The World of Myth Magazine

The year is 514, Vladimir the Young is Sage-King of the human kingdom of Thuraen.

The year is 5,297, Ulan is High Prince, Derek is Low Prince and Sienna Alknown is Mother Druid of the sylvan Princedom of Greenwood Vale.

Paechra stared in awe over her shoulder, and not for the first time. The view of the column of her kindred was inspiring. It gave Paechra great hope for the people of Thuraen, but it also rekindled in the young druid a strong belief in her people. The sylvan race could come to the aid of any who were in genuine need, as the humans were from a vorsurk invasion.

It had been three days since Mother Druid Sienna Alknown had addressed the gathered crowd in the Sacred Grove of Greenwood Vale and a great deal had transpired since that night.

High Prince Ulan had vanished into the fortress, ordering that no one be allowed entry. Paechra had worried that the sylvan prince would make an announcement that no sylvan of Greenwood Vale would have permission to leave with the blessing of the royal house. Thankfully such an announcement never came. Ulan was leaving it to the people to decide their own fate, just as Sienna had encouraged everyone who had come to the grove to do. In response, nearly a thousand sylvan had chosen to leave their home, uncertain of whether they would ever return.

Sienna had shown signs of stress the morning following her speech, yet she had refused to remain behind at the grove, regardless of how much the other druids insisted.

"Nonsense," the Mother Druid had huffed. "I have tossed this leaf into the wind; I shall not turn my back upon it as it floats in the breeze."

"I afear that this breeze may become a hailstorm, or worse, a hurricane," suggested Paechra's mother, Sarah Lightheart.

"What you fear may well come true," replied Sienna. "Still, what may become real is no reason to give up on something when there is an equal possibility it may only remain a possibility."

Paechra had been witness to that discussion and she had seen her mother eager to reply, but Sienna Alknown had waved Sarah Lightheart away from her as another coughing fit erupted from the mother druid's aged frame.

"If you wish to be useful," suggested Sienna. "A broth would make an old woman grateful."

"I shall boil…" Paechra had offered, hoping to ease the tension between these two whom she respected.

"Nay, daughter," stated her mother. "It will be my honor to prepare this."

Paechra thought that she would be given another task to undertake, leaving the mother druid to rest, but Sienna had other ideas.

"Good, peace at last, no more nagging from your mother," Sienna had sighed. "Finally, I have you alone to speak with, Paechra Lightheart."

"I am here to listen, mother druid," Paechra remembered announcing in reply.

"I do so hope you are eager for more than just listening," grumbled the mother druid. "I have a far greater role in mind for you."

"I am ready," Paechra had replied, and at that moment she hoped that the words she spoke were indeed true.

Looking back over her shoulder again, the younger Lightheart still wondered.

‘Why me, Sienna?' thought Paechra to herself. ‘There are so many others more experienced, more worthy.'

While it had been just the two of them Sienna had informed Paechra that she wished for the younger druid to take up the mantel of leadership.

"Young Lightheart, I have planted the seed and I wish to witness the growth of that which I have planted but I have not the energy to water and weed and tend to each leaf, each root, each blossom that shall turn into fruit."

"What do you mean, mother druid?" Paechra remembered asking, her confusion causing Sienna to laugh.

As the laugh turned into another hacking fit of coughing Paechra had helped Sienna to stand.

"Paechra, I will be unable to stand at the front of the line and lead those who choose to join us," stated Sienna, slowly. "That is a task I am gifting to you."

Without thought Paechra had agreed whole heartedly.

"I shall not let you down," she had said.

When Sarah Lightheart had returned to Sienna and Paechra she had given her daughter a strange look. In silence she had offered the healing broth to the mother druid.

"Focus upon me," Sienna had grumbled then.

Broth had dribbled down her chin and over the front of her robes.

"Apologies, mother druid," Sarah had said, aghast at what she had done, tearing her untrusting eyes away from her daughter to focus upon the disaster.

Paechra had taken that opportunity to dismiss herself then and to go off in search of her friend Heidi. Sienna had given Paechra a sagely nod before again scolding Sarah. Paechra had left the pair with Sienna's cries of angst and discomfort ringing in her ears.

Heidi had not been difficult to find. She was with Queen Catherine and Michael Stormsong. Straight after Sienna's speech there had been the moment of chaos and panic. The moment when Thomas the Butcher, one of the chosen Eleven of Andrapaal, the capital city of Thuraen had tried to support both his queen and the mother druid. It was the moment when Paechra could see the aura surrounding both human and druid was flickering and fading. In that moment Paechra had seen the pool in the sacred grove was glowing brightly with healing light. With assistance from Thomas and Michael Paechra and her friend Heidi had been able to get Queen Catherine and Mother Druid Sienna into the water. Thankfully, it was just at the very moment when the arcane powers had pulsed. Paechra did not know if it were their abrupt arrival that had caused this reaction or if it were some perfected or lucky timing. Either way those waters had done the trick.

