Sorcerer from Another World

We walked to the Circle of Druids to see Iris and tell her what had occurred with the Kings of Gelt.

Elkilbour had a very different feel to it than Ferisdarm. Both were overcrowded and no doubt Elkilbour was far larger and interwoven with nature. But, the city’s buildings were bigger and richer in design.

Circle of Druids up close, put stonehenge to shame. The pictish stones planted in a perfect circle were as tall as cathedrals, decorated as a wall of the Taj Mahal and colourful as the Jubilee Synagogue.

I saw the groves and the entrances to networks of caves. In these network of caves where underground homes and halls built among grassy hills

Yird or weems might be the term for them. Underground dwellings, there was about a ten-foot downslope to each door and insides were of oval shape with walls made of stone slabs. The roofs either of cave ceiling or for people of greater status living higher up they peaked the earth’s surface.

Places the Druids of the Circle called home. Many were used as storage rooms before and during our time living in them. Bioluminescent lights glowing off of fungi cultivated by the druids replaced candlelight. Sweet smelling flowers left a refreshing scent.

Like the Hillfort Giants Hame, the Circle of Druids was its own space within the confines of Elkilbour.

Buildings gradually faded away as we walked closer. I guessed the Druids of the Circle lived a more wild life among the groves, lived in the caves or in the buildings outside the Circle. It turned out to be a mix of all three.

We met with a plump elderly man with a rose growing out of the top of his head.

We explained our situation and who we were.

“Ah, Druid Iris is meeting with the High Circle. Come along they will want to meet Lady Morgana and the Grey Sorcerer.”

The kind man led us underground. We were led to an open hall built under the hills. Lit by bioluminescent mushrooms that gave off a soft, green light and draped with pink, blooming vines. It was dark, but warm with humble furnishing. Iris stood with Samyia talking with a circle of robed Druids in an alcove of the unused open hall.

“This is grave news if Bomdall truly did turn to the Unseelie.” a bald Druid said.

“What reason do we have to trust her word? She offers no proof of her apprenticeship to Helen nor did Helen give us word of taking one.” said an elderly Druid with a long, snowy goatee.

“We all saw her perform the ritual and demonstrate her connection to Aisling.” said a third Druid who honestly looked more like a tree than a human.

“A Fae Lord who we do not have access to. We only have her as evidence Aisling is even alive where nearly all others have fallen.” said the Druid with a goatee.

“Lady Aisling may not have any living followers in Alba, but once upon a time she was a respected figure among members of the Circle. I see no reason to refuse one of her followers now.” the Bald Druid said.

“The last living follower. We may lose touch with one of the few remaining Fae Lords out of groundless suspicion.” the Tree-like Druid said.

“Are we agreed?” said the fourth and so far silent Druid.

“We do not have a full Circle?” the Goatee Druid argued.

“One is not needed for the recognition of one Druid. If you wish to say no, then do so Karn. But know you will be questioned on your reasons.”

“As you say, Cindra.” Karn said, stroking his goatee, with an unhappy frown.

“Again, I ask are we agreed?” Cindra asked.

“Yes.” All four of them said.

“Iris you are now one within the Circle. You do not have the right to join High Circle meetings a privilege reserved only the eldest and greatest Druids. But you have the right to shelter and safety within our land for as long as you live.” said the bald unnamed Druid.

“Thank you, kind druids of the Circle.” Iris said with tears.

“But, we do not recognise Samyia as an apprentice yet. We do acknowledge her potential as well as your responsibility as her guardian.” the Tree Druid declared.

“But, we have new arrivals. Sorcerer, I have been waiting to talk to you.” Karn said. In contrast to his argumentative approach to Iris, he offered me a smile.

“And I have looked forward to meeting the druids of the Circle.” I said with a warm smile. “I am glad to hear Iris is getting along with you all.”

“She is certainly impressive. I admit I have my doubts for I have never known a Druid of Aisling to wield such power. They are only doubts and it is lowly of me to hold onto them. Forgive me, we gladly accept her among us, though I take it you do not plan to stay for long?” Karn said.

