Excerpt: Stone Circle

The mist swirled around the forest floor, moving slowly upward as the cloaked figure glided through the thickness. The earthy scent of the forest wafted up as the figure stealthily moved towards the edge into the clearing. The figure paused to hear something nearby scurrying. The head cocked sideways for a moment and looked upward, the hood falling softly to the figure’s shoulders revealing a cascade of red curly hair that stopped at the middle of her back. She stepped into the clearing to just outside the circle of standing stones. She moved to the altar in the center of the stonework placing a few items that she had gathered for the full moon ritual. This was the one safe place she enjoyed for long lengths of time. Tonight though there was no time to linger as she began her work. She placed a candle onto the stone altar along with several items in a circle around it. The noise of the forest stilled as if waiting on her to finish her task. Slowly she pointed around the area of the stone altar casting a circle, chanting softly as she went, calling the ancients to join her. Under the bright moon she placed the seeds the villagers had gathered at the last harvest for the blessing. She took the time to again walk the perimeter of her circle carrying a handful of salt and allowing a small line to drop to the ground. She raised her arms skyward letting her head falls back as she began to call the gods and goddesses to bless the seeds for the coming planting season.
“Goddess, join me in this blessing of these seeds, give the stewards of this year’s plantings the knowledge and fortitude to sow the seeds for a bountiful harvest. Allow the clouds to disperse their wetness to fulfill the needs of the seedlings as they break the surface of the earth. Allow the nourishment to flow from you sweet mother earth to nourish those among the village and guests that come our way this coming year. Let this harvest be bountiful enough to feed all those who come this way. As above and so below, so mote it be!”
The woman began to offer up the small gifts that she brought with her, a few seeds to the earth as well as some dirt from the planting area, some sea salt and a bit of the water from the chalice she had placed on the altar. She lifted the candle that had been lit at the beginning of her ritual and held it towards the moon. “Lady bless us as we work to provide for those around us.”
She lowered the candle and began to watch the flame as it rose higher in the air. A small gasp escaped from her lips as she brought her hands to her chest. She leaned forward a bit and looked deeper into the candle flame. “Great divine I ask that you provide me with the vision needed to see this harvest to its end.” She jumped when she heard the male voice from the edge of her circle.
“Carys, I’m sorry to disturb you while you are working this night but it is of great importance,” the young man began as he walked towards her. He stopped several feet from the altar, “may I enter into the circle you’ve cast?”
Carys nodded affirmatively, “Step to your left two paces and enter within between the lines of salt upon the earth.”
He looked to the ground to be sure of his footing, not willing to take a chance on entering the circle without protection. He had done that once and it had been a very uncomfortable sensation. He stepped into the circle waiting for Carys to acknowledge his presence.
She stood for a moment with her eyes closed and then slowly opened them sighing deeply as she looked towards the interruption. “What is it you require of me, James?”
James looked to his feet, “I’m sorry mistress but Owen sent me with news we have just received. I’m afraid it is not good. The Christians are pressing forward once again.”
“What is it now? Have they found another group of religious men to hunt down with their hateful ways?”
James looked at Carys as he began to tell her of the news. “Owen tells of a missive that has come from the new King Jareth, he has decreed that a shrine is to be built within the village walls to this new prophet. It will be manned by a priest of the Christians choosing. The village is to stop all magick practice as of now and to follow the ways of the Christians.”
Carys had to take several deep breaths to contain the anger she felt. She took a long time to get herself under control.
“Carys, I told you it was bad. What are we to do?” James asked he began to shuffle his feet in the earth where he stood.
“We will have to find a way to work with this man of God but we will not forgo our heritage. Is it not enough they have driven our people into the small villages to hide as thieves and murderers?” She shook her head angrily, “Nay we will not go quietly into the night this time.”
She blew the candle out as she dismissed the Gods and Goddesses thanking them for their attendance at the ritual. She closed the circle rubbing the salt into the ground with her feet. She gathered the seeds into the pouches she had brought them in and handed them to James. “Take them to the elders. Let them know they have been duly blessed and are ready for planting into the fields. I’m going to head up to the rock for bit of meditation and guidance from our lord and lady. I’ll return by the light of the morn. Go leave me to my work this night.”
James took the bundles from her hands and began to walking quickly back down the path towards the village. He stopped for a moment to turn towards Carys to watch her back as she threw her cloak back around her shoulders and began to walk up the path towards the healing rock. He watched as she sprinted towards the mountain top, the moon lighting the path before her. He thought it was his imagination but it felt as if the winders had just become much colder and the forest more dark as the news of coming changes began to take hold in his mind. He shook his head and turned back towards the village thinking about the way Carys had answered. He felt a shiver of fear run through his body as he felt the magick in the air. He knew this was going to be a hard battle but he wasn’t so sure the Christians would win this one.
