“It was a great honor to fight by your side,” Esclados said as he shook Tristan’s hand. “May the gift ofl’herbe d’orgrant you the protection of the sacred spring. May the Goddess Dana bless your return toLa Joyeuse Garde.And your voyage across the sea, all the way back to Britain.”
After he and Lancelot bidadieuto Esclados and Laudine, Tristan spotted Nolwenn standing near the door, as if waiting to say goodbye. He fetched the white cloth from the tabletop where he’d placed it and removed the stones from his pockets. His heart thumping wildly, Tristan strolled briskly across the room toward the lovely priestess. She smiled at him, her alluring amethyst eyes glowing like the magnificent amulet gleaming upon her breast. He swallowed a huge lump in his throat.
“I brought these back for you,” Tristan whispered, handing her the cloth and the gemstones.
“Thank you,” she hummed. She raised her beautiful eyes to his, dazzling him with violet light. “May the Goddess grant you a safe return home.”
She rose to kiss him softly on the lips. Tristan inhaled her fresh herbal scent, his body responding at once. Nolwenn smiled gently and walked away. Tristan watched the sway of her slender hips, the train of her deep blue robe softly brushing the cold tiled floor.
Lancelot approached, with a smirk on his face. He joked, barely able to restrain from laughing. “Will you be able to ride, Tristan?”
Tristan grinned, adjusting his breeches. “Give me a few moments, and I’ll be fine.”
Unable to contain his mirth, the First Knight of Camelot burst out laughing and slapped Tristan on the back.
Nolwenn smiled as the two knights went into the courtyard and mounted their horses. As they rode away, Nolwenn blew him a kiss farewell.
Tristan flashed her his most dazzling smile.
Accompanied by Lancelot and his loyal knights, Tristan rode southwest through the forest ofBrocéliande,back to the castle ofLa Joyeuse Garde. The rich scent of the forest reminded him of Nolwenn’s exquisite embrace, welcoming him to the Tribeof Dana.Lancelot was right,he mused. A woman’s body does indeed transport you to the stars!
Chapter 22
The Island of Healing
Ronan’s crew anchored their sea-worthy ship at a wooden dock along a curved outcrop of craggy coast which jutted into the choppy sea. Issylte now sat in a small boat, headed towards an island enshrouded in mists. Her Avalonian escorts rowed toward the shore, where the princess glimpsed a sandy beach sheltered by the rocky coastline, with dense forests visible in the distance through the hazy sky. Sea gulls squawked amongst the clouds, the salty air was crisp and fresh, and the summer sun was warm upon her grief-ravaged face.
The flat bottom of their boat slid easily onto the sand, and as Ronan jumped out of the vessel to help Issylte onto land, they were met by a woman with long black hair streaked with silver, adorned in a white, gracefully flowing robe with gossamer sleeves. She wore an intricately scrolled silver necklace where three large white stones glimmered in the sunlight at the base of her throat. Beside her stood two other women, dressed in similar robes, but of a deep blue; they were flanked by four enormous men, armed with swords at their waists and bows and arrows strapped to their broad backs. The woman in white was smiling, as if to welcome Issylte to Avalon.
Ronan stood on the sandy beach before the woman in white. He removed his hat, inclined his silvery blond head, and placed his right arm across his stomach as he bowed in homage. “My lady, I have returned safely with the princess, at your request.”
Now that his head was bare, Issylte could see that Ronan’s ears were long and pointed, like the other members of her escort, who had also removed their hats in deference to the woman in white. All of the Elves who had escorted her from Ireland were broad as oaks and tall as pines. They exuded an aura of power that thrummed in Issylte’s veins.They are otherworldly, like the Little Folk.But, while the woodland creatures are small, the Elves of Avalon are enormous!
The Elven oarsmen carried the small boat up a path from the beach to a forested ledge where they stored it in a wooden cabin. Ronan turned to introduce Issylte to the woman in white. “Princess, may I present Viviane, the Lady of the Lake, High Priestess of Avalon.”
Viviane approached Issylte and said warmly, “Welcome, dear Princess.” She took Issylte’s two hands in her own and smiled sadly. “Our beloved Maiwenn would be most pleased to learn that you’d arrived safely to Avalon.”
At the mention ofTatie’sname, Issylte lowered her face in grief. Viviane murmured, “You will be safe here. Far from the reach of the wicked queen.”
She glanced up. Affection and concern shone in Viviane’s sparkling eyes, the same deep blue as the Narrow Sea which had brought Issylte to Avalon.She, too, is shelteringme from my cruel stepmother. Just as Tatie did in the Hazelwood Forest so many years ago.Issylte swallowed the enormous lump in her throat.
The Lady of the Lake gestured to the women in blue who were standing just behind her on the shoreline. “May I present two of my priestesses. This is Nyda,” she said, as a small woman with long, light brown hair and twinkling hazel eyes came forward to take Issylte’s hand. “And this is Cléo,” Viviane continued, as the taller brunette priestess with expressive brown eyes greeted her with a kind smile.
Viviane’s expression became solemn. “Maiwenn sent you to Avalon for your protection. We must adopt a new name to keep your identity secret. So that the queen will never learn you are here.” Viviane stared pensively at the wild, savage ocean. White froth sprayed high into the air as choppy waves crashed upon the rocky shore. The Lady of the Lake cast her wise gaze back to Issylte. The trio of moonstones sparkled in the sun, the flow of magic swirling at her pale throat.
“Maiwenn named you Églantine, the wild rose. A flower of the sacred forest. Here in Avalon, you shall be Lilée, the waterlily. A flower of our curative waters. You’ll learn to wield its divine power. The healing essence of water—the sacred element of the Goddess we serve.”
The Lady of the Lake turned back to address Ronan and his men. “I am most pleased with the exemplary performance of your duty in safely escorting Lilée to me. You are my most trustworthy warriors, and I am sincerely grateful for your faithful service.”
The Avalonian Elves bowed their heads to the Lady of the Lake as she dismissed them with honor. “Return to your homes now, and rest after your long journey. Thank you, and may the Goddess bless you all.”
As the Elven warriors strode towards the forest where stable hands awaited with horses saddled for their departure, Vivian called out to Ronan, beckoning him to approach. The blond Elf came up to the High Priestess, who stood beside Issylte. “Ronan, we must keep Lilée safe. I would like you to be her escort while she remains in our care.” Viviane turned back to Issylte.
“Ronan is not only our master blacksmith,” she said, grinning proudly at him, “but he is also our Master of Horse. His stables house many magnificent animals, some of which you see today.”
Her eyes twinkling, Viviane added, “Maiwenn informed me of your love for horses.” The Lady of the Lake locked eyes with the massive Elf. “I am sure Ronan will be delighted to accompany you whenever you wish to ride.”
A glimmer of hope fluttered in Issylte’s fragile heart.Horses! I can ride again!