Hearing it from his perspective made him seem far less likeable. Reasonable even. I retained a kernel of dislike from my first impression.

“We are planning to set up in our own land. How did you know?”

“Birds talk, Sorcerer, as do Elfs. What stories reach my ear tell me that you are not the kind of man to wait on Kings. Nor would I expect a Pendragon to be happy staying behind the Gelt walls when there are opportunities to seize.”

I was impressed that he had a better grasp on us than the Kings of Gelt and was far more cautious around us because of that information.

His tone was gentle and clear. It was like listening to a scientist on the tv calmly explain complicated things.

I said my ambition in the moment that had been swirling in the back of my mind, “I don’t. I have the chance to create a wonder.”

“A wonder?” the bald druid asked.

“A city of magic you're welcome to visit once I make it.”

“A city? Are you going to put yourself as a King?” Cindra asked with mocking tones.

“I already have a Queen in Waiting. What reasons would there be to make me King?”

Morgana blushed.

“I am building a city, one unlike anything this world has ever seen. But, Morgana and others can rule it. So long as they don’t mess with me or hurt people. Things like that are a no go.”

“You think a city is so easy to make? The lack of crops alone will make the effort impossible.” Tree-like Druid said as if I was a small child pretending to be an adult.

“There will be free water, food, sewage system, shelter for all citizens. Basic needs are well within my power to provide.”

Everyone was silent at that. What do they expect me to charge for what I can do with a little effort? What is money to me? Gold is easy for me to obtain as a metal mage.

Relationships are what is valuable to me. Protecting the people I care about, and playing with my newfound powers are my current goals.

Better our future citizens put their efforts into themselves and each other rather than giving me stuff I can get myself with far less effort than it takes them. If we make enough advances with magic we can make a modern lifestyle, but without all exploitation.

“What we do with the land is our concern.” Morgana said. “We have to earn it first anyway.”

“If you trust in me then please trust in Damian.” Iris pleaded.

“As the true servants of the Seelie Court, it is not our place to judge the affairs human and magic.” Cindra said in a monotone voice.

“Sorcerer’s claims are confusing. I admit these are terrible times. I hope our desperation hasn’t led us down a worse path.”

“Barkbear, it is not our place to speak ill of a guest.” Karn said to the Tree-like Druid Barkbear.

“How do you intend to gain a land? Are you to ride south and seize back lost lands from the Romans?” The Bald Druid asked.

Morgana explained, “We have been tasked to talk or kill the Dragon called Treator.” She sighed. “It is a desperate task for dark times.”

Karn stroked his beard, “A strange request.”

“Is it?” the Bald Druid questioned. “The Dragon could be a threat to the city and if the Sorcerer is as powerful as the growing rumours suggest then it is a fitting task.”

“It is not the right of Kings to demand of guests to the land to do tasks of heroes. If he can build a city then there are much better uses of his powers here. That would be a far better trade.” Karn countered.

“I agree. I am not sure what the Kings of Gelt are thinking, but I have been saying that a lot lately.” Cindra added.

“It is almost worth it to go elsewhere.” Morgana mused.

“I would rather start building a home for us as soon as possible.” I said,

Morgana and Iris were as red as the setting sun.

“Well if you say things like that, my Champion. I think facing a Dragon is easier than saying no to you.” Morgana replied.

Iris playfully punched my arm, “Seriously. Tone it down a little. How can a girl compete with statements like that!”

The Old Druid who had guided Morgana and I interrupted the meeting to say, “I am sorry for the disturbance….”

But he too was interrupted by the arrival by the rapid growth of a thistle from which flew out a a falcon of some kind with a yellow-black beak.

“The Romans set up camp around the walls. Their missive to the Kings of Gelt demand the surrender of the city, the heads of all the living Druids and chaining of the newly arrived Sorcerer or else Elkilbour will be taken in blood.”

Karn spoke first, “It seems that we have a common enemy. If there are no disagreements you make take Làidir with you on your quest.”

