The Mist

It is all lost. I can never return. My life has been turned upside down by their coming. The old ways can never be regained.

It is lost.

It is up to me alone, now to save my people. Sadly, we must journey far away.

I am afraid...

"How can you suggest that! These people will never survive such a journey!"

The Druid paced the room angrily, his staff sharply rapping against the stones. She knew it would be this way with him. They were, after all, still in shock at what had happened. It had all been over before it was begun. And indeed, it was over for them. So now they must start afresh, be rid of the pointless customs and rituals that had prevented her people from advancing. Time to take into hand what had kept them alive during the hard times, and use it to propel them forth into the future.

The music would live on...

"Dai, we have to find somewhere to live. They have our lands, and if we go back there, they are certain to kill us! Please, at least listen to my proposal."

"Fine, I will listen. But I promise no more!" snapped the Druid. He glared stonily at her. She sighed resignedly.

"Ok. We both know, whether you want to admit it or not, that we have no choice but to leave. Don’t speak! We also both know that leaving will mean travelling through strange lands. But believe me it’s unavoidable. I hate the idea of leaving as much, if not more, than any other, but we must. It is the only way to save our people. You just have to trust me. Please?" It was a sorry speech, but it hit the spot. Dai already knew the facts, understood the reasons, but was unwilling to give up hope. After all, hope was all that was left to them. He nodded, a faint incline of his head, his angular face shrouded with grief. Their time here was officially over. His heart sunk. Inside, a faint feeling, a tiny hint of faith, he had felt that they would gain back their land. But now, nothing could be done. It was over.

"Dai, I’m sorry. I too had hoped it would not end this way." It was as if she had read his thoughts. "We must tell our kinsmen. They should know this straight away, although it will bring me no pleasure telling them." Their eyes met briefly, then she turned and walked to the camp. The Druid followed, his head lowered in sadness.

Their sorrow was deep. They wept, tears flooding the pastures as if the heavens themselves had burst open. Wails of distress echoed throughout the surrounding lands, from a profound love for hill and home, field and forest, lake and land. Her people had lost all, yet she had to take more. She required of them all their strength, courage and will power if they were to survive the impending journey. The loss was almost unbearable to most, but it had to be endured bravely. The shock of the truth was staggering, but the people struggled on and collected their few remaining belongings. Then, in deafening silence, excepting the occasional stifled sob, they left.