Daughter Of The Morning
The Curse Of The Hunter

The girl’s jaw protruded mulishly and her blue eyesnarrowed to slits as she glared back at the man. Her blonde hair fell below her shoulders andwas unbound which accounted for the fact that she looked more like a wildanimal than a civilized human being. Shepulled one of the fronds of hair around to her mouth and began chewing it. The man’s lips compressed to a thin linebefore he turned back to stare out of the windscreen. The woman at the steering wheel surveyed theman quickly, her soft brown eyes taking in everything that was being said, andthen flicked back to the road ahead. The man turned around to face the fourteenyear-old teenager sulking on the rear seat. “We’re going to Windsor Great Park. I’ve told you once Cerian. Ifyou continue to sulk we’ll leave you in the car.”

The autumn air had turnedthe verdant green leaves to various shades of brown, from a dull russet tovibrant ochre. A wind whipped up theleaves covering the road and hundreds more cascaded onto the roof of the carlike a benediction. Cerian shivered and the sense of unease that had begun topervade her consciousness for the past year made the hairs on the nape of herneck prickle. She had felt likethis twice before, once when she had visited Salisbury with her father and thesecond, she swallowed hard, the second was when the class had been on anexpedition to Urconium. Ceri had been standingsome distance away from where the archaeologists had defined the boundaries ofthe town and she had suddenly known that a young Roman centurion had beenstanding in exactly the same spot and had been staring down into the black waterof the Severn.

Those other times she hadbeen able to retreat from the places and the fear that it engendered in her,but this time Ceri wondered how she could break away from it. The feeling of uneasiness grew as she stared at the falling leavesto her it seemed as though they were falling in a salute, “As if - as if they’re falling for a King!” She whispered softly. She turned and gazed out of the rear windowof the blue Range Rover. Thewind seemed to have become even stronger and the trees were tossing theirheads. Cerian stared hard at one thenslowly she began to perceive theshapes of Dryads within the trees. Theoak she was staring at was a large red-bearded man, who bowed solemnly, andthen it was a tree again. She turned tothe other side of the road, and saw a delicate silver birch. Before herastonished gaze the form of a young girl appeared. She bowed courteously, her black hairobscuring her face, and then it was as before, merely a silver birch. Cerianwhimpered suddenly afraid.

Her mother turnedaround, “Everything all right Ceri?” Cerian swallowed hard and said, “I’m fine Mum, I was looking at thetrees.”

“They are pretty at thistime of year,” her mother agreed smiling at her daughter’s reflection in therear-view mirror. Cerian suddenly feltafraid as if a cold hand had squeezed her stomach as she realised that only shecould see the Dryads within each tree.

She slid down on the seatuntil her head was below the top of it and shut her eyes tightly. Idon’t like this; she thought fiercely, Idon’t like it! After almost thirtyseconds she opened them and sat up, the leaves were still falling from thetrees, but the wind appeared to have lessened and Ceri no longer saw theDryads. She breathed a sigh ofrelief.

When the car stopped, Cerianpushed open the door and scrambled out. She walked to the back of the vehicle. Her mother opened the boot andbegan taking out coats; she handed Ceri’s to her. “Do you want to come and havea look around the chapel?” she asked.

“No.” Ceri replied sullenly.

“No, Thank you” Her fatherrebuked her sharply, “don’t speak to your mother like that!”

“She’s not my mother!” Ceri snapped, “Just leave me alone!” Then she wasrunning away across the field leaving two dumbfounded adults behind her.

Ceri’s father put his arm around his wife’sshoulders. “She didn’t mean it, Connie love; she’s just upset about something.”

Constance smiled wanly ather husband, “If you say so, Richard.”

“Let’s go and take a look at what needs restoring.”Richard squeezed his wife’s shoulder; “Ceri will replace us. If she hasn’t by thetime we need to leave I’ll contact the Park Keepers.”

Ceri ran, ran away as fastas her legs would carry her. Eventually she stopped, panting. She lookedaround, wondering where she was, the trees seemed to have closed in around her.She wiped the back of her hand across her nose and looked around. She didn’trecognise any of her surroundings and she almost burst into tears again. Suddenly a stag trotted out from between thetrees. Ceri stood and stared at it, the stag regarded her quietly and thenwithout any of the skittishness she would have expected bowed its head and knelt,its head bent so that its antlers were touching the ground. They remained likethat for some moments, a strange tableau of child and animal. Ceri stood, speechless and then shehalf-snarled, “What the fu – er flip!” she remembered just in time not to swearalthough her father did it all the time, especially when a book wasn’tprogressing as well as expected. The stagstood up, it was old by the standards of the stag world, Ceri could tell by theantlers which had had many seasons to grow and develop. It regarded her quietlyfor some moments, its dark liquid eyes seeming to look thoughtful and then itwas gone, disappearing silently into the forest.

