Knox of the Bloom

Chapter 7: Intertwined

Eriu was the one who had to travel to the temple today. She met a druid named Skral at the boat and they made their way through the sloping waves. Days had passed by and she knew not how many since she'd first awoken and spoken to the gods. Skral didn't speak, but gave her a smile as she boarded, and she couldn't help but see familiarity in those eyes, though if she'd ever met this man before, she couldn't remember.

Once beached on the main temple island, they pulled the boat further onto shore. She followed then thin druid into the network of passages, up into the roughly carved rock that made the temple. They climbed a small stairs and it brought them to the top of the temple, where a broad shouldered man stood with his arms resting on the wall, gazing out at the mist covered water. His thick hair was braided and dyed green, it fell down around his waist. When he looked at her, she saw that his eyes were filled with power, like lightning. Eriu could feel that raw power stirring there, ready to strike at his will.

'Eriu,' the man's deep voice brushed against her ears. 'I have heard the druids speak of it, is it true?' Skral nodded. 'You have been truly blessed then, child. I am Lir, the druids look to me for strength in these clouded days. Tell me Eriu, do you remember what the goddess said to you?'

She did, but a part of her felt that she wanted to keep it to herself.

'You know that is not for you to know, Lir. We are not here to question the will of the gods.' Skral frowned and stood between them.

'True words, but a goddess's wisdom would be truly welcome to our anxious minds. How long has it been since a god has spoken to one of us? Well, will you share with me your wisdom, Eriu?'

'I do not remember,' she tried her best to hold his gaze, but couldn't. She blushed as she stared down at her feet.

'Yes, I understand. My own encounter with the gods was quite personal, too. Well, we'll speak again soon, Eriu.' Lir walked past her, then went down the steps, his heavy footfalls disappeared. Skral motioned for her to follow him.

'Who was he?' she asked once they had gotten further away from the stairs.

'A jealous man, that is all. He feels threatened by you. Do not let him trouble you, he will settle in time.'

They entered into a small chamber; a fire was lit at the centre of a small circle of stones. A familiar face was sat by the fire. The man's burnt face and bright green eyes looked up from the fire, and he smiled. 'Ah, come in. Sit, please.'

Skral nodded to the man, then turned and left. Eriu looked around at the chamber. There were thin stones set on a rock counter, carved out from the walls. Runes, circles, pigments worked onto their surfaces filled the room. Many herbs and bowls were filled with the gods knew what. The place smelled both unsettling and exotic at the same time.

'Come,' he smiled again, motioning for her to sit. Eriu sat down on the far side of the fire and crossed her legs. 'I see you've met Lir?' She nodded. 'Yes, some of us are touched by dark gods, but gods none the less. I see a new power in you, Eriu. You won't remember, but we've met before.'

'Really?'

'Yes. But that is not for me to speak of. All I can say is that I can see that the gods have looked favourably upon you.'

'What,' she cleared her throat. 'What happened to me? Where am I?'

'You were claimed by the druids, that is all. You are here in this temple to speak with me, as I will guide you in your next steps on your new journey.'

'A journey to where?'

'Not where, but who. Who you will become, who you are becoming.'

'Who are you?'