The New Druid

Cathal was stopped as he passed by the church and forced a bow to Armund. The priest bowed back.

“Evening Cathal, tis a rare sight to see you so far uphill,” Armund said behind his crescent moon eyes.

Cathal crossed his arms. “Father Armund, you’re up late,” Cathal said annoyed.

“Looking for something? Perhaps the earth mother can help?” Armund said curling his lips. Cathal walked past without saying a word, Armund couldn’t read minds, but he always seemed to know everyone’s business. Nothing bothered Cathal more. All day every day the mainlander sat on his bench, watching, listening.

“You know your daughter still hasn’t come back from the forest. Should I rile up a search party? I wouldn’t be able to sleep at night if anything happened to her.” Armund said with a hint of amusement. Cathal scowled in disgust, Armund never slept.

“Thanks for the offer, but no. This is my family’s matter and I’d like to keep it that way.”

“I’m sure you would.” Armund chuckled. “I hope you find your daughter Cathal. Bring her home quickly.”

Cathal responded with a forced bow, never taking his eyes from the mainlanders. “I will.” He walked past the old man without hiding his disgust. Once out of sight he scowled. If there was one thing that upset the mainlanders, it was disrespecting their god. Una had only done what he would have in his youth, he cursed himself for not having known better. He muffled his steps and walked up the river. He hadn’t been on this path since his wife died. Visions of the past darted through his mind, holding her hands, laughing together, the bloody fangs standing over her corpse. He clenched his fist and shook his head, wiping the memories from his head. He regretted not teaching Una to hunt, these woods could be a hazardous place, but she didn’t know that. He never taught her. Ahead, a path of blood dotted along the stream. He followed it with a rock in his stomach and short breath. Then, at the base of the Grand elm, he collapsed to his knees. He scraped his daughters discarded bow from the dirt and held it close to his chest. Cathal scanned the surrounding area but saw nothing that could help, nor any signs of his daughter. He looked up at the tree with tears in his eyes. It was too late the druid had taken her, an animal would have left something. He sobbed and felt his eyes burn red with rage.

“Druid, I swear. I will hunt you down. I will take everything from you, you won’t get away with taking my daughter.”