Ceri stood watching theanimal walk away, conscious that something unique had happened, and alsostrangely aware that she could never tell anyone.

She began walking again, more cautiously this time. Asshe passed the lake a figure emerged from the water, “Greetings, Lady.”

Ceri rocketed backwards so fast she tripped and fellover, landing heavily on her behind. The creature laughed, a bubbly sound, likewater running over stones.

“What-what are you?” Ceri spat.

“A Naiad,” the creature replied. “Don’t you knowanything?” It added scornfully.

“What’s your name?”

“What’s a name?” the Naiad asked.

Ceri frowned, “It tells other people who you are.”

The Naiad smiled, “But this is who I am.” She raised ahand to gesture at the lake and Ceri realised that her arm was composed ofmoving water. There was a greenish tinge to it and Ceri saw small silver fishwriggling within the nymph’s arm. The sight made her feel quite ill. “But whoare you?” she asked.

The Naiad smiled showing sharp, pointed teeth, “I amthe lake; the river, the stream; I flow from the mountains where water issolid, down to the rapids where the water bounces wildly off the rocks in itspath and laughs its way to the great meandering river that flows through your valleysand down to the sea.”

Ceri stared, the being’s voice had become suddenlydeeper, the voice had taken on a new timbre and the woman’s eyes seemed toglow. “Come closer,” its voice bubbled, “come closer to the water. Rest yourhead on the moss that grows beside the pool and listen to the sound of runningwater.”

Cerian’s head suddenly felt very heavy and shestruggled to her feet and tottered across to the pool. She lay down on her sideso that she could still see the woman. The Naiad smiled showing a long, brightred tongue and sharp pointed white teeth, and she began to speak again. Cerifelt her head becoming heavier and heavier until it was a relief to let it fallonto the soft moss by the side of the pool. She remembered watching the womangliding towards her, her red lips slightly parted as if she was panting. Ceriwatched a delicious feeling of excitement beginning in her stomach, as thecreature bent over her, as if it was going to kiss her. Every fibre of herbeing seemed to quiver with anticipation.

Suddenly it seemed as though the pool erupted outwardsand a deluge of water soaked Ceri, jerking her into wakefulness. She wiped thewater from her eyes and turned to the mere to see what had caused theexplosion. Then she stopped. Another Naiad was in the pool, an elderlygentleman and he was holding the female as if she was a puppy. Ceri noticedabsently that the weed that had been floating on the surface of the lake hadnow become his beard.

“You were banished from here!” he snarled, “I forbadethee to enter this place when I came here. Why hast thou returned?” Then he sawCerian, “I see why thou hast returned. So the prophecy has come true – but thouhast not succeeded. Return to thy masters, Dark One. Tell them that she isprotected from such as thee. Now begone!” He threw the creature out of the pooland Ceri watched as the Naiad lost all shape and form and slowly vanished intothe ground. The man turned to Ceri and offered her his hand, “My Lady.”

Ceri turned to look behind her for the person he wastalking to and then realised that he was addressing her. “I am sorry you wereattacked. It was my intention to offer fealty to you when Tethys did, but Ioffer it now wholeheartedly and hope that you will forgive the outrageperpetrated on your person.”

Ceri didn’t answer, her mind reeling. The Naiadnodded, “I see. Perhaps you are right, it is hard to forgive such an affront.Very well. Mayhap in the future you will replace it within your heart to forgivethe assault.” He began to sink back into the pool, his form vanishing as hemerged with the water. Just as the top of his head was about to disappear, Cerisaid suddenly, “Please don’t go!”

He rose again until just his head was above the water.“You will forgive the Naiads of these pools for the affront?”

“There is nothing to forgive.” Ceri said, and wonderedwhere the words came from. “You did not allow the other-” she tried theunfamiliar word on her tongue, “Naiad into your pool. I do not consider thefault yours.” How do I know what words touse, she thought.

“Then my people shall serve you whenever you call us.”He replied. “I must leave you, my Lady. Your destiny waits.”

“I thought that to see a water-spirit would drive memad,” Ceri said slowly.

