Eldrick woke early, the sun was barely breaching the horizon, filling the sky with vibrant pinks and purples. Rising, he noticed the sparkle of dew on the grass. Breaking camp was simple, they hadn't set much out. Rolling his bedroll he strapped it to his pack. With the pot of water, he doused the fire. He watched it carefully to ensure it was out. When he thought he had, he stirred the bed of coals looking for any signs of red, which could reignite the fire. For safety, he refilled the pot and poured it over the newly exposed coals. With no steam or smoke rising he was satisfied.
Cutting into the second rabbit from the night before, he nudged Petal awake. Sharing the rabbit, they also finished off the pile of berries. Glancing over at the boar, reminded him he had to carry it, the gear of two people and a pot full of berries to the conclave. Well, he could make a travois and place the boar on it. He prepared what he would need to craft the travois.
Once everything was ready and the boar was placed on the travois, he realized he was in the same clothes he had been wearing when they left Bogdán's inn three days ago. Grabbing a clean set of garments from his bag his hand brushed the silk of one of the gowns. His thoughts returned to the hall of healing. He wished to be there still. Putting aside the memories, he picked up the clean garments and headed to the stream to bathe and change. After finishing his ablutions he dressed carefully, not looking at his body. Packing the dirty garments away in his bag, he finished loading the gear.
Crouching down, he reached back and lifted the travois. Turning into the rising sun, he began walking. Petal, landing on his shoulder, got comfortable.
After a couple of hours of walking, Eldrick sent his senses out looking for life. He knew they were getting close. He could sense a large group of people ahead in a clearing of ancient oaks. A stone altar to the north.
"Petal we are close you may wish to hide."
With a squeak, Petal jumped off Eldrick's shoulder and flew to his pack. Crawling inside he shifted so he was well hidden. Eldrick took a steadying breath and resumed his travels. As he approached the clearing he could hear voices but could not quite make out what they were saying. Breaking through the verge and entering the grove, the talking ceased and all heads turned in his direction.
A dark man wearing the most elaborate robe Eldrick had seen for a Druid approached. His eyes, like ice, bored into Eldrick.
"What brings you here boy? This no place for the likes of you," his eyes shifting from Eldrick to the travois behind him. "We will, of course, be relieving you of your burden. That boar would be perfect for our feast tonight." The smile on his face gave Eldrick the chills.
"Grand Druid Veldar," the man stopped in his tracks, his eyes returning to Eldrick. "I was travelling with my master to make it here in time for the feast of Servalin. I am here for the examinations to the rank of Journeyman." Reaching into his pocket he pulled out Sergei's insignia. "This belonged to my master, he died on our way here. Master Sergei sends his best, though he was unable to finish the journey." Handing the insignia to Veldar. "The boar and berries are my contributions to the feast."
"So you claim to be the apprentice of Sergei do you? And what is your name, boy? Don't get me wrong but this grove has remained hidden for a very long time and the only ones who know how to find it are druids of the order." His dark, cold eyes never left Eldrick's.
"My name..."
"Speak up boy. What's the matter redcap got your tongue?" he interrupted, the vitriol oozing in his voice.
Standing erect he raised his voice to be heard across the clearing.
"My name is Eldrick, apprentice to the Master Druid Sergei. In accordance with the dictates of the order, I formally request to challenge for the rank of Journeyman Druid. I am willing and ready to undergo the testing and begin my journey should I succeed."
His gaze met Veldar's cold for cold. He was going to make sure all the forms were followed so there was no loophole through which they could wriggle to get out of the binding challenge. He had the feeling he had just made an enemy in the grand druid, but as long as he passed the tests and survived the journey ahead there wasn't much he could do.
"Let those who acknowledge this rightful claim stand to the right of the altar so Servalin may witness."
Eldrick heard Veldar curse under his breath as he turned to look at the gathered druids. Most were standing on the right-hand side of the altar.
