Chapter 1( A New King)

The Pastures of Stonehenge and the Shores of Avalon, simultaneously:

Prince William, Catherine and their three children were having a picnic in the fields close to Stonehenge discussing a name or the new horse they just bought. Charlotte liked Patches even though it had none. George liked Thunder or Tornado so he could be like Zorro and young Louis liked Rubber Ducky because He loves Bert and Ernie. Catherine smiled at the young lad and in a soft voice stated quite firmly," No, we will not be naming a fifty thousand dollar stallion Rubber Ducky." Looking up at her husband who was standing looking up at this flock of ravens flying overhead. She said," I was rather thinking something along the lines of Goliath or Sonnet." He smiled, " I like Sonnet." Looking down at the children playing on the grass near their mother while their security was bringing up the basket of goodies to eat. " I think we will be calling him Sonnet." The children squealed and began running around their mother.

Suddenly, Brimstones and debris started raining down upon the Earth and they all began to huddle there scared as the Earth began to shake and chaos erupted around them. The Fabric of Time and Space did once again split and emanate and electric blue light near the stones.

The Village of Avalon Shores:

Valudus Stormyst sat at the table about to enjoy the Solstice celebrations and his Brother Andronus had just been named Arch Druid of the Tor. He was going to be presiding the ritual as he had attained the special honor because he had obtained the rank of Arch Druid. Pride swelled within him as he looked across the table and spoke," To Andronus! May The Goddess and Gods always guide your feet. May your Mount always be steady and may your wings be swift upon the wind." Everyone raised their glasses and cried," Here, Here!" as Valudus's beautiful wife Ishellia came carrying the large venison roast from the oven. she stopped in front of Andronus being he held the place of honor this year and allowed him to take from it the largest piece of roast before placing it upon the table laden with beautiful food. Potatoes, corn and summer squash. Daz really loved the Acorn squash with salt and butter baked into it. Potatoes and peas, Chicken and exquisitely arranged Elven pastries that were filled with a jelly from the most sacred plant on the isle. The tree of life. The only one left on this planet. No human was allowed to enter the grove only upon the outskirts. Not even the renounced king Ambrosious the great was allowed to enter. 

For his penance for not believing in Rhiannon’s innocence he had to leave his throne to protect the life of their only son and Heir, Arthur. Rhiannon, could not live without her king, her love and to leave him completely would tear her soul even more than it had already been torn. She now resides in the Lake of Avalon to ensure Ambrosious would be allowed the draught of everlasting life as payment.

She could only come forth each night after the moon had risen high and they would share their hours together before dawn’s fist light where she must then return to the lake to ensure the mists hung low and thick to conceal the grove beyond. The ground began to shake and shudder and moan with a soulful sound. Ambrosious rushed from his hovel and looked at the lake straining to catch a glimpse of his wife. Shifting to a raven he flew over the lake calling for her. Her slim fingers rose from the lake and grazed the tips of his talons as he drug them in the water. Quickly she grasped his talons and rose quietly. He telepathically told her what was happening, she nodded her beautiful head and submerged slowly awaiting the call of her queen. Ambrosious flew as far as he could sounding his raven call as loudly as he could alerting the grove watchmen. Valudus heard the raucous and emerged from his home and flipped his feathered cloak about him walking briskly towards the edge of the grove where Ambrosious waited speaking to the watchmen. Valudus took one look at him and said,” Go gather the remaining druids of this time and bring them here.”

 Turning just in time for his mother and family to arrive upon the edge of the grove and hear her say. “ My son, you know you have to go. That is your task and Always has been.” Valudus looked at his mother, putting his corn cob pipe in his mouth and replied.” I told you, I would not go back into that land after they made an artificial sun. They are corrupt, cruel and pridefully destructive and never listen to wise advice.” His mother replied.” You are my eldest son. Charged with the balance of this planet. You will do as you need to do to bring it back into balance. NOW! “ Turning to Andronis she spoke.” Take your brother to the rift and go find out what the hell is going on. “ Looking up she saw Sherari approaching quickly. Looking at the queen for her task.” Sherari, midstride shifted into a large dire wolf and continued to run towards the rift as fast as she could. Her sister Kerari protecting the barrier, ever on the watch. Nodding as they passed each other. “ Blessings of Gia go with you sister,.” She said.

