smile, emboldened by the enchantments she commanded. Despite the odds, she felt victory was now possible.

"Gern," Lu addressed, "I need some way to wear these. I'm going to save our daughter."

"I have just the thing" he said, "...and I'm going with you."

Lu gathered up all the crystals in the satchel Arkis had brought them in, and placed her crystal cup between her legs. It snugged up against her skin, holding its place over her sex. Gern led Lu to the smithy where she had helped operate the forge for months. The forge was deserted, however, for everyone was either hiding in their homes or at their defensive stations. Every weapon, shield, and piece of armor had been equipped for use against the ongoing attack, or so it seemed. Gern set his staff against the wall by a large chest. He unlocked it, and threw it open. Inside was an elegant set of armor, masterfully made and compactly arranged. It was plain to see it was made for Lu, as the breastplate was specially shaped to accommodate her bust.

"Oh, Gern, it's wonderful. Did you make this?"

"I've been crafting it for months. I came here and worked on it when you wanted time for yourself."

"When...I was learning magic."

"I accept your apology, Lu. This is my gift to you. This way, I can protect you even beyond my death."

"You're not going to die today, Gern, or tomorrow. You will be with me, and I will be with you."

"I will be with you," he cupped her cheek, "for as long as I live. But I will not live forever."

"I promise to you I will cherish all our days." Tears welled in her again, and she kissed him, closing her eyes and sending heavy trails down her cheeks. They both wanted to embrace one another more, but time was precious, and Gern broke the kiss.

"Let's get those crystals set," Gern said determinately.

Lu clutched the shard she had enchanted for fire, and conjured elemental flames with such focus that Gern could scarcely look long enough to weld prongs to the pieces of armor. They worked together swiftly, and beveled the prongs over the gems until every one of them was held securely on the armor at the head, shoulders, arms, legs, and breast. The armor was finished, bearing heavy enchantments and ready to be donned.

"I'll help you put it on," Gern said, "then we'll charge through the battlements and take Vorris by surprise. We must hurry! There's no telling what the witch is doing to our girl."