was filled with excitement, the excitement one feels when returning home. Out of all the places I had been on Athes, the Plains of Ra, as they were called in those days, was most like home to me. I had spent much of my childhood when not studying at Haemus there. Wyche, I think, felt the same excitement which filled me. The return trip from Zephyros' cave went by quickly. We quickly traveled to meet Trubo to give him the dragon scales.

We quickly resupplied and set off for the West. I gave the Mother's Blessing to Trubo and expressed my wishes to see him and Pelagia again. He of course emphatically agreed. We left him on the barge receding into the depths of the inky night.

We turned our horses southward. My body was filled with excitement, who wouldn't be, and none of us could sleep. Wyche took the lead with his cousin and I trailing right behind him. Jaeger was in a good mood, which put the other horses in an equally well mood. Things were going very good. We traversed upon a well-worn path. Sable soared free above us, our scout. The path lead along the twisting lengths of a river. Occasionally there was a splash as Sable would dive into the chilly waters to catch the large silver bellied fish which abounded there. To our right rose a large range of mountains, Wyche called them the Ceska Lipi mountains. Just as the sun was spreading its golden light upon the earth of Athes, Wyche called a brake. I wasn't tired, but the young Bira was obviously fatigued, and Wyche was just starting to show signs of tiredness.

We took a small break, partaking of some bread and cheese which served to break our fast. I used my "abilities" to start a fire which I used to cook. During my travels, I have uncovered a knack for the culinary craft. Soon the pink fleshed fish which Sable had brought us was sizzling deliciously on the grill. I retrieved some tea from my pack and set water to boiling. Wyche had taken the brief break to instruct Bira in the observation of the sky, sun, and the mountains.

"Are we near?" I asked, sipping on the delightfully warm herbal tea. Our temporary campsite was sadly bare of anything which could have served as a chair, I was forced to squat. I remember suddenly feeling a tingle run down my spine followed by the feeling of power and ice. A blizzard was on its way. Weather itself is always pretty vague, but over the years I have come to grow adapt at detecting the signs and what they meant.

"We'll make Dabra-Mark'Os before nightfall," he said confidently. That was what I liked about Wyche, he was so confident without being arrogant. Wyche would have been so out of place in the tangled society of the Blood. His eyes twinkled with a bright emerald fire. He looked up at the gray clouds just over the Ceska Lipi's mountains. "I suspect we will be hit by some snow before then," he said thoughtfully. I nodded in silent agreement. Wyche was more like a mundane sorcerer than a traveler.

If I wasn't so sure he possessed no talent in the Spheres, I would have been suspicious. We hurriedly finished our meal. I banished the fiery salamanders, which had been maintaining the fire. A sense of gloomy dread drove us onward with ever increasing speed. I was still under the geas from the council, so banishing a storm or even mass transportation was out of the question. The faster time we made, the better for us.

I watched as the sun sank slowly over the horizon. With the setting of the sun, the terrain became much easier to traverse. The rocky foothills were giving way to the smooth plains of the West. What trees we came across were thicker and the resinous scent of pine filled the air.

"We'll be there shortly." Wyche told me sniffing the air. Just then a thin veil of powdery white snow began to obscure our visibility. I smiled, trusting my guide implicitly, the fact the Sable had located a small settlement just a little bit ago help. He confidently strode froward. After a little while he held up his travel worn hand and I stopped, listening. He cocked his head, straining to hear something. All of a sudden a large smile spread across his face.

"A-ho," he called out. What I couldn't hear, I could sense. There were people nearby.

"A-ho," came an answer from the night. I turned to see a man near my own height walking toward us through the snow. He was wrapped in furs and wore soft leather leggings and shoes. He held out an arm and hand to Wyche. They clasped each other's forearms in a heartfelt greeting of long lost friends.

The warmth of the greeting touched me to my soul, though I knew not the words they spoke. They exchanged a few words in a tongue that was at once lyrical and strange. Apparently the language of the plains people had changed since my childhood. The joy came through, though. They laughed and patted each other during the conversation.

