The scent of light flowers filled the air as Modron walked to the shore and sat down, the cold water lapping at her toes. After the conversation she just had with her annwyl tad, Modron needed to think things through. She sat carefully to make sure her tunics would not soak in the lapping water. Modron's mind wandered as a dragonfly on a reed.

Father tried hard to not have favorites among his ten daughters, but I knew he viewed me as one after his heart. Many of my sisters have never wished to be anywhere but of Avalon, the enchanted Isle of Apples. They chose to study the healing arts of nature and the arts of music, poetry and history never once wondering what of the world around them is truly like.

I, on the other hand, have always been fascinated with the outer-world. The violent and chaotic world of man and kings. Why do men get pulled in such directions? I have plied every visitor to Avalon with such questions and driven my tad, Afallach, mad some days. He has told me oft that rearing me into my maturity has been innumerable times harder than being a God of the otherworld could ever be.

Excitement filled her breast as she imagined how different her life would soon be. Granted this will not be the first time she will have walked among man. She had ranged across the lands of Cmryu on small trips for her father and also in pursuit of expanding knowledge. The education she had received at the hands of older sisters, cousins and the occasional Druid taking respite on the island had given her a wide range of talents and skills, some even unbeknownst to her father.

Gathering her skirts she picked her way up the path to the small cluster of cartrefs. A group of men and women were busying themselves before the evening meal as Afallach was heard with his booming voice dressing down Cadoc.

“I do not particularly care for your opinion on the sanity of this mission I have lain before you!” roared the bearded god of the otherworld. “You will escort Modron to the south and you will keep my daughter safe from physical harm whilst she is in the kingdoms of man.”

Modron covered a giggle with her hand as she approached the men in conference. A flaxen maiden, an acolyte just accepted to the isle, brought the three of them cold water and fruits to begin their repast.

“Father, I know you mean well but I dare not think I need Cadoc to keep me from harm's way. This is only a mere mortal kingdom you ask me to spy on.”

“Modron, you are a silly, headstrong girl still with an estimation of your own abilities beyond what it should be. Do not discount the wit of kings and man. If you do, then you shall make mistakes and I cannot afford that. We must keep the old ways in the hearts and minds of the kings and people of this land. If the Cristions gain hold of the souls of man then surely we will fade into the mists.”

Modron have never seen tad speak with such fierceness. His gentleness usually commanded enough respect to never warrant argument. Cadoc stared steadily at his liege and then looked to the ground.

“I pledge to keep her safe from physical harm. A daughter of yours will not need me for the battles of the spirit I imagine.”

Chastened by her father’s rebuke Modron spoke again. “Father, I am sorry. I will be more careful. I am proud you trust me to keep an eye on this man, this Artoros. We will leave for his caer in the morning.”

“Good. I have already sent messengers two days ago. He will be expecting an emissary of Avalon anytime now. He will not be expecting you my annwyl merch.”

Chewing the fruit in her mouth, she wondered if the apples would be as sweet there.

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