The druids moved in unison as one in their various spirit forms and totems. Some bears , both grizzly and polar, some tigers, some wolves, some badgers a few wolverines were in the mix. Many owls, ravens, falcons and eagles all flew quickly in unison. They all converged to the temporal shift near the henge mound. Shifting to elven form they pulled their cowls over their heads, Sherari Melwreth nearest the rift, looked over her shoulder.” My lord, you’re much needed.” She gestured to the rift and stepped back allowing Arch Druid, Valudus Stormyst to enter. The rift hissed and growled as it emanated an electric blue light. Closing his eyes and centering himself, he stepped into the energy. The whole group one after one entered the rift spinning wildly about coming out on the other end upon Stonehendge to a tattered and worn holy place devoid of proper druid energy. Valudus looked up at the stones of the temple and spoke to his brothers and sisters as he gestured,” This.. will not do.”

Before William and Catherine’s eyes, The frightened children clung to their mothers side as William stood in front of his little family. The druids fanned out and began gesturing with their hands. Electric green leaves began to swirl about them bringing up a wind. Each leaf began to swish past to each stone and began to swirl around from the bottom and circled each stone to the capstone fully restoring them to their original glory in times past. Ivy beautiful and strong wound its way up the great megalithic stones adding a depth of beauty that could never be described with mere words. Looking up in the sky a flock of ravens so thick and dark it blotted out the light of the second sun. 

Ambrosious shifted into human form as he lit upon the ground in one fluid movement, and walked up to the henge. “ I have been gone too long my old friend.” He said as he touched the stones in reverence. Then slowly and deliberately the druids merged towards the center of the temple and Valudus walked forth and stooped low to the ground speaking in a hushed tone. Ambrosious reached out and grasped Karojen’s hand and shook it well and gave a grim nod. Valudus, Reaching in his pouch he pulled forth a large acorn. Larger than any had ever seen and placed it in the hole he had dug. Scooping the earth over the seed he began to sing as if it were a babe in the cradle. The other druids stepped forth and began to sing the ancient songs of times gone by that had not been uttered upon these hallowed grounds for thousands of years.

William and Catherine stood transfixed gazing upon the awesome sight unfolding before their very eyes. George looked at his mother,” Mummy? Why look, they are fixing the hendge. That’s So cool! Look Charlotte they aren’t hurting anyone! Look! See! Louis.. who cares about the horse right now this is history!” William looked over at his son and tilted his head.” What do you mean Geoge? Who do you think they are? Smiling, and moving away from his mothers side said transfixed.” It’s as if I know this from a time long past dad. ”Those are Druids, I have seen them in my dreams at night. They are always close to our family for some reason.”

A tree sprouted from the ground and grew tall unfolding it’s boughs as she grew and grew. Tree stretched forth her limbs to the sky as she rose and towered high above the temple stones, unfolding her beautiful canopy above and sheltering the druids below. She began to hum a radiant hum in rhythm and time with the druids that gave her life. The five humans, gazed up as the tree grew some three hundred foot into the air her massive trunk barely displaced any stones. Young George slinking closer towards the hendge. Karojen sensed someone watching. The old one dropped to the form of a grizzly bear and turned towards the couple. Growling deeply, he charged at the humans, skirting around the child and bounding towards the adults.

 Valudus turned, walking their way, his long cloak swirling about his feet as he moved effortlessly towards them. “Karojen, it is ok brother, they are fine.” The bear turned towards him and growled , “They are Humans, do I need any other reason to growl at them?” Valudus stopped a mere eight feet from them and bowed slightly, then spoke,” WHAT! Did you do? You humans think you can just do whatever you want! There must be a balance in nature, It clearly is not balanced.” Gesturing aloofly around him. “William gasped slightly and spoke.” Wh.-Who ar. Are You to speak to us that way?” Valudus in his cheekiness smiled slightly, his long canines showing as he did and so spoke. ”Who am I? Who am I? Who are you young whelp?!He demanded. W I am the prince! William responded. The old druid responded sarcastically, ”Really?,” I am the Prince?” Valudus bit his tongue slightly as Kate, standing dutifully behind her husband was poking him in his ribs. “ Dear” she said softly, "Be nice to him. He has long ears. He is not human.. Don’t make him mad please.” Looking over his shoulder he nodded slightly hearing her words and taking her council. Ambrosious stepped forwards and began his rant in his thick Welsh accent. “ My son! what have you done? Raising his hand in front of his eyes he looked up, jaw dropped wide open.. Poking Valudus in the ribs.” Val.” Valudus just kept on his rant. Val? Tugging his arm slightly. The older druid ignoring him to continue his chastisement.

