Chapter 20 ( Trucks of Gold)

Daz, Sherari and Kerari began to fill the trucks with the gold it seemed to be slow business until Sherari got sick of lugging twenty seven pound bars one by one and called forth a cyclone , she flicked her fingers and guided the wind storm to the gold and  pulled them up into  the wind and whisked them all into the trucks. Looking at the others she asked innocently," What? I don't like to exert myself in that fashion, that's what humans are for." ” Ok , now let’s see if we can get them started alright?” Kerari looked at Valudaz’s amazement and smiled. ”She’s my sister you should have known she would be just as impatient as I am. Now let’s figure out how to get these things rolling shall we? We have a long way to go and not enough time to get there.” Kerari Looked at Daz," Your father said to be back in Avalon by the fires of Beltane Daz. Besides, it has been over a thousand years since  we last shared a Beltane fire. I think you owe me at least one dance." she said smirking enough to allow her canines to show to Daz. They went back into the library to find some information. Daz looked up over his shoulder and spoke," Kerari go see what kind of trucks they are it seems the make and model are important somehow." Nodding her head slightly to him she said," Yes sire." He was royalty after all. She went out and looked at the trucks and yelled back to him they are Kenworth Trucks. It says diesel only on the spot i am assuming you fill it with fuel."

The three poured over book after book on diesel engines and  Kenworth trucks seemed to have the right idea and slowly after two hours of working on one truck it hummed to life. The ancient relic seemed to be in immaculate shape for its age. It took twenty minutes to set up the other truck . Soon they were driving out of the mine in single file loaded with gold and as many things as they could carry in the spaces left. But they were still under the time constraint and were pushing it way, way too close. Lord Valudus was not the man to anger. Sherari pulled out a map and came to a stop making Daz and Kerari atop their truck. she hopped down and walked back to them. Ok we need to go East to the coast then across to Avalon. We need a mage. I say lets head down to Nashville because we had to use ferrys to get down here from Rage Gale. They all agreed and got back in their trucks and started driving south. They dodged old rusted cars and chunks that were out of the road and Sherari got really tired of the slow moving and decided magic would be much better and  she cast her Cyclone spell after she made sure all the gold would be secure and not fly out from the gusts of wind.

With Sherari’s Cyclone pushing them they made a very , very long trip to Nashville in a mere two hours. Once there Kerari decided to stop and see if they could find a mage in the local tavern. The beautiful rogue walked into Trixie’s Fun Bunch Tavern on 17th ave. and hopped onto the bar.” I have need of a mage and a wormhole to Avalon! I have enough money to compensate them quite handsomely.” About 5 minutes later a young mage named Arabethia came up to her and smiled. “ I can take you to Avalon, I was headed there anyways , I don’t miss the fires of Beltane.” Nodding to her she motioned for her to come outside and showed her the trucks. “ Not a problem. Just give me a minute.” The young lady began to flick her fingers as DAz and Kerari fired up the engines." Shemanch Rhie Rhom! Shores of Avalon!" Arabethia said and then climbed into Sherari's truck . Soon as the wormhole opened they drove through. It was quite strange to travel through the wormhole is a vehicle. they spun around quite erratically and landed on the the shores of Avalon with a loud thud and they could hear one of the axles crack.

The fires of Beltane burned brightly as they rolled into view. There seemed to be more of a celebration than Daz remembered there to be. Someone must have gotten married. Then he noticed his father and Rahnyah up on the platform and smiled.” That old man got himself a young one. It seemed fitting that he chose Rahnyah, she was always around anyway. ”Striding up to his father he grasped his arm and said," Father! Mazel Tov! old man!" Turning to Rahnyah, he gently grasped her delicate hand and bowed sweetly," M'Lady! Welcome to the family. Mother would not have it any other way. In fact, I know it is your wedding but I need you to go and get her if you could? It would be just a few minutes gone from the fires." Rahnyah nodded and leaned over a whispered to Val for a moment and he nodded his head and she stepped away from the celebration and walked to Madeline. She leaned over and whispered into her mother- in- law's ear. and the high queen nodded and Rahnyah Turned and spoke while she flicked her fingers," Shemanch Rhie Rhom! New Orleans Stormyst residence." Rahnyah stepped into the portal and out into the front room of Ishellia's apartment."  Rahnyah said loudly," Shell, Shell, where are you?" Ishellia came from around the corner and hugged her best friend. And sadly kissed her cheek," Congratulations dear. Wait! why are you not at the Fires?" Rahnyah hurridly spoke to her friend," Daz came back from Kentucky with alot of gold to huge trucks filled to the rim with it and I need you to go with me to see Drow with one of the truck loads of gold." Nodding quiclky that she understood, the mages quickly made a wormhole and stepped back through to Avalon.

Meanwhile.. Back in Avalon..

