Free Druid Knights 1.5: The Druid Knight Tales by Ruth A. Casie Page B

this year. I will be glad to see them again.”
    “Yes, it’s always good to see old friends and how their families have grown. The fever struck the clan hard last year. They have suffered many losses. A new healer has settled with them and has been able to help them greatly. When I was there the elder told me he was looking forward to attending this year’s ritual. He wants to give thanks to the Great Mother Earth, as he should. He also wants to present the healer to you, for acceptance into his clan.”
    “Their healer doesn’t need my acceptance. Who they choose is up to them.”
    “Yes, but your acceptance will be an honor for them. It would be good to agree to their request.”
    “Politics.” Max’s voice held a hint of disapproval. “I don’t have time to play those petty games. Nor do I want people cozying up to me thinking they can influence my decisions.”
    “You do it quite well. Play politician, that is.” Doward rode on quietly.
    Max didn’t find politics difficult. He had a natural knack for strategy and negotiating. If he admitted it, he thrived on being a leader. But today he wanted to get things done. He didn’t want to smile or be nice. No. He wanted to get past this…distraction. He closed his eyes and murmured a short prayer for guidance and for a sign.
    The two druid travelers rode up the rise. Before they turned down the wide avenue of oaks Max shifted in his saddle to view his domain—his hearth and home. Satisfied all was in good order, he focused on the trail in front of them and headed northwest toward Avebury.
    ***
    “Healer,” yelled Fendrel, elder of the Northern Clan. The women watched his pacing silhouette from inside their temporary tent. His very pregnant wife, Dimia, peered into the healer’s eyes.
    “It must be late in the day,” Dimia said, lying back on the makeshift pallet.
    “Don’t fret about the day,” Ellyn said as she wrung out the cloth. “It will take care of itself.” The healer put the cool cloth on Dimia’s forehead. Certain all was well, Ellyn observed the restless shadow on the tent wall. Will not the man leave us in peace so we can get our work done?
    “How long have we been here? A full day?” The expectant mother ripped off the cloth and flung the rag to the ground. “And still the baby has not birthed.” Drenched in sweat, she tried to sit up.
    Ellyn stopped her struggle with a touch on the woman’s shoulder. The silent signal registered.
    “Ellyn, he’ll not wait any longer. He’s determined to get to the ritual before the ceremony begins. If this baby doesn’t come soon the child will simply have to wait until we get to Avebury.” Dimia, exhausted more from worrying about her husband than the birth of her first baby, fell back against the pallet.
    Ellyn hummed faintly, rinsed out the cloth in the basin filled with melting snow and before she replaced it, tenderly pressed a kiss on the woman’s forehead. Already this baby defied his father. She briefly wondered if this was any indication of what the future would bring.
    “Healer,” Fendrel shouted again.
    Ellyn looked from Dimia to the tent flap. Did the man care about his wife? She turned back to her patient whose eyes were half-closed. “Rest easy. I’ll be right back.”
    She put on her cloak and picked up her walking staff. Her hand was ready to push the tent flap aside but she hesitated. “The baby will be a boy,” she said over her shoulder. “He will be more like his mother than his father.”
    A smile spread across Dimia’s face. “His father isn’t so bad.” She closed her eyes and took a much-needed rest.
    Ellyn stepped out into the forest clearing. The clean, crisp air rushed at her. Snow fell gently and swirled around her. Lacy flakes dusted her face. The cool sensation was a welcome relief after the overly warm and cramped sanctuary.
    “Finally.” Fendrel hurried toward her. “There are only three hours of sunlight left. We have to leave now. We must be