Who am I? Who am I?” He said as he half turned towards the rest of the coven. Turning back he lifted his hands up and spoke,” DEAR king, I was here before Ambrosious became a glimmer in his mother’s eye. I have been here since before Arthur was crowned king! I am Valudus Stormyst, Arch Druid of the Tor!” Ambrosious still trying to get his attention still looking up.” Val,! My lord, look up man!” Valudus looked up reluctantly then sucked in a long breath quickly turning to the couple.” Jupiter does not have the mass to do that. Again, I ask, WHAT DID YOU DO!” Wills, in tears almost slightly raised his voice. “ My children are looking on, Please stop yelling at me! I just came outside for a bit of a holiday before we had to go abroad on a diplomatic trip for grandmother. This is as new to me as it is you.” Ambrosious stepped forward speaking. “ You are of the line of Arthur! Get a grip and tell us what the hell is happening here!”

Wills having had about enough. Bobs his head slightly and replies..” Look, you don’t know anything about it. He is just a legend.” Ambrosious looked up and pointed his finger at him.” MY son was not just a legend !He was a child of both worlds. Both elven and human. He was a highbred, and to keep him alive, he was stolen at birth and given to another family to raise. You William Phillip Arthur are sure as you are standing there, Are born of Elven blood ,of the line of Rhiannon. Sister of the arch druid Valudus, She is the daughter of the highest Queen this land will ever have, High Queen Madeline. We love one another deeply for all time in this life and the next.” Wills, a bit shaken to find out he was part elf, stood dumbfounded. The old druid took a deep breath,” You remind me of him so much. You have his eyes.” As he moved towards the edge of the lake, instinctively knowing what the queen would say. “ George and Charlotte’s eyes were huge.” We are blood of Arthur Pendragon.

Through the portal on the hendge they could all see.

The High Queen Madeline seemed to glide across the lake towards the royal couple and bowed respectfully as they reached the shore. Madeline motioned them to step closer and bade them step through the portal. George and Charlotte ran quickly towards the portal as William and Catherine and Louis were levitated into the portal and emerged on the edge of the Shores of the Lake on the other side.

The High Queen motioned her greeting with a elegant bow and called for the lady of the lake to emerge. Ambrosious, seeing the queen call for his wife ,quickly shifted into a raven and began flying towards the lake.

”Rhiannon!!Rise forth and find the sword of Kings!” The beautiful keeper of the sword of kings rose quietly from the lake and stepped towards the group of people. Ambrosious flying nervously about her, cawing as she rose. As she stepped towards the shore, her wet tendrils dried into long curls that fell below her bottom and the sheer white fabric of her dress dried instantly. Flowers sprouted where her feet touched the earth as she moved effortlessly to stand before the beautiful Elf .

 Madeline looked at her and nodded and spoke clearly after she kissed her daughter’s forehead,” Hello my daughter, we must find the sword of kings.” Within moments, flying through the air, right to her hand was the worn remnants of Excalibur that had been housed in the London museum for 60 years. An eerie glow emanated from around her as from seeming out of nowhere Valudaz the Younger stepped towards his Aunt and took the remnants from her hand. Looking at the rusted bits of metal and dust he looked at William and spoke. “ Do you humans not know the concept of oiling your blades? This was once the finest blade in the Elven kingdom.” Daz motioned for his anvil and Ishellia his mother called forth a blue flame fire. The large blacksmith of an elf thought for a moment and looked at his aunt and spoke.” I need some Titanium, I think I’m going to go with a nice trimascus dragon's breath design on the blade.” The lovely Rhiannon nodded her assent and flicked her wrist slightly as five beautiful Titanium billets appeared on the anvil. Valudaz walked over and inspected them and said,” This will do.” 