“She is quite beautiful tonight father. I am glad you were able to find happiness again.” Nodding to his son he spoke,” Your mother indicated to me that it was the most logical choice to make and gave me her blessing. She sends her love and wanted me to tell you there is a weapon that was made by mortal hands that can make an angel mortal. “

Daz looked at him stunned and pushed him to speak further.” Your mother told me the name of the weapon is called the Longinine  lance or dagger now. There have been several places that claim to have it but I think the most valued place would be the Vatican city in Rome which is under twenty feet of water.”

“ Father , what makes this weapon so special?” He asked Val and he smiled sadly and responded.” Remember that young lad that came to us for a while when you were quite young." Val mused. " Yeshuah? Yes that was his name. Well, apparently some Roman stabbed him in the side after nailing him to a cross. Well, it seems his blood can make a angel mortal. The blade was never washed and his blood remains to this day on it. Funnily enough they say he self substantiated. We taught him to resurrect others not himself.“ 

 Daz was a little more than stunned and responded quickly,” Yes I do remember that young fellow, He was bright and quick to learn, he was a fun lad to be around. Its nice to know that he learned from us enough to defeat the tyranny of the Roman Occupation.” Wow, now I feel old father.” He said chuckling softly.” You ? what about me? I have been around far longer than you my son.” “ Indeed you have father, I need to go talk to Kerari. You remember her father Melwreth, don’t you? We went through our manhood ceremonies together .”” Oh yes, I remember him. how old is she?” Daz looked at her and guessed , She and her sister cant be more than fifteen hundred years old. If  I were to wager I would say she was about fifteen hundred fifty? Give or take a year or two.”” Well son tonight we feast and frolic and tomorrow you will ready yourself to head to the Vatican city. But tonight , have fun Honor the Goddess, Be good to your friends and family and rejoice because the winds of change come soon my son.” Valudus said with a smile and a wave,” I must attend to my bride and queen before she comes to hunt me down. Come, bring your new friends to the family table and have them greet  your grandmother. I am sure it has been a while since the young druid and her sister have visited. Make sure they go see thier parents. I see Rahnyah and your mother coming through the portal just now.”

Turning to Kerari and Sherari he motioned them to come and join the wedding festivities. Kerari was dancing by the edge of the fire and smiling wide when she instinctively turned to Valudaz and locked his gaze. Her long blonde hair still spinning around her ,coming to a rest over her shoulder. Breathing heavily she walked slowly towards Daz and nodded towards the fire. Telepathically she spoke to him in a haunting tone,” Come dance with me and cast your cares away for this one night.” He smiled and moved her way really taking note of her face and eyes. They were the most striking shade of blue he had ever seen. For just a moment he shoved the pain of Alitha’s death from his mind and took her by the hand and led her back to the huge bonfire.

 Sherari had gone to the King and Queens table and made her introductions. “ Ahh Sherari my child, it has been a while. Your presence has been missed amoung the druids as of late. “ Madeline said as she motioned for her to sit with them.” Here, have some roast beef and some new potatoes.” Sherari nodded and grasped the platter as the Elvin queen handed it to her. Looking over to the fire she saw her sister dancing with Valudaz and smiled.” I thought that one was a surly sort of fellow but he seems to be smiling now.” Madeline smiled, " Those two have been destined to mate since your sister was a young child in swadling. It was only a mater of time. How many fires did they share before Valudaz left with his father and mother?" she asked. Sherari smiled and thought for a moment and responded. " I think about twenty or more." 

Madeline smiled a saddened smile.” His wife was killed and he has been in mourning.” Sherari nodded and said," Thank you your majesty, the food is simply amazing. I have some new runes I would like to show you later when we have done our tasks. But I see the young Rabbi over there and have really been dying to have a chat. May I please be excused?" The queen smiled and nodded and watched the young one flit away.

Kerari and Daz could not stop looking into one another’s eyes as they danced and turned and jumped around the flames. Their smiles were contagious. It was good to see him trying to be happy.” Rahnyah nudged Valudus’s arm and nodded their way.” Look dear, they are having so much fun.”

When the flute and totem music stopped , her momentum spun her into Valudaz’s chest . Placing her hands on his chest she looked up and kissed him softly. For a moment he was stunned then slowly he returned her kiss. Warmed by the fires of Beltane they seemed to hang in suspended Time for what seemed like hours. Only minutes had passed before they realized all eyes were upon them and they both blushed.” Come, see my grandmother and get some food, you must be hungry. and she hasn't seen you in some time.” He said in a husky voice as he led her to the family table.

 The High Queen smiled and motioned for her to sit and smiled brightly.” I see you have taken a fancy to my grandson.” Looking straight at him she spoke again,” He has much pain in his heart it is good to see that you can make him smile again.” Kerari was stunned and pleased by the greeting. “ Let’s just get this out of the way now. There will be a union between our families. I knew your parents well. Your mother was a dear friend of mine as she went through her priestess training. He has been in mourning  however when there is chemistry like yours and my grandson’s the union will be much blessed. Get to know one another and find your comfort, we will see where this goes shall we? Besides you both have shared more than one Fire if I recall correctly.” Kerari blushed and leaned her head forward, her hair gently cascaded over her shoulder and she smiled at the queen.

