Moon Raelia's Arc

Chapter 1 of 3

Moon Raelia climbed the worn steps toward the four bright spires, the heavy tome clutched against his chest. He was young, younger than any druid who had ever stood here, but he had finished two spirit negotiations and meant to be named the youngest Archdruid the circle had ever crowned. The book held his proof. He hoped it would be enough. Inside the hall, the elders sat in a half ring of stone seats. Moon set the tome on the floor before them and opened it. The shimmering runes uncoiled into living script, naming each spirit he had calmed, each night he had not slept after. An elder leaned forward. Another frowned. The room went very still. From the shadow of a side arch, a young man in a fine cloak watched. A circlet caught the colored light from the spires. The prince stepped closer as Moon spoke, and their eyes met across the chamber. Moon lost his place for one breath, then found it again, warmer than before. "The book speaks true," the eldest said at last. "We will consider your petition. You will be tested at the standing stones at dawn." The prince smiled. Moon bowed, heart loud, and knew the real trial had only just begun.