“Not you.” The creature replied shortly and then somethinglike a smile appeared on the mouth. “You must go. Seek your Destiny.” He began to slowly merge with the pool,becoming liquid again. “Seek your Destiny, my Lady.” And Ceri realised that thevoice came from the lake. Slowly, still somewhat afraid she stared at the waterand thought she heard the voice gurgle, “Your Destinyyyyy……”

Something like delightseemed to take hold of Ceri and turning she ran away from the water and intothe main park her spirit singing. She reached the crest of a hill and stoppedto catch her breath, and then she raised her head and stared down at the massof woodland below her. It was a blaze ofcolour. Copper, crimson and chestnutleaves combined to make the forest look as though it was on fire.

She walked down slowly. A group of visitors had halted to read aplaque set up beside an old gnarled tree. They departed, laughing, as Ceri approached. The tree was ancient and yet somehow Cerifelt waves of power emanating from it. She turned her attention back to the plaque, ‘Herne’s Oak’ it read, ‘GreatWindsor Park is reputed to be the haunting place of Herne the Hunter who is supposed to appear when the thoughts of man turn to dark desires.’ On an impulse, Cerian slipped beneath therope that cordoned the tree off, keeping it away from the inquisitive hands ofyoungsters. Carefully she laida palm against it. To her surprise,the tree felt as though it was vibrating slightly, and although Ceri couldnever explain it later, it was as if the tree itself welcomed her.

Suddenly a voice said “Don’tput your hands into the holes - I got tired of nasty little boyspoking around my home and carving words on my property, so I installed a familyof ferrets.”

“Does it work?” Ceriinquired her blue eyes laughing.

“Sort of.” The voice wasgentle, “I’ve had no more problems. That’s why they cordoned the tree off. Couldn’t risk any more people beingbitten. Not that I mind. If they stay away nothing will happen tothem.” Cerian turned to face the speakerand saw a tall antlered figure standing behind her. She smiled tentatively and then she saw hiseyes, the irises were golden and suddenly she was afraid.

“Greetings,” he said, “may Ibe permitted to introduce myself?”

Ceri opened her mouth toreply just as one of the park wardens came into view. He spotted her andstalked across to them,

“Get away from the tree!” He yelled when he was within earshot, “you shouldn’t be under thebarrier, come out at once!”

Reluctantly Ceri slipped back beneath the rope, “Iwas only looking,” she tried to explain.

“Yeah?” the sneer in theman’s voice was unmistakable, “and when I came back in ten minutes there’d havebeen another set of initials carved out of the tree, or another heart with anarrow through it!”

“I was talking to someone,”Cerian stood her ground.

“Yourself? There’s no-one else here!” With thatthe warden seemed satisfied and marched away muttering to himself.

Ceri’s face blanched and shewheeled around to face the figure,

“They can’t see you!” shespluttered.

“Correct,” the figurereplied, “I was about to introduce myself - I am Herne the Hunter.”

Cerian’s eyes widened andshe finally whispered, “The man who hanged himself on this tree!”

The figure inclined his headand then replied, “Not quite, I was murdered. The only reason it is said that I am allied to the Dark is becauseI appear when murder is in men’s hearts. I lead the Wild Hunt that forces the Dark Powers beyond theboundaries of Time; I could not do that if I were truly evil.”

Cerian’s eyes narrowedspeculatively, “But you’re neither Light nor Dark, you’re part of the OldMagic, which serves itself.”

To her surprise Hernelaughed a rich, full sound, and then he gazed down at Ceri, “They chose wellwhen They chose you. Tell me thy name,Lady.” The tone of his voice had become strangely formal and archaic.

“Cerian Aurelia Prichard.”she replied making a small curtsy.

“A Welsh lass!” The smile that played about the firm mouthbecame broader. “Lady,” to Cerian’s horror, Herne suddenly knelt before her; “Ihave been waiting for you for a long time.”

“Please get up,” Cerian implored, and then shesaid curiously, “how could you know of me? For that matter how could anyoneknow of me?”

“You have seen someoneelse?” Herne rose to his feet with one fluid motion that made Cerienvious. “Tell me who, Madam.”

“Someone that calledthemselves a Naiad.” Ceri replied. “Well two actually.”

“Tell me what you saw,”Herne took two quick steps across the ground and took both Ceri’s hands in hisown, “Tell me!” he demanded.

Slowly, haltingly Ceri toldhim what had happened and saw Herne’s eyes harden and his lips thin, “So itbegins. Sooner than I had anticipated.”

“What begins?” Ceri screwedher face into a frown and stared up at the creature.