Looking at William he motioned for him to work the bellows. Young George was so excited he bounced along the shore. “ Dad, dad! Can I help?” Wills motioned for the lad to come stand before him and help pump the bellows while the large Paladin did his most amazing work. Black soot covered their faces and Charlotte giggled while young Louis played along the edge of the shore with a chipmunk and squirrel. The blade was being elegantly created with the small remnant of the remains of Excalibur. The princes watched as the hammer blows struck with precision. It seemed to take shape as if but a moment when in reality they were so transfixed the hours slid by unnoticed. Daz began hammering runes along the center of the blade just underneath the first fuller and before the second fuller closer to the tip of the blade. He called over the jeweler and he began to affix to the sword a golden, glinting hilt emblazoned with dragons, rubies, sapphires and emeralds. Studded along the hilt were pieces of bloodstone in ornate design. 

They turned to Madeline and nodded the job was complete and she pulled forth the leather scabbard clothed in blood red velvet given from the stags of the forest. Etched in spell thread, twined into the fabrics were Elvin runes unreadable to anyone who did not know elfish, was a spell to keep the bearer of the sword from bleeding or dying from mortal wounds. She had already distracted the young princess with a scrap of velvet and silver thread and needle. Catherine stood transfixed soaking it all in. Beaming with pride that her husband and children were truly of the line of King Arthur. Excalibur existed and was being reworked into something quite extraordinary.

The High Queen of the elves took the sword from her weapon smiths and motioned for her son to bring forth the crown of the Elvin kings. The New Arch Druid Andronus stepped away from Sherari and joined them holding up the ancient crown. It was silver with stags horns and twisted ivy leaves etched of silver. Intricate phases of the moon and stars and planets all had their place in the crown. It as well was adorned with Bloodstone, garnet and obsidian stones. Valudus took his place beside his brother Andronus and leaned forward to whisper in his mother’s ear. “Can you believe he does not know of us?” His mother smiled slightly and nodded then spoke, “King step forward and be crowned for you and your brother are all that still lives in your family, he is trying to keep your people calm. He thinks you are dead and we have sent a party to bring him to this spot.

Reaching back protectively, William touched the arm of his wife which seemed to give him comfort. Within moments Harry and Archie were there with a sad look upon his face and tears streaming down his eyes relieved to see his brother and sister in law were safe. He was quite despondent that he could not find his wife, she had gone on holiday to Balmoral to take some alone time away from the Los Angeles crowd and just slow down for some time. " Do you think she is ok?" William looked at his brother," Balmoral is a ways away, I am sure she is doing fine, scared but fine."

“What are we to do? Our family is dead, all of them Wills, all of them! We are alone in the world.” William took a deep breath and tears fell from his eyes as he looked up at his brother and spoke softly,” We do what we have always done in the face of death, We stand straight, hold our heads high and continue to keep going.”

 The patiently waiting Queen of the elves stepped forward and spoke hurriedly.” You must kneel King!” Harry shoved William forward and he knelt with trepidation and awe. The queen looked about and began to speak. “You William of Wales are now to be pronounced King of your lands. You must uphold the code of the Old Ones. You must be truthful and be of honor. You must be this for your son to become the king that he must, And your daughter to be the Queen she must be. “She placed the crown upon his brow and stood looking at his wife tears falling from her eyes. He stood proud and smiled through the tears. He whispered softly the words to Motzart’s bittersweet Symphony. George is the eldest heir why will he not be king?” She asked softly. Madeline smiled softly in return and replied, “ He is destined to be druid child. There must always be a balance. He is the child of both worlds Your son when he is of age must return to his ancestors and take his rightful place among our people and reign in my stead when I can no longer take up the task. He too will be king as well as your daughter will be queen among the human world. There must always retain a finite balance between the worlds.

