Covenant of the Druids

Covenant of the Druids - The Return

Snicker stood resolutely on the hard stone floor of the Druid’s meeting hall, deep within their stronghold. He tried to hide his nervousness, and often found himself feeling the pouch at his side, reassuring himself that the artifact they prized so highly was still within. More than once he found himself wondering whether they valued it enough to agree to what he would propose. It was no small favour that he would ask them, but he was determined to at least try. When the druids around him grew silent, Snicker faced the front of the hall where a lone druid stood facing the assembly. Jonass had pointed him out to Snicker on their return, as Aremn, their leader.

When all were silent, Aremn cleared his throat and motioned for Snicker to come forward. He smiled almost nervously at Snicker, his eyes straying to the pouch at the warrior’s side. "Tonight is a night for celebration. Thanks to the efforts of the one before you, the statue that has been missing from our halls has finally been returned. It is only fitting then, that we are all gathered here together to witness first-hand as he gives it back to those who rightfully own it." Aremn seemed to stress the last few words, and gave Snicker a meaningful glance.

Snicker ignored the feeling of hundreds of eyes suddenly fixing upon him, and kept his eyes fixed on Aremn. "Before I return to you that which is yours, I would ask a moment of your time. Jonass has explained briefly to me the nature of this covenant that governs your life down here. I would hear more of it, if I may."

Aremn’s eyes grew angry momentarily, before his face relaxed into a smile. It was obvious to Snicker that it was a forced smile though. "We are flattered by your interest in our order, and if you would learn more, we would be more than willing to share our history with you. There will be plenty of time for talk once this business is concluded."

Snicker felt himself wilt under the druid’s gaze, but remained firm. He wondered whether their oath of non-violence would hold sway or not. There were easily several hundred of them gathered here with him. He was just a lone man. Were they to try and take the statue from him using force, he would be unable to stop them. Straightening his stance, he smiled back at Aremn. "If it is not too much to ask, I will hold onto the statue for the moment. Tell me, how long have you remained down here, while man and woman die needlessly above?"

Aremn scowled. "A long time, but not long enough to forget the lessons we learned through blood and death. The outside world can have their wars and their petty values. We have remained down here and will continue to do so. Their lives are of no concern to us!"

Snicker felt his anger rising. "And what about this statue? Is that of concern to you?"

Aremn face clouded over with anger, and he strained to remain in control. "Enough of these games. Tell me what you want in return for the statue, since it is obvious you want something. I would have thought healing you and making you well would be payment enough."

Snicker had been thinking hard since retrieving the statue. His thoughts went back to his parents who had died while he still a child. He had been forced to grow up in an orphanage, denied the love and care that his parents would have provided. Had the druids been around, then maybe they would be alive today. They had brought him back from death itself, surely they could have cured the illness that afflicted them. "Very well, what I ask is this. That your order returns once more to the world above, and use your healing arts to help those who have need of it. That is all I ask in return for the statue."

Aremn laughed derisively. "Is that all? So you are simply asking that we abandon the rules that have kept us safe for generations and venture out once more into a world that will seek to control us for their own uses? You are mad. We will never return."

While this drama had unfolded, Jonass had been standing nervously to one side. Before long he couldn’t control himself any longer and rushed to Snicker’s side. When he faced Aremn, there was a glint of steel in his eyes, despite the nerves. "I do not wish to over step my bounds, but surely the warrior’s request must be put before the assembly."

Aremn gave the nervous druid a look of annoyance. "He is not one of our order, and as such no request can be put before the assembly by him."

Jonass took a steadying breath before replying. "In that case, I will put forward the request." He glanced earnestly at Snicker. "But you must agree to return the statue regardless of the outcome."

Snicker nodded. "I will abide by your decision."

Aremn seemed to lose his temper at long last. "This is madness. The covenant was created for a reason. It is folly to put it aside and place our trust in those above ground."

Snicker matched his anger, and almost shouted at the old man. "Too many good people are dying needlessly. You can make a difference with the skills you possess. You have hidden below long enough."

Aremn sneered at him. "So we are to become judges now as well? Are we to know who deserves it and who doesn’t? You ask too much!"

Jonass moved to stand beside Aremn. "No. If we are to return to the outside world, we will not turn away any who need our help, be they good or evil. We must remain neutral in all things."

From then onwards it was surprisingly simple. The assembled druids voted almost overwhelmingly in favour of the request, and Jonass was elected to be in charge of their above world activities. Snicker didn’t remain there long, but returned to his home in Leinster. And although the druids were rarely seen, in the coming months, stories of people being dealt mortal wounds, only to find themselves alive and well, usually within the confines of their own homes, began to spread. The druids once more walked the surface of the realm.

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