Page 63 of May Queen: May Day

“I – I don’t know, Father. It’s complicated.”

“What’s complicated?” he asked with a smile.

“I’m married to Lord Ricard now.”

“What?” He took a step back in surprise and looked over at Mug.

“He didn’t know,” she told him.

“It’s time for the rituals,” Mug told her father.

“You go ahead, I’ll be there in a minute.” Belenus took Flora’s hand in his, touching the ring she wore. Although he smiled, she could see in the moonlight that his eyes were filled with tears. “I wish you all the happiness in the world with your new husband. I only wish I could have spent my life with your mother, and been the father to you that I wanted to be.”

“Why didn’t you?”

“It just didn’t work out,” he said, his smile disappearing. “Your mother wasn’t willing to give up who she was, and neither was I. I am only sorry you had to be born into the middle of such a mess.”

“Why did you wish me luck with Ricard?” she asked in confusion. “How can you say that when you know he wants to kill you?”

“Your husband seeks vengeance for the deaths of his parents and I can’t say I blame him.”

“I told him Mug was the only one who killed his parents but he didn’t believe me.”

“I know. He is angry with the world and he won’t stop searching until someone pays.”

“Can’t we turn Mug in and therefore clear the rest of the Druids?”

“That’s not how it works, Flora. While Mug made a mistake, he is still a part of our Druid family. We won’t abandon him.”

“You abandoned me and Mother,” she said, shaking her head. “We were your family as well.”

“I know you don’t understand. But in time, you will come to see why I did the things I did.”

“I’ll never understand.” Tears dripped down her cheeks. Her father bit his lips to keep from crying. “I can’t go with you, Father. I love Ricard, even if he hates me right now.”

“I understand, Flora. Go to him. Be with the one you love. But before you leave, at least attend the festival of Beltane with us while you’re here. Then, in the morning, we will part and both go our separate ways.”

“I don’t know,” she said, eyeing up the fire and longing to know more of the festival where she was conceived. “Ricard might be worried about me.”

“I heard he locked you in your chamber. Plus, you told me he is out looking for us.”

“He is. You should douse the fire and go back to the caves to hide.”

“We will be safe. This is Beltane and our rituals will protect us.”

“Well, mayhap I can stay for an hour,” she said, feeling very curious.

“Have a drink and come to the fire.” Her father handed her the tankard. She took a drink and it immediately made her dizzy. “What is this?” she asked. “It is good but very strong.”

“It’s a special mixture of herbs and wine. It’ll help you relax,” he told her. “Come to the fire where we will eat bannock and throw bits into the flames as I chant.”

“What for?”

“It is a protection ritual for us, our livestock, and the land. Then we’ll drink caudle made from eggs, butter, oatmeal and milk. We will dance around the fire in thanks for new life and the coming of spring. Come dance with us around the fire, Flora and I’ll tell you more about the ancient rituals of Beltane.”

* * *

Ricard finally foundthe Druids in the woods and dismounted his horse, staying hidden in the thicket. His head spun from all the alcohol he’d consumed, being so upset about Flora. Now that he knew their hiding place, he wasn’t sure what to do about it.