“Your Destiny.” Thecreature’s features softened and he smiled down at the girl, “I am glad youhave come.”

“What tried to stop me? Andwhat would it have done to me?” Ceriasked quickly.

“That I can’t tell you.”Herne smiled sadly, “if you choose to help me you will know soon enough.”

“Oh. Great!” Ceri turned andlooked around for the park warden. No-one was in sight. “What are you?” shedemanded.

“A creature.” Herne replied,“Not subject to the same laws of space and time that that you are, but acreature nevertheless. It is you that I am concerned with.”

“That’s bad grammar,” Cerireplied automatically, “you should say ‘it is with you that I am concerned.’Why?”

“My Lady, prophecies havebeen made of you and tales told of you - it has been written that when you cameyou would lift the curse of man from me.”

“How?” Ceri stared at him,“I’m just an ordinary person.” She realised what she had said as the wordslanded in the empty air.

“Are you?” the creaturesmiled, “I rather think that you are anything but ordinary.”

“But you could be ahallucination,” Ceri spluttered. “Saint Bernadette had them all the time.”

“Have you ever hadhallucinations before?”

“Not that I’m aware of.”Ceri smiled sheepishly.

“Then I would venture to saythat what you’re experiencing at the moment is not a hallucination.”

“But why now? Why here?”

“As soon as you reached yourtenth birthday you were chosen.” The creature smiled again, “and the moment youcame into the park every creature within these environs would have known whoyou were. You must have seen the dryads.”

“I saw something. People.Within the trees.”

“Yes.” Herne smiled, “thedryads. They showed you their fealty. Every creature of my world has known ofyour existence from the moment of your conception. It was written that when youreturned you would lift the curse of man from me.”

“Then the writing is false,”Cerian eased herself around the other side of the tree and fled. She was certain that she did not follow thepath yet wherever she walked a path opened up for her, the trees seemed to uprootthemselves and move for her as they would for a sovereign. Then they began to change shape. It was like watching a ghost appear withineach tree. Cerian stopped and stared inamazement, the trees were dancing! Thatwasn’t quite true, she reflected, thetrees weren’t dancing. Instead each dryad had moved from its respectivetree, and now formed a corridor in front of Cerian. She could see their solidity before her eyesand yet she knew that if she tried to touch them her hands would pass throughthem as if they were smoke.

At the end of the gatheringof Dryads, the figure of Herne appeared, Ceri almost sobbed with relief. Slowly she began to walk past the row of creatures and was absolutelydisgusted when as she passed, each dryad dropped to one knee as if givinghomage to a Queen. As she reached him,Herne took her cold hands in his own and his golden eyes looked into Ceri’sblue ones and he said, “They offer you their fealty - to reject it would beunworthy of you.”

“How can I accept it?” Ceridemanded.

“Because you have beenchosen,” Herne replied, “Lady, you must accept this - turn and speak, the wordswill come.”

Cerian swallowed hard andthen turned and faced the assembled tree-spirits behind her, for a moment panicthreatened to overwhelm her and then she felt the light touch of Herne’s handon her shoulder. She took a deep breath and opened her mouth; “I thank you for the honour you give me,” Ceri smiled, “for you are more worthy ofhonour than I, for I have not earned it. But I thank you.” The wood seemed to revolveand Cerian suddenly felt dizzy, she felt Herne’s hand on her elbow, “They willcelebrate your arrival, our business is elsewhere.” The dryads parted for themas they left the circle.

Once outside the group ofspinning wood-spirits Herne bowed again and offered her his arm, “Come,daughter.” When they were halfway downthe path Herne said, “You’ll have to get used to their allegiance; you willprobably replace that it happens wherever you go.”

Cerian winced perceptiblyand howled, “But I don’t want to be different! Well I did, but not this different!” Her voice ended on a wail.

“I trust you will cope,”Herne responded, “but you will have little time at present, there are otherswhose wish it is to be allowed to give you their fealty.”

“Oh,” Cerian said slowly,the air about them suddenly felt taut and then they were walking through a pairof what seemed to Ceri to be familiar gates. She turned to view them moreclosely and said, “This is Hyde Park!”

Herne nodded withoutstopping, “Yes, my Lady. The creatureswho offer you their allegiance have come here.”

“More dryads?” She askedquickly, and a little colour came into her pale face.