Turning back to Eldrick, "Your words have the ring of authority behind them as they should. The majority has accepted your challenge, but first, we need to assess whether there is truth in them. You have Sergei's insignia, or so you claim. Where are his belongings?"
Eldrick set down the travois, grabbed Sergei's pack and handed it to Veldar, with a bow of respect. As Veldar took it from his hand Eldrick stood back up; shoulders back, head held high. He was glad he had spent time in the royal palace in Herigberg. He let defiance hold him erect, what he really wanted to do, was shake in his boots.
The energy running through Veldar was dark. How could someone look so good on the outside yet so wrong on the inside? Veldar was rumoured to be over three hundred years old, but the man in front of him couldn't be more than twenty-three. He had expected a venerable older man, not one so close to his own age. The only things to give away his status and age were the robes and his eyes. They were eyes that had seen much.
Veldar took the pack to the group on the left of the altar. They spoke in hushed tones for a few moments before wandering off. Eldrick remained where he was since he hadn't been released. He would remain there until Veldar said otherwise. There was no spell on him, he was bound by tradition to wait, so wait he would. He was going to make his master proud, whether Sergei was here to see it or not. Eldrick hadn't been standing there long before a few of the master druids came to speak to him.
"You have guts boy. Eldrick was your name you said? I am Franco. I have known Sergei for quite a while. I should have known he would choose someone with a spine. But watch out, the Grand Druid does not like being challenged. Come let me introduce you to a few of the others."
"I am sorry sir, but as tradition dictates I must remain here. I have issued the traditional challenge and though I have the majority, I am bound to see this through. I will not break tradition and invalidate the challenge." Eldrick kept his voice calm, yet full of conviction.
"Come on Franco, he has you there. It has been almost seventy years since any followed the strict traditions, but since he initiated it, he must see it through. His Imminence wouldn't think twice if he broke tradition, he invoked them." The man clapped Franco on the shoulder.
"Next apprentice you take should show some gumption, Franco. Maybe if we could get a few more like this one the order would be able to flourish again." He cast his eyes to the ground. "We have lost too many, our numbers are dwindling." Rasing his gaze to meet Eldrick's, "I hope you are more capable than you seem," turning his head he cursed. "For the love of Servalin, We need to get back gentlemen, looks like a decision has been made."
Matching deed to words he herded the others back to their position to the right of the altar.
"Well, young Eldrick, it seems you are truthful. We accept your declaration, as tradition dictates. You may move about the grove freely until you are called for testing." Veldar turning his back to Eldrick addressed those awaiting his decree.
"Eldrick is of the order and so shall be given all the courtesy the order shows any member. Apprentice though he may be, this is the Feast of Servalin and thus all share in the duties this day. He has earned a spate from serving a master. He has provided for our feast, and on this day will be tested for the rank of Journeyman." Looking around he seemed to point to members almost at random. "Timothy, Franco, and Deitrick you three shall be the ones to test him. As his master is unable to fulfill the duties of guide, should he pass you three are not allowed to guide him onward, as per our traditions"
The three men bowing to Veldar spoke as one, "Yes Grand Druid"
"Now we have some preparations to attend for our feast this evening. Let us hope we have something else to celebrate as well. Let us begin our celebration." Flinging his arms open wide to commence with the merriments.
Turning back to Eldrick, "You may mingle until you are called as I have said. Enjoy the hospitality of the grove." His smile never reached his eyes.
Eldrick bowed again to the Grand Druid as formal tradition dictated. Not knowing anyone here, nor having his master to introduce him he felt out of place. As out of place as when he first entered the hall of healing. He began walking around, trying to get to know those here. While many had chosen to acknowledge his challenge, they didn't have any desire to talk with him.
After about an hour Eldrick felt a hand on his shoulder. "We are ready for you now. Please come with me," Franco said as Eldrick turned to face him. Leading Eldrick off to a small secondary clearing hidden away from view of the grove.
