Annon mulled over Lukias’s statements, adding them to the information he already knew from Tyrus. Something nagged at his mind.
“You said that the Arch-Rike was known for his wisdom, especially as a younger man. Do you know how he achieved it? Was he known to travel much?” Annon wondered if the Arch-Rike had been kissed by a Dryad.
“He did travel a great deal. He was an emissary for his predecessor and a shrewd negotiator and influencer. The only kingdom he would not visit was Stonehollow, for obvious reasons. They persecute those with the fireblood.”
“Do you know why that is?”
“They have a pagan belief that those with the fireblood are immune to the Plague. It is nonsense, of course.”
“Some myths have elements of truth,” Annon observed.
“It is said that the Druidecht run naked through the woods performing secret rites.” He looked at Annon quizzically, his mouth twitching with a smirk.
“That is not true,” Annon replied. “Your point is taken.”
“I have answered your questions about my master. Answer some for me.”
“If I can. About Tyrus or the Druidecht?”
“You would doubt my motives if I asked about Tyrus. Yes, I see the look—you would. So tell me of your order. Why will the Druidecht not allow their lore to be documented? Clearly you run the risk of losing all power should the Plague strike Canton Vaud. It is not logical. I have never understood the reason.”
Annon was pensive. It always made him uncomfortable when Lukias asked about the Druidecht or probed more about their plans following Basilides. While the ring on his finger helped him believe Lukias was not intending to betray them, he felt it prudent to withhold secrets, just as Tyrus had always done. He was beginning to believe that Lukias was sincere. But he did not wish to trust him recklessly.
“It is difficult to explain,” Annon replied. “Some knowledge is precious. If used wrongly, it can cause great harm. A Druidecht is trained piece by piece, bit by bit. We prove ourselves worthy of new knowledge by faithfully using what we have been given. Only when we have mastered the obligations of the knowledge already given are we allowed to learn more. Writing it down would be a temptation for some to gulp the knowledge instead of only sipping it. Every Druidecht learns at their own pace, not according to age or race. This talisman that I wear”—Annon fingered it respectfully—“is proof that I have mastered the knowledge and have earned the trust to learn more. Were I too ambitious to learn or failed to demonstrate the knowledge properly, I would lose the confidence of the spirits and would lose the talisman eventually. Even if a Preachán stole it from me, it would do them little good in the woods. It would become very clear to a spirit that he had not earned it.”
Lukias nodded sagely.
The gravel suddenly shifted under Annon’s boots and he nearly fell.
Lukias grabbed his arm to steady him. “These foothills are treacherous,” the Rike said, squinting at Annon.
“How far to Basilides?” Annon asked.
“Tomorrow we will reach the pass that leads to it.” He glanced from Annon to his friends. “When you see it, you will understand why this quest of yours will fail. Just as it takes a Druidecht to understand the lore of the wild, it takes a Rike of Seithrall to navigate the shrine. You will not penetrate the interior without my help. It would be dangerous for you to attempt it.”
Annon stood still and stared at him. “I do not ask you to betray your brethren. Only to lead us there.”
Lukias shook his head. “I will not betray the order. I’m only warning you that it is dangerous. We spoke a moment ago about trust. I have tried to earn yours these last few days. Your spirit cat will attest that I have not tried to escape. I have made no contact with the order and I do not intend to betray you. Your rings verify my words.”
Erasmus reached them, his expression wary. “Words are slippery things, Rike.”
“They are indeed, Preachán. I was taught by the order that the Druidecht magic was a myth, a superstition. If that is not true, it puts in question the other things I’ve been taught. I am your willing prisoner right now. I hope to earn your trust to be included in your mission. Perhaps our two sides need not war any longer.”
Annon smiled sardonically. “We’ll see.” He looked at the others. “The day is getting late, but we should go farther and then make camp. Onward.”
Their heavy boots began shuffling deeper into the fringe of mountains.