“Not this time, Lady,” Herneescorted her along a woodland path where great trees grew on either side,Cerian watched with a sort of numbness as each bowed its leafy head inacknowledgment. They emerged onto a green carpet of grass, ahead of them the afternoon sunlight sparkled onan expanse of water, Ceri turned to Herne, a quizzical look in her eyes, “The Serpentine?”

Herne gently released herarm and bowed deeply, “Lady, I must leave you for a short moment, for one comeswho is as great as I; without whose allegiance you will never succeed.”

Cerian turned, the waterbegan to bubble alarmingly and as Cerian stared at it she saw a group of youngmen break the surface bearing a litter, Cerian saw a tall imposing figure,caught sight of the circlet of gold bound around the brow, and immediatelydropped to one knee her eyes firmly fixed on the water.

A low laugh broke from thefigure and it said, “Up, child and let me look at you.” Cerian rose to her feetand found she gazing at a handsome, dark-haired woman; her dress appeared tochange colour from blue to green to grey, undulating all the time. Likethe sea, Ceri thought.

“I am Tethys,” the womansaid, “you have heard of me?”

Cerian’s face shone as if alamp had been lit within her, “Aye, Lady. You are Empress of the Deeps and when the wind is high and the wavesleap to touch the sky the children of Adam fear you.”

“They have goodreason.” The woman smiled warmly. “Many fear me. Yet -” she paused while the grey eyes, coldand calculating, surveyed Ceri, “yet you do not, you are in awe of me but thereis no fear in you.”

“Madam,” Cerian curtsied, “Ihave loved you almost since I was born - I have loved you when the waves beatupon the boat and the wind screamed past the ear like a ravening demon. I have embraced you wholly to me every time Idived from the boat and I have felt your embrace as the waves leapt so that Iwas drenched with spray. Why should Ifear you?”

Tethys gazed at her for along moment and then flung back her head and laughed, her eyes focused onsomeone behind Cerian, “A wise choice, Cernunnos.” Herne bowed, “Empress, I wasmerely the servant. They chose her.”

Tethys nodded thoughtfully,her red lips curved in what might have been the suggestion of a smile, “Youhave my blessing, Cerian, for all things that dwell in the waters beneath theearth are bound to me - but they will now also serve you. If you need mine or any of my servants’ aid,you have only to call. May you succeed,Princess.” A true smile touched the grim mouth and she looked up at the beingstanding behind Cerian. “She has the mark of a struggle upon her, Lord.”

“She has already encounteredthe Dark, Madam.”

“And?”

“And Thy husband vanquishedthe creature.”

Tethys looked hard at Ceri,“Did she touch you child?”

“No, Empress.”

“But I see her words did.Would you let me touch you to see if I might identify her?”

“I will.” Ceri steppedforward slowly into the lake, instantly the Naiads were either side of her,holding her up and guiding her towards the woman seated on the dais. Tethysknelt so that their faces were inches apart and then said, “My companions willdip you in the water that I might see your mind. Take a deep breath now.”

Ceri inhaled as hard as she could and felt the cold waters close overher head, and then she was raised so that she lay on her back, looking up atthe sky. Something, or rather someone was holding her up, although she couldn’tsee anyone she could hear the laughter of the naiads all about her. Tethys bentover her and raising her hand dripped water from the ends of her fingers intoCeri’s eyes. Ceri blinked as the salt stung, “Sleep.” Tethys intoned softly,“sleep and dream of what you saw today.”

Ceri’s pupils dilated andshe seemed almost entranced and then they slowly closed. Tethys watched her for an instant and thennodded to her court. With one motion, the girl was drawn down into the limpiddepths of the lake, Tethys smiled at Cernunnos, “She will be safe, Horned One,I promise thee this.”

“I know that, Lady,” Hernesmiled and the smile seemed to soften his stern features, “you would not harmher. But while she has no awareness of her place and her power, she isvulnerable.”

“Not in my realm.” Was thatlaughter Herne heard in Tethys’ voice?

“She will be as safe as ifshe were in the Mother’s hand.”

“Then I wait, Empress.”

“So be it, Lord of theTrees.” Then Tethys herself had disappeared into the lake.

To Ceri it seemed as though she moved through agreen mist. She was aware of others holding her and then darkness took hold ofher and she dreamt. She was back inWindsor Great Park walking along the path, yet she was also acutely aware thatshe was an observer, she smiled wryly as the stag bowed again and then feltsuddenly afraid as she remembered what was about to happen. As the Naiad beganto cast its spell, she began to struggle, to try and reach out to the childabout to be maimed or killed.

