Pools of Darkness - James M Brown [92]
For the first time, the druid looked up to witness the transformation she had commanded. As far as she could see, the glade around her was verdant and lush. An evil darkness still permeated the area beyond her healing, but the forest was not entirely lost. It might still be saved.
"Silvanus, my god, my spiritual father, I thank you for the power you have given me. Will this transformation endure?"
"No, my daughter. In a few weeks, the evil will seep back into the haven you have created. I can do nothing to prevent that. But you have been given a quest that you must pursue. You cannot give any more of yourself and still hope to complete your mission."
"Woodland father, this forest suffers so."
"Yes, my child. But you cannot gather enough energy to cure it permanently. The evil that taints it is too great."
"If I remain here, father, will this land, the land I gladly sacrifice myself for, remain healthy and fertile?"
"No mortal has the power to maintain the forest against the evil that would destroy it. If you remain here, this island in the woods will remain healthy. Your energy will be drained from you and you will die along with the forest." The unicorn met her gaze with wise, sad eyes. "Only if I allow you to transcend death and assume the guardian form can you hope to cure these woods. In doing so, you would be abandoning your quest."
"I have lived my entire life for a chance such as this."
"Ah, but have you considered what your life would be if you accepted the task? You would never leave this forest, being rooted here physically and spiritually. Men who see you will look upon you as a beautiful grove in the forest, nothing more. You will spend your days alone amid the silence of the trees."
"But I will shelter the animals and my limbs will be home to the birds and their young. My power will feed the trees and flowers. The animals will love me and be my friends. Without this, they will all die horrid, poisoned deaths." The druid's tone was pleading, but respectful of her god.
Sylvanus consented. "You have shown me that your heart and head are in agreement. I will grant your wish." The unicorn gracefully stepped forward and bowed its head, touching Talenthia's shoulder with the tip of its horn.
Talenthia gave herself up to the power of her god. Her body became a milky mist rising into the air, spreading wide and taking the shape of a graceful willow tree. The white cloud settled into place and became firm. Color began to spread from the tree's roots, working up the trunk and outward to soft green leaves. Smooth, tan bark and silky branches marked the completion of the transformation. The tree rustled with joy. From beneath its roots, a clear spring bubbled from the earth and its waters trickled down the hill. Talenthia's healing chalice was transformed with her. Now it would permanently nourish the starving forest. For all eternity, this hill would be blessed.
The unicorn gently touched its horn to the tree. Branches and leaves encircled it in a tender hug. After a moment, the unicorn dissolved into white mist and disappeared.
* * * * *
Miles away, Andoralson was completing an ancient rite to purify the land and the stones of the druid's circle. With the stones raised and in place, Miltiades respectfully stood guard.
After a final sprinkling of mistletoe among the stones to seal the rite, the druid paused and attempted to contact his cousin. Reaching out with his nature magic, he immediately sensed a new, rich presence in the forest.
"Talenthia, what have you done?" He shook his head as he realized what had happened. Although the forest around the ring of stones still shook with pain, the hill where he'd left Talenthia now gave off an exuberant energy, a feeling of joy and serenity.
"Well done, Cousin. I must admit, I didn't think you had it in you." He shed