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Carys stood at the edge of the ledge her back against the healing rock, she tugged the cloak around her body tighter while she stared into the moon. It was a beautiful moon, the first of the spring time lunar months. The air was moist and full of promise with a hint of chill still upon it’s breath. She inhaled deeply willing herself once again to ground. This was the third time this evening that she had tried to work with her spirit guides for answers to journey ahead of the village. “I call upon thee Elijah to join me and assist me with the problem of the Christians. How are we to allow them to consume our very lives and being? Why must they insist we follow their God? Can they not see that the ways of the old are just fine, we have no need of this single savior to keep us from evil?” She waited for many long moments finally shrugging her shoulders, “I apologize Elijah for demanding that you come to me. I fear I’m being tested by the Lord and Lady and know not why they choose to do this at this time or what I’m to learn from them.”
She sank slowly to the ground, tears falling from her face. “Have I lost you too? I need your help this evening.” She began a soft sobbing, crying for several minutes until she felt the warmth and nuzzle of a creature so large it totally encompassed her and the boulder she was sitting against. She stood to greet the creature, “It has begun, hasn’t it.” Tlws simply looked at her as the realization of the prophecy coming true hit her. The clouds seemed to roll rumbling towards the edge of the hill stopping just behind her as the wind sent her cloak billowing around her form.
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Owen stepped from the edge of the woods slowly walked forward, a bit hesitant at the sight of such a large creature dwarfing this woman. He was nervous about approaching her. He looked toward the woman only moving forward after seeing the slight nod of her head. He was certain she had been at the stone circle for her ritual. His mind wandered as he remembered what her role had been in the village, the magic she had worked that had saved the village many times over from marauders who had frequented it. He began to think about the message this man who had walked into the village had declared was to be made so immediately. He had before witnessed how she had seemed to harness the power of the earth at times.
It was powerful magic worked in the circle which many of the village simply did not understand but appreciated all of the good things the woman had provided throughout her young years. Her mother had been a great leader and this young woman seemed to have learned well from her ancestors. He glanced back as he noticed the frown slowly burrowing its way across her brow. Suddenly the wind began to swirl around him, forceful and full of anger, he turned to face the woman and the creature noting the air seemed to hold him before her for a moment.
As Owen turned to flee he heard the woman exclaim, “The ancient ones will not allow this to happen.” He wasn’t sure how she had known what his missive was but she seemed to read his mind. He feared for his family as the realization of what the ancient ones might do in order to save themselves from the message of this new King.
The woman and Twls settled back down onto the ground next to the boulder jutting from the surface, it looked as if it had been pulled from the center of the earth. The sky returned to normal once again as the sun began to rise. Twls turned to face Carys as she sighed slowly letting her breath escape. Carys stood and lamented about what the King had declared. Twls watched as she paced back and forth in front of him. He nuzzled her when she leaned her body against him. Carys smiled as she reached towards his face to gently pat him just above his nose.
“Just how are we to live in harmony in a land when magic is outlawed and the people are to serve this one. Who on earth does he think he is to simply tell the people their beliefs have no standing whatsoever in this place?”
A voice from the woods just beyond the shoreline answered, “I think King Jareth would be very disappointed his subjects aren’t willing to serve him especially since he thinks that by serving him you’re serving the people.” The leather clad male stepped forward as Carys turned her green eyes to the man walking towards her.
“What makes you think the people are so willing to give up their beliefs to serve this man to whom they have no loyalty to?”
Laughter rolled from the man as he stopped to lean against one of the boulders a few feet from her. “He is their King, that’s the only thing these people need to know.” He crossed his arms across his chest and smirked at her as she went through the turmoil in her mind.
“I think he expects too much from people who have yet to meet their new King, undying loyalty, when he has shown no interest in them for so many years leaving them on their own for so long” she quipped.
“So is that why they have turned towards sorcery to take care of their needs? Magic has no place in the world when there is a good man to take care of their needs. Has the King not made sure that the folks have had food and kept safe from harm?”
“No, he has failed to keep these people safe from the marauders that have been continually stealing and harming the village. They have been left to their own devices, besides, what is the harm in allowing those that have the power to defend and care for the village in the absence of the King?”
He stood up straight smiling, staring at her. He could sense the turmoil she was undergoing and he found it somewhat delightful to see how her pert little mouth puckered as she turned her thoughts inward. He could see she was beginning to be a bit unnerved by his intense stare. He stepped forward as the dragon moved in to protect his human. Stopping as he sized up the situation. He grinned as he bowed, “I’ve been a bit rude eavesdropping on you this way and barging into your little solitude here. Forgive me, I’ve been traveling quite a distance to get to the area and assist the King in his duties. M’lady tis a pleasure to meet you. I’m Micah, the king’s right hand man.”