"Mea, do me den-da." Wyche motioned to me."Pala-que dista. Pala na bay nomay." His hands continually moved as he spoke. His friend looked from Wyche to me, nodding his head in comprehension. He smiled warmly. "Belinar, this is Strong Wind," he signed to his friend. "Strong Wind and his wife, First Snow and his brother Tree That Bends will be accompanying you from their home in Dabra-Mark'Os down to Tabel-Ba'La." He dropped his hands, turning to me."They are my dearest friends."

"I am most happy to meet you, Strong Wind." I held out my hand to Strong Wind as I had seen Wyche do, and enfolded mine in his. Gods was that man strong! I managed to recover from the grip, through the use of my limited Sphere in healing.

"I welcome you to the Forest of the Snow." His hands signed gracefully as he spoke. "Wyche, we should get to the hogan. This snow will become stronger soon." We followed Strong Wind through the snow, as it began to thicken. I opened myself up to Athes. A sense of infinite peace filled me, and I was able to "see" after a fashion where we were going. I could probably have lead the way after that, but there was no need to show off. My brown drudic robe served to keep the cold and the snow from my body. The sun was blotted from the sky; it was quite depressing. The wind whispered through the pine trees and the blowing snow muffled the sound of our footsteps. The snow grew heavier and filled our horses footprints. Soon the forest began to thin and in the distance I could hear voices. The smell of wood smoke wafted towards me as we silently trudged through the snow.

"We are here," Strong Wind turned to me. I looked up and through the snow I saw several bark-covered hogans. They were built in a circle around a ring of stones. Strong Wind cupped his hands over his mouth and made the sound of an owl. The flaps protecting the doorways of several of the hogans were lifted. Smiling faces emerged and greetings were exchanged with Wyche and introductions made with me. The ring of stones caught my eye. There were four larger ivory coloured stones marking the four cardinal directions. Snow had begun to cover the smaller stones which circled the larger four. These ones were made out of a deeply black colour. It looked like they would generate heat, keeping the circle clear of snow.

"A medicine circle," Wyche whispered, "It celebrates the circle of life and the good paths to walk. Each direction is guarded and guided by a spirit animal; they represent the different aspects of the people. The People believe strongly that their great spirits walk with them in this life."

'This culture closely resembles ours. . .Its comforting to know that not all the races have forgotten.' I noted. Strong Wind stood back and held the hide covering for us to enter his hogan.

"First Snow," Wyche said softly, "This is Belinar who has traveled with us." He motioned for me to step forward.

"First Snow," I bowed slightly. "Thank you for having me in your home."

"A-ho," she responded, "Wyche and any friend of his are always welcome in this home. You will sit and eat. Wyche, Belinar you must be hungry. . .Please. . . ." Her hand indicated seating by the fire. "We received word of your coming in a dream, all is ready." First Snow described a dream in which were all sitting by the fire. A dream I knew too, from Crested Wave whom I had sent with a message of our emanate arrival. 'Things have definitely improved from my rocky start,' I thought to myself with a smile.

We sat on the floor around the cooking fire. It felt terrific after the chilling walk in the snow. First Snow handed us small bowls of stewed meat and a flat, round loaf of bread which was cooked on metal sheets heated directly from the merry fire. Wyche and Strong Wind took some of that flat bread and used it as a utensil to consume the hearty stew First Snow had made. I was slightly unused to these barbaric means of eating, but ever ready to try new things, I took up the bread and copied my friends. Its nice when you can eat your utensil and the food at the same time. Limits on dishes to clean, something all travelers are always looking to do, and tastes good too. The combination of that dark gray wheat bread and hearty brown stew was perfect. Not only did it sate my hunger, but it warmed me from the inside as the fire warmed me the outside. We ate quietly and quickly, which seemed to be there custom. I have always enjoyed a silence to the uproar of dinner conversation. As I neared the bottom of my bowl, First Snow ladled even more stew into my bowls and took some more of the cooked breads from their resting place on a metal sheet.

