Page 62 of May Queen: May Day

Chapter 16

Flora guided the horse through the dark with Albreda holding on, sitting behind her. They couldn’t take the chance of using a torch and having a guard see them. Instead, they headed deep into the woods in the dark only having the moon to guide their way.

“It’s Beltane,” said Albreda. “The Druids will be having a bonfire, so it’s risky. Hopefully, Ricard and his men won’t come looking for you tonight.”

“Aye,” Flora answered, feeling torn. Part of her didn’t want Ricard showing up, but another part of her hoped he would find out she’d escaped and come after her to protect her. “I see the fire up ahead.”

They rode into camp and, immediately, Flora saw Mug talking with her father. Her father looked up in surprise and hurried over.

“Daughter,” he said. He had a cup in his hand and smelled highly of alcohol. She noticed everyone was drinking and laughing and some of the Druids were even dancing around the bonfire. “I was hoping you’d come.”

“I’m only here to warn you.” She slid off her horse and her father handed her his tankard.

“Have a drink while I help my old friend Albreda down.” Her father helped the old woman dismount. “It’s been a long time, Albreda. Thank you for watching over my wife and daughter all these years.” He gave her a kiss on the cheek.

Albreda giggled. “I can see why Lady Edith fell for you. You are very charming.”

“I was even more charming as a knight,” he told her.

“Father,” said Flora. “There will be time for pleasantries later. I am here to warn you that Ricard and his men are going to hunt all of you down and kill you.”

“He’s been trying to do that for a long time,” said her father, not sounding at all concerned. “His father tried before him as well to eliminate us. They won’t succeed.”

Mug walked up and Flora glared at him. “Ricard is angrier than ever now. He found Mug in my chamber and he knows we’re all Druids.”

“Mug told me he was looking for the necklace.”

“I found it but, thanks to the wench, I lost it again,” growled Mug.

“Watch it, Mug. That is my daughter you’re calling a wench and I don’t like it.” Her father took the tankard back and lifted it to his mouth.

“She’s going to get us killed. What is she doing here?” complained Mug. “You know Ricard is going to follow.”

“Nay, he doesn’t even know I’m gone. However, he is out hunting for Mug and all of the Druids,” Flora explained.

“Why are you here, Flora?” asked her father. “Did you come for Beltane?”

“Nay,” she said, even though she was interested in seeing what went on at a Beltane ritual celebration. “I only came to warn you and give you this.” She took off the necklace and handed it to her father.

“It has finally returned to us.” Her father kissed the emblem and held it up for everyone to see. Shouts of joy went up, continued by music, laughing, drinking and more dancing.

“Mother stole it from you, the last time she saw you,” explained Flora.

“Ah, then that explains it. I was starting to think I was going mad because I’m not usually so careless as to lose sacred icons.”

“What will you do now that you have it?” she asked.

“I suppose we’ll go back to Ireland where we’ll be safe,” he answered.

“I’d like to go with you,” said Albreda. “If you don’t mind.”

“You have been loyal to me and are of our Druid family,” said Oren. “Of course, we welcome you with open arms.” He opened his arms and gave her a hug. “Please, go tell Rosemunda. She will be happy to see you.”

Once the old woman walked away, Mug spoke up.

“Send Flora away, Belenus. If you don’t, she is sure to bring us bad luck and Lord Ricard right to our doorstep.”

“I don’t want to send her away,” said Oren. “I have lived too many years not knowing my daughter. Flora, I want you to come to Ireland with us.”