Carys frowned as she turned towards the dragon to let him know it was ok to back away. “I’m Carys, one of the villagers that have been neglected for so long.”
Again this man laughed, she was beginning to think he was a bit touched in the head. “I sure hope I can remedy that and help you to enjoy the King’s rule here. Believe me he was just as surprised as anyone to find he had inherited these lands. He had no idea there was a need here in this area. So please give him some time to learn what he needs to know to assist the people.”
She nodded, “I guess I could give him some time to get to know the people and their needs. I just worry about his declaration that no magic is allowed. Hasn’t he any idea what the magicians have done to keep the people here safe?”

Again he chuckled, “How would he have any idea what has been done or not done, little one, when he had no idea this place even existed?”
She thought about it for a moment and then acknowledged he wouldn’t have any idea what had happened in the past or current climate of the area. “I suppose you’re right he does need to get to know the area and what is needed before we pass judgment on him.”
“Well then perhaps you could introduce me to leaders of the village so that I might begin to help the King learn what his people might need in order for him to earn their allegiance.”
“I’ll take you into the village but don’t be surprised if they don’t willingly accept you. It will take time for them to feel they can trust you or this new King.” She turned away and began walking towards the village; she noticed that he had not begun to follow her. She stopped turning slightly towards him, “well, are you coming or not? It’s a bit of a long walk.”
“Do you think you could tell your guard here to let me pass?”
This time it was her turn to chuckle, “Twls, go on, you can go onto your nest, I’ll call if I need you again.” She watched as the dragon lifted off the ground so quietly and softly. It amazed her these creatures were so quiet and gentle in their flight. She turned away from Micah and began walking away again this time grinning when she heard his footsteps fall into place behind her.
As they walked along the path leading to the village of Tirgon, she began telling him about the village. He listened intently walking at her side as she describe the many years of neglect by a King or anyone with any authority. The people had slowly developed a trusted group of elders that led them through the hard years which had followed. The whole village taking part in the maintenance needed to protect one another. But the marauders had come many times, each time shaking the village with the knowledge they were not equipped to handle all the protection needed. It was then the one woman that many had turned to for advice announced there would be one that came to lead them out of the darkness and into a more peaceful existence. The people were not to be afraid of this woman and the magic she held as it would protect the village from others that would harm them. At first the villagers were uneasy as the fortuneteller told of the prediction. It wasn’t until a young pregnant woman had entered the village in need of assistance they began to understand her prophecy. The child had been born during a storm that shook the earth with the winds and lightening setting the woods nearby on fire. The fortune teller had then told the villagers to protect this woman as she held high magic and would protect the village until the day a new protector would be brought forth.
Micah had many questions but noticed the village in sight ahead. He decided to let the questions wait for another time. He smiled as some of the children rushed towards Carys with flowers in their hands.
“Cary, cary”, they cried as they approached, “look what we found for you.” They swarmed around her skirts as they presented their presents to her. He watched as the warmth and love she felt for these children was manifested before him. Touching each child’s cheek in appreciation and thanking each of them for their gifts, sending each off with a smile.
“You seem to have the children in your hands. They must love you. Do you have much interaction with them?”
He noticed she seemed to withdraw a bit at that moment. She turned quickly away from him. He heard her mutter, “Yes, I try to take time from my day to teach them what I’ve been taught about our land.”
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He watched as she moved quickly towards a group of men standing at the Blacksmith’s doorway. They were watching as the blacksmith began to pound out the piece of steel he was working with. The blacksmith smiled as he saw Carys approaching and placed the steel back into the fire.
The men turned as she approached and acknowledged her presence. Micah thought it was a bit odd they seemed to look upon her as a leader. It was unusual for men to allow a woman into their circle so easily. Carys turned towards Micah introducing him to the group and giving each man’s name. They nodded as she introduced each one of them to Micah. She then told the men Micah was sent by the King. He was there to learn more about the needs of the village and their people. He watched as the men seemed surprised by her telling them of the decision by the King magic was not to be used. He wondered what their looks were meant to be. She smiled at the men and told them they should help Micah understand more about the village and the people. They asked if Micah could step away for a moment as they wanted to speak with Carys about something before they spoke with him.
Micah turned away and walked towards the small fruit stands across from the blacksmith. As he stood there looking over the fresh apples sitting in the baskets he watched as the men gathered around Carys and began a somewhat intense discussion with her. She shook her head, telling them something he could not hear. She looked up at him as she spoke quietly to the group. The men nodded and slowly turned their eyes toward Micah. He sensed they didn’t like what she had just discussed with them. He was going to have to work really hard to earn their trust. He bit into the apple he had chosen watching as Carys walked away. He wondered what kind of person Carys was and most importantly why she held such leadership over the men of the village.

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