As we ate, I glanced around the hogan. By the door were two shields covered with runic and native symbols, the simplicity of the design made it easy to read the names of Strong Wind and First Snow. These would be placed by all the doorways in the camp to announce ownership of each home. From each rafter hung baskets of dried meats, root vegetables and clusters of drying herbs. Along the south wall were shelves. . .for storage and sleeping. Piles of furs, bowls, clothing. . .everything so comfortably arranged . . . .all their needs and wants within easy reach. Under the sleeping litters were beautifully beaded slippers made of buckskin and lined with furs, quilled bags and painted pouches. While we ate, First Snow picked up a bone needle and continued to sew up the sides of a buckskin shirt. She looked on maternally as we ate.

We spent three days with Strong Wind and his family. I was a little behind schedule, but the snow storm raged on, and since I didn't feel like altering the weather patterns of this area just so I could press on. . .I choose to enjoy myself, contemplate what had come before, and yes, start the atlas you are reading now.

My gracious hosts also took the time to explain the ways of their tribe. On the third day the storm died down and Strong Wind invited me to accompany them on a hunting party to replenish diminishing stores.

We rode southwest from the village. The horses that Strong Wind had where shorter and more shaggy than any I had ever seen; they seemed, though, perfectly adapted to the environment. Sable accompanied us, and I chose to ride Jaeger. He was in better shape then the two ponies Weyr and Bira had ridden. We neared the northern reaches of the vast plains of the east. Strong Wind, Tree that Bends, and I moved silently as they searched the horizons for signs of the movement of the "herd." What the herd was, I didn't quite know. I soon found out, though.

Strong Wind shaded his eyes and sat taller on his horse. "Be-han ma doh." He motioned to the left. Tree That Bends nodded after peering where Strong Wind had indicated. "I have told my brother," Strong Wind translated, "that I think a small herd is not too far ahead. If we go around and come upon them from the east, we will be downwind and our hunt will be successful." He signed as he spoke to me. Tree That Bends nodded knowingly. I still had not seen what they had, but I continued to follow quietly. Soon though, I felt what must have been the herd. There presence filled the surrounding area with life. Then we crested a hill and there before me a sea of white spread on to what must have been eternity. I sat there upon the back of Jaeger dumbstruck. They were beautiful, deer-like with pure white, glossy coats. The "bucks" of the herd stood proudly upright, silvery horns blazing in the wintry sun's pale light. Meanwhile, the does and the young of the herd grazed upon the buried plants buried beneath the layer of newly fallen snow.

At this point, both of my companions dismounted and I followed suite. They skillfully circled around the snowy knoll and prepared to kill some of the unsuspecting "antelope" (Later I learned they were called Ice Stags) The herd still grazed unknowingly. Our horses stood silently, feeling the rising tension in the air. The brothers loosened the leather thongs that tied their bows to their horses and in unison slid arrows from their quivers, all in one fluid movement. I sighed to myself, but I had long since grown used to nature's darker side. Some could never come to accept that being a druid meant embracing both life AND death. As sad as that might be, it was the truth. They loosed the arrows simultaneously and each found it's mark in the throat of a large buck. The herd scattered leaving behind its fallen brothers. We rode in closer. Strong Wind and Tree that Bends dismounted and went to their kills. As they removed the arrows, I heard them pray aloud.

"Thank you Brother Antelope for the gift of your life. . .to feed and clothe our families. We honor you." Then they silently went about the business of gutting and preparing the carcasses for the journey home. Sable appeared and was gifted one of the stags' heart. He devoured it gratefully. And I suddenly, vividly remembered my time as a hawk in the great eastern forest. The brothers worked quickly setting up the travois to carry the antelopes back to the village, where the women would butcher, dry and preserve the meats. They would scrape and tan the hides, make thongs from the sinuous muscles and carve the bones for jewelry, needles, ladles and sundry other items. The antelope truly gave his life for the people and nothing was wasted. Life was sacred to them.

The brothers sang as we rode back to their village. I understood none of the words, but the sounds were joy-filled and I caught their contagiously good feelings. The land had provided again and they were one with the land.

By the time I was to leave with them for Tabel-Ba'La, I was greatly dismayed. I think to some small extent all travelers feel the same way. We had became fast friends, Wyche and I. Wyche left for the far western coastal area to trade with the Hawk People who lived at Aketi and fished the coastal waters. He and Bira would trade for dried fish and lamp oil. As they rode away I sent a spirit to watch over him on their journeys.

