Prologue 1
“Good! You’re here.”
It has been a while since he was given something to do.
And by the Archdruid himself, no less.
“What can I do for you master?”
Archibald asked in a calm voice, not betraying his relief of having something to do. Though he believed in the order's mission, the quiet life of caressing trees and laughing with squirrels just wasn't for him. He needed to be on the move, to have some excitement.
That's what drove me to pick up a stick and swing it around in the first place, he thought to himself. He still remembered how excited he was when his father presented him with a wooden mace. To keep me entertained.
The Archdruid looked pensive, as if not sure what he should tell Archibald. When he was younger, Archibald would be offended by this. He would probably go to his father, fuming, saying something like "Why doesn't he trust me?? I've always been loyal!". His father would have probably laughed and said "You've never had a reason not to be!".
But he's no longer a kid. And his father is no longer here to guide him. He knew now that sometimes it's better to keep some information compartmentalized.
The Archdruid must have picked up on his musings, because he smiled a sly smile when he finally continued.
"You've grown to be a reliable man, Archibald. Which is why I can tell you what I'm about to tell you knowing you'll keep it to yourself"
The Archdruid gave him a sharp look on that last word, as if to emphasize it. Archibald simply nodded, keeping a stern look on his face.
The Archdruid motioned him to follow with a movement of his head as he turned around and started walking beyond the Heart tree, into a quieter area, with less ears around to hear what he had to say next. Archibald followed, waiting for the Archdruid to continue.
"Our lady talked to me" said the Archdruid simply, waiting to see his companion's reaction.
Archibald was so surprised that he stopped in his tracks for a brief moment. He shot the Archdruid a surprised look, his composure lost. The Archdruid turned to his companion with a calm look and waited for his response.
"Lady Gaia??" Archibald said, still having a hard time believing that he will get a chance to serve lady Gaia directly.
Archibald regained his composure, and the two men continued walking.
"You are familiar with the Forester, right?"
"I know of it sire, yes. I also know it hasn't been used for a while"
"Lady Gaia became aware of loss of forested area beyond the Estekomenda mountains. She asked us to rectify it. Your mission is to transport the Forester to our comrades in the Benamau community. Discreetly"
The Archdruid put special emphasis on that last word. Archibald understood what it meant: no one can find out what he's transporting. No one.
"Understood. It will be done sire"
"I've already asked Lord Kyechban for some people to escort you, but they also can't find out your purpose. They will meet you at the inn in Yugnam. You're leaving tomorrow at dawn."
Archibald inclined his head in acknowledgement and turned to leave.
"Oh, and take Ocha With you"
Archibald turned back around and raised an eyebrow at the Archdruid in disbelief.
"You want me to take Ocha with me?? She couldn't be discreet even if her life depended on it"
"Which is why you won't tell her anything"
Archibald was about to protest when the Archdruid put up a hand to stop him.
"I have spoken. I know she'll keep bothering you about it, but you will just have to endure. You can handle a teenager, can't you?"
Archibald frowned, but didn't protest.
"As you wish Master Belkhayf"
And with that, Archibald took his leave, and went to prepare for the task ahead.
- Ocha (ȣ̱̊ca) is the name of the female druid accompanying Archibald. Literally meaning "Energetic joy".
- The Archdruid’s name is Belkhayf (bɛlk̥ajf /bɛlˈkʰajf/ coming from wise grace /bɛlˈbeːm kʰajf/).
- Benamau (bɛnamaw /bɛnamaw/) comes from bɛˈnaboː mawba - green water
- The lord of the main Druid community’s Polity was named Kyechban (kiɛ̱cban /kiˈeːcban/ coming from deːmˈban kiˈeːc - kind protection)
- The eastern border town is named Yugnam (jug nam - east edge)