Peace,the word was soft and all at once the image dissolved, and with the word cameso many images of rest and sleep that she was powerless to resist them anddarkness took her once again. She opened her eyes slowly. She was warmlywrapped in blankets and from the corner of her eye she could see bright tonguesof flame licking the chilly air.

“What-” she sat up and asshe did so, realised she was completely naked. A movement to her left caughther eye and she hurriedly pulled the blanket over her again. Herne knelt besideher and almost as a father might he wrapped another blanket around her front.

“Your clothes are dry,”Herne said more gently seeing the fright in her pale face. “But I thought youmight like something hot to drink first.”

Ceri nodded, still nottrusting herself to speak, Herne handed her a pewter mug and she carefullyextended a white shaky hand from the blankets to take it. Herne smiled and moved around behind her, fora moment Ceri thought she was alone and then she felt him kneel behind her andwrap his arms around her. Warmth slowly crept into her frozen frame. She sippedthe drink and was surprised to replace it was hot, rich cocoa. “How long-?” hervoice cracked and she tried again, “How long was I unconscious?”

“A little over ten minutesof your time.” Herne said softly, “Tethys apologises, she forgot that it mightcause you distress to relive what happened, but she saw enough within your mindto know that you only encountered the Dark, it did not taint you.”

“Good.” Ceri smiled, “If the ritual of purificationwas anything like that experience, I’m not sure I could go through with it.”

“Lord Cernunnos,” a gentlevoice interrupted them.

Both turned to see thatTethys had risen from the lake, with her retinue. “How are you, child?”

“I am well, Empress.” Cerireplied.

“Good. I returned toapologise. Our methods must seem strange to you. I perceive that this creatureof the Dark had no lasting effect. Therefore, to you I pledge my support andthat of my friends and allies.”

Cerian smiled up at thefemale, “Thank you, Empress.” The waters bubbled again and when Cerian lookedup, Tethys and all her retinue had disappeared back into the lake. She grinnedup at Herne, “I’d better get dressed, my parents would have a fit if they sawme looking like this.”

“Aye,” Herne nodded, heturned his back and waited until Cerian said, “You can turn around now.” Hesmiled when he saw her running her fingers through her wet hair and produced acomb. “May I, Lady.”

Ceri nodded and as Cernunnosdrew the comb through her wet hair it dried instantly, she felt Herne takeanother handful and heard him say, “Well done, Lady, you have behaved withdignity and courage. Tethys approves of you. You have proved yourself worthy, Lady.”

Cerian stared dumbly at himand then snapped, “Instead of speaking in riddles, Master Herne, perhaps youwould care to explain what I’m supposed to do for you. You might also care to explain why theseNaiads and Dryads keep bowing to me and why in Heaven I should be sohonoured!” While Ceri had been speakingthe scene around them shifted until they stood facing one another in the middleof Windsor Great Park.

Herne turned away from her,“I cannot even begin to explain that until you agree to help.”

“And I’m not sure that Iwant to help unless you tell me a few things!” Cerian retorted, her anger threatening to overwhelm her.”

“We seem to have reachedstalemate,” Herne sighed, “Very well. If it will help you choose I will tell you a little and answer someof your questions.”

Cerian waited silently. Herne looked out across the park and began tospeak. “Many writers and historiansassume that Artus, Second True High King of All Britain appeared just at theright moment in order to unite the warring Saxons - they were wrong. Artus was prophesied about long before KingUther Pendragon lay with Igrayne, Duchess of Cornwall.” He paused, Cerian was listening quietly, “andthere are also prophecies that relate to you, Lady, that were written manycenturies before you were born.”

Cerian swallowed hard, herblue eyes wide, “Would you tell me one?” She pleaded softly.

Herne smiled, the sternmouth relaxing under Cerian’s gaze, “I will tell you the one I remember, itruns something like this; The Hunter’sdays are drawing to a close. For a girlhas been given freely, a child born, and she shall be called, Much Loved,Princess, Keeper of the San Graal and with her birth the Salvation of theHunter is nigh.” He stopped and thenturned his gaze onto Ceri, “I believe that you are the one, I have appeared toothers, but none of them accepted my presence the way that you did.”

“No.” Cerian said suddenly. She began walking purposefully away from him,the trees bowing to her as she passed. Cerian kept her head down and looked neither left nor right, if I don’t admit anything’s happened,nothing will, she thought firmly. She emerged from the forest and took a deep breath of the sharp, but notyet cold, air. Relief swept over her asshe recognised her parents walking towards her.