Strong Wind, First Snow, Tree That Bends and I started the day's journey early, again with an eye on the weather. We rode horses and it made the trip considerably easier. Conversation flowed smoothly as they pointed out herds of buffalo and antelope, prides of lions and the other animals of the lower Plains. Each horse carried a pack containing medicinal herbs, hyroc shells, knives and other things traded from the North. Strong Wind often carried things to Tabel-Ba'La for Wyche.

We reached the city in the early afternoon and went straight to the home of Two Deer in the Moonlight, a shaman leader of the Door to the West People. Greetings were again exchanged. I had grown very used to the ways of these people. It was a relaxed and peaceful way of life. Two Deer was a member also of the council of the Five Civilizations. She had represented her people for many, many moons, and was one of the most respected women in the Plains.

A large gathering was just sitting to eat when we arrived and space at the table was made for us. It was a low plank table. We sat on the floor cross-legged. I sat at a place of honor on the left of Two Deer; on her right was RanaKu also called Sorrowful Rain.

"Belinar, First Snow said that you have recently been in the North?" Two Deer said, using the common speech for my benefit.

"Yes, I have been traveling throughout the countryside. I was fortunate enough to have a wonderful guide, Wyche, who took me to the volcanoes."

"Wyche is well known among our peoples." Two Deer nodded, "He has long been trading among our people and is welcome in every hogan. He is well?"

"Yes, he left me at the Forest of the Snow and was traveling to the Hawk People."

"Ah then we will probably see him on his next trip." She turned to her right. "Sorrowful Rain...I believe you met Wyche the last time you were with us."

Two Deer spoke to me. "Tree That Bends and First Snow represent their people here at the Council of five Tribes." I had not realized that I was among the council members.

"Let me present you, Belinar." Two Deer continued.

"My friends," she said more loudly, signing as she spoke, "May I introduce to you a traveler through our land, the Druid Belinar." All eyes turned respectfully to me. She began on her left."This is Little Shadow of the Hawk People-Fish Catchers, they live at Aketi on the Western Coast." Little Shadow nodded.

"River Stone and his wife, Lion Eyes, come from Lokossa, the River's Knee where you journey next." I smiled and they returned the smile. Two Deer turned to her right. "This is my dear friend, Antelope's Sister who travels to us from Moyamba, the Faraway People." Two Deer squeezed Antelope's Sister's hand warmly. "And this is my adopted daughter, Sorrowful Rain, whose people have joined the Great Spirits. She now calls Table-Ba'La her home." I turned my attention to Sorrowful Rain. Her coppery hair was pulled back away from her face and held with a leather thong. Her face was browned by the sun. Her eyes were clear and held mine. Two Deer continued to hold Sorrowful Rain's hand and the two women exchanged a look of deep affection.

Sorrowful Rain was clothed differently from the others. Her buckskin dress had a high collar and longer sleeves. There were small scars visible at her wrists and on her hands. She had a silken scarf wrapped around her neck protectively, but it didn't hide the scars there either. As I observed her closer during the meal, I felt her observing me, though I know she never once glanced in my direction.

"Belinar, perhaps when you are ready to leave, you can travel with me. I will be going to the River's Knee People....I believe that will suit you?" Sorrowful Rain's voice was musical.

Two Deer smiled at my confusion." Sometimes Sorrowful Rain "knows" things about people. Is it possible, that you travel south from here?"

"Why, yes it is," I stammered, "I am to meet a guide at the Lokossa ford above the waterfalls."

Two Deer nodded. "That would be Lokossa...the River's Knee,"she added. We call it the Smoke River for the Mists that rise above the water." Two Deer looked from Sorrowful Rain to me.

"That would be great," I reluctantly agreed. I felt a bit uncomfortable for the first time in my travels.

"Belinar, I will be leaving in the morning. I have a small caravan. We will talk while we ride.I will wait for one hour after sunrise." Her smile eradicated my discomfort. We talked quietly RanaKu and I.

"You are an empath," I said, leaning in closer so as not to be overheard.

