Brother Damian from the Glastonbury Abbey was always kind to us Sisters in the past and I am fortunate that he recognised me when I came to his door. He gave me a blessing and provided me with some roots from the Abbey's garden, homemade bread, cheese, and homebrewed ale for my trip to the Hendge-the ring of stones-on the plains. He understands that it will be no easy task to convince the clans to unify as Arthur had done before. "Godspeed." he said. How odd that sounded now after knowing only of the Goddess for the last ten years of life. I hope his God is strong enough to protect all of Briton.

Ah! How are you my old friend? You have grown from the tiny spinter from the bark of the cross (whatever that means)which Joseph of Aramethia buried in this spot, as so the Christian legend goes! Look at you now! So majestic and tall. I just enjoy the shelter you can bring in rain and the hot sun when your leaves are full. But you are able to do that now that winter is here! However, your trunk is thick enough to hide me from intruders, if they come. I plan to rest here at your roots for the night. But I hear voices coming from down yonder.

Peering around the trunk of the old tree, Mairian saw two men sitting at a campfire talking of the old times, and the bleakness of the present ones. She recognised the smaller and leaner of the two as, Scirlocc-Elen's Knight! He looks more battled worn than the last time Mairian had seen him but she was sure it was the same man. Her had reached into her satchel, and clasped a crystal amulet which Elen had given her with a message to give to Scirlocc when she found him. She knew now that she must make herself known to them. Besides, it would be safer if she travelled in their company, because not everyman was willing to protect a lady's honour like the old Knight's of King Arthur's Round Table.

Mairian moved away from the old tree and headed down towards the camp, and then, stopped as she saw both men's faces turn in her direction. Letting down the hood of her blue mantle, she addressed the larger of the two, "Is that a rabbit, or two, strapped to your hilt? If it is, I can make us some rabbit stew to warm us all on this cold winter's night; and I can provide us with some bread and homebrewed ale,too!