She turned and saw Hernebehind her, “I’m sorry,” she said quickly, “but this is scaring me more thanyou can imagine. I cannot help you; Idon’t know why you thought I could. Goodbye.” Cerian was conscious of Herne’s eyes upon heras she plodded towards her parents.

“Did you enjoy yourself,Ceri?” The woman asked.

Ceri smiled, “Yes thanks,Mum. I got a bit lost in the forest buta very kind man found me and brought me back here.”

“Your father’s been into thechapel and had a look at some of the remains of the tapestries that weredestroyed by the fire.” her mother said,

“Can some of them berestored?” Ceri swept her fair hair back from her face and surveyed her parentwith clear blue eyes.

“Possibly.” Her father remarked, “But I must writeup the notes I made and contact the Society. If we undertook the restoration itwould be a six-month long project here. I’d be away most of the time.”

“Could I come with you?”Ceri asked quickly.

Her father shook his head,“No, love. You’ll be back at school when we start work. If you’re interested inthe history of this park then I’ll bring you back here after Christmas. I’vesome books on it at home.”

“I’ve read one.” Ceri said,“all about Herne the Hunter. Do you think he exists?”

For a moment Ceri sawsomething indefinable pass across her father’s face, like the shadow of a cloudacross the land, then it was gone and he replied, “Get in. That particular bookwas really about a King who couldn’t resist a pretty face, and who had hereigned this century would have brought the monarchy down. Want to sit infront?”

“Please!”

Cerian clambered into thefront seat car and fastened her seat belt. About five minutes later both her parents climbed into it. “Home, James,” her father said slipping the carinto gear.

“And don’t spare thehorses!” Ceri and her mother chorused. He started the vehicle and gingerly eased it out of its parkingplace. Leaves covered the road ahead ofthem and coated the roof of the car and continued to fall as it beetled downthe drive. Cerian cringed on the seatand felt like a traitor.

“I presume you know aboutHenry VIII,” her father began.

“The one with six wives?”Ceri nodded, “I learnt about him at school. I thought he was just slightlyeccentric.”

“Henry started off as theGolden Prince; the world was at his feet. But his desire to have a son above all things ate away at him until hebecame a monster.”

“But he had Elizabeth,” Cerisaid puzzled, “and she was one of the greatest monarchs of the age.”

“But he would not have seenit that way,” her father replied, “Woman never had the same status as men –Henry would have sent his daughters to the wolves if it would have given him ason.”

“So he murdered two of hiswives because he could?”

“I wish it were that simple. Certainly he sent Anne Boleyn to her death onwhat most people believe are now trumped up charges. Catherine Howard was a foolish sixteenyear-old who flirted with men and didn’t seem to realize that because of her statusas Queen it would reflect badly on her. Catherine Howard was a stupid girl, Anne Boleyn was more than likely setup.” her father paused, “Herne the Hunter only appears, or is supposed toappear when there are people around who have thoughts of murder. Windsor washome to Henry VIII.”

“Grim,” Ceri said, “but doyou think the Hunter’s evil?”

“I don’t know,” her fatherreplied, “perhaps not evil, but dangerous all the same.”

“Why?”

“Because he commands neitherthe Light nor the Dark and that makes him very dangerous, because he’sunpredictable. But-” he turned briefly to Ceri, “you’ll have to make your ownchoices, if you ever come face to face with the Hunter.”

“And I’m likely to do that,”Ceri hoped that she put the right amount of sarcasm into her voice and felt agreat tide of relief as her Dad’s face relaxed. She relaxed letting the seatsupport her tense muscles and gradually the motion of the car made her eyelidsheavy and lulled her to sleep.

She woke just as the RangeRover was turning into their drive, “I’ll shut the gate, Dad,” and she was outof the car before Dad could protest. Once closed she leant on it for a momentlooking out across the landscape, and thought again that she lived in one ofthe most beautiful places in all of England and that nowhere could compare withit.

As she walked up to thehouse the wind plucked at her eyelashes and hair and the trees seemed to havegone wild, “I’ll just take Rufus out for a run,” Ceri said quicklyas she stepped into the kitchen.

“Don’t let him escape intonext door’s garden,” Mum warned as Ceri slipped out the back door. She trudgedup the garden, Rufus bounding at her heels. The wind whipped at the cerise jacket she had pulled over herjeans and blue sweatshirt. She watchedthe trees numbly as they bent almost double in the wind and again she saw thedryad within each one bowing to her.

Herne materialized besideher, “I did try and tell you,” he said quietly, “Unfortunately, your Destinyhas already been made.”