Valudaz took a deep breath and remained silent , he knew his grandmother was correct. She could see things others could not see. Madeline smiled a moment and spoke,” Excuse me I must speak with our new queen.” She rose elegantly and went to see Rahnyah who had made Ishellia sit at the table with her and Val. they were smiling and chatting as if nothing bad had ever happened. The two were insperable there would be no way to keep Ishellia from coming into the grove and she knew it.

Madeline seemed to glide upon the air as she neared her son and his new wife. Stepping close to the mage she placed a hand upon her shoulder and one upon her stomach, smiling at them both.” My son, The Goddess has blessed your union. The queen carries a child.” Rahnyah smiled brightly and touched Valudus’s arm.” Our children grow fast child. The pregnancy will be quick, your son will be strong and healthy. I had suspected the other morning when you awoke but wanted more time to converse with the spirit world before I told you what I knew. Ishellia and Rahnyah looked at each other stunned and Ishellia smiled softly." I knew when you arrived this evening. Your son will be an amazing soul. and look how many people there will be to love him!" Rahnyah was still stunned, responded," A child at my age! Oh my! she said looking at Val. He smirked," At your age! What about mine? Well, I will have the wood crafters carve him a cradle and make a crib. Because, it seems at the ripe old age of five thousand years old , I am to become a father again.” Val said with a toothy grin. Wow things have changed a lot since the twins were born over two thousand years ago. It doesn’t seem that long but yes, two thousand years ago. Immortality stops the aging process so you may be able to become pregnant again through out the ages.” Nodding her understanding she was still in shock she was pregnant at all and then to be Queen on top of it all.

Looking at her very tall and handsome husband she said, “ Valudus? Let’s go dance around the fires.” She said grabbing his hand and pulling. Lifting her long dress out of the way and tucking it over her arm they made their way to the great bonfire. All the people stopped and stared as the king and queen stood before the fire.

“ Let’s have some music!” He said, and Miralania came forward dressed with flowers in her hair , all the dark plate gone for the night, dressed in silk and gossamer thin fabrics covering only the important parts. Her beautiful faun legs were bare and the fur shimmered in the light of the fire. Slayde’s eyes opened as he saw her in a different light. She looked so delicate and fragile.

With the softest of breaths she began to play and ancient haunting melody. Tears flowed from her eyes as she looked up at Slayde and he walked forward, closer to the fire to hear her better. As she played, the Fauns of the woods heard her song and began to venture closer to the fire. They themselves had been readying for the fires of Beltane. The drums began beating slowly with the melody she was playing then somewhere near the edge of the fire a violin began.

Valudus bowed to his wife and she bowed in return and he took her hand as they danced an ancient dance of days gone by. They pushed their hands up and turned their heads and stepped to the beat and then Rahnyah turned gracefully with her back to her husband and held her arms up high as he gently picked her up and turned. Looking up he saw the others were all watching still and stopped for a moment. and Valudus said loudly for all to hear.

“ Please , dance, cavort and enjoy this night. Although dark times lay ahead for our nations and the nations of the world let us honor the Goddess and please her with our rejoicing!” Turning back to his bride he continued to dance as many people came forwards to the fire. Ambrosious looked up from where he was at and took a deep breath. Standing up he walked towards the High Elf and Bowed deeply with respect.” M’ lady, I have so longed for many years to ask you for a dance with my mother in law. Would you honor this old druid this night?” Smiling brightly Madeline offered her hand and he led her to the fire and they too began to dance. Rhiannon smiling from the family table so excited to have her love be around her family and join in the festivities with joy and celebration. This would be the first time in over five thousand years they would be able to share more than just mere hours with one another. Madeline had freed her from the lake and she and Ambrosious were allowed to live within the grove. Happiness overflowed her soul.

Sherari was thinking to herself as she walked over to the young rabbi and said as she stuck out her hand," Hello Rabbi Allen, my name is." He smiled and said," Sherari. Yes, I know I have had my eye on  you for some time I just didn't have the chutzpah to come say anything." Sherari smiled and took his hand and pulled him to the fire and began to slowly dance  and Allen just ran his fingers through his dark hair and began to dance with her. After a few dances, he spoke to her, "Let's go get a drink and maybe smoke some vision flower." Sherari nodded and he grabbed her hand and they went to get a drink. Little did he know she slipped him the draught of the tree of life. She just reached for what she would drink not thinking he was human, nor did it register to her until after he had consumed it. when she gasped." Oh shit!" He looked at her with a questioning look. and she replied," I am so sorry! I didn't realize, I just gave you the draught of the tree of life." He chuckled and said, " Well my dear I am sure as long as I do not partake of the tree of Knowledge then I wont get in trouble. Since I read books and dont eat Knowledge fruit I am safe from death." She smirked slightly and agreed with him.