Sienna had broken the surface and had swum herself back to the shore. Likewise, Catherine had come up for air and had laughed joyously as her baby kicked. It had been a wondrous moment, Paechra and Heidi both feeling the euphoria from the waters as well. Paechra had felt electrified and prepared to tackle the whole vorsurk army on her own. The moment was brief and as all four had stepped away from the pool such a feeling of unnatural strength had slipped away.

"There is a true wonder in this place," Queen Catherine had announced.

"My queen," Michael had cried, rushing over to support Catherine.

Courteously the queen had taken Michael's offered hand.

"Allow me to support you, oh ancient one," Thomas had then said, copying Michael and offering support to Sienna.

Paechra had been surprised but pleased to see such behavior reflected by Thomas. She had left the two men to care for the queen and mother druid, wanting instead to find Anton whom she did not trust. With Heidi's help the two druids searched the remainder of the night for the gnarled Head Truth Keeper, but always found themselves to be one or two steps behind him.

"Yes we have seen that wounded Hgaphannup,"some of the sylvan had said with worried looks.

Paechra and Heidi both knew the danger of an injured Hgaphannup, and Heidi had suggested they cease their search early. Paechra, thinking that she knew Anton's character was determined to push on. Finally, they found the whereabouts of Anton, his trail of disgruntlement leading to the entrance of the fortress. By then though High Prince Ulan had made his announcement and the way into the fortress had been barred.

When Paechra had found Heidi most recently she had asked her friend again if there had been any sighting of the Head Truth Keeper.

"Still none," Heidi had sighed. "We watch and we listen but there is still no sighting or any word."

"I have offered to approach the fortress," said Michael. "But even I am turned away, unable to enter."

After the euphoric feeling of the waters of the pool had left Catherine she had felt quite tired, Paechra had dismissed the queen's offer to also enquire about Anton and Ulan, asking that Catherine instead focus upon herself and the child.

"All will reveal itself soon enough," Paechra had suggested, and she had indeed been proven right.

On the second morning following Sienna's speech word spread that those who wished to help the humans were to gather again at the Sacred Grove with the expectation that all who chose to gather would then leave with the humans the following sunrise. Paechra had expected perhaps a throng of fifty at most. As Greenwood Vale's residents had proven her wrong Paechra's eyes and smile had both grown bigger and bigger until they could grow no more.

"This is incredible," Paechra had said to Heidi and her friend had agreed.

"To see so many gathered at Sienna's call," Heidi had whispered in awe. "Such respect for our mother druid, and all of our sisters."

"And such defiance shown towards our princes," Paechra had laughed.

"Well, perhaps defiance is too strong a word," Heidi had suggested, cautiously.

"What else should we call it?" asked Paechra then.

"Perhaps we could call it democracy?" Heidi had said with a great deal of uncertainty.

"Democracy spoken loudly and proudly," Paechra had suggested.

As the numbers passed nine-hundred Anton had reappeared, not willing to explain his disappearance and certainly not willing to reveal whether or not he had spoken with Prince Ulan.

"My time is my own," he had announced.

After which the Head Truth Keeper had sought out Thomas the Butcher for a private chat.

Paechra had been tempted then to use her arcane powers to eavesdrop upon the pair but there was still too much to organize, and she was starting to discover what exactly leadership entailed.

Sienna's insistence that she come along as witness was the first difficulty that had been brought to Paechra's attention.

"We shall acquire a beast upon which the mother druid shall ride," Paechra had suggested to the older druids.

Some had thought such an idea had merit but others, especially Paechra's own mother, had highlighted potential issues.

"Sienna dozes often," Sarah had said. "Should the beast rock her to sleep she would tumble."

It was finally agreed that a carriage would be built to transport Sienna, a respectful vehicle for one of such age and status. Paechra made the decision that Queen Catherine would join Sienna Alknown, but the human queen refused the offer.

"I am ever so grateful for your offer and thoughtfulness," Queen Catherine had announced in reply when she heard of Paechra's suggestion. "I have made the difficult decision however to remain here in Greenwood Vale."

When Paechra and others pressed the human queen for more, Catherine frowned and narrowed her eyes in disappointment, unfamiliar with her decisions being questioned. Regardless Catherine did choose to elaborate.

"Since my fortunate arrival in this special place I and my child have felt like we have come home at last, my husband's passing has left upon me a darkness that I associate with Andrapaal, and the feeling of peace I have gained from this forested world will be of great benefit to myself, my child, and our soul healing."

Since there could be no arguing against such a premise, Paechra turned her focus toward other things. The human queen was left to find her own lodgings and it was rumored that she had been allowed to take shelter with Ulan.

"I shall join you," Michael had said when he heard of the queen's decision.

"This cannot be," Catherine had announced in reply. "I must be allowed to recuperate alone and in peace."