“I always believed that myDestiny was in my own hands,” Cerian replied.

“I wish,” Hernereplied. He laughed harshly and thensaid, “I told you, you were prophesied about when this country was being tornapart by the Saxons.”

“But by all rights it is upto me whether I help you or not.” Cerian’s eyes flashed blue fire.

“Of any normal being thatwould be true,” Herne’s citrine eyes held Ceri’s, “but there are some whobecause of the time they were born, or the day they were born, have no choiceof Destiny.”

“Are you telling me that Iwas born on a special day?” Cerian askedsoftly.

“You were born onmidwinter’s day, when the sun’s rays touched the altar stone. It is the shortest day of the year and one ofthe Great Festivals.” Herne’svoice was gentle, “when the Giant’s Dance was first erected on midwinter’s daythe sunlight poured through the arch to fall in a sparkling pool of light onthe altar stone and one of our noblest gods was revealed. Mithras.”

“You’re talking aboutStonehenge!” Ceri said delightedly.

Herne looked outraged, “ThatCircle was constructed long after the first Giant’s Dance. What you andyour fellow men call Stonehenge uses some of the same sarsens and the lintelstones but it was not the original.” Herne seemed to be looking inward his eyes faraway.

“Who was Mithras?”

Another smile enhancedHerne’s features, “Your books will tell you that he was a good spirit whoattended on the Lord of Life, Ahuramazda. Our legend is one that tells of Mithras as the same, a goodspirit, It is said that in the gardens of the Lord of Life,there dwelt a white bull, Ahuramazda wept because this bull’s bloodcould bring life to the barren and wasted earth yet the only way that thiscould be accomplished would be if one who served Him would become human and suffer at the hands of Evil, Mithras volunteered, and Ahuramazda created him a soldier, and bade himtake the bull to aHoly place and sacrifice it. Ahriman,the Power of Darkness, sent plagues to drive the White Bull back, so Mithrastethered the bull and went out to fight Ahriman. Ahriman set a plague of boils upon him. When this failed to stop Mithras he sent fireto burn him. Badly wounded now,Mithras brought the bull to the Holy place, the first living creature. When he arrived, he forced the bull to kneelwhile he sacrificed it. From the bull’sblood sprang all life on earth and Mithras too died at the White Bull’sfeet. Legend runs that the Sunhimself came down and dressed the wounds of Mithras, then he laid his hand uponhim and restored him to life, they shared a meal together and Mithras ascendedinto heaven. He stands on the right handof the Invincible Sun.”

“Sounds like the God myparents believe in.”

“It doesn’t matter what mencall the Light, Mithras, Artus, Christ. The Light has had many names over the ages and if men do thingsthat are right for right’s sake, then they follow the Light. But I am digressing. I need your help, please?”

Cerian shook her head again,“I’m just an ordinary person - I mean - I always felt different - but-but-”

Then Herne did somethingthat unnerved Cerian completely, he took both her small hands and said, “Lady,Tethys, Queen of the Springs and Neaps, Empress of the Tides would not offer her fealty to anyone. That she gave you permission to command beneath the waters isalmost proof positive that this is your Destiny.”

“That old chestnut again,”Cerian whistled sharply and Rufus came bounding up to them. Ceri patted him absentmindedly and thebearded collie leapt up at her planting its paws on her chest, nearly knockingCeri off her feet. Herne snappedhis fingers and Rufus dropped back on all fours and licked Ceri’s hand.

“Will you help me?”

“You’re immortal - why on earth do you need myhelp?”

Herne looked away from herand for a brief second Cerian thought he looked ashamed, “I am under a curse,”he said finally, “I have haunted many places but the last time was about fourhundred years ago. I appear whenmurder is in the air. I am so weary ofthis curse. I was told that one day a girl who could see beyond the visibleworld would come and release me from it. Please?”

In the grey blue twilight ofan Autumn evening Herne saw the shine of tears in Cerian’s eyes, she took bothHerne’s hands and said, “If it is within my power to grant you rest and peace Ishall do so,” she smiled, “I can promise no more than that, Master Herne. If as you say I am the key to your salvationI shall help you.”

Herne bowed formally, hisantlered head just brushing the top of Ceri’s hair, “Your truly deserve yourname, Cerian. I thank you, Lady.” The cold nose of the collie made Cerian startand when she looked around Herne had disappeared and there was only the wind inthe trees and the white face of the moon gazing down coldly on the young girland the dog.