“How can you…” the Bald Druid spoke up in anger.

“Silence.” Karn retorted.

“We need her here when the Romans' attack.” Cindra countered.

“Agere is enough.”

I looked between them.

“I have a favour to ask of Iris in return, Lady Morgana, Sorcerer.” Karn said.

My eyes narrowed.

“What do you want?” Morgana said straight to the point. She seemed tired from the day.

“We will house your people while you finish the Kings task as well. Whatever happens, I fear for our future.”

Morgana and I looked to Iris.

“Hope is not dead yet.”

“Save your words.” Cindra asked with a hint of impatience breaking through a fixed mask of calm. “We will see if your sorcerer is more than just the tall tales he tells.”

Gone was the formality of the discussion. Matters had turned personal and we were closer to a family bickering than a business meeting.

“He slew Maradon. A feat unheard of in all the history of the Seelie Court. One which for all of her greatness, My lady Aisling could not have achieved.”

“Yes, our once eternal guides now die like we animals do.” Karn despaired.

“These are dark times, but we cannot lose ourselves. I am grateful to you for looking after our people. I promise to lend you our aid as you have done for us.” Morgana said.

“Thank you for your time, Druids. I must go see what the Romans are doing and prepare for the quest. Good luck.” I said, gave them a nod and gently pulled Morgana and Iris out with me. Samiya followed after Iris and Tara covered our rear.

Now that Karn had said it, I too was curious about this Aisling. Who had the same name as the fictional character from my world.

We don’t go to the city wall immediately. Instead without many words between us we rest under an oak tree. I help Samiya fly on a small plate of metal. Tara calmly kept watch. We ate and drank what was provided to us.

We took a breather and enjoyed the time together in the city walls.

“Are you okay to go to the wall with Tara?” Morgana asked. “I want to organise our people and make sure they are settled before we leave.”

“I want to spend some time with Samiya. Tulisa can watch over her while we are gone, but I think she needs me right now. I want to give her that time.” Iris said her eyes fixed on the laughing, flying girl.

A young girl who for a brief moment of joy was able to forget the misery of her grief.

“It is no bother. If anyone needs anything I will do what I can.”

Morgana shook her head, “You have done more than enough, my Champion. We are all here because of you. I am only sorry I can’t do more to help you carry the weight of us.”

Iris nodded in agreement.

I paused. I wanted to dismiss their concerns, but it didn’t seem the right thing to do. It would be dismissing their feelings.

“You are both doing what you can and it is amazing. Morgana you are giving direction to these people who should be lost to despair. Iris you have taken responsibility for Samiya and created a connection to the Circle of Druids for you. Powerful allies. What you are doing matters. Together we will get through this, okay?”

“This is just the beginning.” Morgana said firmly. Convincing herself. “We have a glorious future to seize.”

Iris placed her hand on her belly and Morgana’s, “It is not just Samiya I am taking responsibility for, my gift. Your children will grow, I am sure.”

I blushed and stammered after that comment.

“I look forward to it. I can’t wait to see our children.” I manage to stumble words out of my sealed up throat. “I’ll be back.” I said and ran away to go check up the Romans.

“Silly metalhead.” I heard Morgana saying as she laughed at my flight.

Courage of a lion facing a Fae Lord of brutality. Timid as a mouse when it comes to my approaching fatherhood. My lovers were serious, and I was serious about them.

It was a bit beyond me the idea of being a parent, but I had a reckless confidence hidden deep, deep within that it would all work out.

“Don’t worry. Everyone gets a little nervous about their first children.” Tara said as she jogged to meet my pace.

“Right.” I said in response.

“I’ll give my life for them.”

“Thanks, but let's keep everyone alive. No, it is more the raising them I am worried about. I don’t know how.”

“Huh, I never thought about that. What are you going to do?”

“Fuck if I know.” I admitted. “Deal with the Romans first.” I added with a rueful smile.

“Now that I understand.” She said with a small chuckle.