Druid Knights 1.5: The Druid Knight Tales Read Online Free PDF Page A

the wards. A cold sweat dampened his brow. Were his powers weakening? Would the Ancestors take action without hearing him out?
    “A…feeling. That was all. I’ve learned to trust them. Besides, you were…vulnerable while you slept,” she spoke plainly.
    “You have set wards and protected the area well for a healer.” He finished the last of the sparse meal. “A spae-woman?” He saw her with a new measure of respect.
    “And what do you know of spae-women?” Her quiet voice held some measure of a challenge.
    “They are skilled healers and are known for their ability to see events before they happen. On your island they are treated with a holy respect.” His tone was matter-of-fact. “I value the old ways and those trained in them.” He ran his hand down the healed marks on his chest. That explained why his wounds healed so fast. He flexed his back muscles while he shrugged into his clean tunic. “Many thanks for tending to me. You are indeed a special person.” He focused on her lips. The thought of them tender and swollen took him by surprise. The runes on his back warmed. A warning? No, the Ancestors called. He rose in one fluid motion onto somewhat unsteady feet. “And for keeping us both safe. We should move on as soon as possible.”
    ***
    “We have to cross the gorge.” He stood on the wooden platform that anchored the bridge, fished up the rope guidelines that had supported the walkway, and inspected them.
    Ellyn peered over his shoulder. “The rope isn’t worn.” She pointed to the end in his hand. “It’s been cut.”
    Max threw the rope over the side. His surprise turned into white-hot anger. Were the Ancestors so displeased with him that they would put his life in jeopardy? Was Ellyn their target? He studied the healer. Her face was full of strength, shining and steadfast. Based on her reaction in the portal she knew nothing of the Otherworld. If he hadn’t held her in place who knew where she would have been taken. No, she was here by accident.
    He was fortunate. If anything happened to him she could go back to Avebury to deliver the message to the people. Accident or destiny? His anger faded into misery as understanding flashed through him—what if they would not let him return? His final test must be to get her safely to the Ancestors. So be it. He picked up the warding stones and dragged his foot through the pentagram while murmuring a silent prayer for guidance. Ellyn put together the rest of their meager belongings. He glanced up and down the gorge. “There.” He pointed to the right. “The other way across.”
    “A land bridge?” Ellyn asked.
    “Yes, that is the only other way to the other side.”
    “I’m ready if you are.” She stood ready to leave with her staff in hand.
    Max shouldered his pouch, led them back through the thicket, and down the trail.
    “I gather this isn’t usually what happens,” she said.
    “No.” He hesitated. “They called me to the thicket. I knew I had to go alone.”
    “Is this place inhabited by anyone else? I mean, anyone other than the Ancestors? I always imagined they were the only ones in the Otherworld. I thought the voices were theirs.”
    He shortened his pace to match hers. “Voices?”
    “Yes. After you went through the thicket I heard something. I couldn’t make out what they said. They were hushed and rode on the gusts of wind but as I waited the wind got stronger and the voices more intense. Are you certain no one else is here?”
    “Only the Ancestors. If the rope was cut, they must have cut it.” The idea of an outright attack still mystified him. He hadn’t heard any warning. On the contrary, they lured him to the cliff and all but pushed him over. Misery tore at his insides at the thought they had abandoned him.
    “The rock ledge appears to be all that prevented you from falling to the bottom of the gorge,” Ellyn said.
    If it hadn’t been for that ledge…well, he didn’t want to think what would have happened.