Motioning to Valudus, she spoke,” You will remain in this realm and be the liaison between our worlds my son. Do not let the royal family fall, uphold them and teach them our ways .” Nodding his understanding and motioning behind him to his wife Ishellia and Three children Valudaz, Ruthieanne and Jacxieblue, stepped to his side as droves of Travelers and gypsies came from everywhere to give allegiance to their king…Valudus stepped forward and issued a long piercing whistle into the air and a vibrant hum followed by the thundering of hooves…Twenty of the largest deer any of them had ever seen burst through from the mists at the edge of the lake and came towards the elves and lowered their mighty heads down low and bowed in respect…Valudus moved towards the lead stag and looked him over. His antlers were so large they seemed as if they would weigh his head down so he couldn’t move. Thousands of tiny small branches snaked their way across his head entwined and exquisitely beautiful. The great druid reached forth his hand and rubbed his neck and spoke softly,” The many years have been kind to you old Cernunnos my most trusted friend.” The stag bobbed his head and pawed the earth beneath his hooves, shifting slightly from side to side. The young king was astounded and spoke.” This is the great God Cernunnos?” Chuckling, Valudus turned ever so slightly and spoke,” No, this is not a God, I have been gone so long from these lands that your ancestors began worshipping my mount! I find it slightly amusing on some level.” Ambrosious looked up and the Ravens were joining from the henge. The cawing and calls were echoing through the air as they swarmed down to the ground all shifting to their human forms. The high queen turned to Rhiannon and spoke softly. “ Tree needs a druid, select the one among them that will take this task.” Ambrosious took Rhiannon’s hand and walked among the druids as they did so the queen began to speak.

Madeline looked upon the druids with a knowing smile and knew they had not forgotten the lore of the past. “Tonight! We have a bonfire and celebrate the new King and the return of the druids! Then, the one who is called by the tree will step inside the hollow and begin her life as one with the tree. This is a great honor to you. It can seem like a prison but you can move about for two hours an evening at the time of dark trees. Tree needs your energies to keep growing.” Silently, as if by force of nature a young woman stepped forward from the crowd as Ambrosious and Rhiannon drew near to her and spoke softly to Madeline.” My name is Rhennah. I heard tree speak to me as we flew over. She said to me. ”Come to me fair maiden and give me your troth. I was to wed next week to my betrothed. Robert ,He will be greatly saddened by this.” The high Elf looked upon her and touched her flaxen hair and smiled. “Bring forth the young man. No one should walk through eternity alone.”

Turning to her left the young man was brought forth and the two clung to each other and kissed softly. Nodding to the druids both elven and human they swiftly rode to Stonehenge through the portal. The elven druids shifted to their animal forms and some rode the backs of the beautiful stags. When they reached the henge,

Ambrosious brought forth his seed and placed it in the ground and covered it with the magical soil. Again, the whole of the druid nation began to hum and sing as the tree grew. “For all time you will be part of the trees as they will be part of you. You will guide those who come to you and seek answers to their problems. This is a great task. As it was said before, there will be two hours each evening that you may venture forth with the sylphs, nymphs and dryads. This is your time, use it well.”

The young couple were prepared and ritually cleansed so they could become one with the trees. Night fell and they were bound to the huge sacred oaks and the hollows opened for them to rest in. The two kissed one another and stepped into the hollows of their trees to begin their symbiotic life together with. Time waxed on and on and as the trees grew larger over the passage of time their roots and boughs had become entwined as a pair of lovers would embrace. They were quite lovely and if one were to die the other would surely not live long without the other. They were so tightly entwined together they could never be separated. Small trees grew each passing year and each passing year the druids came and took them from the earth and made their sacred groves larger and denser. They planted forests where none were, and replenished the Earth to heal her pain. Now, per capita there are more oak trees in the Amazon basin then there are phicus or mangrove or any other tree for that matter. Year after year, druids would flock to the large vast open areas of the earth ravaged by man and plant sacred trees brought from the sacred mother and father. They prided themselves in repairing the earth with their offspring and watch human children grow and play and take their rites of passage with others and begin journeys of life with one another. Rhennah and Robert viewed the world perhaps in a different light. But as the years passed so too did they grow ever stronger and their love stayed strong and true to each other and the trees.