"Yes," she smiled," I have been given many gifts by the great spirits," she paused, "at a great price." I touched the scarring at her wrist. RanaKu did not pull away, but turned her hand over to reveal the palm. She slid the sleeve up exposing most of her forearm. It was scarred from fire. I looked up to find her eyes staring into mine. "My people have joined the Great Spirit. There was a fire that destroyed our village...I alone survived." She recovered her arm and touched it in memory.

"I feel that there is so much to you, RanaKu"

"Sir, that is because you are a Druid, you feel the gifts of which I speak. "She sipped her tea and thought for a moment." I have a gift for healing. Ever since I was a child, I have known what ailed and how to help, but when my people died, the Great Spirit gave me another gift...a greater depth of healing. . .as if I take on the pain. . .it is very difficult for me sometimes, but I have so much peace, and my life is blessed, that it is a small price to pay." She reflected again and looked deeply into my eyes, searching them. At last she smiled, lowering her voice even further."You have flown with your companion." Her glance indicated Sable on his perch. "I too have been so gifted. I've never been able to stay for very long, but I have flown through Father Sky and run the Plains of Mother Earth." She nodded as my comprehension became evident. She had shape shifted. We shared that experience silently.

As the evening wore on I was more and more amazed at this young woman. She had suffered so much and continued to, in the name of helping others. Her dauntless spirit impressed me deeply. The rest of the evening passed quickly. There were laughter, stories, songs, jokes. . .every kind of conviviality. I made further arrangements with Sorrowful Rain for our meeting at the southern gate of Tabel-Ba'La. I grew more used to the strange way she seemed to know things.

My elemental friends awoke me in time. I rose and transported myself and Jaegar nearby the Southern Gate. When I arrived at the southern gate, there was a small covered wagon. A horse stood in harness, pawing at the ground in expectation of the journey. Sorrowful Rain stroked his muzzle and he quieted immediately. She whispered to him and he nuzzled her. She caressed his neck and without turning she spoke.

"Belinar, our father the sun has given us a beautiful day to travel." She turned toward me and stepped forward. Let me put your things in the back."

"No, I can do that." I walked to the rear of the caravan and placed my case among her belongings. I tied Jaegar's reins to the rear of the caravan. Sable perched atop.

Sorrowful Rain climbed onto the wagon seat. She held the reins loosely in her hands and she and the horse waited patiently for me to join them. I climbed up beside her, with a flick of her wrist the horse walked on.

"We will be at Rivers' Knee early this afternoon. It is really quite a short trip and Manaya will get us there safely." At the mention of his name the horse's ears perked up and tipped backwards. Sorrowful Rain spoke soothingly to him in some private language that only they understood. She crooned almost to herself, but I felt myself growing more content.

We chatted about her travels around the West. It seems that Sorrowful Rain was a twisted hair or storyteller. She was planning a trip across the Plains to visit the traveling hunting parties as they followed the herds. There were she estimated 20-30 parties out hunting for food, skins and stores for the coming winter. Her voice held a timber to it that seductively entertained and helped to pass the hours of travel. Her stories were simple and yet so powerful. She spoke of things like the hunt and the way the vast plethora of animals that inhabited the plains and forests of the West. But her tales of the Rydyll, a herd of wild, untamable horse mesmerized me, They were rumored to be one of the elder races. I could see these magnificent, intelligent beasts running across the plains in my mind's eye.

The trip was over all too soon. Sorrowful Rain delivered me to Lokossa and the river. I wish that I could have traveled longer with her, for I know her stories would have continued to amaze and entertain me. I heard her singing to her horse as they headed through the small wood westward toward the Plains. I turned to the river and her voice blended with the rushing of the water and the songs of the birds and the sunlight streaming down upon me. I could feel her all around. So it was that I faced the long path which would lead me into the waste lands of the South, with a heavy heart. This past month had been a welcomed relief from the hectic chaos of the east. This last leg of my journey would be the hardest. The peoples of the south, the only ones we druids had been unable to penetrate. That of course was due mainly to the loathing they had for all "outer worlders." I sighed and prepared to enter into one of the vast mysterious of the known world.