After this Paechra had noticed Michael seemed at a loose end so she had given him and Thomas the task of gathering enough food for the journey.

"How long will this journey take?" Thomas had asked, adding with a pleading look. "And please tell us we will not be getting on any ships."

"That I can promise you, no ships," Paechra had said. "Go ask some of the sylvan for help, we will need food for at least ten days."

Paechra had relied on her sister druids to organize those who came, willing to march to war. Each member would need weapons and shelter as well as the food Thomas and Michael were tasked with gathering. The druids were only happy to help organize tents and blankets for the gathering. Of the ways of weaponry and warfare the sisters knew little. Paechra turned to Anton, reluctantly.

"You have taught young men to take up swords and to run into battle in the name of freedom," Paechra had said to the Head Truth Keeper. "For the sake of your race I ask that you set aside your anger and distrust of us, of me, and you find it in your heart or at the very least your mind the same abilities to become my army's captain."

"I will do nothing for you, witch," Anton had growled. "To aid my own kind though I can see that it is necessary for me to share some of my knowledge and experience."

"That is the best that I can ask for, you may begin at your leisure," Paechra had chosen to state in reply.

Thankfully, Anton had realized just how little time he had, quickly the Head Truth Keeper with the permission of High Prince Ulan had acquired a number of spears from the fortress armory. As the numbers gathered had continued to swell it was determined early on that those weapons the fortress could spare would not be enough. Alan had ordered for wooden spears to be made and the sylvan wood smiths obliged. There was a competition to see who could produce the most perfect wooden spear, then sword, then shield and breastplate. Paechra sense that Anton and the other humans were impressed with the sylvan ability to work wood in a similar way to a human smithy that worked metal, never once did Anton voice his opinion. Paechra could detect the changes in the Head Truth Keeper's aura though. He seemed both surprised and proud, yet his response did not match that which his aura had revealed.

"I will promise to do nothing for you, witch, promise to be able to do little with you and your forest dwellers and those sharp sticks," Anton had stated, loudly and cruelly. "I will teach the basics, that is all, make sure this ragtag bunch are not overrun the first time we come across the one-thousand or more wolf pack."

"If that is the best you can do then that is all we can ask of you," Paechra recalled saying in reply.

The interaction with Anton had left her confused, she became even more confused when Anton demonstrated what he considered minimal training. The sylvan who had been given spears, men, and women both, had been awoken before the dawn and forced through drill after military-style drill. Having never seen the Truth Keepers fight as a group, Paechra made sure she was awake in time to witness, and she found herself to be most impressed by what she saw.

All of this and the comradery that seemed to be blossoming within the sylvan and amongst the humans too all added up to equal a feeling of pride for Paechra. That was why she felt both taller and stronger as she set the pace at the front of the column, leading it through sylvan homelands, gathering more eager kindred to the cause.

"Isn't it wonderful," said Paechra's friend Heidi as she joined Paechra at the very front of the pack.

Paechra smiled at her friend and took another look over her shoulder.

A river of color, greens, browns, blues, and whites snaked out behind her. Many wore the wooden breastplate and held high spears, ready for anything, though still they chatted and joked amongst themselves.

"We are indeed already a formidable force," Paechra replied to her friend. "What we have in numbers we lack in experience though."

"Agreed," grumbled Anton as he suddenly appeared by Paechra's side. "You forest dwellers have no sense of fear, no idea of the dangers ahead."

"There is nothing that can possibly stand before the greatness of our people…" began Heidi with confidence and conviction.

"Hush, Heidi," urged Paechra.

Heidi stopped in surprise.

"You sense I am right, don't you, witch," smirked Anton. "Any chance you could dream up one of those wolfmen, or perhaps a pack?"

"You speak of folly and foolery, human," Heidi said with a frown.

"No, Heidi, what Anton suggests may have merit," said Paechra, deep in thought, genuinely considering Anton's suggestion.

"Will ye need to discuss this with the other women?" Anton asked, though both Heidi and Paechra both sensed that there was a challenge in Anton's tone.

"I shall ask the mother druid for her advice," replied Paechra. "I walk at the front of this army, but the call was Sienna's that these people have answered, I do so ask as a sign of respect."

"And if the old one says nay?" asked Anton.

"I shall make my decision based upon that which Sienna Alknown advises," replied Paechra.

Heidi swung her head from Paechra to Anton and back, eyes growing wider.

"What you suggest is reckless, dangerous even," Heidi whispered.

"Indeed, friend Heidi," Paechra said, agreeing with her friend. "But this could be the introduction to danger that our people needs."

"Or it could be the thing that drives all of our kindred away," murmured Heidi.

"If that turns out to be true then it is better that we know it now," growled Anton.

"Agreed," stated Paechra with a nod.

"I shall wait to hear from you then," said Anton.

"You cannot expect the unexpected," said Paechra. "Only expect to be surprised."

"Oh gosh," murmured Heidi. "Here we go…"

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